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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“Allowing imports is just unnecessary, and it's downright dangerous. Exotic diseases like moko or black sigatoka could devastate farms, wipe out crops and put Carnarvon families out of work. Our farmers, our families and our communities must come first. I call on the government to deny the request and protect Carnarvon producers.”
“Families have been growing them for generations, working through floods, droughts and cyclones. They've survived it all through hard work and their resilience. Carnarvon's banana plantations produce nearly 80 per cent of all bananas consumed in WA, and much of the work is still done by hand, with bunches weighing up to 50 kilograms. Today on National Banana Day—shout-out to the bananas out there!—it's worth reflecting on the hard work of these families and the new threat that they now face. The federal department of agriculture is reviewing a request from the Philippines to import their bananas. Do you know what's really bananas? It's that the Albanese government is even considering this proposal. Australian growers already produce more than enough high-quality fruit to supply our domestic market year-round.”
“Launching and retrieving boats under these conditions is dangerous and places locals and visitors at risk. I recently met with the Broome Fishing Club with the Leader of the WA Liberal Party, Basil Zempilas. The club made it even more clear: this facility is urgently needed. Their heartbreaking stories of damaged vessels and near misses highlight that this is a real safety issue not just an inconvenience. The Cook Labor government has had more than enough time. It must stop the excuses, finalise approvals and get on with delivering the safe, modern boating facility Broome has been promised for over two decades. Quite simply, the Broome boating community cannot wait any longer. In the town of Carnarvon in the Gascoyne region of my electorate of Durack, bananas are not just fruit; they are a livelihood.”
“For more than 20 years the people of Broome have been waiting for a safe, all-tide boating facility. Time and time again they have been promised action, yet still nothing has been delivered. Broome is the jewel in the crown of Western Australia's north, a world-class tourism destination, the gateway to the Kimberley and home to some of the most spectacular coastline in the country. It also has one of the highest numbers of boat owners in WA, yet it lacks a proper safe boat ramp or boating infrastructure. In 2022 the Cook Labor government announced a welcome $77 million project at Entrance Point. Two years on, construction has not started, and approvals remain incomplete. This delay is totally unacceptable. Broome faces some of the world's largest tides—up to 10 metres—combined with strong winds and swell.”
“Finally, a keen interest of mine is space. Space is no longer a distant ambition; it is a frontline of modern defence, which underpins much of what our Defence Force does. At the International Astronautical Congress last week, I was pleased to meet with some proud Australian companies, including HEO and the Space Machines Company, which are developing technologies that could fit into that framework. Yet space industry has been left adrift, with key programs such as JP 9102 cancelled by the Albanese government. Given there are so many capability gaps, I ask the minister: how can the Prime Minister continue to resist raising Defence spending to at least three per cent of GDP when he has said capability will always be supported? (Time expired)”
“We need a whole-of-nation effort, a long-term skills pipeline that connects our schools, TAFEs, universities and industry, because, without the workforce, the rest of the plan collapses. We knew this when we were in government, under the Morrison government. It was significant, a big focus of my own portfolio, because, at the time, I was the Minister for Defence Industry. Procurement remains difficult for primes and SMEs alike. They are still struggling to break through the layers of bureaucracy that stand between them and defence contracts. These are innovative Australian firms, many with world-leading technologies, that want to contribute to the national effort. They need fair access, clear pathways and timely decisions. If the government wants industry to invest, it must provide genuine partnership, not just procurement paperwork.”
“The government wishes to obtain nuclear submarines but does not want to spend any more money to obtain them. Instead, they have sought to cannibalise funds from other aspects of Defence. This simply symbolises the government's wrong approach to Defence. Submarines, of course, are a critical pillar, but they are not a substitute for a balanced, broad based approach to national capability. Every dollar spent through AUKUS must be matched with a commitment to strengthen local industry, encourage innovation and develop skills across the supply chain. That brings us to workforce. It is not enough to build infrastructure if we don't have the people to operate it.”
