Colin Boyce
Flynn · Liberal National Party · Australia
“We all know the recent budget was a disaster. However, there's an initiative that I do welcome, and that is the $10.7 billion fuel security package, comprising $7.5 billion to establish a fuel and fertiliser security facility, $3.2 billion for a government owned Australian fuel security reserve and $10 million for a feasibility study into…”
“We will restore common sense to housing and immigration by ensuring Australia only brings in as many people as it can house. Under the coalition's policy pledge, net overseas immigration will be capped each year at the number of new homes completed in Australia.”
“After four years of higher taxes, more debt, fewer homes, weaker borders and falling living standards under Labor, the coalition is putting forward seven policies to restore Australia's standard of living and protect our way of life. Under Labor, inflation has pushed up prices, wages and tax bills.”
“We'll deliver more fuel, more storage and more security for Australia and reduce pressure on families and small businesses by scrapping Labor's safeguard mechanism, a carbon tax on business that will cost refineries, for example, around $165 million by 2029-30.”
“It is a clear opportunity to build on that strength and secure Gladstone's future as a powerhouse of industry and energy. With the right backing, this project can drive economic growth, support local businesses and provide greater certainty for families across Central Queensland.”
“By increasing defence spending to three per cent of GDP, the coalition will provide increases to defence spending so that the men and women of the Australian Defence Force have the proper platforms, equipment and protection to fight for us.”
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“The big problem, to my understanding, is that, come the middle of April and May, for those fuel shipments that come to Australia in big ships from places like South Korea, for example, or from Indonesia or Singapore, many contracts will roll over, and it's very unsure whether they will get renewed again. In my deliberations with the resources minister, I pointed out to her that it is extremely important that we ensure those fuel deliveries, particularly to our refineries, to the big importers, because, if Australia runs out of diesel, the whole country stops. We will be in a very, very difficult national security and economic situation if we don't have enough diesel for the mining and resources sector, for the transport sector and indeed for the agricultural sector.”
“As I say, these are the issues that we need to work through, as a parliament, with an issue that is extremely complicated, because none of us really knows what is going to happen with the Middle East crisis and whether the Strait of Hormuz will eventually be opened and how that will affect future fuel supplies to Australia. In my deliberations, I did also speak to the Minister for Resources—I actually spoke to her twice—about this issue of future fuel deliveries for Australia and how that might affect, particularly, heavy industry, transport and the agricultural sector.”
“For me, that signalled the fact that the big companies that control the fuel were not allowing that distribution to happen. Since then—and that was three or four weeks ago now—things have changed considerably, and we are starting to see some of that fuel getting delivered to where it's needed. And I note that, today, in question time, the Prime Minister, with the member for Grey down here, dealt directly with one of those issues down in South Australia, where there was a farmer that had no diesel and they'd sorted it out. So I give the government kudos for that.”
“I walked straight into his office and met with his chief of staff, and one of his advisers, and the minister himself, and I tried to point out to them the issues that were actually happening—particularly in rural Queensland, where I come from. And it wasn't about supply, in respect of the big companies that control supply coming into Australia; this was about delivery. What was quite clear to me, in my discussions with people from Mr Bowen's office, is that they didn't quite understand how the supply chain works and what was happening at the time. The reality of it was that the third-party providers that usually transport fuel to the agricultural sector—on-farm diesel—and to the various trucking companies in the small communities all over rural and regional Queensland were simply not getting enough quota from the big companies.”
“For me, this started about a month ago, in late February or early March, when this conflict in the Middle East started, and it had some significant immediate impacts—particularly to rural Queensland, where I come from, and the agricultural sector in particular. There developed, very quickly, a scenario where on-farm bulk diesel and bulk diesel to the transport sector and so forth was not being delivered—it was that simple. We heard the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Prime Minister, the Treasurer—many of the government people—say that there was plenty of fuel and there was fuel being delivered. On the strength of that, I went to see the energy minister in his office—and I give him kudos for that.”
