Fisher Advocate - September 2023

Fisher Advocate Fisher

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Local and national news for Fisher locals

September 2023 Edition

GRIDLOCK FRUSTRATION – PAGE 6 | VOICE CONCERNS – PAGE 7 | DELIVERING FOR FISHER – PAGES 8-9

VIEWS FROM WILD HORSE MOUNTAIN

GOLDEN BEACH

BUSH TO BEACH There’s no place like home, and we’re incredibly lucky that home is here on the Sunshine Coast. From the bush to the beach, and everywhere in between, our community encapsulates what it means to be welcoming, innovative, resilient and compassionate.

Check out local news and national issues in this inaugural edition of the Fisher Advocate.

Andrew WALLACE MP Your Federal Member for Fisher

COST-OF-LIVING SUNSHINE CRISISCOAST THE GREATEST EMERGING CONCERN AS NATION’S IMPACTING MENTALBUSINESSES HEALTH HUB AND – PAGE FAMILIES 11 – PAGE 3 The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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EDITORIAL

Proudly advocating for Fisher WELCOME to the first edition of the Fisher Advocate.

Why the advocate? For 16 years I advocated for others as a barrister. Now as a Member of Parliament, I am still an advocate, but for more than one person at a time. I’m able to advocate for a better future for 25 million Australians, for their families, and for their businesses.

Serving as your Federal Member for Fisher has been the honour of a lifetime, and I’m more resolved than ever to fight for the people who call this little patch of paradise home.

I’m YOUR advocate in Federal Parliament, and I’m fighting for a better future for Fisher.

The Fisher Advocate provides a small snapshot of that. I hope that this inaugural edition informs you, inspires you, and challenges you.

I hope that it stokes your passion for the Sunshine Coast, and that it informs you about where our nation is headed. I encourage you to reach out by email or phone – let me know if I’ve hit a nerve, or ignited your enthusiasm to make a difference, or have your say!

And I hope it gives you a chance to sit down, relax, and read about the issues affecting your community. Life has become so fast-paced, and technology is advancing at speeds beyond what anyone could have imagined. I don’t know about you, but I find a cuppa and a

hardcopy newspaper helps to settle the mind. A Kindle or a Tablet is never going to feel the same as a printed newspaper!

Since my election in 2016, the Sunshine Coast has seen more Federal Government investment than ever before – a whopping $5.7 billion in roads, rail, and community projects. I’ve included some of the major federal funding highlights over those seven years on Pages 8-9.

From billion-dollar infrastructure projects to community sector beneficiaries of grant funding, every cent makes a difference to our community. Please get in touch if you’d like to register your business or community group for my grants and funding mailing list.

But we haven’t got time to rest on our laurels – there’s more work to be done.

Front of mind for many is Labor’s cost-of-living crisis. Every business and household has been impacted. As the Opposition, we’ll continue to fight for sensible solutions to inflation, the cost of living, and economic growth. That means cutting taxes, backing small and family businesses, and guaranteeing the essential services on which Australians depend. Read more on Page 3.

They say tough times bring out the best in us. There are many community organisations in Fisher that embody that phrase. Read more about the amazing work they’re doing on pages 3 and 13.

It was great to recently host the Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians,

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, in Caloundra. Senator Price shared her insights on the divisive Canberra Voice proposal in front of nearly 600 Fisher residents. Read more about the divisive and risky Voice proposal on page 7.

In addition to other Shadow Minister visits to the Sunshine Coast, I wanted to highlight the unique opportunity we shared to host Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko.

The Ambassador shared his unique perspective on Russia’s war in Ukraine, and his reflections on Australian mateship at a Fisher Community Forum. Read more about these visits on page 15.

I remain committed to building better roads and rail, boosting mental health services and outcomes, backing small businesses and local manufacturers, protecting Australians and their interests, and protecting the character of our community. By doing this, we can ensure that Fisher remains the place of choice for education, employment, and retirement.

I hope you enjoy updates, community wins, and my own thoughts on these and other issues in this first edition of the Fisher Advocate.

Andrew Wallace MP Federal Member for Fisher

he electorate of Fisher was T named after Andrew Fisher (1862-1928), Prime Minister of Australia between 190809, 1910-13, and 1914-15. he division was created T in 1949 and has been represented by just six members in 74 years. he first Member for Fisher T was Sir Charles Adermann who previously served as the Member for Maranoa. He was succeeded by his son, Evan Adermann who then became the first Member for Fairfax. wo Members for Fisher T have served as Speaker of the Australian House of Representatives. Peter Slipper served as the 27th Speaker in 2011-2012 and Andrew Wallace served as the 31st Speaker in 2021-2022. he Fisher electorate covers T 1198 square kilometres from Alexandra Headland in the north, west to Cambroon and Conondale, south to Beerburrum and east to Caloundra – across 68 suburbs, villages and localities.

Photos of Fisher showcase our beautiful region DID you love the photos on the cover? Huge thanks to Roger and Hannah – previous Photos of Fisher winners! Once again, the people of Fisher are encouraged to submit photographs of our spectacular community for the 2023 Photos of Fisher Christmas card.

Mr Wallace will select an image to feature as the front cover of his Christmas card, which is widely distributed in Fisher, and would be printed on canvas and hung in his office in Australian Parliament House in Canberra.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace is encouraging the people of Fisher to share photographs of the region on social media with #PhotosOfFisher, to tag him @andrewwallacemp68 (Instagram) or @Wallace4Fisher (Facebook) and add the location they were taken, or email your photo to andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au.

Entries must take the form of a landscape photograph, taken within the electorate of Fisher, by a Fisher resident. The closing date for submissions is Friday 20th October 2023.

The Fisher Advocate is the electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. The electorate of Fisher (1198 sq kms) extends from Alexandra Headland in the north, Cambroon and Conondale in the west, Beerburrum in the south and east to the coast. Towns include Caloundra, Sippy Downs, Mooloolaba, Maleny, Beerwah, Glass House Mountains and Landsborough. Authorised by Andrew Wallace, 10 Lake Kawana Blvd, Bokarina QLD 4575.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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NEWS

COST OF LIVING PRESSURE FELT ACUTELY

BY COMMUNITY AUSTRALIAN families and their businesses are confronting a cost-of-living crisis.

Their rents are soaring, mortgages are rising, and home insurance is at record highs. Power bills are up, grocery bills are tight, and fuel costs are not getting any better.

Young Australians are paying more on their inflated student loans. There isn’t a part of our lives left untouched by unmanaged inflation and a struggling economy.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that every day he hears from members of the community who are anxious about whether they can continue to make ends meet, pay their mortgage or rent, or keep the doors of their business open.

“It doesn’t matter where you live on the Coast – the cost of living is hitting hard. At the fuel bowser and checkout, and every time you open another bill – everyone is feeling the pinch,” Mr Wallace said.

“Prime Minister Albanese promised Australians would be better off under Labor, but I don’t think the families and small business owners of Fisher are feeling better off.

“Labor promised to cut power bills by $275, but right now they’re at record highs. A $275 reduction would make a huge difference to the family budget. But far from seeing a $275 reduction in energy bills, Australian families are seeing price rises up to 50%.

