Melissa Price
Durack · Liberal Party · Australia
“That dream is born out of the pride they have in watching their current sporting heroes on the national and international stage created by major sporting events. I turn now to the legislation before us, the Major Sporting Events (Indicia and Images) Protection Act 2014.”
“However, whilst some may claim that it might create efficiencies, it does so by trading off on transparency. Members of parliament will only see the decisions once they are law. This debate is not whether indicia or images should be protected or not, because they already are, and, of course, we all agree they should be protected.”
“These include the 2020 Women's T20 World Cup, the 2022 Men's T20 World Cup and the record-breaking 2023 Women's World Cup. There are also other major events in the future to be recognised by this act, such as the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the 2028 Men's T20 World Cup and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
“When our athletes wear the green and gold, they carry millions of Australians with them literally on their back. The merchandise worn in stadiums, around the world and in schoolyards are symbols of aspiration and of national pride.”
“In Senate estimates, Australian Sports Commission CEO, Kieren Perkins—another superstar—confirmed that circa 2,000 athletes currently receive direct athlete support. However, they have no certainty that their scholarships will continue beyond today.”
“Instead of backing grassroots sport, Labor is more interested in protecting their bottom line and creating more uncertainty for the organisations delivering these programs. The coalition supports the protection of indicia and images for major sporting events.”
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“I'm reminded that I spoke in this place in only 2025 about Labor's snap NDIS decision to remove regional loading and reduce travel support, which, of course, impacts rural and regional therapy providers and recipients. At the time, I spoke with NDIS providers across the Kimberley, the mid-west and the Pilbara, and they told me of their issues with the travel reforms and the inevitable impact on essential service delivery. It's clear to me, and to all of us, that the NDIS has blown out of its original intent, but surely it was not the place to start with the remotest and our most vulnerable people in our country—people who have real health needs? Labor was urged to consult more broadly on those proposed changes, and I'm not convinced that they did. We owe it to the participants and families to get this latest round of changes right.”
“But integrity alone is not enough. Transparency, consultation and careful implementation are critical to give participants confidence, not confusion. In short, we can walk and chew gum at the same time. We must also ensure that plan suspensions, eligibility reviews and compliance mechanisms do not inadvertently penalise vulnerable participants due to administrative or communication barriers. At its core, the question before us is whether we are building a system that is financially sustainable but humanly sustainable. In regional areas like Durack, access to allied health services is already limited. Families travel long distances, wait months for appointments and pay significant out-of-pocket costs for essential care. Any increase in administrative burden or uncertainty compounds these challenges.”
“Changes to planned structures, fixed end dates and restrictions on unspent funds also raise serious questions about responsiveness. The NDIS was designed to adapt to changing circumstances, and that flexibility must not be lost. Similarly, the new framework for reasonable and necessary supports, including the minister's expanded ability to set funding parameters, must be implemented incredibly carefully. While fiscal discipline is important, it cannot come at the expense of participants' independence, participation and general wellbeing. The integrity measures in this bill deserve support. Stronger record keeping, tighter claims timeframes, improved provider regulation and enhanced fraud prevention powers—I think we'd all agree that they are necessary. The scheme has been subject to misuse, and, of course, that must be addressed.”
“Clara, at a very low point in her life, believed that putting them down or out of their misery was the most practical and rational option available to her. That meant murder-suicide was a very real possibility. Thankfully, Clara sought support, and life is very different now. This is not hyperbole. These are real people in real situations trying to do the best for their children with significant and permanent disabilities. In this place, we owe it to them to do better. The bill also tightens unscheduled planned reassessments, restricts who can request them and narrows the circumstances under which they can occur. While there are legitimate concerns about misuse and system integrity, we must ensure that participants whose needs genuinely change are not left unsupported.”