“Simply, they've done nothing in three years. So, while we welcome the renewed attention on the Western Australian shipbuilding capacity and the potential for high-skilled, well-paid jobs, the reality is that our very important defence industry needs certainty, not just spin. And it's not just about shipbuilding. Our defence industrial policy must stretch across every important domain. A key part of building sovereign capability is investing in emerging technologies that are reshaping modern warfare. Precision munitions, drones, unmanned vehicles and autonomous vessels are no longer experimental; they are redefining the character of warfare. If reports that the AUKUS agreement has survived the recent US review are true, we of course welcome that. However, AUKUS alone cannot carry our entire defence industrial strategy.”
“Projects are announced and then quietly pushed to the right. Procurement frameworks remain slow and risk-averse. Industry partners who invested in good faith under previous programs are left wondering whether the government is genuinely committed to growing sovereign capability or simply just managing the headlines. Take Henderson in Western Australia as an example. The government has promised a $12 billion redevelopment of the Henderson precinct, but the real cost, when all elements are counted, will be closer to $25 billion. Even then, planning for the expansion won't be complete until 2027. After their doing next to nothing for three years, we suddenly saw an announcement just before the Prime Minister's trip to the United States. Incredibly, the boundaries and definition of the precinct aren't even settled.”
“Our strategic environment today is the most dangerous it has been since World War II. We face a region where military expansion is accelerating, authoritarian regimes are testing the resolve of democracies and cyber and space are now as contested as land, sea and air. In that context, Australia's defence industry isn't just a source of jobs; it is indeed a cornerstone of our national security. A strong, sovereign industrial base is what allows us to sustain our forces in conflict, keep our supply chains open and ensure that we can deter threats without relying entirely on our allies and partners. But, despite the rhetoric, there is growing disillusionment across the defence industry. Small and medium enterprises that once saw opportunity in partnering with Defence now describe a system weighed down by uncertainty and delay.”
“They said more houses, hospital upgrades and even an X-ray machine—practical solutions to the challenges that their families face. Others spoke about accessibility: wheelchair access at their school, a new arts centre, basketball courts, a swimming pool, a motocross track and even a dog park. I'd like to thank the students for their very thoughtful ideas. With a town population of around 450, their voices remind us that small regional communities must be heard, not ignored. I urge the government to listen to communities just like Mount Magnet and invest in the infrastructure and services that give each child, no matter where they live, the opportunity and chance to thrive.”
“Last month I had the privilege of welcoming to Parliament House students and teachers from Mount Magnet District High School who travelled from the red dirt of Mount Magnet—one of WA's original and longest serving gold mining towns—to the heart of our nation's democracy. This school in the Mid West region educates around 90 students from kindergarten to year 10, guided by a simple but powerful set of expectations: 'We are respectful, we are responsible, we are achievers.' With a strong Indigenous student population, the school weaves culture into the curriculum, keeping students connected to their heritage whilst preparing them for the future. I asked the students what they would do for their town if they were Prime Minister for a day.”
“This coincides with record demand, paired with the state government's failure to increase the number of beds. State government, you've got to do much better! I want to refer to comments made by the member for Cowan, Minister Aly, just recently. On Monday, the minister said that those who marched on Sunday 'weren't protesting immigration from white Western countries; they were very clearly protesting immigration that has brown people.' I was very disappointed to hear the minister say those words. Labor lectures about social cohesion and division. What do we think statements like that do? I call on Minister Aly to apologise unreservedly. For the first time, young adult Australians' quality of life is worse. (Time expired)”
“Don't projects like the North Stoneville development become inevitable with the government committed to mass migration? And, if we say no to urban sprawl but continue with the policy of rapid growth, is the solution instead much greater levels of higher density housing? Again, I raise the issue of family planning. High-density housing is not always suitable for families. Why should we accept that younger generations shouldn't be able to have the same opportunities to raise a family that myself and yourself, Madam Deputy Speaker Sharkie, enjoy. Of course, it's not just housing not keeping up; neither is our infrastructure system nor our health system. In terms of health system, WA set a new ambulance ramping record last month, at 7,074 hours.”