“They promised a better future for families, but the cost of living is the worst it’s been in three decades. Once again, Australians are paying the price for Labor’s broken promises.”

In an effort to bring these shortfalls to light and find a meaningful solution, the Coalition established the Senate Select Committee on the Cost of Living. This is about putting everything on the table, and working together to help Australian families and their businesses get ahead.

The Committee has already held hearings looking into cost-of-living drivers like energy prices, mortgage rates, and grocery prices. If there is one message that can be taken from the evidence that’s been provided to the Committee so far, it’s that higher prices and higher rents and mortgages are leaving more families struggling to put food on the table.

“Interest rates have gone up 11 times on this Government’s watch. Interest rates are currently the highest they’ve been since 2011,” Mr Wallace said.

“The data confirms that all Australians have experienced significant, sometimes record, cost of living increases on Labor’s watch. And much of it is avoidable.

“Taming inflation must be the Government’s priority.

Instead, this Labor Government has its foot on the economic accelerator while the Reserve Bank has its foot on the brake. Higher taxes, more spending, and decreasing investor confidence will only weaken the economy.”

Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Consumer Price Index June 2023 data, annual CPI inflation was 6%. For food and non-alcoholic beverages, annual CPI inflation was 7.5%, with dairy products at 15.2%, bread and cereal at 11.6%, meat and seafoods at 3.5%, and fruit and vegetables at 1.6%. This is a big hit to households, suppliers, and primary producers.

As part of its inquiry, the Select Committee on the Cost of Living has established an online survey to make it quick and easy for people to make a submission to the Committee.

Visit yourcostofliving.au to have your say – or let Andrew know at andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au.

Community groups supporting locals in need WHILE families on the Sunshine Coast contend with the soaring cost of living, not-for-profits right across the region are going above and beyond to support those in need.

Three Fisher community groups in particular are making a huge difference in the lives of vulnerable locals.

Gateway Care is a food resource centre based in Caloundra and expanding to Currimundi, providing emergency relief and low-cost groceries for locals doing it tough. The former Coalition Government supported Gateway Care through the Building Better Regions Fund..

Life Care in Alexandra Headland provide food, material needs, low-cost clothes and furniture, and social support to vulnerable, at-risk, and homeless people in our local community.

Supported by Andrew Wallace MP through the Stronger Communities Program.

Rhythm Initiative in Caloundra West provides emergency relief, social connection, and material support to people with disabilities, families impacted by incarceration, and locals doing it tough.

Supported by Andrew Wallace MP through the Stronger Communities Program.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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10 REASONS T at the referendum

VOICE IS LEGALLY RISKY 01 THIS The High Court would determine its powers. It risks legal challenges.

THERE ARE NO DETAILS 02 The government won’t provide key details until after the referendum.

DIVIDES US 03 IT A constitutional body for one group means permanently dividing Australians.

HELP INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS 04 IT MoreWON’T bureaucracy is not the answer.

ISSUE IS BEYOND ITS SCOPE 05 NO This Voice is to all areas of “Executive Government” which means no issue is off limits.

DELAYS & DYSFUNCTION 06 IT TheRISKS risk of legal appeals and delays means a risk of dysfunctional government.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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TO SAY NO THE DOOR FOR ACTIVISTS 07 IT SomeOPENS Voice supporters say this a first step to reparations and compensation and other radical changes.

BE COSTLY AND BUREAUCRATIC 08 IT TheWILL National Indigenous Australians Agency (with 1,400 staff) already gets $4.3 billion in funding.

VOICE WILL BE PERMANENT 09 THIS Once it’s in the Constitution it won’t be undone.

ARE BETTER WAYS FORWARD 10 THERE Constitutional recognition can be achieved without tying it to a risky, unknown and permanent Voice.

For more information visit

riskyvoice.com

DON’T KNOW? SAY NO The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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BETTER ROADS AND RAIL

INFRASTRUCTURE IGNORED BY STATE LABOR FOR FAR TOO LONG

IT’s no wonder Sunshine Coast commuters are frustrated with the state of local transport, with three Sunshine Coast roads among the top 10 of the most gridlocked in Queensland.

Caloundra Road at the Nicklin Way roundabout and the Kawana Way Link Road roundabout copped a poor report in the RACQ’s Red Spot Survey, ranked 6th worst in Queensland.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP said he was not surprised after he was forced to step in thanks to State Labor’s inaction on Sunshine Coast roads.

The previous Coalition Government provided $5 million for the Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study, currently underway, to address the long-standing safety and congestion issues.

“These roads around Caloundra and Kawana fall within the State Government’s remit, but for too long the Palaszczuk Labor Government have reneged on their responsibility keep drivers safe and to reduce congestion,” Mr Wallace said.

“For a project which is 100% the job of the State Government, I secured Federal Government funding. Once again, the Coalition stepped in to fix Labor’s mess. We’re doing their job in seeking a solution to the road safety, network resilience and efficiency issues afflicting local residents.

“With the population expected to rise to well over 500,000 by 2041, all levels of Government need to be investing in transport infrastructure. As per usual, Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast community are paying the price for Labor’s dithering and delays.”

The study will also deliver business cases for Kawana Motorway (Mooloolah River Interchange to Kawana Way Link Road) and Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road intersection.

The Sunshine Coast MP has made fighting for better roads and rail his top priority since his election in 2016.

“State Labor have left our infrastructure in a parlous state, so it’s been my number one priority to fight for the infrastructure our community desperately needs,” Mr Wallace said.

“Delivering $3.2 billion in Bruce Highway upgrades since 2016, securing $1.6 billion in federal funding for Sunshine Coast Rail, and busting congestion on State Government roads like Caloundra Road and Nicklin Way will mean less time in the car and more time with the family for commuters.”

The Bruce Highway was listed as the 2nd worst road by the RACQ. The Bruce Highway is currently undergoing a $13 billion, 15-year program, which is now 64% complete.

However, at time of press, future upgrades which were funded by the previous Coalition Government were still under review by the Federal Labor Government, putting at risk 130 statewide infrastructure projects including the $105 million Pine River to Caloundra Smart Motorways (Stage 2) upgrade and $923.9 million Pine River to Caloundra Corridor – Future Priorities project.

Sunshine Motorway including the troublesome Sippy Downs to Mountain Creek interchange was listed at number 10 by the RACQ. This stretch of road will be improved in Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade, to which the former Coalition Government committed $160 million on a 50:50 split with the State Government. This project is also subject to Federal Labor’s farce of a review.

Mr Wallace said reliable and accessible public transport also played an important role in busting congestion and called for right mode of transport for the region, which he claimed did not include Council’s light-rail mass transit proposal.

Get on board SC Rail SUNSHINE Coast passenger rail will connect the hinterland with the coast, and the region with the city, and it will unlock opportunities for generations to come.

The Federal and State Liberal National Party are 100% behind the vital project while Federal and State Labor say they need more time to plan and review as the clock counts down to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP, who alongside Sunshine Coast colleague Ted O’Brien MP, secured $1.6 billion in federal funding on a 50/50 basis for the project that is 100% the responsibility of the State Government.

