This week marked the first sitting of Federal Parliament since the May election, and as the Member for Dawson, I’ve been in Canberra raising the concerns of our region.
Thank you to everyone who shares their stories with me — your lived experiences shape the fight I take to Parliament.
During the election campaign, the Prime Minister told voters “all you need is a green card” and claimed only Labor could deliver cost-of-living relief, while warning that a Coalition government would slash services and raise taxes. Now, Treasury reports show Labor’s wasteful spending is laying the groundwork for new taxes. They said one thing to win votes, and are doing the opposite now that they’ve won. It might be a new Parliament, but it’s the same old Labor government.
Labor’s so-called “highlight reel” over the past three months has been a disaster for regional Australia — full of fluff and photo ops. The Prime Minister jetted off to the G7, chasing a date with Trump, and got ghosted.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers floated a tax on superannuation and unrealised gains — a policy that would hurt farmers and kill aspiration among our youth. NDIS funding for travelling providers was cut, a cruel blow to regional families. Inflation continues to outpace real wages. Unemployment has hit its highest level since COVID. Investment in offshore wind has collapsed, following a dive in hydrogen confidence. And of course, Albo embarked on a six-day selfie tour of the Great Wall of China.
And what exactly did six days and a Great Wall photo shoot achieve? We heard buzzwords like “security ties,” “economic cooperation,” and “decarbonisation.” But when Chinese military vessels can circle our waters and conduct live-fire drills without notice or apology, is this really a relationship built on respect?
Instead of demanding answers, the Prime Minister played diplomat-in-chief, spruiking climate progress.
Meanwhile, China continues to build industry at a rapid pace — while we shut ours down. They buy our raw materials and send back the finished product, and Labor calls it climate leadership.
The Coalition backs aspiration. We believe in cutting red tape and letting businesses, farmers and industry grow our regions. That’s what we stand for.
Having recently been appointed Assistant Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capabilities, I see this portfolio as critically important to the people of Dawson. We back industry, innovation and real jobs. I’ll be pushing hard for investment in manufacturing and the workers who drive it.
In Canberra, I’ll continue fighting for Dawson and for investment in Australian manufacturing, so that we’re not left reliant on handouts or the courtesies of China — or anyone else. I’ve called for a Senate inquiry into the health of Australia’s metal manufacturing industry and will continue holding this government to account.
While I may have new responsibilities, my priority is — and always will be — Dawson.
Your stories are the ammunition I take to Canberra. Keep sharing them, and let’s fight for Dawson, together.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, pictured at Parliament House during the first sitting week following the May election, where he was officially sworn in for his second term. Photo supplied