Llew O'Brien MP | Politician

Llew O'Brien MP

Phone: +61 7 4121 2936

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25.01.2022 If you know someone aged 12 to 18 who is travelling to compete, coach or officiate at a state, national or international sporting championship, encourage them to apply for a Local Sporting Champions grant to help cover some of the costs. Grants of between $500-$750 are available, but get in fast - applications close on 30 September! For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.sportaus.gov.au/grants/local_sporting_champions

25.01.2022 There's some good news out of today's meeting of the National Cabinet, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) confirming that Australia's state borders will be opened safely by Christmas with the exception of Western Australia.

24.01.2022 Community pharmacies have supported Australians throughout some of the most challenging situations in our nation’s history, with the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfires, floods and droughts. To help support their valuable work, the Morrison Government is investing $25 million in funding to improve the safe use of medicines and medicines intervention by pharmacists. Plus, from 1 January 2021, the Dose Administration Aids (DAA) program will increase its base cap from 30 to 60 service...s a week, which means more people will be able to access help through their local pharmacy to take the right dose of medicine at the right time. Also from 1 January 2021, the Government will be boosting its investment in the Rural Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA), to ensure people living in rural, regional and remote Australia have access to medicines and pharmacy services.

24.01.2022 A vote for Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough is a vote to build the roads our state needs to get Queensland working again.

23.01.2022 Wide Bay's fishing operators provide us with high-quality, wild caught fish from our clean ocean waters in a far more sustainable way than their overseas counterparts. They do more than look after our domestic needs, they also export our seafood to the global market. However, commercial fishers in Wide Bay have been left without the ability to export some fish products after the Queensland Labor Government failed to meet several conditions of the Wildlife Trade Operation Dec...laration, contravening the law and forcing the revocation of export permits. As a result, an industry that brings millions of dollars into the state has been left in limbo while the Queensland Premier go on the campaign trail leaving this important reform abandoned in caretaker mode. Complying with the WTO is critical to the livelihoods of commercial fishers. Without the ability to export mullet roe the whole Queensland sea mullet fishery would collapse, costing our economy millions.

23.01.2022 Our values are what makes Australia such a special place to live. They have helped shape our country and our identities, and they are the reason why so many people want to become Australian citizens. Now, the Australian Citizenship Test is being updated for the first time in more than a decade to include a dedicated section on Australian values, to make sure potential citizens understand and commit to our values like: Freedom of speech... Mutual respect Equality of opportunity The importance of democracy and The rule of law. These are the important values that unite all Australians.

22.01.2022 This morning at the Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub Branch I presented World War 2 veterans, Joyce Cunningham and Elsie Dalzell, with medallions to recognise their service and commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2. Joyce Cunningham is a true-blue Queenslander, born on a dairy farm on the banks of Lake Cootharaba, and she grew up in the Gympie area. When war broke out, three of her brothers joined the Army, and her sister joined the Land Army. When she turned 17, sh...e followed in their footsteps and joined the Land Army too. She worked hard on the land, sometimes while sleeping in tents or billeting with a local family, doing hard yakka like picking beans, tomatoes, turnips and potatoes, milking cows and feeding pigs, and driving tractors at farms between here in Wide Bay and Stanthorpe. Elsie Dalzell had lived her whole life in Chinchilla, when she signed up to the Australian Women's Army Service at the age of 20. She initially thought her application was unsuccessful, but soon enough, she found herself selected and left Chinchilla for the very first time on her way to Brisbane for training at the Exhibition Grounds. She was assigned to the Australian Searchlight Unit of the 56 Battery Royal Australian Engineers in Brisbane and later transferred to Townsville, where she worked in the operations room while living in tents on Pallaranda Beach. After the Search Lights units were disbanded, she worked for a time in the School of Military Intelligence at Southport, then the School of Tactics and Military Intelligence at Beenleigh and the staff school at Cabarlah as a switch board operator before being discharged in 1946. Elsie is turning 99 next week (September 30), and Joyce will be 94 on October 22, so I’m really pleased to acknowledge their service with these medallions and certificates, and wish them both a very happy birthday. I also thank Elsie’s grandson Nick who skilfully and poignantly played the bagpipes at the ceremony.

22.01.2022 If you're going to watch one video during this state election campaign - make it this one.

22.01.2022 In early to continue work on preparation for budget week. Representing Wide Bay in this place is an incredible honour for me. Something I never expected in my life. In this position, serving the people who put me here comes before all else. It comes before personal ambition and party allegiance. ... The reason I joined a political party in the first place was because my values and beliefs aligned with the National Party now LNP. I’m a proud member of a Coalition Government that is serving the Nation well in very difficult times. But the values, beliefs and priorities of my Coalition Government must align with those of Wide Bay for it to have my support. I look forward to the week ahead

21.01.2022 I was honoured to officially open the new mosaic wall at Cooroy RSL this morning, which will serve as a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women. The wall, with colourful mosaics by artist Sue Hoskins depicting members of the Navy, Air Force and Army, is a beautiful way to commemorate the service of our Australian Defence Services Personnel, and will brighten the Cooroy streetscape as well. The Cooroy Pomona RSL Sub Branch received $8,240 towards the cost of the artworks through Round 5 of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, which supports capital projects to benefit local communities.