Mr Wallace said he was committed to fighting for every sleeper in the 37km rail project, which will change the way we move people in southeast Queensland – busting congestion on our busiest roads and reducing the use of cars and thereby carbon emissions.

The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are less than nine years away and State Labor have said they will not decide on the project until 2024. The build will take at least eight years to complete leaving no margin for error.

“If we can’t move people between Brisbane and the Coast, how on Earth do they expect to get people to the events,” Mr Wallace said. “This is about getting people home sooner and safer, and embracing the opportunities which come with world-class sporting and live entertainment events.”

Mr Wallace said the community had lost faith in the Labor Government’s ability and willingness to deliver the community backed Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line.

“Labor says they can’t build major projects like this without doing the planning but we have been ‘planning’ this project for literally decades,” Mr Wallace said.

“For years, State Labor has smothered road and rail projects in glossy brochures and well-timed announcements. For years, they have dithered, delayed, and deceived us.

“A story we are growing tired of. When I speak with members of the community, they tell me that we will not see rail in our lifetime.

“The fact is that Labor have had 29 years out of 34 to deliver a transport project for the Sunshine Coast. Time and again, they have come up short, proffering smoke and mirrors instead of solutions.”

To get on board, Sign the petition for heavy passenger rail by visiting www.sunshinecoastrail.com

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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NEWS: THE VOICE

HISTORIC REFERENDUM QUESTION RISKY, DIVISIVE, UNKNOWN, AND PERMANENT LATER this year Australians will vote in their first referendum for almost a quarter of a century. A vote to change Australia’s Constitution – our most important legal document – is an historic and very serious occasion.

The Yes or No question will state: “A Proposed Law: to alter the Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Do you approve this proposed alteration?”

Andrew Wallace MP said a constitutional change, which has only occurred eight times since Federation in 1901, is “a very big deal”, and that it will change the character of our country and the function of our government forever.

The Federal Member for Fisher said he would vote NO because he did not support a “risky, divisive, unknown and permanent change to our constitution.”

“A referendum to enshrine the a Voice in the Constitution is a far-reaching decision with many unknown consequences.

Our nation’s best lawyers and judges disagree on how it will work or what it will mean,” Mr Wallace said.

“If the Voice is enshrined in the Constitution, it’s permanent.

It cannot be removed other than by another referendum. The Government or Parliament cannot rectify any unintended consequences by way of legislation.

“By enshrining the Voice in our Constitution, the Voice could open a legal can of worms. No one canguarantee its powers won’t lead to intervention by an activist High Court, nor can they guarantee that it won’t significantly disrupt or delay effective decision-making by the Executive and the Parliament.

“The risks are too high, the outcomes are at best unknown – and if it were anything more than a political exercise, the Federal Parliament could legislate for a Voice today.”

Mr Wallace has called for a separate vote on constitutional recognition, which he said would have overwhelming support, but said the Yes Campaign were not being upfront with Australians.

“The Government could have designed the referendum to be asking two separate questions simply– for or against constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians, and for or against the constitutionally enshrined Voice,” he said.

“Conflating the just cause of constitutional recognition and the idea that an advisory body should be written into the constitution is not only disingenuous; it’s arrogant, and it’s an abuse of the goodwill of Australians who want to do

something meaningful for Indigenous Australians.

“The Government has proudly declared – on no less than 34 occasions – that he wants to implement the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in full. And, in their own words, this means “Voice, Truth, Treaty” but refuses to provide Australians any details and instead gives tricky and evasive answers when asked for more detail.”

Mr Wallace and the Coalition have raised concerns that even if the Voice was enshrined in the Constitution, it’s most unlikely to have a positive impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

“Australians are concerned. They’re asking: will this make meaningful change to the lives of Indigenous Australians? Many – myself included – don’t believe it will,” he said.

“The Yes Campaign, with the support of the big end of town, is pressuring Australians to vote on a proposal without any details. We should instead be focused on delivering better outcomes for Indigenous Australians and not debating this divisive Voice proposal.”

We don’t stand for separatism: Price SENATOR Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says the way forward for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians must be a united and refocused approach.

The Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians recently joined Andrew Wallace MP for a Fisher Voice Forum at the Caloundra RSL, attended by nearly 600 residents.

“What I see has driven a lot of our problems for Indigenous Australia is separatism. The fact that Indigenous Australians for a long time have been treated differently.

“The Voice works on the concept that Indigenous Australians as a group of people purely based on our racial heritage that we are all disadvantaged. That is not true. It’s a racist notion to suggest that purely on our racial heritage that we are all disadvantaged.”

“The Voice isn’t something new – the suggestion that we set up a multi-billion-dollar bureaucracy to deal with Indigenous disadvantage is not new. The only element of new about it is constitutionally enshrining it, which sets off huge red flags,” she said.

THE Uluru Statement calls for a First Nations Voice to Parliament, Treaty and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling.

Senator Price said the term relates to payback.

“It’s the acceptance of taking punishment and being speared in the leg, effectively,” Ms Price told the Fisher Voice forum. “That’s what makarrata comes from, from the Yolngu people.

“Take it from me I’m a deadly serious Indigenous person who is certainly concerned about the wellbeing of our most marginalised Australians,” Ms Price said.

“You can absolutely want what is best for our most marginalised Australians and not support the Voice to Parliament. In fact, I would suggest that if you did have great concern for our most marginalised Australians that this proposal isn’t the be-all and end-all that the proponents of the Voice suggest it is to improve those lives.

What is Makarrata?

“What I would suggest is doing something that we haven’t done.

We need to take a fine-tooth comb and do a forensic audit of the $33 billion per year that organisations are funded to close the gap.

We need to determine where it’s benefiting our most marginalised, where it isn’t and how it can be better spent and hold to account those who are not producing the outcomes they are funded to.”

Senator Price spoke about her mother Bess, who was elected to the Northern Territory assembly between 2012 and 2016, and her own rise from Alice Springs Deputy Mayor to NT Senator.

“We didn’t do this with a Voice to Parliament, we were able to achieve these things because Australia provides us the opportunity to do so and because we don’t stand for separatism,” Ms Price said.

Senator Price left the forum with a simple message of hope: “I’d like us to have pride in ourselves as Australians regardless of what our background is and teach our children that.”

“I don’t believe in payback; cultural payback is not right. What is this, is it an expectation that non-Indigenous Australians must accept a punishment for the wrongs of the past?”

The Government has allocated more than $5 million for the funding of a Makarrata Commission. It has already spent almost $900,000 for its establishment but at the time of printing, neither the Prime Minister, the Indigenous Australians Minister, or any other Minister has been able to detail what that money has been spent on.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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DELIVERING FOR FISHER For seven years, I’ve delivered nearly $5.7 billion in Federal Government funding to infrastructure, services, and opportunities. Here’s just a snapshot. You can find an interactive map on my website.

