David Batt
Hinkler · Liberal National Party · Australia
“Centres like this are especially called upon to stand up and support communities during times of crisis, so now more than ever we need to provide them with adequate support. This is underlined as we endure the cost-of-living crisis, the fuel chaos and in recent times natural disasters.”
“Earlier this year, here in parliament, I joined the calls for more support to be delivered for neighbourhood centres. In regional Australia in electorates like Hinkler, neighbourhood centres are an essential service, the heart of our communities. They foster safety, connection and social capital.”
“I rise today to congratulate an outstanding young person from the Hinkler electorate, Jaide Sutton, who has been named the Australian parliament's 2026 Yarning Competition winner in the years 7 and 8 category.”
“There were almost 100 exhibitors, and 1,140 students and more than 300 members of the general public came through looking at career opportunities within the local region.”
“The Yarning competition celebrates the creativity and storytelling of young Australians. To be recognised as a national winner is an outstanding achievement. I was pleased to join Jaide and her dad, Craig, at a morning tea with the Speaker, followed by the official presentation and launch of the 2026 Yarning Exhibition.”
“Congrats to the entire team at Jobs Fraser Coast, who continue to support the growth and development of a strong, capable and skilled workforce across industry sectors in Hinkler.”
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“The coalition will also unlock an Australian fuel supply by reversing regulatory barriers, reforming the EPBC Act, and fast-tracking national significant projects like Queensland's Taroom Trough—not far as the crow flies, just inland from my electorate. If fuel stops, Australia stops. Importantly, only the coalition will boost small-business investment. The coalition will back small businesses to invest with a permanent $50,000 instant asset write-off. The coalition will also continue to fight Labor's changes to capital gains and trusts, which are an attack on small business. I'm conducting a small-business survey in Hinkler this month and, so far, 59 per cent of respondents are not confident with how things are travelling.”
“Where resource windfalls are higher than forecast, a coalition government will bank 80c in every dollar into the future generations fund and quarantine at least 25 per cent of that fund for regional Australia. The fund will help pay down Labor's trillion dollars of debt and invest in nation-building infrastructure. These windfalls will help build the roads, rail, hospitals and schools our country needs. Only the coalition can be trusted to deliver more fuel, more storage and more security for Australia. We will reduce pressure on families and small businesses by scrapping Labor's Safeguard Mechanism, a carbon tax on business that will cost refineries around $165 million by 2029-30. A coalition government will keep pushing for a daily public fuel dashboard so Australians can see supply levels in real time.”
“The pledge will be backed by a housing supply package, including a $5 billion housing infrastructure fund to unlock up to 400,000 homes by funding critical last-mile infrastructure such as water, sewerage, power and access roads. Only the coalition is putting Australians first. We will reserve welfare payments and future eligibility for the NDIS for Australian citizens. From 1 July 2028, access to 17 welfare payments and benefits will be limited to Australian citizens only. Future eligibility for the NDIS will also be limited to Australian citizens. If you commit to Australia, Australia will commit to you. Only the coalition will deliver a future generations fund to ensure resource windfalls are used responsibly.”
“This will fully protect around 85 per cent of income earners, with a relief of around $250 in year 1, growing to more than $1,000 a year in year 4. From 2031-32, the coalition will index the top two thresholds as well, fully protecting all income earners from inflation or from what many know as bracket creep. This is generational tax reform that is fair, simple and honest. Only the coalition can fix the migration and housing crisis. We will ensure Australia only brings in as many people as it can house. Under the coalition's pledge net overseas migration will be capped each year at the number of new homes completed in Australia.”
“More than $104.6 million is being stripped from regional and agricultural grant programs, including pest and disease preparedness—more hits for Hinkler. Another major issue is Labor's cap on Hinkler Veterans' allied health services. I've been very vocal on this and I'm simply urging the government to remove the uncertainty and reverse the decision to impose the $5,000 annual cap. Veterans should not be asked to bear the costs of Labor's budget repair. While the Labor government has dealt Hinkler a budget of broken promises and toxic taxes, in stark contrast, the coalition has an alternative plan, a plan for a fairer, freer and better Australia. Only the coalition can deliver a fair tax-back guarantee. From 2029, a coalition government will index the bottom two income tax thresholds to inflation.”
