100 DAYS AS THE FEDERAL MEMBER FOR OXLEY
Today marks 100 days since I was formally declared the new Federal Member for Oxley on July 20th earlier this year.
During this time I’ve made it a priority to deliver the commitments to the people of Oxley that I took to the election along with other key initiatives for the community.
NBN rollout commenced in Springfield
One of the ongoing hot topics for our region is the rollout of the NBN to ensure more people are given access to the high quality broadband that is essential in a 21st century economy.Prior to the election I pledged to see that the rollout commenced on time and on budget. Whilst there is still work to be done, I was pleased to stand with Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale last month as construction commenced in Springfield to some 6,000 homes.
Supporting needs based funding for all of our local schools
During the election campaign I was fortunate to visit many schools in Oxley where I received feedback from principals that a proper needs based funding model is high on their priority list.
Since then I’ve continued to meet with local school principals and will be fighting for all 40 school schools in our electorate to receive the funding they need.
Mobile offices across our community
I’m keen to be an active Federal Member in our community and being available to hear the feedback of local residents is a key priority.During my first 100 days I’ve held mobile offices including the suburbs of Springfield and Jindalee with another this coming weekend at Redbank Plaza.
Partnering with local Chambers of Commence to build business confidence in the region
Being able to support and connect with local businesses in Oxley is part of my commitment to ensure we see more jobs and more investment in our region.I’ve met with all the Chamber of Commerce’s in our region to work side by side and improve support for businesses in Oxley.
Ipswich Motorway upgrade and key corridor improvements in partnership with Mayor Paul Pisasale and Ipswich City Council
One of the most talked about issues in our region is the desperate need to upgrade the Ipswich Motorway. This was one of many items discussed when I met with Mayor Pisasale and is a critical issue for our local community.I spoke about it in my first speech to the House of Representatives, and will be working closely with Mark Bailey, the Minister for Transport in the Palaszczuk government alongside my colleagues the member for Moreton Graham Perret and long-time advocate for the project the member for Blair, Shayne Neumann.
Oxley Community Mental Health Forum
Mental Illness is one of the key health focus areas for me with the terrible statistic that almost 300 people in Oxley have taken their own lives since 2005.It’s vital that we bring together our valued mental health service providers and organisations to ensure that we are providing the best support to the 3.6 million Australians who experience mental health problems.Earlier this week I hosted the Oxley Community Mental Health Forum at the Salvation Army in Goodna with Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health, Senator Deb O’Neil. Over 20 service agencies and organisations were in attendance to share their feedback and suggestions on how to improve the lives of people suffering from mental illness in Oxley and beyond.I’ll be taking these suggestions on board and campaigning hard to see that more support and funding is provided towards mental health programs in Oxley and beyond.
Supporting and enhancing funding for our local community groups
I’m working closely with community groups such as the Darra RSL Sub-Branch, Jindalee Jaguars AFL Club and the Wolston Park Centenary Cricket Club (WPCCC) to provide more funding opportunities for local residents and children.
This includes the Stronger Communities grant received by the Jindalee Residents Association (JRA) for their amazing work landscaping a new vegetation area at the Mount Ommaney Centre.
Led by JRA President Wayne Williams, this project provides on the job training for volunteers and keeps our vegetation areas looking great.
I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people of Oxley and making our community a better place to live for everyone.