MOOLOOLABA BUDDINA SIPPY DOWNS BOKARINA MALENY

MOOLOOLAH

LANDSBOROUGH

CALOUNDRA

PEACHESTER

GROWING OUR ECONOMY

Record investment in local manufacturing for defence and aviation suppliers

Investment to commercialise a 1-minute COVID-19 breath test

Support for 8,700 businesses and 26,700 employees through JobKeeper

Assistance in welfare and operating costs for Sea Life Mooloolaba and Australia Zoo

22,900 business supported through the expanded Instant Asset Write Off

BEERWAH

GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS

BUILDING BETTER ROADS AND RAIL BOOSTING HEALTH SERVICES AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES

Funding to establish the National PTSD Centre

Support for endED to provide recovery support to those affected by eating disorders

Funding to establish the UniSC Thompson Institute and research into Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health

Support for The Nurture Festival to connect local families with service providers

Funding to establish and operate Wandi Nerida, Australia’s first residential eating disorder treatment facility

Support to build the Wishlist Centre to support patients undergoing treatment at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and their families

Over $125 million to improve Sunshine Coast road and active transport corridor including Hunchy Rd, Hunchy; Citrus Rd, Palmwoods; Katherine St, Beerwah; Brandenburg Rd, Mooloolah; Beerburrum St, Aroona; and Evans Rd, Glenview.

Safety upgrades to Steve Irwin Way

$390 million to duplicate North Coast Rail from Beerburrum to Beerwah

$12 million to upgrade Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba

Record funding to upgrade the Bruce Highway to boost safety and bust congestion

For more projects I have delivered for Fisher, scan this QR code.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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IMPROVING COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SOCIAL CARE

INVESTING IN WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION

Support to expand IDCare’s ability to respond to cybercrimes

Funding to keep kids safe online with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation

New foyer and reception for Pacific Lutheran College

Funding to support families through Caloundra Community Centre

Funding for International STEM Engagement for Chancellor State College

Funding to tackle homelessness with IFYS

Funding for over 45 cutting-edge research projects at the University of the Sunshine Coast

Funding for new Men’s Sheds in Mooloolah and Caloundra

Support for Make, Integrate and Explore Labs to inspire students to study STEM

Residential unit extensions at STEPS Murphy House in Caloundra

Construction of a new learning precinct at Caloundra Christian College

Funding for projects at schools to keep kids safe, boost accessibility, and encourage active citizenship and sustainability

Investment into the UniSC RoboCoast STEM Outreach Project

Support for over 130 volunteer organisations through the Volunteer Grants program

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

Funding for a bushfire resilience app fuelled by citizen science and AI at UniSC

Habitat restoration project in Maroochy River and Northern Moreton Bay by Healthy Land and Water

ENCOURAGING ACTIVE LIVING

Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball wheelchair rugby social program

Boosting resilience of subtropical rainforests by reducing the threats to the Mooloolah River

Pool upgrades to Beerwah Aquatic Centre

Resurfacing and upgrading Conondale Pool

Supporting Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue Bathroom Facilities

New clubhouse for Windansea Clubhouse in Currimundi

Upgrading turtle and koala rehab facilities at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital

Replacing the Beerwah Golf Club carpark

Lighting upgrade for Mooloolaba Bowls Club

Supporting Koala Habitat Conservation in Crohamhurst

Backing hundreds of emerging athletes through the Local Sporting Champions Program

Encouraging waste reduction at Maleny State Primary School

Flood mitigation funding in Mooloolaba

SUPPORTING VETERANS’ WELLBEING

Improved facilities for Glasshouse Country RSL Sub-Branch Support for STEPS Group to deliver a pilot program to test secure, sustainable jobs for young veterans Funding for Young Veterans Sunshine Coast to create a space for veterans’ care Refurbishment of Memorials and Commemorative Facilities across Fisher including in Montville, Beerburrum, Beerwah State High School and Mooloolaba State School Supporting remembrance activities with TS Onslow, 223 Squadron Air Cadets and TS Centaur Navy Cadets Upgrades to Maleny RSL Sub-Branch for accessibility and safety

ON LABOR’S CHOPPING BLOCK Crucial road and rail projects are under threat thanks to Labor’s dithering, delays, and its farce of a review. Find out more on Page 6.

They include: Funding for Bruce Highway Future Priorities $1.6 billion to finally realise Sunshine Coast passenger rail to Maroochydore Mooloolah River Interchange upgrades

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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OPINION

FREEDOM OF RELIGION UNDER THREAT MY old school motto is “Per Vias Rectus” which is Latin for “By Right Paths”.

It’s fundamental, precious, and essential.

And it’s under threat.

Standing up for one’s convictions and beliefs is not always popular, and it certainly isn’t easy.

People in one in three countries face ongoing religious persecution, affecting 5.2 billion people – just under two-thirds of our population.

I’m drawn to Federal politics because I believe it’s the pinnacle of community service, of serving others, or in other words, doing the right thing.

My faith gives me clarity and direction in a fast-paced ever-changing world.

And in that world, it’s no longer fashionable to talk of one’s faith anymore.

People of faith have a right to practice their faith without fear of persecution.

Freedom of religion or belief is a “precious asset” that Government, Church, and Society must be united in protecting and promoting.

It’s an asset which has appreciated over time into the liberal democracy we hold so dear.

We cannot understate how crucial the freedom of religion or belief is to our national character and democratic order.

We know about some of these non-state actors who drive this persecution.

These groups, from across the political spectrum, employ online platforms to spread their radical ideas and to recruit domestic and international followers.

religious liberty ought to be a core human rights objective.

Their insidious hatred of religious pluralism must be called out and stopped.

Whilst faith and religion, are not and should not be imposed or enforced by Government, a person’s spiritual beliefs should not be cause for discrimination.

Religion has a crucial role to play in society We think of ISIS and the and in public life, as Taliban, whose terror and a moral compass transnational jihadist networks for many and as a seek to establish “caliphates” driver of civic duty at the expense of women, children, and those of differing and communitybeliefs. mindedness.

As Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, I have fought to see these groups held to account. Groups like Hamas, Islamic State and Jemaah Islamiyah.

And more recently, the growing threat of right-wing extremists and white supremacists masquerading as Christian nationalists.

At the 2022 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Australia joined over 30 democratic nations in committing to protecting this right, speaking out against violations of freedom, and to working together across borders and sectors to address challenges to freedom of religion.

That this issue hasn’t formed a more essential part of Australia’s foreign policy and human rights advocacy is, I think, a lost opportunity, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

If we really want to be a nation that support the rules-based order, regional security, and economic prosperity, then promoting

That also means that we do our bit to protect religious freedom here at home.

Religion has a crucial role to play in society and in public life, as a moral compass for many and as a driver of civic duty and community-mindedness.

General Comment 22 of the UN Human Rights Committee asserts that religious freedom must be protected – whether manifested behind closed doors or in community with others.

Religious freedom should be encouraged by government, nourished by society, and a cause for celebration, not condemnation.

Looking forward, I will continue to stand up for issues like the protection of religious instruction, faith-based chaplains, and community partnerships to deliver volunteer programs in state schools.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence: Australia’s Shield in an Era of Global Tensions IN an increasingly interconnected and complex world, where global tensions seem to be on the rise, Australia finds itself at a critical juncture in its history.

