Speeches 2012
Speech to the Commsday Satellite Forum Westin Hotel, Sydney.
Good morning ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to be here today.
The Australian Satellite and Space sector plays a key role in Australia’s communications
industry. More broadly, it is vital part of Australian society as a whole and regional Australia
in particular.
Constituency Statement - Woolgoolga Retirement Village
March 20, 2012
I rise today to recognise those associated with the Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village. On 10 March I had the opportunity to join people from the community at an open day at the village. The day not only honoured the 20th anniversary of residential care services at the facility but also acknowledged the pioneering foresight of such people as the Reverend Barry Harris, who, 35 years ago, identified the need for aged-care services in the Woolgoolga area.
Matter of Public Importance: Natural Disaster Relief
February 8, 2012
I welcome the opportunity to speak on this matter of public importance today. Since the commencement of this year, we have once again seen Mother Nature challenge communities across the eastern states, with northern New South Wales and southern Queensland bearing the brunt of mountains of rain and, as a result, flooding. Whilst a lot of media attention has been focused on the devastating floods in north-west New South Wales and south-west Queensland, I draw the attention of the House to the fact that the mid-North Coast and far North Coast have also experienced significant floods in recent weeks. I understand that Taree and Port Macquarie are currently experiencing heavy rainfall as this debate is going on.