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.”
The complete record
Every one of 261 lines we hold for Colin Boyce, in date order, each linked to its source. Free to read, in full, without an account. Page 3 of 6.
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. The Prime Minister promised that Labor's energy plan would reduce household electricity bills by $275 per year by 2025. Minister, why has this not happened, and will you apologise?”
“Furthermore, this goes all the way to the tobacco tax excise, and we've seen what's happened there—the loss of some $10 billion on revenue because the old ciggies, the durries, are just too expensive, so that's been taken over by the illegal tobacco trade, by the criminals and so forth. Are we now sending the alcohol industry down the same road? We need to make significant reforms. I do support the government's intent, but it just simply does not go far enough. Let's support our small communities. Let's support the beer drinkers. That is about all I have to say today. Debate adjourned.”
“The reality is the government needs to wake up to itself and go back to its own report, the Henry tax review, which was written more than a decade ago. But the alcohol tax system is broken and needs reform, it certainly does, and that's what I encourage the government to do. The removal of the excise on beer and alcohol is reported to cost somewhere around $8 billion. Again, as the member for New England has pointed out in his contribution, we're quite happy to subsidise the renewable energy sector to the tune of billions yet we won't remove the beer excise and alcohol tax and help out our small communities, our clubs, our pubs and so forth. The renewable energy sector is driving up the cost of electricity. How can the small pubs and clubs and so forth keep the beer cold? This is another issue that needs to be addressed.”
“Whilst I support the intent of the government to address the beer excise and freeze it—I agree with that—it simply does not go far enough. One cent a pint, as many of my colleagues have pointed out, is not cost-of-living relief at all. That is a headline, as one of my colleagues has pointed out. The reality is that we need to get rid of the excise altogether—as suggested in the amendment moved by the member for New England, which I do support. In many of these small communities, people going to the pub and having a couple of beers and saving 2c is nonsense. So, as I say, we must support our publicans. We must support the brewery industry, the beer industry, our local hotels and clubs and societies, the bowls club, the golf club, everywhere these licensed premises are that sell beer.”
“I rise to make a few brief comments on the Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025 and the amendment moved by Mr Joyce, the member for New England. I listened to the member for New England's contribution, and he's absolutely right to refer to the iconic song by Slim Dusty: …there's-a nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear Than to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. Well, there is; when you go to any of the outback towns where I come from and you walk into the bar, you're the only person there—that's the worst thing. This is what is happening across rural and regional Australia in the small communities where the only focal place in those communities is the local pub. The reality is there's a reason for that; people don't go to the pub anymore, because it costs too much money to have a beer.”
“I recommend that members read the report, as it goes on to say, in this world of uncertainty that we face today, it's important that we support our ADF personnel and, therefore, all their requirements. I thank the subcommittee chair, Senator Deborah O'Neill, for her stewardship of the inquiry. I thank my fellow subcommittee members for their contributions throughout this inquiry. I also thank the Hon. Shayne Neumann MP, the chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, and Senator Dean Smith, the deputy chair, for their leadership and counsel. I note the Hon. Shayne Neumann is away from parliament; my best wishes to him and his family. I move: That the House take note of the report.”
“The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade therefore conducted its inquiry into the Defence annual report 2023-24 to examine areas relating to Australia's overall defence strategy as outlined in the 2024 National d efence s trategy . The subcommittee found that, while Defence is fulfilling its mission to protect Australia, there are areas for improvement. The subcommittee has therefore made 23 recommendations which will enhance Defence's communications with the public and the Australian defence industry, strengthen Defence's social licence and improve industry's capacity to support Defence. This is a comprehensive report put forward by the committee. They've done an enormous amount of work on it.”
“On behalf of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, I present the committee's report on the inquiry into the Department of Defence annual report 2023-24. Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e). by leave—The Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force protect Australia and our national interest to the advantage of our security and prosperity. Defence pursues this mission during a time of global uncertainty, where challenges to the rules based international order continue to shape our strategic environment. Defence effectiveness is essential for Australia's national interests.”
