I’m in shock and I’m in disbelief that I have to be standing here today to give this speech. I’m outraged. Eighty-four hardened criminals, noncitizens, have been released into our community from detention. Rapists, paedophiles, sex offenders and murderers are now free in our country. The worst part is that the federal government was told…
Every person has the right to feel safe and secure in their own home. They have the right to feel at ease when they walk down the street with their family to go to the park or visit a mate’s place. They have the right to feel comfortable when they go to the shops, no…
The port of Brisbane in my electorate of Bonner is an economic powerhouse. Last financial year alone, the port contributed over $7.8 billion to the Queensland economy and supported around 63,000 jobs. But there’s just one thing missing that would truly make the port of Brisbane and South-East Queensland the logistical capital of Australia, and…
I’m excited to update the House on the remarkable initiatives undertaken by Makeables in Tingalpa. On a mission to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Makeables is a not-for-profit disability employer affiliated with the Multicap organisation. Currently, they have 80 supported employees at their workplace, with an additional 30 to 40 students attending each…
I’m excited to update the House on the progress of my motion to make financial literacy a compulsory part of the national curriculum. Since I introduced this motion, I have had an incredible amount of positive feedback from my electorate of Bonner. Mums, dads, schoolteachers, principals, accountants, business owners and local school students have said…
I think we can all agree that it is beyond exciting to see our Matildas make it through to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Women’s Soccer World Cup. They were on fire last night, and what incredible ambassadors they are for Australia and for women in sport. But I rise today to update the House…
Childcare services play a crucial role in enabling parents to work, to support their families and to actively contribute to society. In many ways, affordable, high-quality child care forms the cornerstone of economic prosperity and social and emotional wellbeing. However, despite the government’s claim that Australian families are better off under their childcare scheme, it’s…
Becoming a mother should be an exciting and joyful time in a woman’s life, but when a woman becomes pregnant without a supportive partner, when facing financial difficulties or without a healthy home environment that joy can quickly turn to fear and dread. That’s why organisations like Priceless House in my electorate of Bonner are…
As parliamentarians we have the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, and today I would like to share the story of a truly remarkable and talented man, Mr Alan Burge. Alan is an 83-year-old man who is still tuning pianos by ear. From a young age, Alan loved music, but it wasn’t…
I wish a very happy 10th birthday to the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed. 10 years ago, Brian Wheeler and other local community members came to me with an idea to start a men’s shed in Mount Gravatt. Now I’m happy to say that the Mount Gravatt Men’s Shed has grown to over 360 active members…