21.01.2022 Social Connection is the theme for this Veterans' Health Week, and if there is one thing that 2020 has taught us, it is that social connection is vital for mental health and wellbeing. To help veterans enjoy socialising with friends and the local community, a range of events will be held this week in Gympie and Noosa, and throughout Queensland. To find an event near you, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website:... https://www.dva.gov.au//veterans-h/veterans-health-week-1

21.01.2022 More than 1200 people have signed their name to a petition rejecting the Queensland Government’s proposed two-lane Tiaro Bypass in favour of a safe four-lane road for the Bruce Highway. Tomorrow I will present this on behalf of Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough and all the motorists who have had enough of governments failing to build roads that can safely and efficiently move machinery, products and people. If you would like to support the petition calling for a four lane bypass an e-petition is available here https://www.aph.gov.au/petition_list?id=EN1910

21.01.2022 It is really disappointing to see and hear reports of menacing behaviour by a small group of people who have been trying to intimidate other candidates and their helpers during this election campaign. The LNP relies on its volunteers who work hard to raise funds to communicate our policies and build the profile of our candidates. We don’t have the backing of well resourced and cashed up unions so it is particularly disheartening for our volunteers when we see the efforts of... their work trashed like this. The people who perpetrate these crimes are not only trashing signs, they are trashing our democracy. They have no respect for our political process and they have no tolerance for anyone who dares to have a political opinion different to theirs. I would hate to think that they could be associated with anyone who would seek to carry the hefty responsibility of representing their electorate in Parliament. It takes guts to put your hand up to be a candidate and be open to all the scrutiny that rightfully goes with that. But candidates and their volunteers shouldn’t have to be fearful of the rubbish we’ve seen exhibited by a small minority during this election campaign.

20.01.2022 Deb Frecklington and the LNP have announced a clear plan to four lane the Bruce Highway from Curra to Cairns. Labor does not share this vision, and certainty not in Wide Bay where the Queensland Road Safety Minister said "There is no issue about gridlock or hold-ups at the moment, and there is not foreseen (to be) for the next couple of decades. An LNP Government will build the infrastructure our state needs to support agriculture, mining, tourism, freight and logistics - and importantly keep motorists moving and safe on the Bruce Highway.

19.01.2022 Everyone can help keep recyclable materials out of landfill by learning the dos and don'ts of recycling for National Recycling Week. Search https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/ to find out what you can and can’t put in your kerbside recycling bin. You can also search for drop-off locations to recycle a wide range of tricky items like electronic waste, white goods, furniture and much more.... #NationalRecyclingWeek #recyclereusereduce

19.01.2022 This time last year Australia was heading into one of the worst fire seasons in recent memory. The blazes had a deep and lasting impact socially, environmentally and economically. While it may have been over shadowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, bushfire recovery is very much still underway, and the Morrison government is committed to sticking with fire affected regions for the long haul. We're also supporting the development of world-first technologies that help detect and figh...t bushfires and put out the blazes before they can take hold, and Noosa, in Wide Bay, is leading the way with cutting-edge innovation. I've announced $200,000 for the Peregian Digital Hub to deliver their world-first commercialisation program for promising bushfire resilience technologies. A total $100,000 of this is through the Morrison government's Incubator Support initiative's expert in residence program. This will help fund to FireTech Connect to bring together mentors, business partners and procurement experts to help more than 30 companies fast-track their solutions into commercialisation and deployment to protect regional communities in Australia and abroad from fire. A $100,000 grant through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program will help the start-ups put their technologies on the world stage, with a fire tech international conference planned for late 2021, showcasing state-of-the-art bushfire technology solutions to an international audience of local, state and federal emergency response agencies. Noosa tech company Fireball International has received $500,000 through the Entrepreneurs' Program for an innovative new system that could detect bushfires in as little as three minutes, allowing for rapid response and control. This innovative technology will significantly reduce both the human and financial cost of bushfires such as those seen in Noosa and, on a greater scale, across Australia last summer. I also acknowledge the great work of McDermott Aviation, which, together with Helitak, is at the forefront of aerial firefighting. Helitak at Noosa has received almost $500,000 to expand its capacity, providing a cheap, safe and efficient way to enable the Super Puma helicopters to be used in aerial firefighting. These technology solutions to fighting bushfires could have a significant economic and social benefit not only for Australia but globally. These projects will boost the region's technology sector and get innovative companies and visitors back to the Noosa area, strengthening our economy and creating local jobs.

18.01.2022 On 18 September Queensland Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the Queensland Government isn’t recommending a four lane Tiaro bypass because "You've got to prioritise where you do it." The Minister also said "There is no issue about gridlock or hold-ups at the moment, and there is not foreseen (to be) for the next couple of decades. I don’t know what highway Minister Bailey uses to travel north from Gympie, but it’s obviously a different one that I use on a daily basis. M...otor vehicles, caravans, buses, trucks and oversized loads cram the Bruce Highway north of Gympie, and it is all too often congested, clogged or closed. The latest publicly available data on traffic movements along the National Highway was released by AusRAP in 2016, and it showed around 7500 vehicles per day travelled on the Hume Highway between Goulburn and Yass, along a safe four lane separated highway. The same data from 2016 indicates that the number of vehicles travelling between Gympie and Tiaro was 9900 per day and the number of vehicles travelling between Tiaro and Childers was 8000 per day. According to the 2016 data the National Highway between Goulburn and Yass had less traffic and is four laned, but Tiaro has more and is not four laned - nor would it be under the Palaszczuk Government for the next couple of decades. Based on these traffic volumes - and not even taking into account the rapid traffic growth since 2016 - if Tiaro was in New South Wales it would already have four lanes. But in Queensland the Minister says a four lane Tiaro bypass isn’t a priority for this Queensland Government. If it’s good enough for New South Wales it’s good enough for Queensland. Ministers McCormack and Bailey, stop treating the Bruce Highway as the National Highway’s poor cousin. This is the National Highway and I will continue the fight for new projects to be built to a safe four lane standard.