“This is also a compounding problem because a low fertility rate in turn makes us even more reliant on migration going forward. We know Labor won't meet their target of 1.2 million new homes being built. This was a target set, by the way, with budget projections outlining significantly smaller numbers of net overseas migration. Supply of housing is not keeping up, but, even if it could, let's consider what this type of housing would look like. In Perth, we already have serious concerns about urban sprawl and developments encroaching on important habitats. I ask the member for Bullwinkel about a development proposal that she doesn't agree with in her electorate, which was approved only last year by the environment minister.”
“I read yesterday that the Centre of Population has predicted WA will reach 3.5 million people over the next decade. Before we commit to another such rise, shouldn't we at least reflect on whether Western Australians benefited from the last increase? Remember, bigger does not necessarily mean better. Ask our younger Australians whether they are better off right here right now. The average age of a first home buyer is now around the mid-30s, and, as house prices increase, it is going to become increasingly hard to pay off a mortgage without two full-time incomes. Think of what this has done for family planning. It is no wonder the fertility rate sits at 1.5 births per woman, which is the lowest rate in Australia's history.”
“I struggle to see how relying on consistent increases is a model for sustainability for our universities, let alone for our environment, infrastructure, housing and hospital system. This week the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Citizenship also confirmed that the Albanese government would not cut annual permanent migration from 185,000 per year. Let me be very clear. I do not seek to demonise migrants who want to come to our country and make a positive contribution. But this country desperately needs to debate whether the migration program is working for Australians. In just 10 years, the population of my home state of Western Australia has increased from 2.5 million to three million people. This growth has primarily been driven by overseas migration.”
“On Monday I spoke about the frustration many Australians feel towards the Albanese Labor government's policy of mass migration. In 2022-23 Labor estimated net overseas migration would be 235,000. The real number was 528,000. In 2023-24 those opposite estimated 235,000. Again the real number was significantly higher, at 446,000. Despite ongoing concern about housing availability and thousands taking to the streets over the weekend, we see Labor doubling down. Labor went to the May election promising to reduce the number of international students. But last month, Labor abandoned this pledge, instead committing to increase the cap by 25,000 students per year. This was all done in the name of sustainability.”
“Let me say that again: young Australian adults, you are not invincible and you are also vulnerable to scams. The Bankwest experience is proof of that. If you have revealed information through a phishing email or text, you should contact your bank to secure your accounts immediately. You should also contact other services where the information could be used to access accounts, including ATO or Services Australia. In addition to changing passwords, you should also report the incident through the ReportCyber service. But, to avoid all doubt, please don't click on any suspicious links, and, if in doubt, contact the institution directly.”
“I was concerned to read over the weekend in the Sunday Times that young Australians are increasingly falling for phishing scams. Phishing—spelt with a 'ph'—is a way that cybercriminals trick you into giving them your personal information by sending fraudulent emails or text messages pretending to be someone else. In this case, it was Bankwest being impersonated, and they have reported a 49 per cent increase in losses from phishing scams for those aged between 18 to 24 years old. This was during last financial year compared to the year prior. Young people are often considered to have a greater understanding of cyberthreats given their greater use of devices; however, this news should serve as a reminder to young Australian adults that you are not invincible.”
“And to Arnold, we simply say: thank you. Thank you for your service, your vision, your courage and your heart. Rest peacefully, Arnold. The ocean watches over you now, just as you have watched over Port Hedland.”
“He and his beloved wife, Frances, were granted the honour of being buried in Port Hedland, resting on that small hill overlooking the ocean, a final tribute to two of the longest standing Port Hedland residents. 'To know where you're going to go is a big thing,' Arnold once said. Arnold lived through 29 cyclones, owned 26 businesses and was involved in almost every community group you could name, from marine rescue, to the chamber of commerce, to the turf club. He gave, he led and he never stopped caring about his beloved Port Hedland. Arnold often attended Liberal Party events and was never backwards in providing me with advice; however, he always did so in a gentle, well-mannered way because he was a gentleman. To Fran and the Carter family, together with all of the residents of Port Hedland, I offer my deepest condolences.”