“ABARES data shows the average broadacre farm achieved just a 0.6 per cent rate of return on capital in 2023-24, with most long-term returns coming through land value growth rather than yearly income. Average broadacre land values have risen 9.8 per cent each year over the past decade, meaning Labor's CGT changes will punish farmers for long-term asset growth while discouraging younger Australians from entering agricultural pursuits. Combined with Labor's attack on negative gearing and trusts, these changes further undermine investment confidence, intergenerational family farming and regional small business. Staying on farming, the lifeblood of Hinkler, Labor is cutting $191.6 million from the agriculture, fisheries and forestry portfolio over five years, with ongoing cuts of $30.5 million every year thereafter.”
“As the whale-watching season draws closer, Tourism Australia is being cut by $49.4 million over four years including a $15.1 million reduction in 2026-27 at the worst possible time for regional tourism operators already battling soaring costs. Hardworking bodies like Bundaberg Tourism and Fraser Coast Tourism & Events are doing all they can with what they have. But, as fuel prices impact forward bookings and the cost of doing business skyrockets, cuts will make it even harder to survive. Then there are the already infamous toxic taxes. Labor's broken promises will hit regional Australians in places like Hinkler the hardest, with the proposed capital gains tax changes set to damage Australian agriculture and family farms.”
“I thank the Burrum Heads Neighbourhood Centre's Julie, Kathy and Lynne for updating me on their situation and sharing the story of the centre's growth over the past 15 years. Centres like this are especially called upon to stand up and support communities during times of crisis. So now, more than ever, we need to provide them with adequate support To further break down the failures of this budget from Labor, I note that mining investment is collapsing to zero growth in 2027-28. Labor is prioritising gas market intervention and red tape over new investment, risking jobs, investment and future tax revenue. Then there's tourism.”
“Meanwhile, I recognise the efforts of the Bundaberg community hospice group in their bid to build a new hospice. We must do more to help people receive dignified care in their final moments. Earlier this year, here in parliament, I joined the calls for more support to be delivered to neighbourhood centres. In regional Australia, in electorates like Hinkler, neighbourhood centres are an essential service, the heart of our communities. They foster safety, connection and social capital. They're the places where community connection happens. The Burrum Heads Neighbourhood Centre services a small but rapidly growing coastal community, and it has outgrown its home. Powered largely by volunteers, the team delivers outreach, counselling, training, sewing classes, a library, community transport, an op shop, community markets and so much more.”
“These projects were identified based on demonstrated community need, regional growth and their ability to provide long-term benefits. While these initiatives would not be considered costly, they would be welcomed for the betterment of the respective groups and organisations. Again, Hinkler just wants a fair share. I've been advocating strongly for the continued delivery of specialist palliative care—fee-free—for local families. The Fraser Coast Hospice, originally funded with support from a previous coalition government, needs further assistance including community and business support. The shortfall is around $750,000 per annum. Fraser Coast Hospice is a six-bed, short-stay facility where people spend their final days and weeks surrounded by comfort, dignity and the people they love. This is something everyone deserves.”
“The projects include an upgrade to amenities at the Isis Cultural Centre in Childers; Hervey Bay Basketball Association's complete fit-out of its new home including canteen, office and accessible change rooms; Bundaberg Touch Association's upgrade to lighting and bathrooms; a new LED sign for the Woodgate and District Residents Association; upgrades to accessible bathrooms, kitchen and electrical systems at the Fraser Coast Swim Club; accessible bathrooms and a ramp at the Burgowan Bowls Club; installation of an automated irrigation system at the Burrum District Golf Club; and lighting upgrades for the Bundaberg Hockey Association Funding of these Hinkler projects would play a key role in building stronger and more resilient regional communities.”
“I outlined the commitments I made prior to the election, and, while these were promises from opposition, they are desperately needed now more than ever. They would support vital community and sporting upgrades across Hinkler.”
“Let's see some of these funds get spent and work commence. Hinkler needs certainty, not broken promises and lost funds, especially at a time when costs are on the rise. Don't forget the regions like Hinkler. A fair share is what we need. Support for health services. Cheaper electricity. Cutting red tape. Yet, as these issues are pushed to the side under Labor, they will still find a way to spend another $18.2 billion on net zero—$18.2 billion. While I talk about big-ticket items such as roads and infrastructure, it's often the smaller projects that mean the most. Those opposite are quick to announce projects for their electorates, but the regions represented by the coalition are being conveniently forgotten. Last September, I wrote to the Prime Minister.”