18.01.2022 During World War 2, almost one million Australians served to protect our country, and there were many from Goomeri and the surrounding districts among them. To ensure their service will be remembered for future generations, the Goomeri branch of the Murgon RSL will receive a $43,950 grant to build a commemorative statue of a Second World War digger next to the town’s Memorial Clock. This grant through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program will help to provi...de a reminder to the people of Wide Bay of the sacrifices made by Australian service-men and women during wartime. I was also pleased to present the Murgon RSL Sub-Branch with a special commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The medallions were produced to mark the anniversary on 15 August, and are now available to every living Second World War veteran, in acknowledgement of their service. Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02 6191 8217 during business hours. See more

18.01.2022 If you were ever in any doubt about the need for a four lane Tiaro bypass look no further than this today, with traffic on the Bruce Highway almost backed up to Pineapple Hill This is what life would be like on Queensland Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey’s single lane, concrete barrier divided Tiaro bypass when a truck breaks down or there is a traffic accident, with vehicles stuck in a long queue with no room to move The State Labor Government’s refusal to recomme...nd a four lane bypass around Tiaro is not sensible. Mark Bailey needs to stop shifting the blame and direct his Queensland Transport and Main Roads Department to put forward a four lane plan for the Tiaro bypass so the Commonwealth can consider it. But Mark Bailey refuses to do so - and he says there is no issue with gridlock or hold ups on this section of the highway What planet is he living on

18.01.2022 If you're thinking about claiming a Carer Payment or Carer Allowance, Services Australia has created some handy new claim guides to help you through the process by telling you what to do next based on your personal situation. Find the guides and more information here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au//guiding-you-through-

18.01.2022 Tonight I had the honour of officially activating the Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club’s new $500,000 lighting system. Just prior to the last federal election I met with Club President Brett Lea and committed to delivering the funding to install new lights so the Club’s 160 members can enjoy their sport day and night. As well as increasing the use of the oval, this project will have flow-on benefits for the broader Noosa community. It supported 15 jobs during construction and wi...ll create three direct jobs as well as enabling the Club to host first-class night cricket matches, national, and potentially international cricket matches, which is fantastic for the local tourism, hospitality and accommodation sectors as they rebuild following the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s a win for Noosa sports fans, the broader Noosa community and local businesses, and I thank Brett Lea and everyone at Tewantin Noosa Cricket and their sponsors for their work and drive to make this project happen. The project upgraded the Club’s sports field lighting, providing new 750 lux LED lighting, installing four new light poles and footings, and upgrading the power supply.

17.01.2022 People in Wide Bay are rightly proud and protective of the unique wildlife and native plants we have in our beautiful region, and groups like Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee work hard to ensure they are looked after. Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud MP and I were delighted to meet with Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee project officer Eva Ford and the team yesterday to announce a $291,037 grant from the Austral...ian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program for MRCCC to assess threatened species’ and aid recovery in burnt coastal wallum wetlands. The project will be run in partnership with Griffith University and Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management and will survey threatened fish, frogs and crayfish; identify critical habitat, and establish captive breeding colonies of at-risk fish populations to help ensure their long-term survival in fire-affected areas including Fraser Island, the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar Wetland and near Peregian Beach.

17.01.2022 It's been one year since Peregian Beach was devastated by the first in a series of terrible bushfires last spring, and while the entire world has changed significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not forgotten that the Noosa community, its environment, and its economy are also still recovering from the effects of the fire. More than 5000 people were evacuated from 2500 homes as multiple fire fronts attacked Noosa over the course of several weeks in September an...d October, in a show of the worst of Mother Nature’s fury. From the very start, Noosa’s spirit shone through, with countless people extending the hand of friendship, giving shelter, food, and assistance to their neighbours, friends, and complete strangers. Emergency services and volunteers worked tirelessly to protect lives and properties, and countless volunteers stepped up to support them with everything from preparing meals, doing their washing, hosting fundraisers and many other kind, practical gestures. To the wide range of organisations including Peregian Beach Community House, UnitingCare, Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, Noosa Heads Lions Club, Koala Crusaders, the Noosa Unit - Queensland State Emergency Service, Queensland Police Service, the Rural Fire Service, the firefighters, police, volunteers, disaster coordinators, community groups, Noosa Council and so many others who helped protect Noosa and assist its recovery, we are all very grateful for your help - thank you. I also thank the Peregian Family & Friends committee, which made an incredible effort by recently raising $32,000 for the Verrierdale Fire Brigade’s new shed. I was pleased to help their efforts by donating bottles of wine signed by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo), Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Speaker of the House Tony Smith MP and myself, which raised about $500. I was pleased to donate two tickets to the fundraiser worth $360 to Pam Murphy to whose house was lost in the fires. I have also been working hard to ensure Noosa receives every assistance to revitalise its economy in the wake of the fires, and to date, Noosa has received more than $1.5 million in direct funding for bushfire assistance, including an immediate grant of $1 million to the Noosa community to help rebuild vital community infrastructure. We have also given $1 million to the Queensland Government to administer a grants program for community organisations in Noosa, and I welcome Noosa’s inclusion in other assistance measures including $6 million tourism recovery package, and a further $14 million Community Recovery Package, available to fire affected council areas. This assistance from the Morrison Government, and Noosa’s strong and vibrant community spirit, will help the local economy keep moving and ensure Noosa and hinterland areas can rebuild even stronger than before.

17.01.2022 If you need help doing your tax return and earn less than $60,000, check out the Australian Taxation Office's free Tax Help program! It’s available in person, over the phone or online from the comfort of your own home. Call 13 28 61 or, visit www.ato.gov.au/Ind/Lodging-your-tax-return/Tax-Help-program

16.01.2022 This is great news for growers in the South Burnett with Deb Frecklington committing to the construction of a new weir on the Barambah Creek at Barlil. I've worked with BIEDO and representatives from the Barker Barambah Irrigator Advisory Committee and know how important this project is, which will improve water security and boost agricultural production by around $4 million each year.

16.01.2022 Today, on World Cancer Day, we recognise the millions of Australians whose lives have been touched by this insidious disease, which killed 48,000 people nationally last year alone. Every cancer diagnosis has a devastating impact on individuals, families, friends, colleagues and local communities, and the Morrison Government is committed to reducing toll throughout Australia. We have invested record funding in cancer research $6.6 billion over four years from 202021 to 2...02324 - to support Australia’s best and brightest medical researchers in their fight against cancer. We're also committed to helping Australians access affordable new, lifesaving and life-changing cancer treatments on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In January we added Darzalex for patients with multiple myeloma, and Tagrisso for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Every person can help combat this disease, and one of the best ways is through cancer screening, which allows for early detection and treatment. So please make your health a priority on World Cancer Day. Speak to your healthcare provider to check if you are due for screening and visit cancerscreening.gov.au for more information about our national cancer screening programs.

