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Our government has always known that COVID-19 is not the only challenge to national security and safety. As Home Affairs Minister, my focus remains on ensuring our law enforcement and national security agencies have the resources and legislative power [[link removed]] they need to protect our community and our way of life.

Last week, we passed new laws to give police greater powers to tackle insidious criminal activity [[link removed]] taking place on the dark web, including child sexual exploitation.

We also improved foreign intelligence capability [[link removed]] to make sure our agencies are better able to detect and determine any imminent threats, which is especially important in the fight on terrorism. We can't be complacent and need to remain vigilant to evolving threats in an ever-changing world.

Another key focus has been on evacuating Australian [[link removed]] citizens, permanent residents and visa holders from Afghanistan. A total of 4,100 people have been evacuated [[link removed]] - 1,000 of those have already made their way to Australia [[link removed]].

Seeing the distressing images from Kabul has been hard for every one of us, particularly our veterans who served in Afghanistan over the past 20 years. I encourage you to reach out to those you know and make them aware that support is available [[link removed]].

One of our local Gold Coast veterans will compete at the Paralympics in Tokyo this week. Curtis McGrath's incredible story [[link removed]] is one of extreme resilience and determination. He lost both legs after stepping on an IED in 2012 and has gone on to win several paracanoe gold medals at the world championships and at the Rio Olympics.

He joins fellow paracanoe world champion AJ Jennings and swimmer Thomas Gallagher in representing the southern Gold Coast [[link removed]] in Tokyo.

I know our Olympic and Paralympic athletes have inspired us [[link removed]] and the games have been a welcome distraction for those experiencing lockdown.

The rapidly rising COVID vaccination rates are a positive sign that we will soon see an easing of restrictions - as we move to Phase B of our National Plan [[link removed]] - and eventually Phase C and D, which includes the reopening of international borders.

We now have more than 19 million Australians vaccinated [[link removed]] with at least their first shot. I thank each and every one of you [[link removed]] who have rolled up your sleeves - whether that be to protect yourself, your loved ones, or the greater community.

It's vital that this trend continues so restrictions can be eased. Our Gold Coast-Tweed border community [[link removed]] is currently suffering greatly as thousands are prohibited from conducting their normal lives.

The Queensland Premier has not only shut the border to NSW, but is also not allowing Queenslanders to return home. I said it last year [[link removed]] and will continue to say - this is about managing the risk and learning to live with COVID.

We currently have the absurd double standards [[link removed]] of allowing the partners of professional sports people to enter the state, but people with life-threatening medical conditions can't drive 10 minutes to access specialist treatment.

The Premier needs to find solutions which allow people in the border region to go about their business in a safe and sensible manner. As I told ABC Gold Coast [[link removed]] last week there is no reason why a "border bubble" cannot be re-established.

Take care,

Karen Andrews MP

Federal Member for McPherson

PS - I would like to wish all dads, step-dads, grandfathers and guardians a very happy Father's Day this Sunday. My thoughts are with those who are unable to be with those they love.

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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