“I attended the Australia Day Awards ceremony at Proston and the Australia Day Awards in my hometown of Taroom. I extend my congratulations to everybody and all of the organisers concerned. I gave a speech at Australia Day, and it is important that everybody in Australia understand that we have won life's lottery. If you're an Australian, you're living in the best country on this planet. Everybody needs to revere Australia, and as I said in my message, have a go, ya mug.”
“Recently, many communities across the Australian continent have celebrated Australia Day. That was the same in the electorate of Flynn, where Australia Day is revered. It is one of the No. 1 days on the Australian calendar. Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General, obviously announced all of the Australia Day honours lists awards, and these included, in the Flynn electorate, Mrs Alison Ray from Emerald, who has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia, the OAM, for services to the community through her charitable organisations. Ms Quinn Cramer from Gladstone has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal. I offer my congratulations to them both on behalf of the whole Flynn community. Congratulations. There were also many other community events across the Flynn electorate.”
“I rise to support the member for Kennedy's motion. It does have merit. We've just heard the member for Calare articulate that. There are many, many people asking this question. Why did these people have access to firearms when they were on a watchlist? This deserves support.”
“My thoughts are with the family and the loved ones of the remaining victims, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Edith Brutman, Marika Pogany, Tibor Weitzen, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Reuven Morrison and Tania Tretiak. On behalf of the electorate of Flynn—I'm sure that I can speak for everybody in my community—we pass on our condolences to the families and to the victims particularly. May they all rest in peace. As a final word, I would like to speak directly to the Jewish community of Australia, particularly those people in the gallery today. As a legislator and as a member of parliament, along with all of my parliamentary colleagues, I wonder what has happened to Australia. I'll make this commitment to you here. I will do everything I possibly can to rid this wonderful country of extremist Islamic terror.”
“She said: Lighting the light, bringing the light to this world. Peter Meagher was a freelance photographer at the Hanukkah event who was killed. He spent almost four decades in the NSW Police force, with members of his local footy club saying: The tragic irony is that he spent so long in the dangerous front line as a police officer and was struck down in retirement while taking photos in his passion role is really hard to comprehend. His family said: Our family is heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Peter. He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him. Our lives have been changed forever.”
“His father-in-law, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, stated: My biggest regret was, apart from the obvious, to tell Eli more often how much we love him, how much I love him, how much we appreciate everything that he does and how proud we are of him. French engineer Dan Elkayam was among the 15 people killed. The 27-year-old, who worked at NBC Universal, had been at the beach playing soccer with friends and celebrating the Jewish holiday when the shooting unfolded. Dan was remembered as an adventurous young man who loved travel, meeting people, playing soccer and celebrating his Jewish faith. Alexander Kleytman was a Holocaust survivor who came to Australia from Ukraine. Mr Kleytman's daughter Sabina said her father had died: … doing what he loved most. Protecting my mother—he probably saved her life—and standing up and being a proud Jew.”
“Her parents thought 'Matilda' was the most Australian name that could ever exist. Matilda is remembered as a bright, joyful and spirited child who loved life and animals. In her honour, her family asked people to draw and share pictures of bees online, as her middle name was Bee. Boris and Sofia Gurman, who had been married for 32 years, were also confirmed killed. Dashcam footage was released of Mr Gurman attempting to disarm an attacker to protect others. Their family said: While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates Boris and Sofia, who were people instinctively and selflessly trying to help others. Rabbi Eli Schlanger was one of the organisers of the Hanukkah event.”