“Having said that, I do have some reservations about what that is going to do the budget, to our bottom line, to inflationary effects and so forth and how that might have influences on the economy into the future. It's really important, I think, that the government and the opposition and everybody concerned, including the general public, understand the ramifications of that. At the moment, we just do not see a plan to pay for all of that and a plan to outline offsets to make allowances for those hits to the budget—it's that simple. And it is a complicated thing; I understand that. But those are the things that we need to focus on. I will make some brief comments about this whole issue in general.”
“I would just like to make some comments in respect of what the member for Lalor has just said, and I concur with her and congratulate her. Australians are suffering, and this is a crisis that affects everybody. The more that we can work together, the better results that we will have. So well done to you, Madam. I rise to support the Treasury Laws Amendment (Fuel Excise Relief) Bill 2026. I think it's in the best interests of Australia that we support the government to do this. This is also the position of the coalition. And Australians need immediate relief. Removing half of the fuel excise and the heavy vehicle road user charge will go some way to alleviating those pressures, particularly for the transport industry.”
“The rising cost of living, especially increasing fuel prices, continues to place real pressure on households. I know that many families will be doing it tough. So, as we head into the long weekend, I encourage everybody to take care, especially on our roads. Please travel safely, look out for one another and take the time to enjoy what matters most. I wish everybody a safe, happy and peaceful Easter.”
“I rise to take this opportunity to wish everyone across the Flynn electorate a very happy Easter. Easter is a deeply significant time for many, beginning with Good Friday, a day of reflection, sacrifice and faith. It is a moment to pause, to consider what matters most and to spend time with loved ones. There are many wonderful community events happening across our region, from the Central Highlands Easter Sunflower Festival to the celebrations in Gladstone, including Yaralla Gladstone Harbour Festival, the McCosker Easter parade event and the iconic Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race. There is so much that showcases the spirit and pride of our communities. But I would also like to acknowledge that, for many, this Easter comes at a challenging time.”
“Anyone can hire a private cleaner for $60 an hour, yet service providers under the scheme are charging $112 to $120 for the same exact task, on top of which a co-contribution must also be paid, impacting our seniors even further. When you couple these exorbitant costs with the fact that service availability in regional areas is often limited, and, in some cases, non-existent, our seniors are left in an impossible and vulnerable position. We are seeing a heartbreaking trend where seniors are choosing to go without food, personal care, cleaning and other essential services, and, in some areas, relinquishing their Support at Home packages altogether.”
“When we queried what appeared to be a blatant double charging with the service provider, their response was quite startling: 'Yes, there are well-known and advertised issues Australia-wide with service provider CRMs. The government has rolled out new Support at Home programs without ensuring it was ready. In November, assistive technology was charged twice and, in December, all direct services were double charged.' These aren't administrative hiccups; they are significant barriers to a dignified life. While provider management fees were previously capped at 35 per cent, the reduction to 10 per cent has helped very little. Providers appear to be making up the difference through inflated service charges.”
“To understand the scale of this dysfunction, we only need to listen to the social workers and service providers who report a harrowing increase in suicidal ideation among our elderly.When a person who has lived for 70 or 80 or 90 years with resilience begins to feel they are a burden, that their life is no longer viable due to financial struggles, we have failed them. Recently, a distraught 94-year-old constituent of mine visited my office. His December statement showed fees of $9,963 for services and a further $7,698 for assistive technology. This gentleman does not have complex needs, yet a single month's charge totals over $17,000.”
“As I speak today, I would like everyone to consider the older people in each of our lives—those we know and love as parents, grandparents, mentors; those in our political past; and the quiet heroes who built and fought for the communities we all live in. Ask yourselves: would you ever want those who cared for you so deeply to spend the final years of their lives in a state of fear, struggling to afford the very dignity they deserve? On 1 November last year, the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program commenced. This was heralded as landmark reform and a turning point for how in-home care is delivered. At the time, the government gave firm assurance to older Australians that they would be no worse off. What was promised as a path of independent living has become a maze of confusion and financial strain.”
