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We have hit the half-way mark for 2021 and Federal Parliament has entered the Winter break. For me, that doesn't mean slowing down, with still a lot of work to do both locally and in the Home Affairs portfolio.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit our Torres Strait communities [[link removed]], meeting with locals and witnessing the terrific work of the Australian Border Force [[link removed]].

Australia's law enforcement and security agencies do an exceptional job protecting our country. I was proud to stand alongside the Prime Minister and the AFP Commissioner [[link removed]] to announce the biggest crackdown on organised crime in Australian history [[link removed]].

We also celebrated success in passing the Transport Security Amendment (Serious Crime) Bill [[link removed]] through Parliament. It will strengthen identity card eligibility [[link removed]] for those who work at airports, seaports and offshore facilities.

At Adelaide Airport, six highly trained dogs have begun training to determine the feasibility of them being able to detect COVID-19 [[link removed]]. My Canberra colleagues were very impressed with the skills of the AFP's highly trained detector dogs [[link removed]], when they recently took the opportunity to meet them.

A number of AFP officers [[link removed]] and outstanding Gold Coasters [[link removed]] received awards in the recent Queen's Birthday Honours. I would like to congratulate them once again and thank each for their service to our community.

There is more great local news to share - including $520,000 in funding [[link removed]] being awarded through the Federal Government's RISE Program to Placemakers. They can now include an exciting new event at this year's Bleach* Festival [[link removed]], which will help stimulate our events and hospitality sectors.

Residents who travel through the busy Varsity Lakes intersection of Stapley Dr and Scottsdale Dr [[link removed]] will be pleased to know, the Federal Government has provided $502,000 in funding for City of Gold Coast to make much-needed improvements [[link removed]].

I am always thrilled when infrastructure funding is allocated to the southern Gold Coast and fight for it to be spent where needed and on projects which have had careful consideration. That's why I distributed a Light Rail Survey [[link removed]] - to gauge community sentiment on the proposed Stage 4 to Coolangatta.

Around 1,400 local residents responded to the survey and you can read the results here [[link removed]]. I remain committed to ensuring the Queensland Government carries out meaningful consultation and the invitation to Transport Minister Mark Bailey [[link removed]] to hold a meeting in Palm Beach remains open.

Finally, I would like to wish those who are reading this under lockdown restrictions all the best. Let's do the right thing to ensure measures are relaxed as soon as possible.

Take care,

Karen Andrews MP

Federal Member for McPherson

PS - Last week a couple in the McPherson electorate celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary [[link removed]] and Scott Morrison recorded a special message of congratulations for them [[link removed]]. I would like to once again pass on my congratulations to Ernest and Helena Reed of Cypress Gardens. What a remarkable achievement!

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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