“With over 760,000 Australians in the scheme, that represents an enormous workload and, more importantly, a very deeply personal and stressful process for individuals and families who may have—I'm sure they have—already undergone many, many assessments throughout their lives. For parents like Clara and Damian, the administrative burden of having to repeatedly provide the same information, navigate the red tape and endure bureaucratic delays, coupled with the high needs of an independent child or adult with a disability, I think we will all agree, could be incredibly overwhelming. It can lead to depression, relationship strain and significant financial pressure. I'm sharing Clara's experience with her consent because she wants other parents who may be feeling similarly isolated or overwhelmed to know that they are not alone.”
“While the intent is to improve consistency and evidence based decision-making, the government has not yet provided the operational details. The thresholds, tools and assessment processes have not yet been released. That vacuum of detail is already creating widespread anxiety. Families are asking, quite understandably, whether they, their children or their loved ones will continue to qualify for support. At this stage, the government cannot provide a clear answer. We are also facing a major administrative challenge. Existing participants will be progressively reassessed between 2028 and 2030.”
“Costs have risen accordingly, from an estimated $13.6 billion to around $50 billion this year, and are projected to reach $70 billion by the end of the decade. That trajectory is clearly not sustainable, and it is entirely responsible for any government to address this. But addressing changes to NDIS does require proper consultation. Inexplicably, the Labor government has failed to consult. What is deeply concerning families like Sam's is not whether reform is needed but how it is being done and the fear and uncertainty it is creating. That is what happens when you fail to consult. This bill introduces a fundamental shift in eligibility, moving from diagnosis based access to a functional capacity model.”
“These reforms are not abstract policy adjustments; they are decisions that will shape the daily reality of thousands of Australians, let's face it, many of whom are doing it really tough, particularly in regional and remote communities. The coalition remains firmly committed to the NDIS. It is one of the most important social reforms in our nation's history. For many Australians, the NDIS has transformed lives by providing independence and support. But, for it to continue to achieve these outcomes, it must be sustainable, properly governed and delivered with clarity and certainty for participants and their families. We acknowledge that the scheme has grown significantly from an original estimate of 410,000 participants to more than 760,000 participants today.”
“Yet, even with that incredible love and commitment, the announcement of changes in this bill has left Clara with a profound sense of fear and anxiety. She said: I absolutely hate the fear that the never ending threats from/to the NDIS cause families. The lack of clarity and certainty is chronically stressful. It's crucial to understand that Clara is already a burnt-out mum. She's spent years navigating a life filled with appointments, red tape, fighting for services and daily advocacy to make sure that Sam has access and opportunities. This story of Sam and his family is not unique. In fact, we've heard many similar stories throughout the contributions to this legislation. In Durack, our electorate, there are more than 4,500 NDIS participants. Each of them has a story, a family and carers who are likely stretched to their absolute limits.”
“I rise today to speak on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026. I begin my contribution with something deeply personal that reflects what is at stake when it comes to these NDIS reforms. In my hometown of Geraldton, my friend Clara has a beautiful son, Sam, who is 27 years old. Sam comes into my office every week and helps with shredding documents and stacking the photocopiers. But what he really brings to the office goes far beyond that. The best thing Sam does in my office is share his smile—lots of fist bumps and lots of hugs. If you are lucky enough to receive one of those hugs, you'll know how genuinely special you are to Sam. Sam is nonverbal and will never live independently. Clara and other carers provide a level of care for Sam that is continuous and unending.”
“We launched a survey asking constituents whether they could afford any increase, and, not surprisingly, we had an unbelievable, overwhelming response. This survey is still available on my website www.melissapricemp.com.au.”
“Regional Australians already face fewer healthcare services, long waits to see specialists and limited treatment options, yet this government has chosen to impose increases of up to 21 per cent on private health cover for older Australians. Labor has ignored a basic reality: older Australians rely on health care more often and at a stage of life when affordable access matters most. Sadly, Labor doesn't care about our seniors. They have calculated that this easy tax grab has no political outcome, and that is what is so wicked and despicable about this change. They don't think this demographic votes for them anyway, so therefore there is no political outcome. They actually don't care. I really hope that senior Australians are picking up on this, because the response to me has been overwhelming.”