“Today I rise with a heavy heart to speak on today's condolence motion honouring the victims of the Bondi terror attack. On 14 December 2025 a Islamic State inspired attack occurred at Bondi Beach. It was a day that was meant to be a celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday, that turned into a nightmare for around a thousand people in attendance while millions of Australians watched the terror unfold on television and social media. Fifteen victims were tragically killed, and over 40 people were injured and taken to hospital. I will use this time allocated to me to speak about these victims and honour them. The youngest victim of the terror attack was a little 10-year-old girl named Matilda. Matilda's family moved to Australia from Ukraine, and Matilda was their first born in the country.”
“The purpose built space brings together local service providers and community groups that deliver real, on-the-ground support for those who most need it. They are building a network of care that breaks down stigma, encourages connection over correction and creates a healthier, stronger Gladstone, offering practical tools that support men with their health, wellbeing and positive behaviours. I encourage any bloke that might need a helping hand to contact the friendly team and drop in at Bob's Garage at 10 William Street. Thank you to every organisation and individual that contributed to making the service a reality. And we all know it wouldn't have happened without Bob—so, on behalf of the community, Bob, thank you.”
“I rise to speak about an incredible individual in the Gladstone community and a newly opened community service. Bob McCosker OAM is the founder and managing director of McCosker Contracting. He's an entrepreneur, a businessman, a philanthropist and a speedway driver and has even established a turtle rehabilitation centre at Quoin Island. Bob identified that services for men in Gladstone were needed and has founded Bob's Garage. Bob's Garage exists to support the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of the working-class men in the Gladstone community. The space is designed by blokes, for blokes, breaking down stigma, encouraging connection and offering practical, professional help close to home.”
“That is what is happening. While the Labor government is committed to shutting down industries that power and build this nation to reach international emissions targets, I am committed to fighting for every single worker in Central Queensland, and I will continue to fight to protect their jobs.”
“In that same month, the federal and Queensland governments announced a rescue package of $600 million over three years for Glencore's Mount Isa copper smelter and the Townsville refinery. Without government handouts, more than 600 direct jobs and a further 500 jobs at the nearby Phosphate Hill facility would have been lost. This is another example of the governments having to subsidise heavy industry due to high energy prices—the same high energy prices that are a result of Labor's reckless renewable energy policy. I've got many questions for the Minister for Climate Change and Energy and this government that I want answered. For the hardworking men and women in the heavy industry, mining and resource sectors, what does their future look like? Honestly! Why do they have to give up their jobs to appease the government's targets?”
“While I acknowledge Rio Tinto have stated that they will make every effort to find opportunities for these impacted workers, the level of uncertainty for these workers, their families and the alumina industry in general—especially this close to Christmas—is very concerning. How many industries and how many jobs need to be lost until this Labor government wake up and understand that their reckless energy policy is destroying our manufacturing capability in Australia? In the past five years Australia has lost over 7,000 direct jobs in heavy industry, with a further 73,000 relying on taxpayer support to survive. Last month it was announced that up to a thousand jobs are in immediate jeopardy at the Tomago Aluminium smelter due to soaring energy prices.”
“Last week, the Gladstone community was taken by complete surprise by Rio Tinto's decision to cut production at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery at Gladstone, impacting some 180 jobs. The site currently employs around 725 people and produces about three million tonnes of alumina per year. The decision comes just months after Rio's announcement of the potential closure of the Gladstone power station come 2029 and also the flagged closure of the Tomago Aluminium smelter near Newcastle. I would like to put it on the record that my thoughts are with the impacted workers first and foremost. They've got mouths to feed and rent to pay, and they're just trying to make ends meet.”
“While issues regarding regional health are complex and won't be fixed overnight, it's important that this Labor government and the Prime Minister stop gaslighting Australians about bulk-billing and the availability of GPs. The simple fact is that almost every time an Australian goes to the doctor, the need for both their credit card and their Medicare card is evident. The coalition has launched a new website, www.howmuchdoyoupay.au, calling on Australians to share their real experience about the true cost of seeing a GP. We know it's never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor, and it's time the Labor government admitted this and do something to alleviate the chronic shortage of health professionals across Australia.”