“However, unfortunately, due to skyrocketing fuel costs, rising insurance premiums and a growing shortage of volunteers, the show society at Mount Perry has made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel the annual local show. Mount Perry is not alone. Across regional Queensland, show societies are struggling to keep their gates open. I'm a proud supporter of local shows right across the region, and often you'll see my team and me set up a mobile office at these shows. From Mount Larcom to Mundubbera, we enjoy engaging with the locals and backing these vital community events. However, if we want to preserve these traditions for the future generations, we must do more to support the volunteers, ease the cost pressures and ensure these iconic events continue to thrive and survive.”
“Agricultural shows have been part of Queensland's story since 1822. Nearly two centuries on, that tradition is still alive, with around 128 shows held across the state each year. These shows don't just happen by chance. They are powered by dedicated volunteers and supported by proud local communities, ensuring our children and grandchildren can experience these traditions and enjoy some good, old fashioned fun. From livestock competitions to local crafts, sideshow alley and country hospitality, agricultural shows are a celebration of rural and regional life at its very best. But these traditions are under pressure. This year would have marked the 79th annual Mount Perry Show.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. I refer to your previous answer with respect to supply of diesel at service stations in the east coast states. Could the minister supply us with information on the lack of diesel and fuel at service stations in the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania?”
“Transport operators are struggling to keep goods moving, and, in some communities across the Flynn electorate, families are arriving at the bowser only to find there is simply no fuel available. Minister Chris Bowen must step in and ensure that fair fuel allocations are mandated so that independent distributors can continue to supply regional and rural Australia. At the same time, we must address this long-term challenge. Australia needs to prioritise increasing domestic fuel production, strengthen our fuel supply chains and invest in refining capability to ensure we are never left in this vulnerable position again. Fuel security is national security, and regional Australia is being left behind.”
“Fuel prices, fuel distribution and now fuel shortages are front of mind for families, farmers and small businesses right across the electorate of Flynn. This is no longer just a cost-of-living issue; it is becoming a supply crisis. Right now, fuel excise must be cut to provide immediate relief while prices remain volatile and unpredictable. Beyond price, we are facing a deeper problem. Large fuel suppliers are failing to provide adequate quotas to independent distributors and the very businesses that keep our agricultural sector moving, our transport industry running and our regional communities connected. Farmers are being left without diesel to operate machinery during critical periods.”
“This is a fine example of Ron's no-fluff, commonsense approach. My thoughts are with Ron's daughter, Cathy, and his grandchildren. Ron is now reunited with his loving wife, Leita, and his son, Stephen. Vale, Ron Boswell. Thank you for your friendship and your mentorship over the years.”
“He would ring me many times during parliamentary sittings. If he couldn't get a hold of me, he'd ring my Canberra office or my Gladstone office, asking my staff to ring him back immediately. Ron played a significant role in shaping national debates on agriculture, forestry, resources and energy, always grounded in practical experience and common sense. For instance, Ron was one of the most ardent critics of net zero by 2050. In November last year, Ron wrote an article for the Australian Financial Review which included the following quote: The decision to drop net zero by 2050 is an easy one. It's easy because persisting with net zero by 2050 involves deliberate deception of the Australian people. Global net zero by 2050 is not going to happen. It's as dead as the blue Norwegian parrot in the Monty Python sketch.”
“'Not pretty but pretty effective'—this statement will always be attributed to Ron Boswell. Today I dedicate my speech to the late former senator Ron Boswell AO. Ron passed away peacefully in his sleep on 6 January this year. On that day, the country lost an incredible Australian and I lost a mentor and dear friend. Ron was the sixth longest serving senator in Australia's history, serving the state of Queensland for 31 years, three months and 26 days. He was elected to the Senate for Queensland in 1983 and then re-elected in 1984, 1987, 1990, 1996, 2001 and 2007. Ron then retired, with the expiration of his term in 2014. Ron always backed the little guy. Whether it was backing the local fishermen, farmers or families, his loyalty to these people never wavered. I would often joke that Ron was a political addict.”