“Locals have been waiting for something, anything, for 13 years. As our Hinkler population booms, our road network is under significant pressure, but this Labor government is ignoring the fact that projects like the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Road and Pialba-Burrum Heads Road intersection upgrade are going nowhere, and the costs just keep climbing and work still yet to commence. I thank the state member for Hervey Bay, David Lee, and the state member for Maryborough, John Barounis, for their interest in this project as we work together to see some action fast. I also recently met with the full Fraser Coast Regional Council to talk about the challenges facing our region, considering the high population growth. In Bundaberg, there's money set aside for the Quay Street revitalisation project.”
“I back those calls for more action and less talk as costs for these projects rise and indeed threaten to blow out. Hinkler projects with previously committed federal funding are now sitting in limbo. As an example, what's next for Paradise Dam on the Burnett River? Will it be repaired, rebuilt or left as it is? Long-term water security remains critical to the future of my region, and I'm committed to seeing the original capacity restored. And we must not forget it was a state Labor government that built this dodgy dam in the first place. Now we must make the right decisions, provide some real certainty to farmers and fund the fix appropriately. And downstream, just two and a half months since the Burnett River's major flood that inundated hundreds of Bundaberg homes and businesses—what's the next step for flood mitigation for Bundaberg?”
“We are faced with more debt, lower living standards and fewer homes for the people of Hinkler. Less than two per cent of new infrastructure pipeline projects outlined in the budget are for the regions. That's less than two per cent, and nothing at all for Hinkler—zero. The Labor government is cutting infrastructure payments to the states and territories by $4.7 billion over the budget forward estimates. But it did manage to find an additional $3.8 billion for the Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop—convenient timing in an election year for Victoria. And then there's a $3.9 billion cut to road funding. With a massive cloud of uncertainty hanging over major projects in Hinkler, local councils and state government MPs are calling on the federal government to do more to help get boots on the ground.”
“I rise to speak to the Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2026-2027. Labor's budget of broken promises and higher taxes destroys any concept of a fair go for the people of Hinkler. I was on the road only last week with my mobile offices straight off the bat. At every stop on the map, from Fishermen's Park at Urangan to Pialba, from the foreshore at Bargara to Woodgate Beach and to the bustling main street of Childers and then across to Bundaberg, in every location I've heard loud and clear that confidence is low and so, too, is the trust in this Labor government. There's the lack of a fair go for veterans, the unfair private health insurance rebate removal for our over-65s, despair over Labor's toxic taxes and crippling conditions for small businesses. After five Labor budgets, Australians are paying more, working harder and going backwards.”
“For Hinkler, 26,300 seniors are now facing a real and difficult choice: to cut spending on essentials, downgrade their cover or drop it altogether. Then there's the cruel cap on Hinkler veterans' allied health services. The uncertainty alone is putting immense stress on those who have served our country and fought for our freedoms. Bundaberg veterans are so incensed they are planning a protest this Friday, and who could blame them? Veterans should not be asked to bear the cost of Labor's budget repair. Let's hope a Queensland win over the Blues tonight can bring some joy, because Labor's budget has left regions like Hinkler in a state of despair. They've been left wanting and searching for a fair go.”
“I'm extremely grateful that game 1 of State of Origin is being played tonight, because, for many in my league-loving electorate of Hinkler, the brief distraction from Labor's budget of broken promises will be welcome. Phone calls and emails have been coming in thick and fast to my electorate offices in Hervey Bay and Bundaberg every single day since 12 May, when Labor delivered this bad news budget. Following dozens of face-to-face catch-ups across Hinkler last week at my mobile offices, I can categorically confirm to the House that the people of Hinkler don't want carve-outs to Labor's toxic taxes. They want them axed. That includes those aged 65 or older with private health cover. This Labor government is stripping back their private health insurance rebate.”
“Denzil and Suzanne Potter both served for our freedom, and they wanted me to deliver this point—that veterans should not be asked to bear the cost of Labor's budget repair. The result will be veterans going without treatment, their conditions worsening and the burden falling back on their family and household budgets. As one constituent wrote in an email: Veterans are not a line item. They are Australians who put their lives, bodies and futures on the line for this country. As the national president of the RSL wrote to members, 'There's a difference between a budget headline and a budget reality.' Many Hinkler veterans rely on allied health services not as a luxury but as an essential part of managing their service related injuries and conditions. Don't cap care for our veterans.”
