MP condemns NAB’s hefty home deposits

I am going to issue an invitation to the CEO of the National Australia Bank to visit Mackay and hear firsthand about the effects of the bank’s decision to restrict home loan lending to those who can stump up with a 30% deposit.More than 20 real estate industry leaders met with me this week to share their concerns about the bank’s ruling that buyers in Mackay are a “credit risk”.The National Australia Bank has led the way in kicking us when we are down with this hard-line approach to lending, and actions like this do nothing to stimulate the economy and encourage investment.

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Job protection guaranteed in CHAFTA deal

NO foreigner will be allowed to fill a job in Australia that an Australian can do under new regulations to be introduced by the Liberal National Government.These regulations apply to the China Australia Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA), the 457 visa regime, and all other such arrangements, and these regulations have won the support of the Labor Party.It always was the case that Australian workers would get the first go and a fair go at filling Australian jobs and the new regulations will make that doubly so.

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CQ MPs take action to ban 100% FIFO

A BILL to ban 100% Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work practices is one of the first orders of business in Canberra next Monday, following the push by Michelle Landry and I to end discrimination by postcode.The Private Member’s Bill will seek to make it illegal for companies to lock people out of jobs based on where they live.The workers of this region deserve the right to apply for any job going, and should particularly be able to apply for jobs right on their doorstep.

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MP will travel to India to deliver message

“We’ve got the workers, the industry capabilities and the experience to support your project Mr Adani, and we’re ready to get started.”This is the message I will share personally with mining investor Gautam Adani when I travel to India next month.The region’s need for jobs and investment is too important to leave to chance, and I will do everything in my power to ensure our region does not miss out on the opportunities the Carmichael Mine Project will bring.I’m asking everyone in Mackay to get on board with my campaign to let Gautam Adani know that we are ready and waiting to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

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Mackay small business advisor up and running

SMALL business owners in the region now have a dedicated advisor based in Mackay to help them with everything from finances through to team building.Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy, and if we support them, they can boost their performance and employ more staff.Having access to the right advice at the right time can make all the difference and that is why the appointment of a small business advisor based here in Mackay is so important.I congratulate Lindon Lawn on his appointment to the role of small business advisor.

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Boost to benefit Mackay businesses

SMALL businesses in the Mackay region will soon have access to specialist advice thanks to a Liberal National Government funding boost of $770,000.A dedicated small business advisor will be appointed within weeks, to provide businesses with assistance to help them navigate changing economic conditions.What this means for small businesses in Mackay is that they will have a dedicated adviser in the city who can help them with everything from their finances through to staff team building and engaging customers in our digital world.

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Jobs for region is top priority for Nationals

IN a meeting of the Nationals Party Room in Rockhampton yesterday, Member for Dawson George Christensen spearheaded a move to affirm the party’s position on a range of issues pertaining to jobs.The position statement, which covered regional investment and job assistance programs through to controversial matters such as foreign workers and 100% FIFO, was adopted jointly by the Nationals and a statement was issued by the party leader, Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.The statement spelt out in clear terms that the Nationals support Australian workers getting Australian jobs, and only when it can be proven that there are no available Australian workers to fill job vacancies should foreign workers be considered.It also affirmed the Nationals’ stance that companies locking workers out of jobs based on where they live amounted to geographic discrimination; Central Queensland workers should always have the ability to apply for Central Queensland jobs.

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Extreme greens put skink and snake ahead of workers desperate for jobs

THE Mackay Conservation Group are feeling victorious about their misguided campaign to put the welfare of the Yakka Skink and Ornamental Snake ahead of thousands of Mackay and Bowen workers desperate for jobs, but the court case victory they are crowing about today is a hollow one.I have spoken to Minister Greg Hunt’s office this morning and what has happened here is largely an administrative issue which should be resolved within six to eight weeks.

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LNP backs George for third term

28 JULY 2015: THE Liberal National Party executive today affirmed its commitment to me as the Federal Member for Dawson, recommending my endorsement as the LNP candidate at the next federal election. It has been an honour to represent North Queensland in the electorate for the past two terms and I look forward to continuing to fight for jobs and better outcomes for families in the North.

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No support for new taxes

PEOPLE don’t want a hip-pocket hit; they want to see governments live within their means.State premiers have gathered in Sydney today for a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) retreat.Some premiers are making noises about raising the GST, while others are suggested a hip-pocket hit by raising the Medicare levy.I’m opposed to both because people want governments to live within their means and stop wasteful spending.

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