“That, to me, says that people who are wealthy don't work, and nothing could be further from the truth. People who accumulate wealth over their lifetimes, you will find, are extremely prudent and hard workers. They are people who have managed the system. They've invested wisely in our capitalist society that we all live under. They are the ones that should enjoy the rights and benefits that that provides, not somebody else. That is what this government is doing, as I've said—when they run out of money, they come after yours. A government who has bad fiscal policy, has bad monetary policy and is overseeing increasing inflation and increasing interest rates will take away any gain that the lower-income earners might get out of this 'fairer and stronger' system that the government is proposing.”
“If you have built any sort of a wealth nest egg in your lifetime, that is what they're coming after. I understand that it is a small percentage of people in Australia, who are deemed to be wealthy—one per cent, I've heard some of the speakers say. Well, that's all very well, but the reality is: why should those people have to suffer further and higher tax costs because they played under the rules and under the system? What the government is proposing to do is tax over-$3 million thresholds at a rate of 30 per cent and over-$10 million thresholds at a rate of 40 per cent. That is an extraordinary rate of tax in this day and age. I came to work this morning and on the bridge down there where we all drive past in the cars when we come to work was a big sign from one of the protesters—'tax wealth, not workers'.”
“Why are we changing and shifting the goalposts on tax policy and financial strategy that average Australians have used over their lifetime to build wealth for their retirement? That is why a lot of people are seriously concerned about where this is going. Many of the speakers from the other side have pointed out in their contributions that this will make it fairer for the low-income earners and the average Australian. That is arguable, but I would argue that, with inflationary pressures and interest rate pressures, which were all brought about by the financial mismanagement of the government, that will erode any sort of gain that they could possibly get. The old adage is: when the government runs out of money, they're going to come after yours.”
“As the price of energy goes up, businesses and so forth pass their costs on to the consumer. The people who work in these businesses, the wage earners and so forth, are the ones who are suffering most when it comes to having to pay their daily bills. Way back in the early nineties, then treasurer Paul Keating introduced the superannuation regime, which we now live under. It has got good merit and good principle. However, Mr Keating is on the record that he does not support the changing of these superannuation tax proposals by the government. I'd like to make a few comments in respect of the taxing of unrealised profits on superannuation, which has now been abandoned by the Labor government. That had huge ramifications for people's lifetime savings. How can you possibly tax something that people haven't got? That's the reality of it.”
“I rise to make a few brief comments on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Building a Stronger and Fairer Super System) Bill 2026. Instead of regurgitating all the talking points that we all get given on both sides of the House, I would like to draw my comments from some personal experiences in my life as a businessman, and what it actually means for real Australians. The biggest issue that most Australians face at the moment is what we loosely term the cost-of-living crisis. The fact is that our grocery bills are going up, our electricity bills are going up, our insurance bills are going up and the cost of educating our children is going up. These are all issues that average Australians have to deal with on a daily basis. To me, the reality of that is that it is all, literally, connected to energy policy.”
“I've raised three grievances today. Healthcare access, critical infrastructure and biosecurity management share a common theme: regional communities cannot continue to be an afterthought. Rural and regional Australians contribute enormously to our economy, our exports and our national prosperity. They deserve investment that keeps pace with their contribution, infrastructure that supports growth and systems that work in practice not just on paper. Addressing these issues is not about politics; it's about fairness, opportunity and ensuring that where you live does not determine the quality of service that you receive or the opportunities available to your community. Regional Australia definitely deserves better, and it's time the government deliver it.”
“Thousands of cattle now require inspections simply to obtain permits to move, yet there are not enough accredited tick inspectors available to meet this demand. Producers are asking reasonable questions: How did this occur? Why has it happened repeatedly? What steps have been taken to prevent future outbreaks? While the departmental staff are working with existing legislative frameworks, the broader responsibility lies with the government's policy settings. The Queensland government must recognise that the current system introduced by the former Queensland state government is not delivering the level of biosecurity protection that is required. This issue must be addressed urgently to protect Queensland's clean areas, safeguard producer confidence and defend one of our state's most important agricultural industries.”
