Retirement announcement
Last week I announced my intention to retire at the next election and since then I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and well wishes I have received from the people of the Parkes electorate and colleagues from all sides of politics.
What has been most touching is the countless messages from the people I’ve been able to help over the years, and at the end of the day, that’s why I entered politics in the first place. I just wanted to get a better deal for the people in the bush, and it’s been incredibly humbling to hear from so many people who have appreciated what I’ve been able to do over the years.
But there’s still plenty to be done before I do step aside and I will continue to work as hard as ever to ensure the Parkes electorate is not forgotten by this Government.
Coalition cracks down on youth crime
In the midst of issues with youth crime in the Parkes electorate, the Coalition last week introduced its Crimes and Online Safety Legislation Amendment Bill into Parliament.
This bill seeks to crack down on youth crime by making it illegal to post social media material that glamourises violence and criminal activity. The bill also provides the eSafety Commissioner with specific powers to require such videos and material to be taken down.
Many community leaders in my electorate are telling me that social media is fueling crime among our young people who are being encouraged by their peers to engage in criminal behaviour for ‘likes’ and notoriety.
We call on the Labor Government to get on board and support this important, common sense policy which will hopefully deter young people from doing the wrong thing and might help break the current cycle of crime.
Changes to car tax not good enough
Labor’s attempts last week to put its vehicle efficiency policy into reverse does nothing to stop price rises for Australia’s most popular vehicles because of its tax on existing models.
Minor changes announced by Ministers Chris Bowen and Catherine King will provide no relief from Labor’s proposed new Vehicle Efficiency Standard that is still aimed squarely at the country’s top selling vehicles. While minor concessions have been made for some large 4WDs such as the Toyota Prado and the Ford Everest, they join utes like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and the Isuzu D-Max in still facing crippling penalties under this policy. The Government has also failed to reduce the impact of its tax on passenger cars, including popular hybrids and SUVs Australian families love to drive.
The Coalition will continue to stand with families, farmers, tradies, and small business owners who will be forced to pay more for new cars after the next election.
Funding for women to play their way
Local councils, community organisations and sporting groups have the opportunity to apply for funding to address the barriers women and girls face when participating in sport and physical activity.
A total of $200 million is available for the upgrade or establishment of sporting facilities or for new equipment or programs which will encourage women and girls to participate and remain involved in local sports.
There has been an incredible uptake of women and girls participating in community sport in recent years, however many of our community sporting clubs and facilities are not equipped to accommodate female athletes. Too often girls are having to change in men’s bathrooms or wear boys’ uniforms and play with unsuitable equipment. This funding will help address these issues to enable more women and girls to take part in the sport they love.
Applications are open until Monday 29 April 2024. For more information and to apply, visit: www.health.gov.au/our-work/play-our-way-program