As the nation grapples with the evolving dynamics of international relations, it must recognise the paramount importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in fortifying its defence and security mechanisms against emerging threats, particularly from the likes of Russia and China.

The digital age has ushered in a new era of warfare, one where the battleground extends beyond traditional borders.

Australia’s geographical isolation no longer shields it from the asymmetrical strategies employed by adversarial nations. Russia and China have both demonstrated their prowess in cyber warfare and sophisticated tactics that can bypass conventional defences.

To counter these threats effectively, Australia must embrace AI as a cornerstone of its security framework.

AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data at lightning speed, presents a game-changing advantage in identifying, predicting, and responding to potential threats. Machine learning algorithms can analyse patterns, detect anomalies, and uncover hidden connections within

the immense data flows that define modern information warfare.

By harnessing AI-driven solutions, Australia can strengthen its early warning systems and develop proactive strategies, ensuring that it stays ahead in this high-stakes digital chess game.

Furthermore, the potential of AI extends beyond defence tactics alone. By investing in research and development of AI technologies, Australia can lead the way in shaping international norms for responsible AI use in defence.

Ethical considerations, transparency, and cooperation are essential pillars in avoiding an unchecked AI arms race. Collaborative efforts with like-minded nations can result in AI frameworks that prioritise human oversight and compliance with international law, thereby promoting global stability.

The importance of AI in Australia’s defence and security cannot be overstated. It offers the means to safeguard not only our national interests but also the principles of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. As Russia and China continue to flex their digital muscles, it is imperative that Australia adapts and excels in this new domain.

We stand witness to a pivotal moment in history, where the choices we make today will define the security landscape for generations to come. We ought to seize this opportunity to harness the power of AI for a safer and more secure Australia.

If you weren’t convinced, this article was written by Artificial Intelligence. Scary, huh?

Have Your Say LET me know about how decisions in Canberra are affecting you, and how I can fight for you, your family, and our Sunshine Coast community. To have your say, write to PO Box 1224, Buddina QLD 4575, email andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au, or jump online at andrewwallacemp.com.au/contact If you’d like to contribute a Letter to the Editor, send through an email (no more than 100 words) for potential publication in a future edition of the Fisher Advocate or online.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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BOOSTING MENTAL HEALTH

SUNSHINE COAST EMERGING AS NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH HUB MORE than 3000 lives are lost to suicide in Australia each year.

It’s the leading cause of death for people aged between 15-24. Alarmingly, 40% of Australians say they know someone who has completed or attempted suicide in the last 12 months – an increase of 8% from March 2023.

Mental health concerns are the number one health issue concerning Sunshine Coast locals under the age of 55, with three in four Australians indicating that their mental health has suffered due to increasing social and financial stressors.

These staggering statistics show that addressing mental health remains an imperative across all sectors and levels of Government, particularly for young Australians.

In July, the Nurture Festival created a space for young people, families, and service providers to connect through art and live entertainment. The event received $245,256 from the Federal Government in early 2022 and showcased the enormous – and growing – ecosystem of mental health service providers on the Sunshine Coast.

Over $30 million was invested by the previous Coalition Government into local services between 2016 and 2022, to boost mental health outcomes. As a result, the Sunshine Coast has fast emerged as the nation’s mental healthcare hub, with world-class specialist services.

The UniSC Thompson Institute delivers research and treatment programs on

youth mental health, dementia, and suicide prevention with the support of $11.4 million in Federal Government funding. The Institute has given platform to many innovative providers through the Alliance for Suicide Prevention, and later this year, after receiving $8.3 million from the Coalition Government, the Institute will open Australia’s first National PTSD Centre to provide clinical and research programs for first responders, veterans, and those affected by post-traumatic stress.

At the same time, UniSC is conducting life-changing research, including the Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study.

This is a world-first, five-year research project focused on understanding how the adolescent brain develops, and may unlock the keys to addressing the trauma, anxiety and mental health disorders afflicting so many young Australians today.

A new headspace announced by the Coalition in early 2022, will open in Caloundra to complement this work by bringing together service providers in support of young people across the southern Sunshine Coast. This important facility should already be open, but young locals have been forced to wait for mental healthcare because Labor has dropped the ball… again.

Our region is also leading the way when it comes to addressing eating disorders – Australia’s most deadly mental illnesses.

The Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network conducted a nation-first eating disorder treatment trial thanks to $3.2 million from the Coalition Government.

Wandi Nerida, Australia’s first residential eating disorder treatment facility in Mooloolah Valley, was started by endED and the Butterfly Foundation with $7.3 million in Federal Government funding and a whole swathe of local support from businesses and philanthropists. endED, led by Mark and Gay Forbes, continues to support this work through recovery coaching, family support programs, and their endED House of Hope in West Woombye. Find out more at ended.org.au.

Andrew Wallace MP, who is the co-chair of the cross-party Parliamentary Friends of Mental Health, welcomed the Sunshine Coast’s contribution to mental health research, training, and treatment, and called on business, government, and the community sector to ride the momentum for long-term change.

“From eating disorders to PTSD, dementia to youth mental health, the Sunshine Coast really is changing the way we talk about and treat mental health conditions,” Mr Wallace said.

“I’ve seen first-hand how the health system fails those affected by mental health issues.

The cycle of recovery and relapse, the cost of ongoing and preventive mental healthcare, and the lack of step-up and step-down facilities for serious conditions like eating disorders is shameful.”

Mr Wallace said that he was proud to be part of the Coalition Government who delivered Australia’s first-ever $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan but indicates that

State and Federal Governments are now dropping the ball and putting lives at risk.

“We delivered better access to psychological support, and supported services that work – including over $30 million of Federal funding since I was elected. Instead of building on that momentum, Labor has slashed psychological support funding and abandoned first responder and veterans’ wellbeing,” he said.

To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

For support with eating disorders, contact Butterfly on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE). If you or someone you know faces immediate danger, call 000 for emergency services.

Do you know the warning signs for suicide?

If someone is at risk for suicide, you can watch for warning signs, including:

• Talking about being a burden • Being isolated • Increased anxiety • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain • Increased substance use • Looking for a way to access lethal means.

• Increased anger or rage • Extreme mood swings • Expressing hopelessness • Sleeping too little or too much • Talking or posting about wanting to die • Making plans for suicide

Local groups put service above self for veterans’ wellbeing ACCORDING to the 2021 Census, there were 496,300 people who had previously served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with Queensland home to the highest number of veterans (95,900 people).

About 70% of Queensland veterans live in the southeast.

The Fisher electorate is home to 5,691 ex-service personnel – the sixth highest number of any federal electorate.

Considering these numbers, it’s unsurprising that the Sunshine Coast is also home to a number of veteran support services whose work is making an enormous difference to the lives of ex-service personnel and the local community.

Two local groups in particular are blazing a trail in the way we care for our veterans.

veterans’ wellbeing centre is well and truly taking shape.