“Since that change, outbreaks have increasingly occurred in areas previously considered 'clean country' across southern and Central Queensland. It is now abundantly clear that the system designed to manage cattle movement between tick infested and tick-free zones is not functioning as intended. The immediate priority in Taroom is to identify the full extent of the outbreak, treat the affected cattle and restore the areas 'clean' status. Currently, four properties are under quarantine, and there is concern that many more may follow. Many landholders operate multiple properties under the same PIC number, increasing the risk of further spread. One of the most significant issues raised during the community discussions was the sheer scale of the inspections required.”
“Producers across the South Burnett and surrounding regions have repeatedly raised concerns with me about the increasing risks posed to the Queensland beef industry. A public meeting held in Taroom on 13 February drew approximately 250 attendees. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries provided useful information regarding tick identification, treatment symptoms, symptoms of tick fever and life cycle management. While this engagement was welcome, a key concern raised by producers remains unresolved: the breakdown of these third-party tick inspection systems. Under the previous Labor government, the then agricultural minister Mark Furner phased out the government's stock inspectors and clearing dips, replacing them with private third-party inspection models.”
“An extension to the port of Gladstone would connect Inland Rail from Toowoomba through Miles, Wandoan, Moura and Banana, creating a direct export pathway to domestic and international markets. This is not simply a regional project; it is a nation-building infrastructure project. The federal government should release the business case publicly, particularly if senior ministers have not taken the time to read it themselves. Regional Australians deserve transparency and certainty about projects that shape their economic future. My third grievance relates to the growing issues of tick outbreaks affecting regions across Queensland. Recent outbreaks, including near my hometown of Taroom, highlight a problem that's been building for years.”
“Numerous studies have demonstrated that the Inland Rail to the port of Gladstone will transform how goods move across Australia, creating long-term opportunities for regional communities, including those within the Flynn electorate. CSIRO modelling shows that the Inland Rail could reduce national freight transport costs by close to $213 million annually across approximately 22 million tonnes of freight. These savings would flow directly to Australian businesses and industries, strengthening productivity and regional growth. The benefits extend across more than 12,000 supply chains and 94 communities, including the coal, steel, grain, vehicle, horticulture and livestock industries.”
“Even more concerning was the revelation that the Labor Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm, who publicly promoted the project ahead of the 2022 federal election, had not even read the business case. In 2021, while speaking with locals in Gladstone, Senator Chisholm stated that the existing Inland Rail to Gladstone would bring significant benefits, alleviate freight pressures in southern Queensland and support long-term growth of the Gladstone port and the local economy. These were strong words, but actions must follow commitments. Labor says one thing in regional Australia and another in Canberra. It is deeply disappointing that a project with clear economic potential, strong regional support and complete planning work is allowed to sit idle.”
“This investment represents an important step towards restoring confidence in healthcare delivery for the region and ensuring Gladstone residents receive the level of care that they deserve. My second grievance concerns infrastructure, specifically the apparent abandonment of the Inland Rail extension to the port of Gladstone. I recently joined with Senator Matt Canavan in calling attention to the federal government's failure to progress this critical project. During Senate estimates, it was revealed that the department of infrastructure spent $4.8 million completing a business case for the Inland Rail extension. That work was finalised in January 2024, yet the project has since stalled, without explanation or progress.”
“By mid-2024, half of the top floor had been taken out of action due to its deteriorating state, and by July 2025 the entire top floor was vacated to ensure patient and staff safety. This situation did not arise overnight; it is the result of years of underinvestment and deferred maintenance—problems that regional communities too often experience when infrastructure planning fails to keep pace with population and service demand. I welcome the Queensland government's commitment to expanding Gladstone Hospital while maintaining access to health services during construction. The new facility will deliver 51 additional beds and treatment spaces, including 40 new inpatient beds, six renal dialysis chairs and five high dependency unit beds.”