“I hope the Prime Minister is listening. Jan said: I personally feel we are being let down and PERHAPS we would have been better off spending our money so we could get the pension card that provides everything FREE instead of working hard and saving for a so-called 'stress free' retirement! Now that we are no longer a majority of the private health fund insured OR voting cohort, this Government does yet another cash grab from the vulnerable. This decision is absolutely discriminatory and needs to be reversed. That is the frustration and disappointment older Australians are feeling right now. In my electorate of Durack, nearly a quarter of residents will be directly affected by these changes, and, in regional Western Australia, private health insurance is not simply an optional extra. For many people, it is an absolute necessity.”
“I rise today to condemn the Albanese Labor government and its continued attack on older regional Western Australians. At a time when Australians are already struggling with rising grocery prices, soaring power bills and higher fuel costs, Labor is now forcing Australians over 65 to pay hundreds of dollars more each year for private health insurance. This is not a minor inconvenience. For many older Australians living on fixed incomes, it is a serious financial burden. Recently, I heard from a constituent. We'll call her Jan. Jan and her husband have been paying for private health insurance since 1974. They are self-funded retirees now in their 70s, living about 800 kilometres north of Perth. Jan is a breast cancer survivor and told me she was fortunate to receive surgery quickly and in a timely manner because she had private health cover.”
“Young Australians are taking risks, building portfolios and trying to get ahead, yet Labor wants to tax them hard. What message does this send to the next generation of entrepreneurs? Why would a young Australian start a business when government acts like a 47 per cent silent partner from day one? What Labor is saying to young Australians is this: Labor doesn't want you to be ambitious. Labor doesn't want you to invest in your future. Labor says you should expect less. Well, you know what? I'm not having it, and neither is the coalition. We will get rid of these toxic taxes at the first opportunity.”
“Young Australians are sick of being told this is a budget for them, because they know it is not. This budget is not about helping young Australians get ahead. It is about making life harder for them. For generations, Australians were told: work hard, buy a home, invest wisely, build a future. The Prime Minister had the opportunity in his 20s to buy a home, invest and build wealth. Why would this government deny future Australians the same chance? Labor's own budget papers admit their changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing will mean fewer homes available and higher rents, making the dream of home ownership even harder to reach. Young Australians trying to build a deposit through investing are also being punished. Nearly half of investors on CommSec are under 40.”
“These changes have not been well received, and now the government says: 'Oh, sorry. We always intended to create exemptions and carve-outs, but maybe it won't apply to the startup community. They're not going to be captured by capital gains tax.' What a nonsense. The only way to fix Labor's toxic taxes is to axe them. That is exactly what the coalition government will do. The coalition will end Labor's inflation tax, indexing income tax thresholds to inflation, giving hardworking Australians real tax relief. Australians deserve a government that backs them, not burdens them, and that is exactly what the coalition—”
“Regional Western Australians are hurting. Families and small businesses are all struggling to stay afloat, and workers are seeing their wages disappear with inflation. Labor's response is the same as it always is: more toxic taxes, more red tape and putting politics ahead of Australians. Australians are not stupid. The Prime Minister wants us to believe that their proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax are all about supporting the next generation of homeowners, when the government's own budget papers admit the tax changes will lead to fewer homes available to buy—not more, but fewer. Labor has failed over the past four years to increase the supply of homes and was forced to do something at this budget just to make it look like they were doing something. Hasn't that backfired?”
“Those 25,000 renters are now, thanks to Labor, paying more in a cost-of-living crisis. As with everything Labor does, politics comes first. Better outcomes for regional Western Australians come very last.”
“Small businesses do more than just stimulate the economy. They provide jobs for locals, provide essential goods and services for the community and promote belonging and gathering. Quite simply, they deserve better from this government. Now to the disastrous budget we heard last night—Labor has built taxes off broken promises, not necessarily targeting the wealthy, as they would have you believe, but targeting mum-and-dad investors in regional Western Australia. Shame on Labor. We've seen the Treasurer and the Prime Minister spouting that changes to negative gearing are to help young people to get into their own homes. Well, what a nonsense! Labor's own budget papers show 35,000 fewer houses, higher rents and sadly the end of aspiration in this country—what a ridiculous thing! Thirty-nine per cent of dwellings in Durack are rented.”
