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 and feel proud of what was achieved 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 - including releasing roadmaps for the six priority areas, including medical products, space, defence, resources technology and critical minerals processing, and food and beverage.
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!
Just down the road, I joined the Prime Minister at the site of what will become Australia’s first lithium-ion battery manufacturer, before visiting Quarry Mining and Construction Equipment. They have been designing and manufacturing equipment for Australia’s mining sector for more than 30 years.
It's terrific to see so many jobs being created 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 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. There are some exciting projects underway at the University of Newcastle’s Institute for Energy and Resources - 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 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.
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 Parade, 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.
Visiting schools is also one of my favourite things to do and I was impressed by the incredible work being done at Arcadia College, 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 - 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 and St Andrews Lutheran College, as well as Clover Hill State School for the official opening of their Garden of Acknowledgement and Remembrance.
Finally, thank you to all the locals who came to meet me at my mobile listening posts 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,