“In the past week, my offices in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay have received dozens of emails and a mountain of calls. As I've travelled across Hinkler with my mobile office to Pialba, Woodgate, Childers, Urangan, Bundaberg and beyond, the No. 1 matter has been Labor's failure to support those who fought for our country. Today I pass on their direct and clear feedback for the Labor government: Don't put a cap on care for Hinkler veterans. Remove the uncertainty and reverse the decision to impose a $5,000 annual cap on allied health services for veterans. When I met with locals at Hervey Bay, we took shelter from the rain at the Veterans Advice and Social Centre, located at Freedom Park.”
“But this government is not interested in making it better. Instead, Labor is committed to slugging small business. They changed their position on negative gearing and capital gains tax, simply hitting the hip pockets of family business. The Prime Minister committed that you'd be better off under Labor—power prices would drop by $275, there was a promise of cheaper mortgages, and there would be no changes to super. But the exact opposite has happened. In each of the last two years, the economy has recorded its slowest growth outside a recession. Australians don't deserve a budget of broken promises and higher taxes, and small businesses in Hinkler don't deserve a budget of broken promises and higher taxes either.”
“Last week in my electorate of Hinkler, I launched my small business survey. Every single response that I've received so far confirms that this Labor government is making it harder to do business. Every single submission confirms that small businesses are under pressure. One of the questions on the survey is, 'Do Hinkler small businesses feel confident about their future?' One hundred per cent of responses say 'no'—they're not confident. A local engineering and manufacturing business says: We will be shutting up shop if there is no change, after nearly 30 years of servicing this community. It is very disappointing it has come to this. In Queensland, the month of May is Small Business Month, celebrating the role small and family businesses play in building our regional economy and communities.”
“I've talked at length about my commitment to deliver civics education across my electorate of Hinkler, and I'm delivering on my promise to visit every school in my first term. It's especially pleasing to see schools visit us here in Canberra, and I had the pleasure last week to meet with students from the Star of the Sea Catholic School in Torquay. I thank the Prime Minister for also giving some of his time to the students. To the parents, students and teachers of Hinkler wrapping up term 1, stay safe and enjoy the upcoming, well-deserved Easter break.”
“Congratulations to Bundaberg Tourism's Katherine Reid and Ellie Traynor, and the entire team, for developing this campaign. When it comes to issues impacting regional areas, health care is high on the list. Recently, I met with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. They've put forward a proposal to give patients in communities like Hinkler greater access to general practice care for less than $3 million a year. The rural pathways program would fund GPs from major cities to spend four weeks each year providing care in country, allowing them to trial rural general practice, build on ongoing relationships with patients and communities, and train in the medical skills they most need. The more GPs who can be supported to provide care to regional areas like Hinkler, the better.”
“On the other hand, caravanners in Hervey Bay have extended their stay because they're worried about travelling to other regions with such uncertainty over fuel supply. But the Bundaberg Tourism campaign delivers optimism at this tough time. It shares a story shaped by locals for locals and now shared with the rest of Australia, from the Southern Great Barrier Reef to the rich red soils of its hinterland, and by a spirit that is warm, welcoming and just a little bit cheeky. This brand now captures that spirit. It's about real experiences, good humans, moments you can't quite explain but never forget. It's old-school cool reimagined—classic Bundy but better than you remember. Rum, food, heritage, characters—laid-back, no fuss, no filters. So there's the invitation. You'd better visit us. You won't be disappointed.”
“Consumer confidence has now fallen to its lowest since records began. Regional areas like Hinkler need urgent support for the tourism and local business sector. In the aftermath of devastating floods and amidst the unfolding fuel crisis, many are feeling the pinch under this government. Delivering hope on the eve of Easter is the rollout of Bundaberg Tourism's new campaign, which captures what locals already know and love about the Bundaberg region—a place that's 'closer than you think' and 'greater than you imagine'. The bold new destination brand typifies our community, and I congratulate all involved in bringing together a reimagined website and coordinated marketing campaign. I've heard, sadly, that many tourists have cancelled their travel plans to our region because they can't afford fuel.”