“While many tourism and accommodation providers have thankfully been given further support, other retail businesses have been left to pick themselves up and navigate this next difficult period, all the while facing an increase in the cost of doing business due to the damage caused by Cyclone Narelle. Every business in Exmouth is a tourism business. From the local cafe to the tackle shop or the local IGA, all of them are reliant upon tourism. Without visitors, they do not survive. This is just another example of Labor turning their backs on regional Western Australians and those in the private sector. No government of either side of politics should discriminate against small businesses in natural disaster support. Now is not the time to pick and choose who gets support and who does not. Simply put, it is un-Australian and unjustified.”
“I rise today to call on the Albanese and Cook governments to better support regional business owners following natural disasters. In March, northern Western Australia was devastated by Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle. The damage was particularly felt by small and family businesses in Exmouth and the surrounding areas. Small and family businesses rely heavily on tourism in this region as the gateway to the beautiful Ningaloo Reef, employing backpackers and locals to meet demand through the peak tourism season. Disappointingly, many of these businesses have been unable to access financial support from the state or federal governments. On my recent visit to the area, following Tropical Cyclone Narelle, I heard firsthand the genuine concern from business owners regarding their survival over the coming period.”
“So my plea to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is this: be transparent with our primary producers so that they know that they can put the crop in— (Time expired)”
“And, on top of all of these concerns, farmers and small miners throughout Durack and regional Western Australia are also dealing with this fuel shortage, and our farmers are facing the prospect of being stranded without fertiliser to put the crop in. Last week, I met with farmers in Northampton. They told me that prices of fertiliser have already increased by 50 per cent to 60 per cent—and that's if you can get the fertiliser. This is serious. This is something that the whole of this House should be focused on. If farmers cannot finish the cropping season, then Australia's food security is at serious risk. This is not a political issue. This is a real live issue that's happening right here and right now.”
“Across my electorate of Durack, many families and businesses are hurting. So just how bad is this reckless Albanese government? Labor is responsible for the largest drop in living standards globally. This is shameful. Regardless of events taking place in the Middle East at the moment, Australia's inflation is already higher than in any advanced economy. This has been caused by the Albanese government's addiction to spending. Australians have experienced 14 interest rate rises under this Labor government, with more, sadly, on the way. Debt is headed towards $1 trillion, and productivity has collapsed, falling nearly five per cent.”
“Of course, these numbers are simply too high, and more must be done to better acknowledge and support women in their service of Australia. I would like to acknowledge the member for Lyons, who has brought this very, very important motion to the House, and I would like to acknowledge the member for Bullwinkel, who spoke previously about Vivian Bullwinkel and her incredible courage. I want to acknowledge that it's just a wonderful thing that we now have a federal seat named after Vivian Bullwinkel.”
“I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks this, but, personally, I would like to see that increased to reach the goal of at least 25 per cent by 2030. Challenges are still being felt by our servicewomen, with underrepresentation in combat and technical roles. While increasing representation is, of course, critical, it is equally important to recognise that the challenges facing servicewomen do not end when their service does. We must all do better to support our women veterans, who are twice as likely to die by suicide compared to civilian women. Eighty per cent of victims of military sexual misconduct are women, with 25 per cent of women experiencing sexual harassment in the last five years in an ADF workplace. That's just shocking.”
“This story symbolises the courage, strength and resilience all women in our Defence Force have shown over many years. Whether serving in logistics, intelligence, combat support, peacekeeping missions or, now, fully integrated combat roles, women in the Australian Defence Force have demonstrated professionalism of the highest order. They have led troops, piloted many aircraft, commanded many naval vessels and contributed to complex operations both at home and abroad. Servicewomen have broken down barriers not just for themselves but for future generations, who now see defence service as a path open to all Australians, regardless of gender. Today, around 20 per cent of our defence force are women.”