“It sees students complete a three-year Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) course with CQUniversity before moving to UQ's four-year MD program, with both education programs delivered locally in Bundaberg or Rockhampton. As part of the partnership, the hospital and health services will provide students with internship opportunities and postgraduate training places within their regional footprints. The first intake of students entered the pathway in 2022, with aspiring doctors from across Australia relocating to Bundaberg and Rockhampton to commence CQUniversity's Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) degree.”
“I was proud to stand alongside the former regional health minister Dr David Gillespie and former member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd back in 2022 when this initiative was first announced under the coalition government. The new clinic and training centre will bring allied health services closer to home, reducing the need for families to travel long distances. It supports students and clinicians to train and practice rurally, creates opportunities for local carers in health and strengthens the workforce retention in the Central Highlands. Another example of a model that clearly works is the Regional Medical Pathway. The pathway allows for up to 60 students per year to complete their entire medical studies in regional Queensland.”
“One way that I believe this can be improved or addressed is by partnering with local universities such as Central Queensland University and James Cook University. It is fundamental that governments support training centres in rural and regional areas, as we all know that if more doctors and health professionals can train locally they are more likely to stay locally. An example of this is the Emerald Allied Health Facility, which was opened in August of this year. Delivered in partnership between James Cook University's Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health, Central Highlands Rural Health and the Australian government, the new facility will support both the community and the next generation of health professionals.”
“Department of Health, Disability and Ageing officials have admitted that out-of-pocket costs for patients are almost $50 on average, the highest on record, and will continue to go up. At the same time, GP bulk-billing rates in the Flynn electorate have fallen from 81.5 per cent under the coalition to 74.6 per cent under the Labor government. Local residents tell me it's harder and more expensive to see a doctor, which is feedback that is backed up by the government's own data. The Prime Minister keeps waving around his Medicare card in complete disregard for the struggles facing patients and family practices. While out-of-pocket costs are a huge issue for Central Queensland and the Wide Bay regions, some regions in the Flynn electorate don't even have access to GPS or health professionals.”
“I rise to support the member for Bowman's motion, which notes: (1) families across Australia are paying the price for the Government's broken promises on Medicare, with out of pocket general practitioner (GP) costs now almost $50 on average; (2) the former Government left office with bulk billing rates at almost 90 per cent and lower GP out of pocket costs; (3) the Prime Minister has broken his promise that Australians would only need their Medicare card, not their credit card, with costs continuing to rise and bulk billing continuing to plummet in 32 electoral divisions; (4) only 13 per cent of metropolitan clinics have signed up to the Government's bulk billing program, with local GP practices struggling under the Government's rising cost of doing business crisis, including skyrocketing energy bills and rent; and (5) the Government is using Medicare as a political football while ignoring the real pressures facing patients and GPs, leaving families in Australia saying it has never been harder or more expensive to see a doctor.”
“Netball meets all inclusion criteria, including the IOC recognised governance, international standards of competition and Olympic values like teamwork, athleticism and inclusivity. I'm confident that netball will be included in the 2032 Olympics and I will be advocating that the events be held in Central Queensland. We have terrific facilities in our region. With some investment, I know that they all can be brought up to scratch. Whether you're a netballer in Gladstone or Gracemere, Emerald or Eidsvold, Biloela or Bundaberg, we can all get behind this cause. Together we can all make history, and it's time to back netball.”
“While I can say I've never played netball, I know how much it's loved across the country and in the Flynn electorate. Today I'm proud to announce my support for netball's inclusion in the 2032 Olympic Games. Here are some reasons why netball deserves to be included in the Olympics. Netball is truly a global sport. It's enjoyed by over 20 million players across 117 countries. Netball is growing rapidly with new international broadcast deals that will bring the game to over a billion households worldwide before 2032. Netball is Australia's most popular female team sport, making it the perfect choice for inclusion as the host nation. Public demand is deafening, and packed stadiums are guaranteed.”
