Andrew Willcox, Federal Member for Dawson, started off his maiden speech to parliament in Canberra last week in typical style.
His first week in Canberra as the Member for Dawson saw Willcox take the Oath of Office as part of the opening of the 47th Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia before delivering his “down to earth” maiden speech.
His speech brimmed with the country axioms and colloquialisms that made him such a cool-handed and charismatic Whitsunday Mayor – a position he held for six years.
The “farmer by trade, raised on the land” reminded his constituents that he was the first Bowen-born representative for Dawson at the federal level, and that he couldn’t have done it without them.
“I am forever grateful to the people of the Whitsunday region for putting their faith in me,” Mr Willcox said.
“Local government is the level of government that is closest to the people, that is why I will be pushing to see the Federal Assistance Grants to Local Government program’s return to one per cent of taxation.
“This funding is critical to the people of rural and regional towns.”
Mr Willcox made explicit reference to his hometown, mentioning the Gilmour Space Orbital facility in Bowen, as well as the Top Shelf International agave farm, as well as the regions tourism operators.
It was also an opportunity to espouse his vision for Dawson – infrastructure for the north, particularly its farmers by renewing his commitment to the Urannah Dam project.
“A pumped hydro-electric scheme would provide clean, green, reliable energy that can be connected straight into the north-south high voltage grid, which feeds the national network,” he said.
“Surely water stored at height must be one of the best batteries in the world.”
The newly minted Member for Dawson promised to unashamedly push for a fair share for his electorate which is “a powerhouse region that punches above its weight.”
“A fairer Australia will benefit the nation and all Australians,” he said.
Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, was officially sworn in this week and gave his maiden speech to parliament