“Despite surrendering to and treating the Japanese soldiers for their injuries, the 22 nurses were forced into the water, where they were shot at. It was one of the most shocking and vile instances of war. With the nurses turning and facing towards the horizon, as they walked into the ocean, they were machine-gunned down. This was on 16 February 1942. It doesn't feel like such a long time ago. Just one nurse survived to tell of the ordeal, and that was Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel. I just want to give a shout-out because that production has now left Western Australia and is travelling around the east coast with the support of the Department of Veterans' Affairs. So I say to anybody out there: please, look out for the wonderful story of 21 Hearts .”
“With many of our soldiers fighting in Europe and South-East Asia at the time, it was up to the women at home to take up the fight. Thus, the Women's Australian National Service was formed, followed by the Australian Women's Army Service, the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service and the Women's Auxiliary Australian Air Force. In total, over 50,000 women served in these groups. I recently had the pleasure of experiencing 21 Hearts . This is a theatre production by Theatre 180 about the compelling true story of Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke. When leaving Singapore following the Japanese invasion, the group's ship was bombed, forcing the nurses to spend days at sea before finding Radji Beach on Bangka Island, where they surrendered.”
“This motion rightly acknowledges, recognises and thanks the women who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. Australian women have been a central part of our Defence Force for over a century, in every element of our forces. From the beginning of the Anzac legend in World War I, when women served as nurses on the front lines, to today's personnel operating across land, sea, air and cyber domains, their contribution has been constant, essential and, too often, sadly under-recognised. Throughout all conflicts involving Australia, our nation's women have been there to protect and care for us, sacrificing their own lives for ours. In World War II, women played a critical role in protecting Australian shores from potential Japanese invasion.”
“Whether it's the current fuel shortage, the banning of live sheep exports, the firearm law changes in Western Australia, changes in Western Australia impacting our fishing families or a poorly designed childcare system, Labor governments are, time and time again, demonstrating that they either don't understand regional Western Australia or simply don't care about regional Western Australia. This issue of child care is just another example of regional Western Australians being treated with disrespect and disregard by the Albanese Labor government.”
“This is simply not possible, especially in regional towns like those in my electorate of Durack. Every family is unique. Cultures, work patterns, faith, traditions and support networks—well, they all vary. Some families rely on grandparents; others prefer in-home or family day care. A system that is built around a universal method does not represent Australia or the diversity needed within the system. In contrast, the coalition believes that parental choice should drive childcare policy. Government should be empowering families with real choices and options, not forcing them into an approach that suits Canberra bureaucrats. Currently, these choices are not available to these families.”
“On Monday, the Australian Childcare Alliance WA told the West Australian newspaper that the Mid West, Port Hedland and Kununurra had the greatest staffing difficulties due to high attraction costs, housing shortages and rising rents. The recent federal inquiry into child safety concerns in early learning was told that nearly 700,000 people are living in areas with little or no access to child care. Families around Australia are driving several hours to neighbouring towns for child care, or they're turning down full-time work because care is simply not available. These problems have been created by the Albanese Labor government's approach to child care. Their view is that child care should be universal—not just universal but 'one size fits all' and all centre based.”
“The current state of child care in regional Western Australia is dire. Economic and social wellbeing of communities is under threat because of the lack of affordable, accessible care. My electorate of Durack is not immune from this. In Kununurra, dozens of families have been left without child care for the past three months, following the sudden closure of the town's only childcare centre in December. Couples running businesses, working full time, without family support are now taking extended unpaid leave to care for their children. This affects every industry in Kununurra. In Western Australia, Durack has been the hardest hit in attracting and retaining qualified childcare workers.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Minister, the WA Country Health Service has told its staff: 'Please make sure all cars are not left below three-quarters of a tank at all times. Fuel availability at your next destination cannot be guaranteed.' Can the minister guarantee that the employees of the WA Country Health Service are able to access a secure supply of fuel in this national crisis?”
