Three little words can save a life
8 SEPTEMBER 2016: R U OK? Sometimes it’s the simplest words that are the hardest to say, but today we are being encouraged to start a conversation with someone if we notice they are struggling to cope. Today is R U OK? Day, a day to take the first step, check in and reconnect with those around us - after all, we are stronger together.
Register shows who owns our land
7 SEPTEMBER 2016: The first report from the Register of Foreign Ownership of Agricultural Land was released by the Liberal National Government today. I have long been an advocate for the register and this report provides the basic transparency needed to ensure oversight and confidence in agricultural investment.
Prices to drop on 2000 medicine brands
5 SEPTEMBER 2016: More than 2000 medicine brands treating common conditions will drop in price for North Queenslanders from next month – some by as much as 50 per cent or more.
Proudly fly the Aussie flag
2 SEPTEMBER 2016: I am encouraging all North Queenslanders to proudly fly the flag to celebrate National Flag Day tomorrow (Saturday 3 September).
Study grants take students to Indo-Pacific
1 SEPTEMBER 2016: North Queensland students from CQ University and James Cook University will have the opportunity to put their studies into context through Liberal National Government study grants of more than $1 million.
Action trumps review on banks
31 AUGUST 2016: I chose action to pull the big banks into line today rather than another inquiry because actions speak louder than words and wasted time.
$55,000 boost for community groups
A small business incubator, a school and a long day care centre were all given a boost today with the announcement by Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen that almost $55,000 in Stronger Communities Programme grants had been approved.I joined Split Spaces general manager Jarryd Townson to congratulate him on his successful application.Jarryd is creating a business incubator here in Mackay called Split Spaces which will provide support services and collaboration for start-ups and small businesses, and I was happy to recommend his project for funding of $19,800 under the Stronger Communities Programme.This funding is just the beginning of the project for Mr Townson, but it will allow for the renovation and fit-out of a co-working space as well as provide some office equipment and kitchen facilities.