After the Federal Labor Government callously slashed funding from veterans’ wellbeing centres in 2022, Young Veterans Sunshine Coast took it upon themselves to muck in and build their own wellbeing hub in Beerwah. Based at the Beerwah Health Hub, this facility will help fill the gap in existing veteran support services and create space for social connection.

Camp SMEAC will bring together specialist healthcare and psychological support providers and will create opportunities in training and community service to support veterans in the transition to civilian life.

Andrew Wallace, the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s defence subcommittee is keeping the pressure on the Servicing the entire southeast Queensland region, SMEAC are an Federal Government to establish a Veterans Wellbeing ex-service organisation with an enormous vision. Their ambition Centre on the Sunshine Coast and encourages the community to sign his petition at andrewwallacemp. to convert an abandoned campsite in Landsborough into a com.au/my-work-for- fisher/petitions/

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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BACKING SMALL BUSINESS

LABOR HELLBENT ON UNION LED IR AGENDA LABOR assumed power less than 18 months ago, and in that time, have gifted unprecedented power to trade unions, rushing through a raft of reckless reforms to workplace relations.

Businesses, employees, and industry leaders were provided little to no opportunity for consultation, and modelling has been scarce if not non-existent.

Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace said the Labor Government’s radical workplace agenda was already seriously impacting small and family businesses and hardworking Australians across the country.

“The power-hungry union movement has been given an all-access pass to the corridors of power, and hardworking Australians and their businesses have been lumped with the bill.” Mr Wallace said.

“Labor are putting at risk a decade of economic growth, threatening record employment levels, and shattering business confidence.”

The Federal Member for Fisher – a licensed builder and barrister – said that the building and construction sector can’t afford militant unions like the CFMMEU wreaking havoc on building sites across the country. In Fisher alone, there are 3,720 businesses in the construction

industry, making up 22.6% of businesses in the electorate. The sector adds $1.9 billion to the Sunshine Coast economy each year.

The tourism industry and agribusinesses will also be heavily impacted by the Albanese Labor Government’s disastrous working holiday maker changes.

Amidst a perfect storm of issues facing the building and construction sector, including a housing crisis, ongoing skilled workforce and supply chain shortages, and Labor’s cost of living crisis, builders must now also contend with “same job, same pay” labour hire and the expansion of the Fair Work Commission’s powers to interfere with commercial contracts involving independent contractors.

An increase to the cost of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa by $130 to $640, makes it the highest fee visa of its kind in the world. The Labor Government is also considering cutting the WHM visa to one-year and removing any regional work requirements.

Mr Wallace, who regularly holds industry roundtables, said other sectors will also be impacted by Labor’s signature industrial relations policy.

“Businesses have said Labor’s proposed changes will cost thousands of jobs every year and strip the rights of labour hire workers to negotiate their own pay and conditions,” he said. “If your business is affected by this or any other issue, I want to hear from you.

“I have held numerous roundtables including for pharmacies, builders, the finance industry, and early childhood services. These roundtables and boardroom briefings give me a better vantage point from which to advocate for local businesses.”

WHM visa holders make up to 80% of the harvest labour force in agriculture, while in other industries such as hospitality, they account for between 5% and 15% of the junior, casual, and seasonal workforce.

“All of these changes will only make life harder for Australian families and their businesses and not address the urgent priorities of productivity and real-wage growth,” Mr Wallace said. “These changes will also have an impact on prices at the checkout and drive inflationary pressures even higher than what they are today.

“Despite less than 8% of the private sector workforce in Australia being members of unions, the Labor Government is directly implementing the union movement’s industrial relations wish list in an attempt to increase their declining membership to the detriment of businesses and workers.”

Around Fisher SMALL and family businesses are the heart and soul of our local community and the Australian economy.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said he regularly visits hundreds of small and family businesses, holds industry roundtables and attends Chamber of Commerce meetings throughout the electorate, which is home to 16,131 small businesses (with less than 20 employees).

“As a former small business owner myself, I understand the challenges business owners face every day,” Mr Wallace said. “We can and we must do more to back small and family businesses in the wake of growing economic pressures.”

To invite the Federal Member for Fisher to your business or Chamber of Commerce event, email andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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PROTECTING THE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITY

GAMBLING ADS INFILTRATE OUR LOUNGE ROOMS “While Australians confront a cost-of-living crisis, families simply cannot afford to lose money by gambling. Not only that; gambling impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals and families.”

AUSTRALIANS lose an estimated $25 billion to gambling each year, in an industry which is riven with corruption, interference, and all kinds of lawlessness.

Mr Wallace has welcomed an online gambling report recently handed down with multi-partisan support by the House of Representatives’ Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs.

The parliamentary committee made 31 recommendations on how the industry should be better regulated and how to combat gambling harm.

Beyond the financial harms, gambling contributes to significant psychological harm, family breakdown, reduced Mr Wallace said as we wait for the productivity, and a greater risk Government’s response, it was “I’m of the of engaging in substance abuse important to remember gambling and criminal activity. opinion that we often puts further pressure on the

shouldn’t teach cost of living for our hard-working Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP said our children to families, increases crime and antiAustralian gamblers are the associate sport social behaviour, and drives up other addictive behaviours. biggest losers in the world when with gambling,” it comes to gambling losses.

“The Federal Government should Andrew Wallace

“It’s only getting worse with digital technology enabling people to gamble from their mobile device at any time,” he said.

act on this report which seeks to reduce the serious harm caused by gambling,” the Sunshine Coast MP said.

“The report’s recommendations include

a phased, comprehensive ban on online gambling advertising within three years.”

“This includes a ban on advertising and commentary on odds, during and an hour either side of a sports broadcast. Sports advertising normalises gambling and exposes children from an early age.”

Prior to the release of the report, the Opposition announced that a Coalition Government would ban gambling advertising during live sporting events.

However, the Labor Government joined with the Greens to vote down the Coalition Bill in the Senate.

“I’m of the opinion that we shouldn’t teach our children to associate sport with gambling,” Mr Wallace said. “Bans on radio, television, and on other platforms including popular social media apps should be brought in by the Federal Government with the cooperation of the states and territories. “ “The truth and stark reality of the harm caused by gambling is that it infiltrates our local community sports and our family lounge rooms. Gambling’s insidious tentacles reach into our locker rooms

Online risks on the rise AN estimated 70 per cent of Australians aged 14-24 years have been harassed, abused, or confronted harm online in a 12-month period, according to research undertaken by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the risk to the safety of our children whenever they are online is on the rise and the community has to be better informed on advancing technology.

“All the devices we now consider 'essentials’ that connect us to the internet have so many practical benefits. But we need to pause for a moment to consider how well we truly understand the risks associated with these devices, and how to protect our families,” the Sunshine Coast MP said.

“Did you know, for example, that SnapChat now has an AI Chatbot? Did you know this Chatbot advised a concerned IT specialist, posing as a 13-year-old girl (to prove how dangerous this technology is), about how to lie to her parents about going on a trip with a 31-year-old man? Further, the Chatbot then gave 'her’ special tips on losing her virginity with him.

and all the way to the family couch providing massive profits for international bookmakers.