“If we're going to say no, we should say no quickly or say yes quickly, so we can actually get these projects out of the ground. We are supporting this bill. Of course, we support the NAIF. The coalition created the NAIF, and we recognise the importance of continuing this investment. For the communities across Durack and the north, NAIF represents an ongoing commitment to the infrastructure that supports jobs, drives investment and strengthens regional Australia. A thriving north equals a prosperous Australia. It always has; it always will. For that, we need the Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund, which is why the coalition created the fund and why we support this bill today.”
“From critical minerals and energy to agriculture and international trade, the north will play a vital role in our economic prosperity in the decades ahead. I reflect on travelling around in 2012 and 2013, when Andrew Robb was the relevant shadow minister, and talking about the development of the north and what we could do there. I think it's fair to say that we still haven't done enough. We still haven't unlocked the economic potential. NAIF is a part of that. If I can give a message to the people in NAIF it would be that if we can make decisions quicker—say no quicker and say yes quicker—I think that would be of enormous potential and an enormous help to those projects, because people are left hanging for far too long. It's a little bit of encouragement.”
“Ports, rail networks, energy infrastructure and water projects require long-term planning, financing and construction. Extending the NAIF provides certainty to investors, businesses and communities that the Commonwealth remains committed to the development of northern Australia. As the member for Durack, of course I would like to see more projects funded by the NAIF in north-west Australia. So, although supporting this extension, the coalition will be focused on ensuring that projects deliver genuine public benefit and that regional communities see real outcomes, not just announcements. Investments must prioritise projects that strengthen local economies, create sustainable employment and deliver lasting benefits to regional communities right across the north. Northern Australia holds enormous potential for our nation's future.”
“Without the investment by the coalition in the key infrastructure for the Perdaman project, this project would not have got to the starting line. In addition to investing in state government entities—important infrastructure—the coalition announced a further funding commitment of $220 million to the actual Perdaman urea project in August 2022. I was in Karratha only the other week, and it is so pleasing to see this project coming out of the ground. It is really, really exciting. The coalition supports the extension of the NAIF's investment period for another 10 years, through to 2036. This extension is critical, but, as I said, it would have been preferred if we were today talking about it becoming a permanent body. Major infrastructure projects do not operate on short timelines.”
“This was a significant investment in what will be Australia's largest urea plant, kickstarting a new multibillion-dollar fertilising industry, creating 2½ thousand jobs and around $8½ billion in public benefits. This project is significant. In 2021, in support of the Perdaman project, the coalition announced a NAIF commitment of $160 million to the Pilbara Ports authority. These funds were for a multi-user wharf and facilities at the Port of Dampier. At the same time, there was also a funding commitment of $95 million to the Water Corporation for the expansion of the Burrup seawater supply and brine disposal scheme. It is worth highlighting that both of these entities are owned by the state government of Western Australia.”
“By partnering with private industry to support large-scale infrastructure, the NAIF creates jobs during construction, sustains long-term employment once operational and delivers lasting benefits to those regional communities. For communities across the Kimberley, the Pilbara and beyond, this investment means new opportunities, stronger local economies and greater long-term certainty. I want to take a moment to note the Minister for Climate Change and Energy's recent comments regarding the Albanese government's NAIF investment in the Perdaman urea project in Karratha. I'd like to take this opportunity to put on record that this investment was created and announced under the Morrison government, to make this important urea project a reality.”
“At the last election, we took a policy to make the fund permanent because we acknowledge the need to cement the north's economic footprint. It is a real shame that the Albanese government is not legislating to make the NAIF permanent. Instead, we are left with uncertainty over the program. I can attest that the support provided through the NAIF has allowed growth and development in resource-rich regions of Durack, particularly the Kimberley and the Pilbara. Under the Turnbull and Morrison governments, thousands of new jobs were created in Durack from those investments, which have provided arguably billions of dollars in public benefit, with the value growing as these projects evolve. The NAIF plays a vital role in enabling projects that might otherwise never be built.”