“But Arnold's contributions went far beyond industry. He served on council for 34 years, including as shire president from 1979 to 1985, and helped to lead the community through enormous change, enormous growth and more than a few cyclones. He was there when decisions mattered most, and he always put the people of Port Hedland, of the Pilbara, first. He was also a fierce advocate who was never afraid to speak his mind, even well into his 90s. Whether fighting for underground power, better transparency in government or, more recently, the right to be buried in the local pioneer cemetery he so loved, Arnold never backed down on what he believed in. That determination paid off.”
“I rise today to acknowledge the life of Arnold Carter of Port Hedland, whose recent passing will leave a hole in the heart of Port Hedland. Arnold wasn't just a long-term resident; he was Port Hedland—its spirit, its strength and its story. For over 60 years, Arnold called Port Hedland home, and, in doing so, he helped shape it into what it is today. His passing is not just a loss for Port Hedland; it is a loss for the Pilbara and for all of Western Australia. Arnold was a living piece of history. He arrived in Port Hedland in 1962, when it was still a small northern town, and became one of the driving forces behind its transformation into a global iron ore hub. He was there from the very beginning, helping to establish the port, managing key projects and working hard to secure Port Hedland's place in the national economy.”
“Yet he has not once conceded that his reckless increase of the migration program is making life harder for all Australians. The challenge before us is not to lecture or to condemn but to listen and to respond, to restore faith that this country can once again be a place where a young person can dream of buying their own home, raising their family and building their future in a nation that is united, not divided, and that Australia is still the lucky country.”
“Most of that growth has been driven by overseas migration. This wouldn't be so bad if housing supply, infrastructure and the hospital system were keeping up with this growth, but they simply are not. When I raise Labor's reckless migration, I don't seek to demonise migrants—far from it. I do not blame anyone who wants to come here. After all, we are the greatest country in the world. Why wouldn't you want to come here? We have also long benefited from a steady migration program. Our multicultural character is one of the defining qualities of our great country. I think most people who marched would share that sentiment. I think their anger is directed solely at the Albanese Labor government for not managing the migration program properly. Our prime minister promised to be a leader who would take responsibility.”
“I have repeatedly spoken about the rising cost of living impacting families, small businesses and young Australians in particular, who have almost given up on ever owning their own homes. For most, I think this wasn't about demonising anyone. This was about calling on the government to have a sensible approach to migration. One man who marched in Brisbane outlined on Channel 9 a sentiment which I believe would reflect the view of most Australians. He said: 'I love migration, okay? I'm from a family of immigrants as well. The point is how many you bring in the country. Where do you house them?' And I think that is a very worthy question to ask. In less than 10 years, my home state of WA has gone from having a population of less than 2.5 million people to a population of over three million people.”
“But I will say this: I refuse to condemn everyone who attended one of these marches yesterday, like many of those opposite have done. I've heard them in a number of speeches today in this place. I note that they have not been so quick to condemn extremists in the pro-Palestinian camp. I'll leave people to make up their own minds as to why that would be so. Among the crowds were thousands of good, fair-minded Australians—everyday mums and dads, workers and retirees, people who simply love our country and just want to be heard by their government. To dismiss all of them as hateful or divisive is wrong. The fact is that these rallies would not have attracted the same crowds if they had been organised a few years ago. Australians are hurting.”
“Australians are likewise disgusted by these actions and have been alarmed by the waving of foreign flags, including those of terrorist groups like ISIS, the Taliban, Hezbollah and Hamas. Many patriotic Australians have taken notice of this and started to wonder if indeed we are losing our way as a nation. That sense of disillusionment and frustration is real, and I believe it is part of what led ordinary Australians to attend a March for Australia protest yesterday. Let me be absolutely, abundantly clear—anyone who tries to use the Australian flag to spread hate or division is not a patriot. They are not standing up for our country, and Neo-Nazis must be condemned absolutely. Our diggers fought the Nazis. Embracing this ideology is the opposite of Australian patriotism.”