“Enough is enough. Our kids deserve better. Our communities deserve better.”

Mr Wallace, who chaired the Social Policy and Legal Affairs Committee from 2019-2021 and sits on the Parliamentary Friends of Gambling Harm Reduction group, has long advocated for harm reduction from gambling.

“Since my election in 2016, I’ve worked hard to hold the gambling industry to account, and to reduce gambling harm,” Mr Wallace said. “I’ve worked with banks to find solutions to ban the use of credit in online wagering. I’ve fought for age verification, addressed the risk of “loot boxes” and I’ve rallied my community to say no to Council’s casino.

“Protecting the character of our community remains my priority.”

For free, professional, and confidential support, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Like me, I’m sure you find this disturbing. As the father of four daughters, I’m furious to think that big tech is facilitating heinous abuse such as this.”

Keeping kids safe online has become one of the toughest challenges confronting parents today.

“Over the last seven years, I’ve held several community events aimed at equipping families to keep kids safe online. As we speak, my team and I are preparing additional events and resources to support schools and households in that endeavour,” Mr Wallace said.

“To make sure that we’re hitting the mark, and tackling the issues that concern local parents, I’ve launched a quick survey for mums, dads, carers, and guardians. I’m calling on all Fisher families to jump online and help me by scanning the QR code (pictured) and sharing their perspectives.”

For online safety information for parents and carers, visit: eSafety.gov.au/parents

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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PROTECTING AUSTRALIA’S INTERESTS

FISHER MP TO REPRESENT AUSTRALIA AT UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FEDERAL Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace has been appointed to represent the Federal Parliament at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Mr Wallace and a Labor MP were appointed as Parliamentary Advisers for the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly which began on September 5.

“It’s an enormous responsibility to be chosen to represent the Australian Parliament at the UN General Assembly at such a challenging time for the globe,” Mr Wallace said. “We are navigating the most geo-politically unstable period since the end of the Second World War. “This is an opportunity to deepen Australia’s parliamentary relationship with international security, defence, and humanitarian partners; the kind of international cooperation necessary if we’re to defend Australia’s interests at home and abroad.”

Committee on Intelligence and Security and the Defence SubCommittee of the Joint Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, is also visiting Washington D.C. to meet with U.S. lawmakers, as well as Defence and Intelligence agencies.

“Issues such as international security, foreign interference, and the AUKUS partnership – to name a few – have relevance to my committee work,” Mr Wallace said. “It’s the highest priority and duty of any Member of Parliament to protect all Australians and their interests.”

Mr Wallace said that while it would look a little different, he would continue to meet with members of the community during the term of his appointment in the United States.

“We’ve all become very well-equipped to undertake virtual meetings and my electorate office in Bokarina remains fully operational while I’m working away,” he said.

Mr Wallace said that he is not blinded to the realities and failings “We have an of the United Nations, obligation to particularly in relation to defend Australia’s defending democracy in the Middle East in what he sovereignty from considers an overstep in overreaching relation to domestic policy or overzealous issues.

international

“Obviously, I’m not able to attend the usual community events and functions in person, but I am in daily contact with my experienced office staff and continue to advocate for and assist the people of Fisher.

“We have an obligation “This is an opportunity bodies.” to defend Australia’s to defend the national sovereignty from sovereignty and security overreaching or overzealous on which we rely to deliver better international bodies. Australians outcomes for Fisher. And the elect their peers to represent them in broader Australian community. But Parliament – that power should not my most important duty remains be ceded – willingly or unwillingly – to with my local community, and unelected bureaucrats in Canberra or in I will continue to connect with New York,” he said. constituents in different ways over the period of my appointment.”

Mr Wallace, who is the Deputy Chair of both the Parliamentary Joint

Oh, the places you will go MANY see the theatre of Question Time and imagine that Parliament is just that.

In fact, the real work of Parliament happens in the hustle and bustle of parliamentary committees, where Members come together from all parties to investigate issues, seek out solutions, and recommend pathways for Parliament to realise better outcomes.

Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace has been a member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade since 2017, including as Chair of the Defence Subcommittee in Government, and now as Deputy Chair in Opposition.

He has also been the Deputy Chair of the powerful Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security since mid-2022.

Mr Wallace is no stranger to representing Australia’s interests abroad. In recent years, his roles with the International Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, various Joint Standing Committees, and the ADF Parliamentary Program have taken him to Europe, North America, the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and right across Australia.

The delegates met with Members of Parliament from both countries and held discussions with a variety of public service heads, trade organisations, and civil society groups.

“I was privileged to travel to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to learn about the strength of their democratic and civil institutions in an effort to see what Australia can do to assist our friends strengthen democracy in the Pacific,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace also represented the Defence Sub-Committee in Sydney at the commissioning of the United States navy ship, the USS Canberra – the first US vessel to be commissioned outside of the US. “The USS Canberra (I) and (II) are the only US Navy Ships to be named after a foreign capital,” Mr Wallace said. “It serves as a reminder of the shared history and strong friendship of our two countries, and the importance of international cooperation to build peace and strengthen democracy.”

The Sunshine Coast MP recently travelled to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea as part of a Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade delegation.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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COMMUNITY FORUMS

Visits vital to hear from community BUSHMASTER AS AUSSIE AS KANGAROOS AND KOALAS TO UKRAINIANS UKRAINE’S Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko says there’s nothing more 'true blue’ than an Aussie Bushmaster.

diesel generators to the ADF as part of the Coalition’s commitment to backing local manufacturers in defence industry.”

On a recent visit to the Sunshine Coast, as the special guest of Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace, Ambassador Myroshnychenko toured the facility of defence manufacturer Eniquest.

Mr Wallace said Australia’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty remains strong as we continue to call on Russia to cease their unprovoked, unjust, and illegal war.

The Caloundra-based manufacturer provides the auxiliary power units to the now worldfamous Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles made in Bendigo.

Australia’s support for Ukraine has included the supply of 120 Bushmaster vehicles, powered by diesel generators made on the Sunshine Coast.

“Australia’s support is essential. Already almost $900 million has been provided to Ukraine, mostly in military assistance and some humanitarian assistance,” Ambassador Myroshnychenko said.

“Bushmasters have become an icon of Australia’s support for Ukraine. Every Ukrainian now knows a lot about Australia. In the past we knew about kangaroos and koalas, and now we all know about Bushmasters.

“They are very effective on the battlefield, saving many lives, and helping us to transport personnel to the frontline and getting the wounded back.

“It’s great to see that Australian mateship, which is helping Ukraine to stand up to a bully.”

When the Coalition was in Government, Australia was the largest non-NATO member to contribute military assistance to Ukraine.

“I’m very proud of the local link in our support for the people of Ukraine with the in-demand vehicles that are saving lives on the Ukrainian frontline,” Mr Wallace said.

“When we were in Government, Eniquest won a number of Defence contracts supplying

“Australia proudly stands with Ukraine.

I know that most Australians join with democratic allies the world over in pursuing all avenues available to hold Russia to account, to support Ukraine, and to defend our global rules-based order,” Mr Wallace said.