“Fining rural residents for traveling at fair speeds will result in many losing their licences from demerit point accumulation which means they will no longer be able to live in these areas as driving is the only transport option available. Then there are the economic costs. Travel times equate to real costs to the economy. Given the huge distances in rural Australia even slight changes in speed limits can result in substantial inflation of transport costs and lost productivity due to time spent traveling. Regional Australia's economy is on the line here. The government has an obligation to protect the lives of every Australian, so they should get on with it and fund rural and regional roads. Submissions can be made through the Australian government's Infrastructure website or by emailing officeofroadsafety@infrastructure.gov.au.”
“I urge local transport operators, small businesses, farmers and councils to make submissions to the government's consultation before the 10 November closing date about how their communities would be impacted by speed limit reductions on rural, regional and remote Australian roads. A constituent of mine named Darren, who has extensive experience in setting speed limits as a former crash investigator, recently forwarded his submission to my office—and he hit the nail on the head. His submission stated: Living in a rural location in Queensland I am well aware of the tyranny of distance. Most of the people advocating lower limits live in urban areas and have no real appreciation of the amount of time rural people spend on the road accessing basic services, so any reduction in speed limits will have a major impact on rural residents.”
“The Labor government's plan to slash speed limits on rural roads in poor condition is an outrageous, lazy solution to a serious issue facing rural and regional people across the country. Labor minister Catherine King is proposing to reduce speed limits on dirt, gravel or sealed roads in need of repair in response to the worsening national road toll. This 'solution' will halt regional productivity and will not address one of the root causes of the problem—that is, road underfunding and road deterioration. Across the Flynn electorate, poor road conditions remain one of the most prominent issues that locals are facing, with plenty of roads in need of repair. The solution to help make our rural roads safer is to maintain, upgrade and improve the roads themselves, not slow down regional productivity.”
“Does the government support slogging mining companies with world-topping taxes, which have already contributed to the loss of more than a thousand crucial jobs in Central Queensland? Does it believe that the mining royalty tax, like the former Labor government in Queensland implemented, should be applied to all commodities mined in Australia? What impact would this have on GST payments in mining states? Labor continues to attack the industries and regional communities that pay the nation's bills by treating them as cash cows. Federal Labor needs to stand up and provide certainty to rule out further tax increases and ensure GST payments to the states.”
“The Labor Party continues to turn their backs on hardworking men and women in the mining industry and resource sector in our regional communities. Last week we saw the leader of the Labor Party in Queensland, Steven Miles, spruiking how successful Queensland's coal royalty scheme is and how it should be adopted by other states. This is despite Queensland losing more than $2 billion of its share of GST, and right now regional businesses, families and communities are feeling the impact of the world's highest coal royalties, fewer contracts, more than a thousand job losses in Central Queensland, and less investment in our rural towns. There are a number of questions the federal Labor government needs to answer.”
“I invite the Minister for Communications and the CEOs of Telstra and Optus to the Flynn electorate to see how dire the situation really is. They need to speak to our regional communities and understand the impacts the 3G shutdown is having now and how telecommunications continue to get worse. (Time expired)”
“With banks and other essential services pushing for online over face-to-face assistance and closing branches in regions, there needs to be wider-spread phone coverage instead of reductions. It's simply unthinkable that those in rural and regional areas are to be left with no communication capabilities or to face extortionate prices to gain access. It's quite clear to me that, in regard to the big telcos, the telecommunications issue is one of economics rather than service delivery. I would argue that, because of the enormous progression of technology and the cost, telcos are not interested in providing communications to communities where is little or no economic benefit for them. This is why all service obligations should be reviewed to provide better communications outcomes, particularly for isolated communities.”