“Earlier today, I was proud to see one of the Australian flags that fly above this building on display in the great hall, hosted by your good self, Mr Speaker. Thank you. This coincided with Australian National Flag Day, marking 124 years since our flag was first officially flown on 3 September 1901. Our flag is more than a piece of blue, red and white cloth. It is a symbol of sacrifice, national identity and unity. More than 100,000 Australians have fought and died under our flag. In times of peace and war, it has bound us together. I've personally been disgusted to see that our flag has been defiled. In protests across the nation, it has been burnt and stomped on.”
“We know that cyberwarfare is a preferred weapon of state actors and is particularly utilised by the Iranian mullahs. Google's threat intelligence group has already raised the prospect that pro-Iranian activists may seek to target Australian organisations. The Albanese government must stand ready and be prepared to provide immediate support to affected groups or individuals, and it must be transparent with the Australian people. To all those Australians who are listening: this should serve as a timely reminder to always take care online and to look out for any suspicious activity.”
“The revelations this week that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps orchestrated at least two attacks here in Australia demonstrate the lengths to which hostile states will go to undermine our security and our social cohesion. This is one of the most egregious acts of foreign interference against our nation, and it is totally appropriate that Labor have finally expelled the Iranian ambassador. I thank the men and women at ASIO, whose investigation uncovered this plot, for their continued service towards keeping us safe. But we must not assume that Iran is finished with its attacks on Australia. While these assaults were physical in nature, we should anticipate that Iran's retaliation for the ambassador's expulsion could venture into the cyberdomain.”
“To me, as a member of the opposition, it is clear we have a big job ahead of us, but I can guarantee to the people of Durack that we are up to it. Those opposite currently hold 94 seats, an almost unimaginable result before election day. It is clear that the Prime Minister and the members behind him are still riding high and feeling pretty good about themselves, and anyone watching question time has already seen the hubris from those opposite coming across the chamber. But I'd like to remind those opposite that politics should not be about personal victories. Politics must deliver tangible results for Australians—for all Australians. It is my hope that this 48th Parliament delivers far more than the 47th.”
“These are the skills Australia needs, and making sure more young Australians, and women in particular, move into STEM is a priority for me in this portfolio. I wrote to the Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, in July requesting a briefing on the government's plan for the Science portfolio; I'm yet to hear back from Minister Ayres, but I've said before we will work constructively with the government where we can. I look forward to receiving a response from Minister Ayres. I'll conclude by again thanking my electorate of Durack for giving me the great honour of once again serving as their federal representative. I will work every day to ensure their voices are heard and will try my best to represent both those who voted for me and those who did not.”
“I was pleased to join the Parliamentary Friends of Space industry event last night and speak to members of the Space Industry Association of Australia. Despite Labor's cuts, there are still plenty of opportunities for Australia to benefit from the space revolution, but it is important the government start to send the right signals, right now, that will drive further investment. The upcoming International Astronautical Congress in Sydney provides the government with a great opportunity to begin to undo the damage of their first term. In addition to space, I have, in recent months, been connecting with our universities and leading scientists. Increasing engagement in STEM—being science, technology, engineering and maths—has never been more important than right now.”
“I am particularly excited to be back involved with the Australian civil space industry. When we were in government we established the Australian Space Agency and invested a record amount aimed at growing this very important industry. I moved a private member's motion on Monday in this place, outlining that, unfortunately, a lot of this investment was wound back in Labor's first term—very disappointing for the Australian space industry. I know Madam Deputy Speaker Sharkie, being a South Australian, will understand that only too well. This included Labor's decision to abolish the $1.2 billion National Space Mission for Earth Observation and to strip funding from the Technology into Orbit program, the Moon to Mars program, and the Spaceports program.”
