Happy New Year!
I hope everyone has had a fantastic time over the festive season and if you are lucky enough to still be on holiday, please stay safe and enjoy your well-earned break.
2022 was a big year.
The start of the year saw our borders reopen and families reuniting at long last. It was the year that we farewelled our beloved Queen Elizabeth II and welcomed our new King Charles III to the throne. In 2022 our mighty NQ Cowboys came so close to the premiership. Fingers crossed that the silverware falls into the right hands in 2023.
Of course, it was also the year our nation’s political leadership changed. I respect peoples’ choice to elect a Labor Government under Albanese, however I have significant concerns about the direction that Labor is leading us.
The Dawson region punches well above its weight in terms of tourism, agriculture and mining. Our resources sector, made up of our hardworking men and women, contributes in droves to the wealth and prosperity of our nation, keeping our lights on and our businesses running.
In the last days of 2022, Federal Labor introduced price caps to our coal and gas supply. History has shown that this jeopardises supply, jobs and businesses, and discourages investment. It’s not good news. This issue is squarely in my sights, and I will continue to hold the Government to account on their promise of cheaper (and reliable) energy for all Australians.
In 2022, the previous Liberal National Government committed to key projects being delivered locally including $5 million set aside for veterans’ wellness, including a new RSL for Mackay.
It was disappointing when Labor revealed they were canning projects from across our region. But it’s not game over. I will continue to put pressure on the Government to fund these much-needed services across Dawson.
Speaking of pressure, when Labor turned their back on the north through the abolishment of the Northern Australia Committee, along with my Coalition colleagues, I made a racket of this disgraceful decision. Within a week, it was reinstated. I am proud to be on this committee, which works to ensure the north gets a fairer share of government spending.
Another win for our region includes the Coalition’s Ag Visa agreement with Vietnam being honoured. This shows even in opposition we can achieve for our regions.
I’m 100 per cent committed to growing a stronger future for Dawson. There is a lot of hard work ahead but none I will shy away from.
As your Federal Member for Dawson, I want to hear from you about your ideas and insights for our region. I’m here to take your voice to Canberra and fight for our great region.
Andrew Willcox’s office is at Level 2/45 Victoria Street, Mackay. His office is contactable on 4944 0662 or via email at andrew.willcox.mp@aph.gov.au