“Telecommunications have gotten so bad in my electorate that my 3½-hour commute to my home town of Taroom from my Gladstone office can take up to six hours, as I have to pull over frequently to take calls from constituents and so forth. Not having a dependable phone service is undoubtedly isolating for individuals, stifling for business and potentially dangerous in any emergency. Landline telephones are often the only form of communication between one cattle station and its neighbours and the outside world, and these are in disrepair and can take weeks and sometimes months to fix when things go wrong. In rural areas, people are significant distances from service centres and even further from regional towns, and the need for reliable phone coverage is paramount and even more essential than in the cities.”
“I strongly support the member for Mallee's motion that notes the following: (a)the 3G telecommunications network was switched off on the Government's watch in 2024; (b)the interim report of the Senate inquiry into the shutdown made clear recommendations about the impending shutdown, recommending that the Government delay the shutdown until it was satisfied that 'the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the licensee's 3G network'; (c)the Government relied on the assurances of commercial operators to ensure equivalent mobile coverage after the shutdown but despite promises, regional Australians have been detrimentally affected and thousands of consumers have been left with worse, or no, coverage at all; (d)furthermore, there have been reports of poor handling of consumer complaints about their loss of service post 3G shutdown; and (e)the Government has failed to take responsibility for the fallout of the 3G shutdown in regional Australia, and its response to the final report by the Senate into the shutdown was again lazy and noncommittal, failing to agree to any new actions; and (2)calls upon the Minister for Communications to take responsibility for the botched 3G shutdown and its impact on the connectivity of regional Australians by: (a)providing transparency regarding the crowdsourcing component of the National Audit of Mobile Coverage and expanding it to include off-road areas (including on private land such as farming and grazing properties) to ensure an accurate picture of the impact of the shutdown on mobile coverage is attained; and (b)thoroughly addressing the first recommendation of the final Senate inquiry report to 'establish a program to help customers that have lost mobile phone coverage since the 3G shutoff'.”
“An elderly lady is frantically trying to ring triple 0 as her neighbour has a heart attack but she can't get through to emergency services. A mother is frustrated as she is unable to pay her household quarterly electricity bill, as the two-factor authentication text isn't coming through from the bank. A worried father drives 40 minutes down the road to be able to call the local GP practice to book an appointment for his sick daughter. A community is furious that they are unable to make calls or text for weeks over Christmas, as their local mobile phone tower is down from recent rain. An exhausted small business owner places a 'cash only' sign on the front door of their shop as the eftpos machine has been dropping out all week. This is the reality of telecommunications in rural and regional Australia in the electorate of Flynn.”
“If you are a veteran or a family member of a veteran in the Flynn electorate, you may be eligible to apply for a certificate of appreciation through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Program. These certificates are issued as a gesture of thanks, recognising the invaluable military service of those who served overseas in Australia's defence forces from the Second World War onwards in wars, in conflicts, in peacekeeping operations or on the home front. More information about this program can be found on the Department of Veterans' Affairs website or by contacting one of our offices. Lest we forget.”
“My great-uncle Leslie Boyce was awarded the Military Cross at the Battle of Passchendaele in the First World War. His official citation reads: Awarded Military Cross, 18th December 1917 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his platoon during an attack and of the company after reaching the objective, all other officers being killed or wounded. He remained in command for two days, consolidating position and repelling counterattacks. He is a fine example of Australia's defence and veteran history. The Flynn electorate is full of incredible veterans, and I'd like to acknowledge defence personnel past and present for their service to our nation, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“With the closure or possible flag closure of Gladstone Power Station, how can the renewable energy sector, and the AEMO for that matter, guarantee a reliable source of energy for that smelter? There are thousands of jobs at stake here, and we need someone to answer these questions and guarantee their jobs.”
“That is why the government has invented the Capacity Investment Scheme, where the Australian taxpayer will be asked to underwrite a minimum profitability for these projects. The problem I have is that we don't know what that will cost. If you go to the forward estimates in the budget, it's restricted information. I think Australians deserve to know exactly what they're signing up for in respect of the Capacity Investment Scheme. The other issue is that many of these renewable energy projects, if and when they are built, are predicated on offtake agreements. The offtake agreements involve the big energy users, particularly places like Rio Tinto's smelter in Gladstone.”
