Ted O’Brien’s February Column, Sunshine Coast community newspapers (News Ltd)
Seasonal Road Trip
My first seasonal road trip for 2018 was a success with booked-out meetings and plenty of interest as I travelled to different areas of the Fairfax electorate. I have upped the ante this year by taking a fully staffed mobile office with me, including computers and furniture so we can operate as an office. I’ll let you know when the next road trip gets closer and I’d love to see you pop in for a chat or a private meeting.
Halving Food Waste
The amount of food we waste in Australia is shocking. Consumers throw out about 3.1million tonnes each year and the commercial sector throws out 2.2million on top of that. The estimated cost to the economy is a staggering $20billion. The Turnbull Government’s National Food Waste Strategy has a goal of halving food waste by 2030 and we’re making progress. A Food Waste Steering Committee has been appointed with representatives from such organisations as the Australian Food and Grocery Council, the National Farmers’ Federation and the Australian Hotels Association. If you want to know more about our National Food Waste Strategy visit www.environment.gov.au/protection/national-waste-policy/food-waste
Swap Banks with Ease
We want to make it easier for people to switch banks and our Review into Open Banking has made a number of recommendations. The idea is to give you greater access to, and control of, your data so you can safely share your info with other banks and get a better deal. The Open Banking Report makes 50 recommendations and you can make submissions by March 23 at https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2018-t247313/
As always, please contact my office with any concerns or queries on 5479 2800 or email ted.obrien.mp@aph.gov.au