“The coalition has called on Labor to commit to increasing defence spending to at least three per cent of GDP. This is incredibly important if we are to deliver AUKUS and to project collective strength. I believe Labor should also consider greater investment in cyberdefences, as has been committed to by the NATO alliance in the face of Russian aggression. NATO's recent commitment was to lift core defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and spend a further 1.5 per cent of GDP on broader defence and security related investments, including cyber. I'm also very pleased to be returning to the Science portfolio. I had the great honour of being the Minister for Science and Technology during the Morrison government, and it has been so good to reconnect with stakeholders from that time and to connect with new ones as well.”
“The director-general of ASIO recently announced that the cost of espionage adds up to $12.5 billion a year, much of which is conducted in cyberspace. He outlined that the nations trying to steal our secrets include China, Russia and Iran. We should not be afraid to acknowledge the threat such nations pose, and we must improve our capacity to respond, particularly as the strategic competition increases. We should take reports that China is winning the cyberwar very seriously and respond with immediate action. We must work with our partners, especially the United States, to create a strong and united bloc that can withstand and respond to attacks. Advancing cyber capabilities is, of course, an important aspect of AUKUS Pillar 2. To be clear, cybersecurity is national security.”
“Australians are also right to be concerned about malicious cyberactivity threatening our national security. As the government's own latest Annual cyber threat repor t outlines, Australia is confronting its worst and most complex strategic environment since World War II, and this includes growing threats in cyberspace. State sponsored cyberoperations are ongoing and are an escalating concern, particularly as strategic competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific. These actors are engaged in intelligence gathering, interference, coercion and attempts to gain a foothold within critical networks. Should the strategic environment deteriorate significantly, Australia could face major and disruptive cyberattacks.”
“With 5.7 million accounts impacted, this was a nationally significant incident, and many in this parliament were affected as well. While no credit cards, financial information, passport details or pass codes were accessed, Australians still needed to take care of the data extracted to make sure that others couldn't take advantage of that information. Australians who have trusted a business with their personal information should have faith that their information is safe. The Qantas breach and the TPG iiNet breach in recent days demonstrates that this data is vulnerable. And I think that Australians deserve better. I've outlined to the Minister for Cyber Security that we are prepared to work with the government to better protect Australians' data, just as we did in the last parliament.”
“These are all important issues that we as an opposition will need to respond to through effective policy development, and I note the measured approach outlined by the Leader of the Opposition. As Sussan Ley has said, we will be constructive where we can but critical where we must, and, while our policies are under review, our values are not. To be clear, the Liberal Party stands for individual freedom, reward for effort, limited government involvement, and a prouder and stronger Australia. On top of being returned as the member for Durack, it is an honour to have been appointed as the shadow minister for cybersecurity and as the shadow minister for science. Shortly after I was announced as the coalition shadow minister for cybersecurity, Qantas was subject to one of the biggest cyber breaches in Australia's history.”
“There, we had the great pleasure of meeting with community leaders, local businesspeople and health professionals who are committed to making a real difference. We understand that prioritising symbolism over practical action, as this government has done repeatedly, won't improve the outcomes for Indigenous Australians nor the communities that they live in. As the Leader of the Opposition has said, we will continue to fall short until we address the following: the early years, and making sure our kids go to and stay in school; the mismanagement of taxpayer dollars, as plenty of money is spent but too much keeps going to the same things over and over; and the need for proper training and real jobs.”
“I don't think so. Domestic industries that no longer exist don't produce any emissions, so there you go—you've solved the problem. Close down industry and you get a reduction in emissions. So much for the Future Made in Australia! As the member for Durack, I also proudly represent the second-largest Indigenous population of any MP. Improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians and the communities they live in has always been a priority of mine, and I was deeply troubled to see the news recently that just four of the 19 Closing the Gap targets are on track. While the Prime Minister was at Garma announcing a bunch of money previously slated and talking about an economic plan he'd referred to the year before, I was honoured to join the Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley, and the shadow minister for Indigenous Australians in the Kimberley.”