16.01.2022 Today, the first sod was turned on Section D of the Bruce Highway Cooroy to Curra upgrade. This is a $1 billion investment that will create 576 jobs over the next four years, and more importantly, this new four-lane divided Gympie bypass will save countless lives on the deadly Bruce Highway. This is a project the Gympie community fought for, that I fought for, and it makes complete sense to upgrade this stretch of the National Highway to the safest possible standard.... But it was also a day of mixed emotions for me and for everyone who has fought for a safer highway. While everyone should rightly be reassured that their loved ones will be much safer when they travel on the new section once it is completed, and our Wide Bay region will soon see the economic benefits the construction phase will bring, I can’t help but compare this safe stretch of road being built for Section D, with the dangerous, two-lane bypass being proposed just up the road at Tiaro. Don’t the people of Maryborough and the Fraser Coast deserve the same standards of safety on their National Highway as Gympie? So while the battle for Section D has been won, and work is now underway, the war against road trauma is not yet over. The people who live north of Section D deserve this same safe standard of four lane divided national highway, and I will not stop fighting until there is a four-lane divided bypass for Tiaro.

16.01.2022 Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has just handed down one of the most important budgets in the history of this nation. More than 6000 Wide Bay businesses received Jobkeeper and 25,000 pensioners and others on income support recieved two $250 payments. More than 50,000 taxpayers in Wide Bay will receive tax relief and 20,000 business will be able to access the Instant Asset Write Off. Wide Bay is positioned for fast recovery but what is very important is the outcome of this week’s election. Go Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough Go Tony Perrett! Go James Blevin - LNP for Noosa Go Marty Hunt MP! Go Deb Frecklington MP Queensland needs you!

15.01.2022 Today in the House of Representatives I thanked everyone who signed the petition calling for a four lane Tiaro bypass, sponsored by Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough. Denis has worked with me to highlight why the Tiaro bypass should be done right the first time with four lanes - and more than 1200 people agree. We want heavy industry and manufacturing in Maryborough to provide local jobs. But to achieve that vision we need highway infrastructure built to world class stan...dards to move machinery, products and people - quickly, safely and efficiently. You can sign the e-petition here https://www.aph.gov.au/petition_list?id=EN1910 And if you want a four lane Bruce Highway from Curra to Cairns, including the Tiaro bypass, vote for the LNP. Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough James Blevin - LNP for Noosa Marty Hunt MP Tony Perrett Deb Frecklington MP

15.01.2022 This week I was privileged to present Gympie RSL Sub-Branch with a commemorative medallion to honour the service of veterans of the Second World War. Gympie servicemen and women were well represented among the almost one million Australians who served in the Second World War, and these medallions are an acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by this remarkable generation of Australians. The medallions were produced to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World ...War, which took place on 15 August, and are available to every living Second World War veteran, in acknowledgement of their service. Second World War veterans, or their families on their behalf, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or, for those without internet access, by phone on 02 61918217 during business hours.

15.01.2022 The increased JobSeeker Payment partner income test will continue after 25 September, with a few changes. If you earn less than $300 per fortnight, your partner can earn up to $3086.11 before your payment reduces to zero. Your payment will reduce by 27 cents for every dollar your partner earns over $1165 per fortnight. Check out the video for more information.... https://www.facebook.com/ServicesAustralia/videos/1847533545389919

14.01.2022 Australian veterans deserve the best care - so why are occupational therapists who work with veterans paid less than occupational therapists who work with other government programs? Join me on World Occupational Therapist Day in the fight for fair pay for occupational therapists and other allied health professionals who care for our veterans.

13.01.2022 As part of the Liberals and Nationals Government’s $800 million JobMaker Digital Business Plan, we're backing small businesses as the economy moves towards a digital future. Through the Australian Small Business Advisory Service (ASBAS) Digital Solutions program, businesses can access low-cost, independent, expert and tailored advice on: Websites and selling online. Social media and digital marketing.... Using small business software. Online security and data privacy. Business crisis management and business continuity planning. Finance management and boosting cash flow. Staff management and creating a safe work environment. Retaining and staying connected to customers. Resilience and wellbeing. See more

13.01.2022 With more than 447,000 people living with dementia in Australia, our support and understanding of this terrible disease is really important. This week is Dementia Action Week, and this year’s theme is 'A little support makes a lot of difference'. So I would like to say thank you to every Australian caring for someone with dementia. Together, we can all raise awareness and understanding of how dementia affects Australians and their loved ones. To help with this mission, Dementia Australia will be releasing a new tip each day on how everyone can help people living with dementia live well. You can see these tips here: https://discrimination.dementia.org.au/action-week/

13.01.2022 Now more than ever, the Government needs to look after our ADF personnel and veterans, and that’s what we are doing at Murgon, where the RSL’s new Drop-In Centre is taking shape. Back in 2019 I committed $450,000 towards this project that will provide a safe and comfortable place for Murgon veterans to get support and socialise, and I am pleased to see construction is well underway. The project will also be great for the broader Murgon community it’s creating about 40 job...s, including electricians, plumbers, concreters and other trades, which will provide a significant flow-on benefit to the Murgon and South Burnett, which is just what the region needs as we rebuild our local economy. I’m looking forward to coming back here for the official opening early next year.

13.01.2022 Today I announced the site of Maryborough’s new satellite headspace centre, with the signing of a lease on an office space next to the Station Square Shopping Centre. Headspace are absolute champions for young people and their mental health, and this lease agreement means it’s one step closer to Maryborough youths being able to access their vital services. This Maryborough headspace service is a $1.5 million investment by the Morrison Government in the mental and physical hea...lth of Wide Bay’s young people, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The new service will help overcome the stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing challenges, and provide a dedicated space where our young people can access services in a safe environment. Research shows three quarters of mental health problems emerge before the age of 25, so it’s incredibly important to connect young people with support and resources as soon as possible, and we’re expecting the centre to open by November. headspace Maryborough will be located at Shop 2b 138 Lennox Street, Maryborough. Referrals can be made by contacting headspace Hervey Bay.

