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, meeting with locals and witnessing the terrific work of the Australian Border Force.
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 to announce the biggest crackdown on organised crime in Australian history.
We also celebrated success in passing the Transport Security Amendment (Serious Crime) Bill through Parliament. It will strengthen identity card eligibility 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. My Canberra colleagues were very impressed with the skills of the AFP's highly trained detector dogs, when they recently took the opportunity to meet them.
A number of AFP officers and outstanding Gold Coasters 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 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, which will help stimulate our events and hospitality sectors.
Residents who travel through the busy Varsity Lakes intersection of Stapley Dr and Scottsdale Dr will be pleased to know, the Federal Government has provided $502,000 in funding for City of Gold Coast to make much-needed improvements.
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 - 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. I remain committed to ensuring the Queensland Government carries out meaningful consultation and the invitation to Transport Minister Mark Bailey 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,