“My question is to the Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Taxi operators in my electorate of Hinkler are questioning whether the government can guarantee reliable diesel supplies to keep wheelchair-accessible taxis on the road. Minister, how did the government allow the fuel crisis to get so bad that essential transport for vulnerable Australians is now under threat?”
“The staff and volunteers of our neighbourhood centres believe that everyone matters. Neighbourhood centres serve as welcoming spaces that reduce isolation. Neighbourhood centres build resilience and are ready to respond when crises hit. The coalition is committed to protecting Australians' way of life and restoring their standard of living. We must ensure these community hearts beat strongly forever.”
“As it is council run, it works under a slightly different model to the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay hubs, but what remains the same is the commitment to community connection. I note the recent adoption of wellbeing workshops, painting sessions and, for the kids, Lego activities and wet-play days. It's help with a tax return, an art class, a morning tea, a friendly face in your time of need, support as a new Australian, an ear to listen when you don't have anyone else, or a referral that could make your life better. That is what a neighbourhood centre supports. So, with a backdrop of escalating cost-of-living pressures and rapidly growing populations in places like Hinkler, let us understand and be clear that a community is at its best when it's strong and connected.”
“I want to offer my wholehearted support for the current funding request of just over $1 million to upgrade the facility to be able to deliver services all year round. Through the Hive, the neighbourhood centre offers industry training, youth assistance and events to combat loneliness. Then there is the main hub for the neighbourhood centre in Pialba. What impresses me so much is the level of information made available to all members of the community through this centre. This centre develops and delivers programs and services in response to community needs. Let's lock this funding in and give certainty to yet another service with a proven track record. In Hinkler we also have the Childers Neighbourhood Centre, which is delivered by the local council and managed by Debra Murphy and her fantastic team.”
“It was great to be at the Bundaberg centre's AGM last year, and I appreciate the opportunity to regularly catch up with the team to hear firsthand about funding shortfalls and the reliance on donations and charities, and to work with them on creating a more resilient community. It's always heartening to learn about the hardworking volunteers and staff who go above and beyond. And the support doesn't stop in Bundy. This year, I've had several visits to the neighbourhood centre in Hervey Bay—a great chance for me to see the different services on offer. I've met with the CEO, Tanya Stevenson, and committee member and past president Bernard Whebell and toured their centres. I want to highlight the Neighbourhood Hive, a converted warehouse space encouraging creativity, learning and collaboration, particularly targeting youth.”
“It provided a place for one of the city's two recovery hubs. Open 16 days straight, it became a home for the Red Cross, Lifeline, Regional Housing and the Community Recovery team. It's a place to serve the community—and serve it did in our greatest time of need. Bundaberg's neighbourhood centre goes beyond emergency support. Extensive programs provide a place with purpose for people in my electorate: migrant services, loan support, tax help, disability support, playgroup, assistance in technology and even a sewing circle. Is there anything these centres won't do when the need is identified? We need to do better for these hubs. I thank Corrie McColl, the Bundaberg centre's manager, and Praveen Mathew, the multicultural program coordinator, for their leadership and commitment to our community.”
“We must recognise that neighbourhood and community centres provide critical relief and emergency support, and let us acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff and volunteers. Often, the staff are not paid at the levels they deserve due to the limited funding received. This motion expresses concern that many centres are indeed underfunded and heavily reliant on ad hoc competitive grant funding. Further to that, I join the call for the government to provide long-term operational funding and dedicated infrastructure funding. To illustrate the amazing work that these hubs deliver, in the past few weeks, the Bundaberg community has experienced its third major flood in 16 years, with more than 250 homes and businesses inundated. The Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre stood up.”
“I rise in support of the motion brought to the House by the member for Lyne. In regional Australia, neighbourhood centres are an essential service—the heart of our communities. They foster safety, connection and social capital. They're the places where community connections happen. They are especially called upon to stand up and support communities during times of crisis, so now, more than ever, we need to provide them with adequate support. This is underlined as we endure the cost-of-living crisis, the fuel chaos and, in recent times, natural disasters. Parliament must recognise the vital role of neighbourhood and community centres in providing essential social services to individuals and communities in need.”