12.01.2022 Education is the most important stepping stone in life, and the influence and value of our teachers cannot be overstated. This year, Wide Bay’s school leaders have done incredible work to support our students through the pandemic, and today, on World Teacher’s Day, it’s time to show our gratitude. To every educator in Wide Bay, thank you for your hard work, dedication and passion; for believing in our kids; and helping them get a great start in life.

12.01.2022 This is a practical way to reward and encourage road safety. Help make it a reality by supporting your local LNP candidates and Members of Parliament, Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough, James Blevin - LNP for Noosa, Marty Hunt MP Member for Nicklin... Tony Perrett Member for Gympie and Deb Frecklington MP Member for Nanango. https://www.facebook.com/DebFrecklingtonMP/posts/2883935115040199 See more

12.01.2022 Noosa is emerging as a centre of excellence for advanced fire fighting innovations to combat bushfires like the ones that devastated many parts of Australia, including Peregian Beach, last summer. This week, Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud MP and I visited the Peregian Digital Hub where we were delighted to announce three grants to help support this important work. The Peregian Beach Digital Hub will receive $100,000 through the L...iberal and Nationals Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme to deliver their world-first ‘FireTech Connect’ commercialisation programme to assist around 30 technology start-ups to develop solutions to prevent, detect, fight and recover from bushfire emergencies. A further $100,000 grant through the Regional Tourism Bushfire Recovery Grants program will help the start-ups put their technology on the world stage, with a FireTech International Conference planned for late 2021. This new funding comes in addition to $497,500 provided to Helitak Fire Fighting Equipment in February through the Accelerating Commercialisation program to expand its capacity, providing a cheap, safe, efficient, and easy way to enable the Super Puma helicopter to be used in aerial firefighting. The funding highlights the innovative work being done in Noosa and throughout the Wide Bay, and puts our region on the world map when it comes to technologies used to fight bushfires. The Australian Government is committed to backing clever projects like these that deliver economic opportunities while solving real-world problems.

11.01.2022 Congratulations to Maryborough's Breanna Cassidy who won the Trainee of the Year category of the Morrison Government's 2020 Australian Training Awards on Friday. A traineeship at Zip Print Australia helped nurture Breanna’s interest in graphic design and business, and with the support of her employers, she kick-started her career by enrolling in a Certificate III in Business. Breanna’s RTO recognised her hard work and motivation, and she was nominated for Student of the Month... in recognition of her true passion for her traineeship. Breanna is especially proud that she completed a nationally recognised qualification because she did not achieve a high school certificate and now she plans to take the next step with a course in graphic design. She is a valued team member at Zip Print and her quick problem-solving skills will help her through her apprenticeship in graphic pre-press. Well done Breanna! The Australian Training Awards recognise Australia’s best and brightest in vocational education and training (VET) with seventy-five finalists in categories including students, apprentices, trainees, teachers, schools, registered training organisations and employers. For information on the 2020 Australian Training Awards visit: www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au

11.01.2022 When it comes to Denis Chapman, what you see is what you get and what he tells you is the truth (even if it’s not what you want to hear). The bloke is a hard worker and he will make a fine State Member for Maryborough. And it will be refreshing for me to work with somebody who is not always looking to play the political angle. Go Denis!!!!

11.01.2022 90% of Australians want to see more goods produced right here in Australia - and I certainly agree with them! The Morrison Government is finalising our manufacturing strategy to drive Australia’s economic recovery, and every person in Australia can help by supporting local businesses and buying Australian grown and made products.

10.01.2022 Some Services Australia payments are changing from 25 September. Check out this video for the key things you need to know about changes to: Coronavirus Supplement Asset testing and liquid asset waiting periods Income free areas, and Partner income testing

09.01.2022 Today the Morrison Government and Queensland State Government announced the launch of the JobTrainer fund in Queensland, to support 68,000 training places across the state. This is a fantastic result for people in Wide Bay and Queensland, and will really help job seekers, and especially people who are about to leave school. It will inject an additional $201 million into Queensland’s vocational education and training (VET) sector, with $100.5 million from the Australian Government matched dollar-for-dollar by the Queensland State Government.

09.01.2022 Veterans' Health Week is from 24 October to 1 November, and Wide Bay community organisations can apply now for $720 in funding to host a VHW event with the theme "Social Connection". Applications close on October 9. For more information or to apply visit: https://www.dva.gov.au//veterans-health-week-24-oct-1-nov-

09.01.2022 On 12 January 2018 the Queensland Government released a flyer advising that The Department of Transport and Main Roads is currently undertaking detailed design activities to build dual overtaking lanes on the Bruce Highway, between the Tinana interchange and Central Road near Maryborough. The flyer also said Design activities are expected to be completed by mid-2018, with construction expected to start toward the end of the year.... In the next few days local residents will receive a new flyer advising that construction will start later this year and will take 10 months to complete. I received this advice on 14 September 2020, that’s 33 months after, or just shy of three years from the time of the first flyer, and six days after I put up a video telling the Queensland Government we’ve waited long enough and they must get moving on it. The truth is this project should have been started and finished long before now. The Palaszczuk Labor Government has got the wrong priorities and puts us at the back of queue. Its focus is on Brisbane instead of our section of the highway where people are seriously injured and tragically lose their lives.

09.01.2022 The Australian Government is undertaking the most significant reforms in 30 years to Australia’s insolvency framework, as part of our economic recovery plan to keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs through #COVID19. Yesterday Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the reforms, which draw on key features of the US Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, and allow small businesses to restructure their debts while remaining in control of their business or to wind down their op...erations in an orderly manner. The reforms will cover around 76 percent of businesses subject to insolvencies today, 98 percent of whom have less than 20 employees. Together, these measures will reduce red tape and costs for small businesses, reduce the time they spend during the insolvency process, ensure greater economic flexibility, and ultimately help more small businesses get to the other side of the crisis.

