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Labor’s ongoing cost of living crisis continues to impact all of us across Australia and I took the opportunity to speak in parliament [[link removed]] to raise some of my concerns about how this is impacting local Gold Coast businesses and residents. The level of inflation remains stubbornly high with the latest figures showing it stuck [[link removed]] at the same level as when we ended last year. With soaring rents and building costs [[link removed]] Labor needs to do more to give real cost of living relief.

And yet, in the midst of tightening family budgets, the government has the wrong priorities [[link removed]] and is adding more unnecessary burdens. Labor’s changes to vehicle emissions have been criticised by carmakers as it will increase car and ute prices [[link removed]] – right when people are already struggling with higher food prices and higher power and gas bills.

More than 14 million Australians with private health insurance [[link removed]] face yet another increase but there are reports the government is not letting us know the actual amount until after the Dunkley by-election [[link removed]].

Labor’s weak border protection policies [[link removed]] are already showing consenquences [[link removed]]. The last time Labor was in government 50,000 people arrived on 800 boats with 1,200 deaths at sea. And, having not learned from that, the boats have now started again [[link removed]].

This week in Federal Parliament, I again had the pleasure of co-chairing a Parliamentary Friends of Science [[link removed]] event with Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles [[link removed]]. It was organised and attended by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley - and is one of my most enjoyable days in the Parliamentary calendar as a long time advocate for STEM. I had the opportunity to witness a local company become more well known within the building. Congratulations BSKT Wholefoods [[link removed]], on having their Native Davidson Plum Chocolate selected to be sold at the Parliament Shop. The Speaker also presented me with the first replica of the Mace [[link removed]] which will be a key component when visiting schools to talk about Civics.

On the Gold Coast, I held Listening Posts [[link removed]] across the electorate and spent time taking calls and answering questions [[link removed]] on radio station 4CRB. The number one topic of concern to locals was rising costs including rent, mortgage and food & grocery.

I was delighted to visit a number of our local schools [[link removed]] and present 2024 student leaders [[link removed]] with their badges and certificates.

I was also very pleased to recognise two of our amazing community organisations, the Lions Clubs of Burleigh Heads and Mudgeeraba [[link removed]] and thank them for their support and leadership at Australia Day Citizenship ceremonies.

A final reminder too that if you know of anyone who deserves to be recognised for their voluntary work, the nominations for the 2024 McPherson Community Achiever Awards [[link removed]] close 1 March 2024.

All the best,

Hon Karen Andrews MP

Federal Member for McPherson

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Postal Address: PO Box 409, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227

Email: karen.andrews.mp@ [mailto:[email protected]] aph.gov.au [mailto:[email protected]?subject=Response%20from%20E-News]

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Phone: (07) 5580 9111

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Authorised by Karen Andrews MP, 47 Watts Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227