“Well, that sounds like good news, doesn't it? It sounds like the government has got this all under control. But, if you investigate why the numbers have gone down, you might think again. Emissions linked to industrial processes and product-use emissions decreased by 4.7 per cent over the year to March 2025. Guess what the primary driver of this decrease was. It was with respect to a decrease in steel production. Similarly, emissions from agriculture are down because of a reduction in livestock numbers. I previously said that there is no way Labor will meet its emissions targets, but that's not entirely true. There is a way for them to do so. And, sadly, it is by decimating our heavy industry and sending those opportunities offshore. You can do that—you can send industry offshore and reduce your emissions—but is that good for our country?”
“They see it in their power bills, which have not gone down by the $275 promised by the Prime Minister. The coalition has announced a policy development process relating to the energy and emissions reduction policies we will take to the next election. But two fundamental principles will underpin this work: (1) having a stable, reliable energy grid which provides affordable power for households and business; and (2) reducing emissions in a responsible, transparent way that ensures that Australia does its fair share. What is clear, though, is that intermittent power cannot sustain a successful and robust economy. I refer to the release this week of the Q uarterly u pdate of Australia's n ational g reenhouse g as i nventory : March 2025 report. The report says that emissions have decreased by 1.4 per cent compared with the previous year.”
“I would like to state very clearly here that it is not bigoted or racist to say that Australia's migration system must work for those who are already here—those who've already chosen to call Australia home. Nor is it bigoted or racist to say that, right now, that isn't the case. I'm very proud of the incredibly diverse, multicultural community that makes up the electorate of Durack. The coalition came to government in 2013 largely because of out-of-control illegal migration. I believe the coalition could return to government by promising to combat Labor's out-of-control legal migration. Energy will, of course, be similarly important for us to establish a pathway back to government. Australians are figuring out on their own that Labor's farcical renewables-only strategy is not working. Australians can figure that out all by themselves.”
“The Albanese Labor government sought to neutralise this issue before the last election by promising to curb international student numbers and insisting that net migration would come down. Just three short months later, however, the government announced that it would increase the international student cap by 25,000 per year. This follows net migration numbers being consistently higher than Labor's budget projections. Let's be clear about this. Labor's broken promises on migration are just pouring more fuel on the fire. Sadly, there are members opposite who—despite what they said at the time of the election—refuse even to admit that this high level of net migration is a problem, and instead resort to name-calling those who do.”
“This growth has been primarily driven by overseas migration. Let me be clear: Australia has a long and proud history of migration. But it is absolutely essential that policymakers wake up and realise that such high levels of growth are simply unsustainable. The current migration program is putting a heavy burden on housing, infrastructure and the hospital system. I was staggered by a recent report identified by the WA Liberal Party which showed that, since the WA Labor government took office in 2017, the number of daily active beds in metropolitan hospitals has increased by just 118. In that same time, the population has grown by 400,000. Is it any wonder that our WA health system is not working as it ought to?”
“In just a short amount of time, they managed to secure the signatures of over 100,000 fellow Australians who also wanted to tell the government that this decision was deeply unfair. With the ban set to take effect on 1 May 2028, I will continue to advocate on behalf of those affected communities across Durack. This term I will also continue to talk about the importance of restoring the Australian dream of homeownership. We have seen young Australians practically give up on this dream in recent years, and this is a national crisis that requires immediate action. Supply is obviously part of the problem, but we have to be serious in acknowledging that demand plays its part as well. Ten years ago my home state of Western Australia had a population of less than 2½ million people. Today, it has grown to over three million.”
“There are communities across regional Western Australia whose very existence is threatened by Labor's ban, and they were not going to let this happen without a fight. I heard from a lot of people that they had always been Labor voters, but they simply could not vote for them again because of this issue. Regional communities have a very good habit of standing together when an outsider comes to tell them what can and cannot happen. In acknowledging the role live export had in Durack, I would also like to acknowledge the people behind Keep the Sheep. This was an organisation formed simply out of desperation to save an industry and the livelihoods of at least 3,000 Western Australians.”