Mr Wallace, who serves as the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s important intelligence and security committee, and the defence subcommittee, also hosted A Live Conversation on Russia’s War in Ukraine with the Ambassador in Alexandra Headland.

“It’s a great privilege to be able to show His Excellency our beautiful part of the world after spending a lot of time with him in Parliament House and give him a sense of our support for Ukraine and shared vision to defend the global rules-based order while giving the local community a unique insight into Russia’s war in Ukraine,” Mr Wallace said.

The Ukrainian Ambassador also helped launch a Sunshine Coast gin for International Friendship Day. Distilled by Woombye-based Sunshine & Sons and named General’s Friendship Gin after General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the gin’s proceeds will add to the 186 metal detectors already purchased and being used in Ukraine for humanitarian de-mining.

“General Valerii Zaluzhnyi is a hero in Ukraine who is running all the defence forces in the country, making sure that we can defend our sovereignty, our democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” Ambassador Myroshnychenko said.

OVER the last six months, the Sunshine Coast has played host to a number of Shadow Ministers, showcasing the very best of our local industry, community, and public service.

These allow an opportunity for local residents, community groups and businesses to speak directly to Coalition policymakers, and to hear about the Coalition’s approach to tackling vital issues.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, serves as the Shadow Minister for Women; Industry, Skills, and Training; and Small and Family Business. She spoke to emerging women leaders at Leading Change Workshop, before visiting the innovative Sunshine Coast Technical Trade Training Centre, and a Boardroom Briefing with Caloundra Chamber of Commerce members and several local businesses.

“This was an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role that small and family businesses play in our economy,” Mr Wallace said.

“The discussions around skills and training also highlighted the importance of ongoing learning and development for workers and business owners alike in developing the skilled workers we need now and into the future.”

Shadow Treasurer, Angus Taylor took part in a Fisher Industry Roundtable with local financial services companies and spoke to residents about the latest budget and the economy at a community forum.

“Front of mind for all Australians is Labor’s cost-of-living crisis and the pressure all households are under due to runaway inflation,” Mr Wallace said.

“The Shadow Treasurer had a captive audience on Labor’s broken promises on taxes on super, franking credits, higher spending, and higher taxes.”

Newly appointed Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Senator James Paterson visited Sunshine Coast-based national cyber support service IDCARE, defence manufacturer and aerospace tech company HeliMods, and spoke alongside industry experts at a jampacked Cyber Security Forum.

“Cyber security is one of the critical issues confronting Australian households, businesses, and governments. Countering foreign intelligence, interference and influence relies on strong cyber-defence capabilities. With one cyber-attack every seven minutes in Australia, we have much more work to do,” Mr Wallace said. “The forum gave locals in Fisher an understanding as to the gravity of the issue – and some insights as to how they can best protect themselves online.”

Shadow Minister for Housing, Homelessness, Social Services and the NDIS, Michael Sukkar took part in an Industry Roundtable with builders and community housing group Coast2Bay to discuss housing and homelessness on the Sunshine Coast.

He visited not-for-profit disability service providers STEPS Pathways College and Youngcare and called out Labor on their social housing record.

Other visits have included Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (see Page 5), Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Barnaby Joyce, and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie.

Register your interest in future shadow minister visits and community events at www.andrewwallacemp.com.au

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.

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SPORT

Local athletes encouraged to apply for grants LOCAL athletes are encouraged to apply for a grant to help them attend state, national, or international sporting competitions.

Successful applicants receive between $500 and $750 towards the cost of attending their nominated championships.

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME WITH the Matildas and Diamonds making a huge impact on international sport, and global superstars like Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney set to visit the country, it’s clear that Australia has become a go-to-place for athletes and artists alike.

After hosting international sporting matches and stars like Sir Elton John, Sunshine Coast residents are finally set to see their own play and performance venue, with the Sunshine Coast Stadium to benefit from a massive expansion.

The Bokarina venue, which caters for sports including rugby league, rugby union and football currently has a total capacity of 10,000 with just 1050 fixed seats. The expansion, due to start next year pending Federal Labor’s 90-day infrastructure review, will deliver an additional 10,768 fixed seats.

By utilising mounds at the northern and southern ends, the stadium will have a total capacity of about 16,000 which can be increased to 20,000 with additional temporary seating to accommodate the proposed 2032 Olympic Games football matches.

Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace said the expansion will be warmly welcomed by the community, especially those that have missed out on a seat at recent sold-out events.

“The Sunshine Coast community have come out in droves to support sporting and creative events at the Sunshine Coast Stadium,” he said.

“The improved facilities will attract more major events, live performances, and grassroots sporting activities. This will support local, small, and family businesses and community organisations, driving long-term economic growth.”

The Federal Member for Fisher is confident the upgrades

would help attract more major sporting and entertainment events to the Sunshine Coast.

The Federal and State Governments announced earlier this year that 16 new or upgraded venues, including the Sunshine Coast Stadium and a new adjacent Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre, will receive almost $1.87 billion in co-funding on a 50/50 basis.

The previous Coalition Government made the 50/50 pledge on Olympic Infrastructure in April 2021, three months before the Games were given to Australia.

Mr Wallace said the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, with the population expected to grow from 350,000 to well over 500,000 by 2041.

“Irrespective of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Sunshine Coast – and in particular our electorate of Fisher – requires vital infrastructure including community sporting facilities to meet the growing demands of the community,” he said.

“It’s my hope that local contractors and suppliers, community groups and residents are engaged in the procurement and consultation process moving forward.

“The Sunshine Coast has the potential to become a sporting, culture and entertainment hub, with a thriving nightlife and creative economy – we just need the infrastructure to get there.”

“Construction on key 2032 Games venues and transport infrastructure have been delayed by months of unproductive Federal and State Labor shenanigans. The State Government has a poor track record of delays and blowouts and it’s time they get on with the job.”

“Leonie and I are the parents of a representative multiclass swimmer, so we know the sacrifices in time, money, and sleep that parents make to support their kids’ athletic ambitions,” Mr Wallace said.

“I hope this support can help ease costs for those families and encourage young people to get involved in a local sport – you never know where it’ll take you.”

The grants can contribute towards the cost of fees, travel, accommodation, equipment and/or uniforms for the nominated sporting competition.

The Local Sporting Champions grants provide financial assistance for coaches, officials, and competitors aged between 12-18 and the Local Para Champions grants provide financial assistance for athletes with a disability aged between 12-24.

For more details and an online application, go to sportaus.gov.au/ grants_and_funding

Key dates for current and upcoming rounds:

Round 2, 2023-24 Applications: Opens Tuesday 1 August; Closes Tuesday 31 October 2023.

Round 3, 2023-24 Applications: Opens Wednesday 1 November; Closes Wednesday 31 January 2024.

Round 4, 2023-24 Applications: Opens Thursday 1 February; Closes: Tuesday 30 April 2024.

The Fisher Advocate is an electorate-wide communication from Andrew Wallace MP, Federal Member for Fisher. Authorised by Andrew Wallace MP, Liberal National Party of Queensland, Suite 11, 10 Lake Kawana Boulevard, Bokarina QLD 4575.