Labor’s ongoing cost of living crisis continues to impact all of us across Australia and I took the opportunity to speak in parliament 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 at the same level as when we ended last year. With soaring rents and building costs 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 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 – 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 face yet another increase but there are reports the government is not letting us know the actual amount until after the Dunkley by-election.
Labor’s weak border protection policies are already showing consenquences. 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.
This week in Federal Parliament, I again had the pleasure of co-chairing a Parliamentary Friends of Science event with Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles. 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, 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 which will be a key component when visiting schools to talk about Civics.
On the Gold Coast, I held Listening Posts across the electorate and spent time taking calls and answering questions 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 and present 2024 student leaders 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 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 close 1 March 2024.
All the best,