“In the Flynn electorate, I'm dealing with 96 renewable energy projects of various kinds. They are in various stages of getting their approvals and so forth. The biggest problem they have is that many of the projects do not have financial closure. The reason that they don't have financial closure is that the proponents cannot guarantee these investors a minimum return for their investment. Many of the proponents I've spoken to are looking at a 10 to 15 per cent minimum net return on their investment. For example, if it is a billion-dollar project and they're looking for 10 per cent return—$100 million a year. The proponents are busily trying to get the investors to sign up and commit the money, but the investors won't do that because they're not guaranteed that return.”
“That all points to the question: how will the aluminium sector, and particularly the smelter in Gladstone, survive given the fact they have now flagged the closure of Tomago in New South Wales? This all revolves around the whole renewable energy argument, the whole net zero argument and the cost of energy. It is the cost of energy that is the principal driver behind the closure of these huge industrial precincts and the loss of thousands of jobs, particularly in Newcastle with the forecast closure of Tomago. I ask the question: is the same thing going to happen in Queensland at Gladstone with the alumina sector and all of the other heavy industries that rely on reliable energy and affordable energy? One of the problems with all of this is the whole push to renewable energy.”
“We have the Gladstone NRG power station, two other coal fired power stations and the largest cement kiln in Australia, Cement Australia. These announcements recently in respect of the closure of Tomago—that will also wash through and possibly affect the goings on of the alumina sector in Gladstone. Rio Tinto, as you know, has recently flagged the possible closure of NRG Gladstone Power Station. Under the AEMO guidelines, they have to flag this 3½ years out from the possible closure. The big question is: what does that mean for all of this heavy industry that goes on in Central Queensland? We know AGL has got a 42 per cent stake in that power station. They have had that advertised for sale for some time. We also know that they wrote off their assets to the tune of $1.4 billion couple of years ago.”
“Don't you just love it when the whip's office rings you up as says, ' Can you do an adjournment speech and gives you five minutes notice'? Anyway, it's called running the political ball up, and I'm quite prepared to do that. The subject I'm thinking about, that I'd like to make some comment on, is the recent announcements in respect of Tomago Aluminium smelter at Newcastle and how that might affect the alumina sector in Gladstone. As you know, I represent the Flynn electorate in Central Queensland, which is Gladstone and the wider Central Queensland area. Gladstone is obviously the big port there—the largest multicommodity shipping port in Australia. We have the CSG industry at Curtis Island, the two alumina refineries and the aluminium smelter, Rio Tinto.”
“Returning specialist services to the regions would go a long way towards easing these additional costs for patients, and it wasn't that long ago that you could see a specialist in Gladstone, removing the need for travelling to Rockhampton or Brisbane. It is actions not words that matter, and Australians are feeling the cost of Labor's actions in their hip pockets. While Albanese waves around his Medicare card like he was bidding for a new beachfront apartment, Australians have paid more than $2 billion in out-of-pocket costs, and that's in the past year alone. The reality for many Australians is that 25 per cent of GP clinics do not bulk-bill. The reality is that, since the election, more Australians are having to wave around their credit cards to visit the GP.”
“It turns out that a family member who has tried to become a carer has only failed because they couldn't tick the box for being First Nations or culturally and linguistically diverse. How can we possibly penalise this carer for being a white, English-speaking Australian in an industry where we desperately need more qualified and suitable people? Another major issue in the regions is the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme. I understand this is a state issue, but this is to subsidise travel and accommodation costs for patients who travel over 50 kilometres to specialist health care. The subsidy of 34c per kilometre barely goes anywhere when you look at the cost of fuel. There's an accommodation allowance of $70 per person per night. Where can you stay for $70 in a capital city? It's impossible. This is the reality of the current health system.”