09.01.2022 Cooroy’s own McDermott Aviation Group provides critical firefighting protection to help save lives and properties from bushfires. This morning I met with John McDermott and Tim Vercoe to discuss how governments can best use their services to rapidly respond to bushfire threats to keep us safe.

09.01.2022 Congratulations to the 14 young sporting champions in Wide Bay who will receive between $550 and $650 each through the Australian Government's Local Sporting Champions program. This year's pandemic has brought new challenges to sporting competitions, and these grants are a well-deserved recognition of our young sports stars' dedication and motivation in overcoming these barriers to represent Wide Bay.

09.01.2022 From September 25, the asset test is being reintroduced for several payments, including JobSeeker so it’s important to make sure your asset information is up-to-date. You can easily check and update your info online through your Centrelink account. Visit this link for a step-by-step guide: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au//manage-your-income-and-asset

08.01.2022 It’s Nursing in the Community Week. Community health care is so important in regional areas like Wide Bay, so to Australia's 40,000 community health care nurses - thank you for looking after us!

08.01.2022 Applications are now open for youths and veterans in Maryborough, Gympie and the Cooloola Coast for Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications scholarships worth up to $5,000 a year. These scholarships are a fantastic opportunity for young people and veterans in Wide Bay to upskill or reskill into in-demand professions including child care and aged care. The scholarships will be delivered by Busy at Work and applications can be made at https://www.busyatwork.com.au/scholarship-program-for-youn/

08.01.2022 R U OK Day is a day for looking out for your friends, your colleagues and your neighbours. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES North Coast and the Queensland Police Service Maryborough prosecution offices are next door to my electorate office in Maryborough, and they kindly invited me along to their RUOK Day event this morning. While I was unfortunately unable to attend, this was a fantastic display of the mateship that makes RUOK Day such an important event. ... Thanks to my neighbours at QFES and QPS for promoting RUOK Day’s important message that it’s okay to talk about mental health.

08.01.2022 The number of blood cancers diagnosed each year is sadly on the rise, from around 12,500 new cases in 2010 to an estimated 17,300 in 2020. While survival rates are improving, it is estimated that tragically, more than 5,600 people will lose their lives to blood cancer this year. The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring Australia is equipped to fight blood cancer, and as part of the 2020/21 Budget, we will provide more than $600,000 to the Leukaemia Foundation as part of Australia’s first National Strategic Action Plan for Blood Cancer. Throughout the Blood Cancer Awareness Month of September, there is no better time to highlight the remarkable work of the Leukaemia Foundation in advocating for people diagnosed with blood cancer.

07.01.2022 Today after opening the new mosaic artwork at Cooroy RSL, I was privileged to present the Cooroy-Pomona RSL Sub-Branch with a special commemorative medallion marking the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. These special medallions were produced to mark the anniversary, which fell on 15 August 2020, and they are now available to every living Second World War veteran, in acknowledgement of their service. Second World War veterans, or their families, can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or by phone on 02 6191 8217.

07.01.2022 What we long suspected has now been confirmed.

07.01.2022 The Morrison Government is delivering record funding for aged care. Our investment has grown from $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $21.4 billion in 2019-20. By 2022-23, it will be an estimated $25.4 billion - because we're committed to supporting older Australians.

07.01.2022 Don't miss out Expressions of Interest are closing soon for Round 6 of the Stronger Communities Programme. Grants of between $2500 and $20,000 are available for local community, volunteer and veteran service organisations, councils and sporting groups for projects that will improve social participation and build stronger, more vibrant communities in Wide Bay. Expressions of Interest are open now until Monday 15 February, and you can download the form here: https://llewo...brien.com.au/grants-information/ A local committee will assess the expressions of interest and then invited applicants will proceed to the formal application stage which must be completed and lodged by 22 March 2021.

07.01.2022 The Maryborough Military Aviation Museum is a small museum, but its collection is growing rapidly, and this week it added a really important feature an honour board with the name of 62 Royal Australian Air Force personnel from the Maryborough region who were tragically killed in service of their country. One of those names is Flight Sergeant Gerard Barbeler, a Maryborough man who lost his life in an air battle over Germany, on 16 March 1945, aged just 21 years. He was remem...bered by his brother Cyril, who unveiled the honour board this week on behalf of the 62 families whose loved ones are named on the plaque. While I was unfortunately unable to attend the unveiling in person, I was pleased to be able to provide $3,900 for the boards through the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service program. I thank Maryborough Military Aviation Museum president Jenny Elliott, president David Geck, and the committee for their work to ensure the names of our fallen heroes, like Flight Sergeant Gerard Barbeler and others from the Maryborough region, will never be forgotten.

06.01.2022 Today I was pleased to meet with Glen Hartwig Gympie Mayor to announce more than $1.5 million in federal funding to help upgrade Rammutt Road at Chatsworth and replace Tandur Road Bridge at Kybong. The existing single-lane Tandur Road Bridge will be replaced with a new concrete bridge, with $1,137,500 in Bridges Renewal Program funding, and $486,314 will be invested through the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program to widen and strengthen Rammutt Road. The funding wi...ll be matched by the Gympie Regional Council, allowing them to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects. This investment will deliver a safer bridge at Kybong and a safer road at Chatsworth, and as well as improving road safety, it will generate jobs in the local community. It’s a win-win for road safety and for jobs, and it couldn’t have come at a better time as we work to rebuild the local economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged drought and last summer’s bushfires.

