Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s new look ministry was sworn in by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove last week.
Following this I have been busy speaking with many of my constituents about how their matters will be dealt with under the new Coalition Government.
One particular matter being raised with me is the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Under the Cabinet reshuffle, responsibility for water was transferred from the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Greg Hunt MP to the now Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP.
I have already been liaising with Minister Joyce’s office on this issue. I have expressed to Minister Joyce the need to ensure that any changes made to the Water Act 2007 address the concerns of primary producers, the community and the environment.
I understand that the people in the Murray-Darling Basin have had it up to their back teeth with water recovery and allocations. I strongly believe that putting Water back into Agriculture places this issue where it belongs and back where the concerns of my constituents can best be addressed.
I will continue to work closely with Minister Joyce’s office in order to make the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as efficient and effective as possible.
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Young people with a sense of adventure should consider applying to set sail on a challenging youth development voyage with STS Young Endeavour.
The ballot to take a trip with Young Endeavour in the first half of 2016 is now open for young Australians aged 16-23 years and will close on 5 October 2015.
The 2016 program will see the tall ship sail from Fremantle on 12 January 2016 and visit Esperance, Adelaide, Hobart and Melbourne before returning to Sydney. After a short break the Young Endeavour will sail north to Newcastle, Brisbane and Gladstone.
While on-board the ship, the youth crew complete the Young Endeavour Youth Development Program. This is an internationally recognised program which aims to increase self-awareness, build self-confidence and develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
A voyage with Young Endeavour not only teaches young people the skills they need to navigate and sail a tall ship, it also teaches them teamwork, leadership and resilience.
More than 12,000 young Australians have voyaged on Young Endeavour over the last 25 years.
This is an experience of a lifetime and one that will stay with them forever.
For more information about the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme and to apply for voyages aboard STS Young Endeavour visit https://www.youngendeavour.gov.au/.