“As at October 2025, NAIF was supporting 32 projects. The Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility has helped improve essential services, strengthened global supply chains, created jobs and training opportunities, supported Indigenous engagement, increased resilience of infrastructure and encouraged private investment. It has been a central pillar of development across northern Australia since its establishment. The investments provided under the NAIF have backed projects across a variety of industries, from agriculture to transport, mining and energy, housing and telecommunications. It was a coalition government that established, funded and legislated the NAIF, and we will continue to ensure it remains for years to come.”
“I rise today to speak on the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Amendment Bill 2026. As the member for Durack, I consider this bill to be very close to my electorate and to me. Nearly half of my electorate is part of northern Australia and has benefited from the NAIF. This bill directly affects me in my role to support those living in the north of Western Australia. The coalition has long supported and advocated for the development of northern Australia. We've always recognised the importance of a strong northern Australia and the prosperity this provides to our economy. It was, of course, a coalition Turnbull government that established the NAIF back in 2016, and I was very proud to support the new funding model at the time. The $7 billion fund has underpinned around 20,000 jobs across Australia.”
“And, when those affected have sought support, they have been met with indifference from arrogant and out-of-touch Labor governments. Remember that the banning of the live sheep trade was never about animal welfare. It was only ever about winning votes in inner-city seats in Sydney and Melbourne. I say shame on Labor. It's time state and federal Labor governments showed respect to regional Western Australians keeping our economy strong, growing our food and fibre and making daily sacrifices for us.”
“They then made the application for the support package near-on impossible to complete. Many in the industry haven't even bothered applying, because the process is so daunting, drawn-out and, quite frankly, just tiring. Families and communities are still hurting from the initial announcement. The government has done next to nothing to support them or ease the burden. To add insult to injury, of the recent $20 million grant application, there is over $16 million that's shared amongst five abattoir processing plants. You can't make this stuff up. When our state flock has now dwindled to an estimated six million, down from 12.7 million in 2022, it's difficult to see how we can have a sustainable processing sector, regardless of government grants. This government has ripped away regional livelihoods and failed to stand by key industries.”
“Seafood shops have got no fish to sell. Boat ramps are empty, and boats are sitting in sheds. A petition signed by over 27,000 Western Australians has been tabled by the opposition in state parliament, calling for a pause on the bans until a parliamentary inquiry is held and the need for emergency financial relief for affected fishers is agreed to. Sadly, Labor's contempt extends to the WA agricultural industry, with the banning of the live sheep export trade. After nearly two years of uncertainty, the first live sheep export trade transition dollars are finally being rolled out. This is simply too little, too late. In that time, our state flock numbers have tumbled. First, the Albanese government announced an insultingly low support package, an amount which was never going to be enough compared to the revenue loss.”
“In fact, the minister doesn't even have the decency to travel to Western Australia and meet with our fishers. The other week, fisher men and women from all over the state gathered on the steps of the state parliament to rally against the ban. Amongst the crowd were multiple multigenerational fishing families now selling their boats and also selling their nets and wondering how they're going to pay their mortgages without an income. All those who gathered were simply asking for a conversation and basic support from the WA minister. Instead, they have been ignored, dismissed and left feeling completely unheard by yet another arrogant Labor government. In my electorate of Durack, fishing families are being pushed to the brink and risk being wiped out entirely. This is no exaggeration. Bait shops are closing.”
“They made the announcement and said 'in a month's time', giving no warning to those in the industry to prepare for life after fishing. Honestly, it is unbelievable. Further to this and despite being the richest state in Australia, the WA government could only manage a paltry $29 million compensation package. That is so disrespectful to an industry that has worked hard to keep itself thriving while maintaining a manageable and sustainable level of growth. In comparison, the federal and Queensland governments have committed more than $160 million to phase out gillnet fishing. Why is it that Western Australian men and women fishers have drawn the short straw? Despite efforts from me and my WA colleagues, the federal fisheries minister refuses to support those WA fishing families.”