06.01.2022 From tomorrow, thousands of Australians with debilitating back and joint pain will have access to a life-changing treatment option through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Ankylosing spondylitis is a painful inflammatory condition, which can cause small bones in the spine to fuse. From December 1, they will be able to access Taltz (ixekizumab) on the PBS - instead of paying more than $22,000 a year. There’s also good news for almost 50,000 Australians suffering fro...m heart and cardiovascular conditions, with access to Xarelto (rivaroxaban) expanded on the PBS to include the treatment of patients at high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Up to 46,900 patients every year could benefit from this listing. These PBS listings have been recommended by the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee, and the Morrison Government is committed to make important medicines available to Australians at affordable prices.

05.01.2022 Almost one million Australians served to protect our country during World War 2, and about 12,000 World War 2 veterans are still with us today including those living at Noosa and the surrounding regions. To acknowledge and honour their service, special commemorative medallions were produced to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 this year. I was honoured to present a medallion to the Tewantin Noosa RSL Sub Branch which has for 100 years ensured veterans and d...efence personnel in our area receive the advocacy, assistance and care they so rightly deserve. The medallions are now available to every living Second World War veteran, in acknowledgement of their service, and you can apply online at dva.gov.au/medallion or by phone on 02 6191 8217 during business hours.

05.01.2022 As Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) says, our $1.9 billion investment into new energy technologies will lower our emissions and most importantly, it will deliver jobs now, jobs tomorrow and jobs into the future. All up, this investment will create 35,000 direct jobs and an additional 35,000 in-direct jobs, strengthening the Australian economy all while reducing emissions.

05.01.2022 Work will start on the long-overdue Tinana Overtaking Lane project next week (Monday 16 November) after two years of the Labor State Government dragging its heels. In January 2018, I announced the Coalition Government would fully fund the $13.3 million Tinana overtaking lanes project, and I am pleased the State Department of Transport and Main Roads will now finally be able to get on with the job after a lengthy delay. The new northbound and southbound dual overtaking lanes... will allow drivers to overtake slow-moving vehicles safely, improving traffic flow, and a wire rope safety barrier system will also be installed between the overtaking lanes to reduce the chance of head-on collisions. Just like the Bells Bridge intersection, these are significant safety upgrades which were stalled under the Queensland Labor Government and should have been completed by now. The Department of Transport and Main Roads indicated works are expected to take about 10 months to complete, weather permitting, and I hope this timeframe will be met.

05.01.2022 Today is World AIDS Day 2020, and in support this year's theme ‘now more than ever’, the Morrison Government will provide almost $6.2 million towards the ongoing battle against HIV. This funding is part of the $45.4 million investment allocated in the 201920 Federal Budget to implement five National Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections Strategies, including the Eighth National HIV Strategy. We remain committed to virtually eliminating HIV transmission in Australia by 2022, reducing mortality and morbidity related to HIV and supporting those living with HIV by reducing stigma and discrimination.

04.01.2022 The Morrison Government is committed to providing safe and effective vaccines to everyone in Australia who wants one, free-of-charge, no matter where they live. We have now secured an additional 10 million doses of the Pfizer #COVID19 vaccine, which means we will now receive 20 million Pfizer doses in 2021, and we’re extending free access to COVID-19 vaccines to all visa-holders in Australia. The vaccination program remains on track to begin later this month, and we're ensur...ing the people who need protection the most will receive the vaccine first. For more info on how we’re rolling out safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines across Australia visit: https://lnkd.in/g88EKSROn

04.01.2022 James Blevin - LNP for Noosa is committed to building a better, brighter Noosa. Take a look at his video to find out more about him and his plans to be a strong voice for Noosa in an LNP Government.

04.01.2022 If you’re doing it tough due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for early release of your superannuation. You can apply now until 31 December to apply in the 2020-21 financial year round. To find out if you’re eligible, visit www.ato.gov.au for more information.

04.01.2022 From this Friday, people on JobSeeker Payment or Youth Allowance as a job seeker, will be able to earn more before their payment is affected. The income free area for these payments will increase to $300 per fortnight.

04.01.2022 Australian manufacturers have helped keep the country and our economy running during #COVID19 - and the Morrison Government is backing them to create jobs, as part of our $1.5 billion #JobMaker plan to make our true-blue Aussie manufacturers more competitive, strong and resilient.

03.01.2022 Rainbow Beach State School is a fantastic little school with a strong sense of community, and I was made to feel very welcome there recently when I visited to present an Australian flag. Talking to school children about the significance of the Australian Flag is one of the best parts of my job, and I really enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm of the students towards our national symbol. I was also privileged to present graduating certificates to the nine Year 6 students who are finishing primary school this year, and I wish them all the best as they embark on their high school studies.

03.01.2022 Today whilst chairing the Parliament I wore a red ribbon because in the days and years following Daniel Morcombe's disappearance, my colleagues in the Queensland Police Service searched relentlessly for his killer, and found many other sick people targeting children. The terrible loss of 14-year-old Daniel as he waited for the bus may have prevented many other children from falling victim to predators. Tomorrow is Day for Daniel but the Daniel Morcombe Foundation have asked u...s to wear the red badge for him in Parliament House, Canberra today as a message of strength and hope. Our community is safer for our children when we build awareness and teach them strategies. The Foundation has launched a Changing Futures program which aims to provide educators and front-line staff with the tools they need to identify, respond and provide intervention to pre-teens displaying harmful sexual behaviours. It also delivered "Australia's Biggest Safety Lesson" with over 121,000 children watching a live-stream. Let Daniel's legacy be a safer Australia for all children.

03.01.2022 Labor Premier Palaszczuk’s delays are causing congestion and clogging and are jeopardising road safety on the Bruce Highway through Wide Bay. In 2017 I announced funding to upgrade the intersection of the Bruce and Wide Bay Highways at Bells Bridge and we are still waiting for construction to start. In 2018 I announced funding for new overtaking lanes at Tinana and again, we are still waiting for construction to start. The Palaszczuk Government has recently brought forward a... proposal for a two lane Tiaro bypass that will be past its use-by date by the time it is open - if it ever would be open given this Government’s track record. The Bells Bridge intersection and the Tiaro bypass are 80 per cent funded by the Federal Government and 20 per cent by the State Government. The Tinana overtaking lanes are 100 per cent funded by the Federal Government. The LNP is committed to four laning the Bruce Highway and that’s why it’s so important for road safety and for jobs and the economic future of Maryborough and our state that we get behind and support our LNP Members of Parliament and Candidates Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough James Blevin - LNP for Noosa Tony Perrett Marty Hunt MP Deb Frecklington MP Change the State Government to get Queensland moving and working again.

