Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien has used social media to ensure the voices of his constituents are heard in parliament.
Mr O’Brien put out a request via FaceBook last night, asking constituents what issues they would like raised in Canberra.
“Want your voice heard in parliament?” Mr O’Brien’s post said. “Tell me your number 1 priority for the Sunshine Coast or for Australia. I’ll represent as many as I can in parliament tomorrow!”
The post reached more than 3000 people across the Sunshine Coast and attracted more than 60 responses overnight.
This morning Mr O’Brien used his Constituency Statement to raise in Parliament as many of the issues as time would allow.
“Jasmine believes we need to talk about improved quality of seniors in aged care facilities…” he began.
Mr O’Brien continued to list the issues as promised, uncensored and regardless of party politics.
“Stanley believes in closing Manus and Nauru. Karen agrees and believes we need to do more to close the gap for our indigenous population,” Mr O’Brien said.
Better transport infrastructure including the Bruce Highway, rail and regional roads featured most frequently.
While online gambling, a local homeless shelter for men and the plight of unwanted animals were also put on the agenda.
Mr O’Brien managed to list about half the comments provided to him during his allotted speaking time.
“Can I just say as a relatively new MP in this place how important it is for us to be listening to our constituents and how much I learn the more that I listen, and the more that I listen and learn the better I will be at representing the people of Fairfax,” Mr O’Brien said concluding his speech.
Parliament sits for the last time this year tomorrow.