“As a Bundy high old boy, I'm immensely proud to see Seth represent the youth of Hinkler. Seth is an exceptional young leader and this is just another string to his impressive bow. I often quote the motto of Bundaberg State High: per ardua ad Astra—through hard work, the stars—and that rings true for Seth. I congratulate him on this appointment. Mr Speaker, I'd just like to take these last moments to wish you, all members and parliamentary staff, and all locals and visitors in the Hinkler electorate a blessed Easter. Easter is a time to pause, reset and spend time with our loved ones. To me, it's about family, faith and community. Please remember in these tough times we're experiencing that, if Easter has taught us anything, out of the dark comes light.”
“Meals on Wheels in Bundaberg, where I volunteered at Christmas time, has been forced to increase its fuel reimbursement amount for volunteers, a cost that is extremely tough to absorb for a charity like this. The coalition called on the Albanese government to halve the fuel tax to provide fast hip-pocket relief. Finally, today the Prime Minister agreed. Don't put the blame on Australians; instead, start showing some leadership and get the fuel flowing. Speaker, on a positive note, it's fitting that you're here sitting in this chamber, as I'm pleased to announce Bundaberg State High School's Seth Johnson as the local member for National Youth Parliament 2026 for the seat of Hinkler. The Department of the House of Representatives and Y Australia today revealed the 150 participants for the initiative.”
“For businesses like Just Freight, all costs of doing business have risen—buying vehicles, maintaining them; paying for and retaining staff. Like a farmer watches every drop of water, transport operators are monitoring every mile and every litre of fuel. Aaron has even enforced new rules to limit truck idling times. While back on the water, for tour boat operators taking visitors to the southern Great Barrier Reef, the costs are skyrocketing by upwards of $2,500 every day. Today I was informed that tourists, the drive market bound for my region this Easter, are cancelling tours and holidays altogether. Visitors simply can't afford the fuel to travel, or they're just worried the fuel will run out before they drive home after their holiday.”
“The message ahead of Easter from Stephen is that there is good quality supply for fresh local seafood, so don't buy imports. Support the locals first while you can because, if this crisis keeps up, the industry will be seriously struggling to survive. Meanwhile, try telling the farmers of Hinkler that we are in a good position. They are already changing the way they do business. Our truckies and transporters like Just Freight—a local family owned freight company offering daily services from Bundaberg to Brisbane—owner Aaron Kemp says their biggest concern is passing on fuel costs. The fuel levies they impose are usually locked in. They are now being revised weekly and are at levels never seen before at around 50 per cent.”
“Fuel supply is paramount and the question is: can this government guarantee it? All along, those opposite have provided only cold comfort, suggesting Aussies were in a good position to deal with this crisis. Well, try and explain that to grandparents who are questioning if they can really afford that trip to visit grandkids this Easter, or to hospitality staff with reduced hours due to slowing trade. Is it all good if you want to throw a prawn on the barbie on Good Friday? Well, your seafood bill will be up due to the cost of getting a trawler on the water. Seafood supplier and exporter Stephen Murphy from Australian Ocean King Prawn Company in Hervey Bay says the next month is crunch time for the fishing industry. He is worried, especially for the smaller operators.”
“Right now the cost of diesel in my regional Queensland electorate is sitting anywhere around $3.20 per litre; unleaded is upward of $2.50. Make no mistake, so much damage has already been done. However, it is pleasing that, after taking the coalition's lead, Hinkler families and small businesses will pay less for fuel because the government finally decided that cutting the fuel tax is a good idea—finally taking this crisis seriously, finally listening to the calls that we were making last week. Finally, this will provide overdue relief and ease some pressures ahead of Easter, but it won't remove uncertainty in my community. Fuel prices are visibly hitting households in real time, a problem right across regional Australia. The reality is that we still do not have a clear plan to get the fuel to the servos that have run dry.”
“Owner Brett Lakey said that they're getting cancellations daily and people are putting their bookings on hold because visitors can't afford the fuel to travel or they're worried the fuel will run out before they drive home after their holiday. Just to top it off for Brett, he's paying $2,500 extra every day for fuel for his boat. They put a small levy on passengers, but it doesn't even begin to cover a cost that has more than doubled. The ripple impact is real, and it's being felt now. Hinkler is hurting. Regional Australia needs urgency and leadership. Move the fuel to the servos. Let's get Australia moving. Let's breathe some life back into regions like Hinkler.”
