Member Statement – Fairfax Electorate Rural and Regional Services
...While almost seven million Australians live outside large metropolitan areas, of the 20 federal electorates with the lowest household incomes in Australia, 18 are located outside our capital cities. We need real solutions to rural…
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Member Statement – Sunshine Coast Lighting Netball Team
...I want to talk about last Saturday night, when nearly 9,000 screaming netball fans descended on the Brisbane Entertainment Centre for the climax of the Suncorp Super Netball competition with the Sunshine Coast lightning delivering…
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Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 2) Bill 2017
...In the Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 2) Bill 2017 the measures are, of course, part of the broader range of measures reflected in the government's National Innovation and Science Agenda that the…
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Aged Care and Fairfax Seniors Advisory Committee
...On the Sunshine Coast, where my electorate of Fairfax is based, we have a disproportionately large population of mature-age Australians - 19% of the population. It is why I decided earlier this year to establish…
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Private Members’ Business – North Korea
...When it comes to dealing with North Korea and ensuring the peace and stability of our region, I say to China: the United States and her allies, including Australia, are your real friends, and we…
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Private Members’ Business – Renewable Energy
...The climate is almost certainly changing, and we should do what we reasonably can to reduce emissions; however, the level of emphasis that has been placed on renewables in Australia and in other largely Western…
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Member Statement – Queensland Schools
...A form of restrictive censorship was recently recommended to the Queensland state Labor government, whereby children were not to speak about Christianity in the school play yard...'
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Matters of Public Importance – Turnbull Government
...I felt so desperately sorry for the Leader of the Opposition when he tried to present this MPI (matters of public importance) today. He struggled to characterise what the Labor Party stands for. Finally, he…
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Treasury Laws Amendment (2017 Enterprise Incentives No. 1) Bill 2017
...This bill is part of a suite of measures reflecting this government's core commitment to the future of Australia's smart economy as contained in the National Innovation and Science Agenda. That agenda embraces a future…
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Condolence speech – Concetto Antonio AO
...I say from this side of the House, but probably more personally just from me and maybe also from those whom I went to school with, that we send our greatest sympathies to the Sciacca family.…
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Strengthening Requirements for Australian Citizenship
...Australia is bound by a common set of values and we need to ensure that those values are upheld and respected, just as we must ensure the rule of law. What is being proposed in…
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Taxation statement
Taxation - '...The Labor Party will tax households to ensure they pay higher electricity prices. Labor will tax the homeowner through their negative gearing and capital gains plans. Labor will tax the hardworking mum and…
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The Plebiscite on same sex marriage
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me about the plebiscite on same sex marriage, including questions on the process and why people should have a vote. I spoke to the team at Hot 91.1…
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Sunshine Coast cash splash!
My #TeamSunshineCoast colleague, Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher, and I announced $3.5 million of Federal Government funding yesterday for facilities here on the Sunshine Coast. $3 million for significant renovation to The Events Centre…
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$500k Secures Buderim Men’s Shed Future
See the announcement here. The Federal Government has come to the rescue of Australia’s largest Men’s Shed with a grant worth half a million dollars. “The Buderim Men’s Shed found out last year…
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QLD’s first medical cannabis provider establishes business on the Sunshine Coast
Medifarm, Queensland's first licensed provider of medical cannabis, has commenced construction of their greenhouse facility at a secret location on the Sunshine Coast. I saw the facility this week, which is expected to begin providing…
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Fairfax Annual Report Snapshot
Never before has the Sunshine Coast been the recipient of so much Federal Government funding. In the past 12 months, we have achieved wonderful results together - for infrastructure, business, families and transport. This video…
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Funding available for Sunshine Coast Community Groups
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien is encouraging local community groups to flag any small capital works projects which would benefit from Federal Government funding. The Commonwealth has committed $150,000 in support of up to 20 projects…
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SECURE YOUR SEAT AT THE SENIORS’ FORUM
SENIORS’ health is one issue which will be put under the spotlight when local over 50s come together on Friday, 4 August at a free forum dedicated to Coast seniors. The Fairfax Seniors’ Forum, initiated…
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What does the 2016 Census reveal for Fairfax?
I am fascinated by numbers and statistics. That’s why I get somewhat overly excited when Census data is released. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has published the first round of data from the 2016 Census…
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TEAM QUEENSLAND, SUCCESSFUL AND READY FOR NEXT BATTLE
The “Team Queensland” MPs and Senators lobbying for Defence Force super tanks to be built in Queensland have today won valuable ground in the battle against Victoria. Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien welcomed the…
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15 June 2017 – Bill – Appropriation
...Australia knows its place in the world. We know we are a middle power and we are often relied on to play a key regional role when needed. We do not set the agenda for other…
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14 June 2017 – Bill (Medicare Levy & Medicare Levy Surcharge)
...The government is setting these new thresholds for one reason, and that is to ensure fairness. Fairness is a word that has become synonymous with this Turnbull government. The Medicare levy is fundamental to sustaining our healthcare…
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14 June 2017 – Bill (GST Low Value Goods)
...This bill forms part of the coalition government's commitment to a fairer tax system and, what is more, it signifies a world first and recognises the need for a multifaceted solution fit for today's modern and…
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13 June 2017 – Statement on Queensland Government
..In 45 minutes from now, the Queensland Treasurer will stand up and table that government's budget. Let us wait. Will they deliver for the Deputy Premier by committing to the Cross River Rail, or will they…
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13 June 2017 – Bill – Appropriation
...I want to say how honoured I feel as a member of the coalition—as a member of a party that understands that it is small business that keeps this economy running. On the Sunshine Coast alone,…
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13 June 2017 – Bill – Appropriation
...Here in Australia, despite our rich diversity, we are united because we are bound by a common set of values. We have no more important value than that of freedom: freedom realised through independence, self-reliance and dignity…
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1 June 2017 – Bill – Appropriation
...Australia is one of the few countries in the world that have a planned resettlement program. It proactively goes out and selects the most vulnerable of these people and resettles them here in Australia. This is…
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$250,000 for Sunshine Coast Submarine Cable Feasibility Study
The Turnbull Government has delivered on its commitment to provide a $250,000 grant for the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to undertake a feasibility study into landing a submarine cable in the region. The proposal to…
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Design plans released for interchange upgrades near Forest Glen
• Upgrades to key Sunshine Coast interchanges are moving ahead as part of the Bruce Highway - Maroochydore Road Interchange Upgrade – Stage 1 • Proposed design for Maroochydore and Nambour Connection Roads open for…
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