“This decision has had a profound impact not only on Gladstone residents but also on surrounding regional communities that rely on the hospital as a critical healthcare hub. For many families, healthcare access now means travelling further, waiting longer and facing greater uncertainty during already stressful circumstances. Regional Australians deserve access to safe, reliable health care close to home, not a gradual erosion of services over time. Even more concerning was the revelation of a report, hidden by the former Labor state government, which showed that Gladstone Hospital block 1 and 2 buildings were in a dire condition. By 2023, parts of block 2 were quietly decommissioned, without any clear plan to repair or upgrade these facilities.”
“Today I rise to speak on three grievances born of neglect, underinvestment and a failure to properly consider the needs of rural and regional Australia. These issues are not theoretical policy discussions; they are real challenges affecting healthcare access, economic opportunity and biosecurity protections for communities that help drive our state and national economy in Central Queensland. My first grievance relates to the healthcare services in the Gladstone region. Since the closure of the Mater hospital and the downgrading of Gladstone Hospital from a level 4 facility to a level 3 facility, under the former Queensland Labor government, there has been a significant decline in the availability of maternity specialists and other essential medical services.”
“Temporary exclusion orders also exist for precisely these circumstances. If Labor truly opposed these returns, it could use existing powers robustly and work with the coalition to strengthen the laws if necessary. Instead, we see secrecy, officials excluded from meetings and third parties organising returns. Australians deserve clarity not contradictions. Labor needs to answer the following questions: When was this self-managed returns policy adopted? Was it approved by the National Security Committee or cabinet? Were ASIO's full powers explored? Were temporary exclusion orders considered for the entire cohort?”
“I ask the question: what is the government hiding? Labor claims it does not want ISIS sympathisers and their children to return to Australia, yet considerable assistance has clearly been given, including the issuing of passports. We are told the government is not assisting, yet federal and state agencies have reportedly been meeting for months to manage their return. These people chose to enter and remain in ISIS declared areas. Islamic State is not a social movement; it was a brutal terrorist regime. Security experts warn that radicalisation does not simply disappear. ASIO already has 18,000 individuals on its watchlist, and every additional high-risk returnee increases the pressure on already stretched agencies. Labor says it is powerless, yet the Australian Passports Act allows refusal on security grounds.”
“For older people determined to remain living independently, this uncertainty has real consequences. My office, along with advocacy services, has seen increased demand from older Australians seeking help to understand the changed system and resolve disputes with providers. That alone signals the need for clearer communication, better transitional support and a system that is simpler and more transparent and reassuring. Aged-care reform is necessary, but so is trust. Our seniors deserve a sustainable aged-care system that supports people to stay in their own homes with dignity. Where the changes bring added cost, uncertainty and distress, it is right we listen and respond with clarity, compassion and practical solutions.”
“The new Aged Care Act and Support at Home Program came into effect on 1 November 2025, touted as significant reform to how in-home aged care is delivered and funded. The government assured older Australians they would be no worse off. However, what I'm hearing from seniors support services and advocacy organisations is a very different lived experience. Many older Australians are confused by the new arrangements and finding their budgets no longer stretch as they once did. As a result, some have been forced to reduce or cancel essential services, including their food intakes, thereby directly impacting their health, wellbeing and independence. Others have accrued unexpected debt because they were unaware of the co-contribution payments or they have been unable to manage these amounts.”
“The Prime Minister shocked the AgriFutures Rural Women's Award gala dinner at Parliament House when he said he'd dined earlier with the Indonesian President-elect. The Prime Minister stated: We had dinner, beautiful Australian beef—not the live export, we made sure it was dead. Put simply, the Prime Minister chose the AgriFutures award gala, a night celebrating our agricultural sector, to mock the phase-out of the live sheep export industry. Do these people have any idea what they're talking about and how their actions have detrimental effects on rural people in regional Australia? I believe the answer is a comprehensive no. For me, I'm very proud of our traditional industries, particularly in Central Queensland, and I'm always committed to fighting for the future of Central Queensland and its people and industries.”