“Right now, the cost of diesel in my regional Queensland electorate of Hinkler is sitting at levels above $3.20 per litre at many local fuel stations. Prices are visibly hitting Hinkler households in real time. Farmers can't get fertiliser, or, if they can, the price is doubled. Cafes are reducing shifts for workers as trade slows. Transport operators are hiking fuel levies to record highs. Many are cancelling what they consider non-essential expenses. Taxi operators tell me that the uncertainty is crippling. And, just days out from Easter and school holidays, tourists—the drive market bound for my region—are cancelling tours and holidays altogether. The Lady Musgrave Experience usually takes close to 150 people each day out to the southern Great Barrier Reef.”
“I also wish to thank the senior AFP officers who gave evidence to the committee at its hearing in February for this year's annual report examination, and I commend the committee's report to the House.”
“The committee also visited the Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre to hear first hand how the AFP works to address cybercrime. The committee commends the achievements of the AFP in this cyber space as well. The committee acknowledges the AFP's continued focus on staff wellbeing. The AFP operates in a challenging environment that places significant demands on its staff. The AFP have introduced several initiatives to improve recruitment and wellbeing, and has already seen positive impacts from these initiatives. I commend the AFP for continuing to perform well in a complex operating environment. I thank all officers of the AFP for their vital work protecting the safety of Australians.”
“The AFP saw significant results from its operations, including operations Firestorm, Kraken and Tyrrendor. These respectively focused on taking down major scam centres, dismantling an encrypted communication platform before being used by organised crime groups to facilitate crimes and a significant seizure of illicit drugs off the coast of Queensland. The committee commends the AFP for its results from these operations and for maintaining strong relationships with its international and domestic partners. The committee recently visited the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation to hear how the AFP works to protect children from exploitation. The committee recognises the results of the AFP in this difficult and important area of work.”
“I wish to thank Mr Kershaw for his decades of service and for his engagement with the committee, and I welcome Commissioner Barrett to the role. I note her priorities for the AFP and look forward to engaging with her and her leadership team in this parliament. Regarding the AFP's annual report for 2024-25, the committee found the AFP's performance and reporting to be highly satisfactory. The AFP met all but one of its performance targets during the year, and, for the target that was not met, the AFP provided a satisfactory explanation in its report. I know key achievements for the AFP during the period included charging 96 people as a result of child-exploitation investigations, restraining over $143.6 million in criminal assets, responding to 22,706 incidents at airports and maintaining a presence across 34 countries.”
“As such, the committee looks forward to continuing engagement with the ACIC. I thank the officers of the ACIC for their important work in reducing the harm to Australia from transnational, serious and organised crime. I commend the committee's report to the House. I also rise as Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement to present the committee's report examining the Australian Federal Police annual report for 2024-25. This committee has a statutory duty to examine each annual report of the AFP, review the performance by the AFP of its functions, monitor crime trends which may indicate that changes to the AFP are required and report back to parliament. I note the retirement of Mr Reece Kershaw APM as AFP Commissioner and the appointment of Miss Krissy Barrett APM to the role in October 2025.”
“The committee acknowledges the ACIC's continued focus on staff wellbeing. The agency saw a significant improvement in its attrition rate from December 2024 to December 2025, and the committee is pleased to report that the ACIC is attracting high volumes of quality applicants to its recruitment processes. Overall, the committee is pleased with the performance of the ACIC. I note that, from 4 June 2026, the Parliamentary Joint Committee of Intelligence and Security will have oversight of the ACIC, and, while there will be a change in parliamentary oversight committees, it will still be appropriate for the ACIC to provide written submissions or appear before the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Law Enforcement at public hearings for inquiries relating to serious and organised crime.”
“The ACIC is continuing to upgrade its information systems that are vital for law enforcement work, including the National Firearms Register. This will bring information from multiple jurisdictions together into a central hub, which should be ready for integration by the end of 2026. The ACIC is continuing to develop the National Criminal Intelligence System. The committee is pleased to report that all jurisdictions are now able to access this system, and almost all have been feeding data into the system. The ACIC is also working to introduce a National Continuous Checking Capability for working-with-children and police checks. This will introduce a real-time checking capability as opposed to point-in-time checks. The committee looks forward to seeing this capability rolled out across the country.”