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They say a week is a long time in politics and this week has certainly demonstrated that, as I write to you for the first time as the Minister for Home Affairs.

I am incredibly honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve in this new role [[link removed]] and feel proud of what was achieved [[link removed]] in my time as Minister for Industry, Science and Technology.

Much of the past month has been dedicated to rolling out our $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy [[link removed]] - including releasing roadmaps for the six priority areas, including medical products [[link removed]], space [[link removed]], defence [[link removed]], resources technology and critical minerals processing [[link removed]], and food and beverage [[link removed]].

I donned a hard hat and hi-vis to go inside the Tomago Aluminium Company’s potline in the Hunter – which is home to 950 staff and produces 590,000 tonnes of aluminium every year [[link removed]]!

Just down the road, I joined the Prime Minister at the site of what will become Australia’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturer [[link removed]], before visiting Quarry Mining and Construction Equipment. They have been designing and manufacturing equipment [[link removed]] for Australia’s mining sector for more than 30 years.

It's terrific to see so many jobs being created [[link removed]] in manufacturing, and Planet Innovation in Melbourne is part of the charge. They were one of the Aussie manufacturers who stood up and made ventilators at the height of COVID last year – and I was honoured to open their new manufacturing wing [[link removed]] and hear how they have employed more than 100 new staff in the past 12 months.

The Morrison Government is also helping to grow employment in the innovation sector [[link removed]]. There are some exciting projects underway at the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Energy and Resources [[link removed]] - where they’re taking advantage of research and industry collaboration.

This kind of collaboration is also driving Sleeptite, who showed me around their factory where they have developed an intelligent mattress [[link removed]] which can be used in the aged care industry.

Despite a change in portfolios, as an Australian I remain committed to Aussie made, as well as a strong advocate for the science and technology sectors – and in particular increasing the participation of girls in STEM [[link removed]].

My role as the Member for McPherson has not changed and it remains a pleasure to interact with our southern Gold Coast community. I relished in the feeling of sand between my toes at Burleigh Beach earlier this month, to help promote the upcoming Gold Coast Beach Parad [[link removed]]e, which will benefit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.

I never pass up the opportunity to visit the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital or Sanctuary and was thrilled to host Tourism Minister Dan Tehan at the park for the announcement of our $1.2 billion tourism package [[link removed]].

Visiting schools is also one of my favourite things to do and I was impressed by the incredible work being done at Arcadia College [[link removed]], during a tour of their new facility in Robina.

Across the M1, at Gold Coast Christian College, I had the honour of officially opening their new Innovation Centre [[link removed]] - which is designed to prepare students for the jobs of the future and partly funded through the Commonwealth Government.

My other school visits included Ingleside State School [[link removed]] and St Andrews Lutheran College [[link removed]], as well as Clover Hill State School for the official opening of their Garden of Acknowledgement and Remembrance [[link removed]].

Finally, thank you to all the locals who came to meet me at my mobile listening posts [[link removed]] on 8 March. Many people wanted to discuss the Light Rail and I can assure you, I am listening and advocating on your behalf for greater community consultation. I have also created a Light Rail Survey and invite you to contact my office for a copy.

Take care,

Karen Andrews MP

Federal Member for McPherson

PS - The latest round of Volunteer Grants is now open and I invite you to check if your community organisation is eligible to apply for funding of up to $5,000. More information can be found on my website [[link removed]].

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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

Fax: (07) 5580 9700

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