“Firstly, the Yarwun and QAL refineries, as well as the Boyne Island smelter, are included in Labor's carbon tax hit list, also known as the safeguard mechanism. This means that they are literally taxing our manufacturers to reach their emissions targets. Yet, at the same time, we've had to give handouts to the Tomago aluminium facility near Newcastle to keep their doors open. Gladstone Power Station has also signalled it could close as early as 2029. The early closure of the Gladstone Power Station will be devastating to Gladstone. It supplies approximately 80 per cent of its power production to the alumina sector and to the Port of Gladstone and the heavy industry there. Here's an example of the Labor government's contempt for our agricultural industries following their crusade to close down the live sheep export trade.”
“You can't make this stuff up—governments need to subsidise gas import facilities in a country like Australia. Gladstone is known for being a heavy industry powerhouse primarily due to the alumina and aluminium industries. This includes the Yarwun alumina foundry, QAL and Boyne Smelters, with around 4,500 direct jobs, making up 16 per cent of the workforce of the Gladstone region. Furthermore, NRG Gladstone Power Station employs approximately 250 people, encompassing trainees and apprentices and a further 100 contractors onsite at any time. This power station provides most of the energy to the alumina and aluminium industry in Gladstone and is vital for 24/7 power generation. What does the heavy industry future look like under this Labor government?”
“In the Flynn electorate, there is the CSG gas industry, producing approximately 25 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas, which is exported to the world through the Port of Gladstone. An estimate of this export is valued at around $7 billion alone each year. You would think, with all of this gas in the market, that Australia would have a thriving domestic industry. Well, not in Victoria, where the Labor state government has given the provisional green light for a fuel supplier, Viva Energy, to build a floating gas import terminal. Australia has an abundance of gas, but Victoria has gone so far backwards under Labor that this new refinery will aim to receive shipments of liquefied natural gas from my home state of Queensland, as well as from Western Australia and overseas, for use in their local network.”
“According to the Queensland Resources Council: In 2024-25, our resources sector made a contribution of $115.2 billion to the Queensland economy—supporting jobs, businesses, infrastructure and services to benefit communities across the state. In the electorate of Flynn, the resource sector, in the same financial year, supported over 38,000 local jobs and produced a gross regional product of $8.2 billion alone. What does this Labor government think about this critical industry? In 2019, the now deputy prime minister said: I mean the global market for thermal coal has collapsed and at one level, that's a good thing, because what that implies is that the world is acting in relation to climate change.”
“There are many unsung heroes in the electorate of Flynn that often leave for work in the dark and return home in the dark. These heroes work in the mining, resource, gas, heavy industry and agricultural sectors. I call them heroes as they are the men and women who keep the lights on, build the products Australia and the world need, and grow the food and fibre that we eat from our plates every day. I want to dedicate my speech to these hardworking men and women because I'm sick to death of successive governments treating them like their industries are cash cows, demonising their work and putting their futures at risk.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. How many thousands of wind turbines and how many millions of solar panels are required to be installed to meet the 82 per cent renewable energy targets your government has set through its expensive and reckless renewable-only energy policy?”
“The Flynn electorate has a wide range of shooters and shooter activities, including target rifle shooters, smallbore and air rifle shooters, clay target shooters and pistol shooters. There are also many licensed rural shooters who use firearms for pest control, hunting feral pigs, wild dogs, foxes, feral cats, deer and goats, which cause billions of dollars of damage to the Australian agricultural sector each year. Licensed rural shooters are critical in protecting food production, safeguarding native ecosystems and biosecurity. Law-abiding gun owners and gun clubs can often be demonised by the media and politicians, but I thank them for the important role that they play in upholding safety standards, supporting regional communities and passing on a culture of responsibility.”
“From the Gemfields to Gladstone, Mount Morgan to Mundubbera and everywhere in between, the Flynn electorate has many gun clubs filled with members of all ages and backgrounds. Today I rise to speak about law-abiding gun owners in the region, as well as their clubs and members who promote the safe and effective use of firearms. Data released by Queensland Police Weapons Licensing reveals there are over a million registered firearms in Queensland. Furthermore, there are over 218,000 weapons licences issued to almost 200,000 individual licensees. This equates to about five registered firearms per licensee. Like many people in the Flynn electorate, I have a gun licence as well.”