03.01.2022 Congratulations to Noosa Council and thanks to everyone who worked on the new Orealla Bridge replacement project at Sunrise Beach, which opened to traffic today. This $3.8 million project was jointly funded by Noosa Council and the Australian Government. In just under four months the old bridge was demolished, nine concrete decks were installed, and new asphalt has been laid to provide a wider, stronger bridge to cater for the 12,000 vehicles that use David Low Way each day.

02.01.2022 On National Police Remembrance Day we remember and honour all of those police who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, protecting people and keeping our communities safe. Police never know what danger awaits them when they start their shift as they uphold the law, keep the peace, render assistance, and help the vulnerable, and unfortunately some do not make it home. Today, and always, we pay our respects to them, their families and loved ones for their service and sacrifice.

02.01.2022 Hands up if you think it’s important for our kids to learn about financial literacy at school? I do! The Australian Taxation Office has developed some great resources to help Australian teachers teach tax and super: Paying It Forward - a primary school resource which focuses on values and actions to help establish strong foundations for tax and super. Tax, Super + You - a secondary school resource which teaches tax and super, with fun, animated and interactive elements designed to appeal to students. To find out more about the ATO's resources, visit www.ato.gov.au/General/Education-zone/

02.01.2022 I am a strong supporter of local media and believe they should be paid for their work. So if another business like Google or Facebook uses their content, it's only fair to pay for it. A diverse and strong media is so important to democracy and they're the voices of Australian people, especially in regional areas. But producing news costs money and that's why it's important to ensure our news organisations are treated fairly by big digital companies.

02.01.2022 Australian law enforcement agencies are hard at work preventing international crime syndicates from bringing deadly drugs onto our shores. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, these crims are still trying to exploit and endanger Australians but our Australian law enforcement is stopping them in their tracks. We will continue targeting criminals and illicit drugs during and beyond COVID-19 to keep Australians safe. If you see or hear anything suspicious, you can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report at crimestoppers.com.au.

01.01.2022 It was a pleasure to meet Lillian Coyne at the Tiaro RSL sub-branch this morning to present her with a special medallion and certificate to honour her service in World War II and mark the 75th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War. Lillian is a spritely 94-year-old and is the only remaining World War II veteran in the Tiaro Sub-branch and is the Tiaro RSL Patron. Lillian served in the Women's Royal Australian Navy as a writer, or in other words as a clerk, mostly ...as a member of HMAS Moreton. Lillian has spent almost her entire life as a resident of Bauple, and for a great many years was a volunteer at the Bauple Museum. Her knowledge of the history of the Bauple district is immense, in fact I’m told Lillian is something of a walking, talking Bauple encyclopedia. She has a great sense of humour and mateship. An example of that sense of mateship was revealed recently when an old WW2 shipmate became seriously ill and was not expected to live. The Sub-branch arranged a driver and she went to Brisbane in the RSL vehicle to share a few hours with a fellow veteran she knew she'd never see again. That's the sort of mate anyone would be proud of. So well regarded is Lillian in Bauple, that on her 94th birthday, a sizeable number of the locals staged a drive-past her home in decorated vehicles, while Lillian, dressed in similar fashion to the late Queen Mother, took the "salute". Lillian has been, and remains, a true gem, and Tiaro RSL Sub-branch is rightly proud to have her as a member and their patron. Also today, Donald Jones and Tony Pope were presented with special certificates acknowledging their 30 years of continuous membership and dedicated service to RSL Queensland. Lillian has also received a certificate acknowledging her 30 years of continuous membership and dedicated service to RSL Queensland. That’s 90 years of combined service to veterans and the community, a valuable and worthwhile achievement to be honoured.

01.01.2022 Listening to important new research showing how midwifery continuity of care helps save the lives of pre-term babies. One of our local constituents, Alicia Steines, director of the Maternity Consumer Network, joined Prof Sue Kildea of the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre and Liz Wilkes of My Midwives and Health Minister Greg Hunt today to inform him of what they are doing to give our newest arrivals the best start to life. I look forward to working together to break down barriers preventing all women and babies from this lifesaving pre-natal care.

01.01.2022 What’s happening with water security to grow agriculture and jobs in Maryborough? Sadly under Labor not much it seems. In April 2019, 18 months ago, I committed $18 million from the Morrison Liberal and Nationals Government to fund the construction of a 6000 megalitre off stream water storage project at Glendorf.... This is a project that had been talked about by Bruce Saunders for years - but while he and the Palaszczuk Labor Government spoke empty words, I worked with local farmers to gain federal funding to do the job to boost water security. Unfortunately, just as we’ve seen the State Government fail to start new projects to upgrade the Bruce Highway at Tinana and Bells Bridge, this water project has also suffered the same fate and stalled under this incompetent and lazy Labor Government. Water is a state responsibility. It controls the planning processes. So if Labor really cared about Maryborough farmers and honoured its promises, this project could have been done by now. And you would think when the Federal Government steps in and offers the funding which the State should have stumped up in the first place, they would jump at it. But this Labor Government has failed its responsibility. Since making my commitment in 2019 this vital water project to grow local crops and produce been guarded by wall of secrecy and silence by the Palaszczuk Labor Government. This culture of secrecy and silence about what is happening with your taxpayer dollars has to change. We need a change of government to get Maryborough moving and Queensland back to work. I welcome the commitment made by Denis Chapman - LNP for Maryborough and Tony Perrett that an LNP Government will fast track this project so we can secure the water Maryborough needs to boost agriculture and our economy to create new jobs.