This morning in the House I spoke about the dire need to improve regional level-crossing safety through better train illumination. Between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2022, across Australia's level crossings there were 7,839 near hits, 322 collisions, 39 fatalities and 49 serious injuries. These numbers are a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety measures.
Labor lets down our Local Governments
Before the last election the Labor Party promised fair increases to local government funding, yet all they have done is cut program after program that my councils have relied upon. The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is just one of the many programs that has been abandoned by this Albanese Labor government.
Pilbara Parliament in Schools trip
Earlier this week I was thrilled to be in the Pilbara with the Hon Milton Dick MP, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Milton and I visited five schools as part of the ‘Parliament in Schools’ program. Baynton West PS, St Paul’s PS, Wickham PS, Nullagine PS and the Port Hedland School of the Air. A big thank you to the Speaker for coming to the Pilbara and meeting with kids from regional and remote schools.
Labor's destructive Live Export Amendment Bill
The Coalition stand united to fight against the Albanese Labor Government's most disgraceful and cruel Bill. We are proud to stand in solidarity with Australian farmers and the agricultural sector in strongly condemning and opposing this destructive policy. Keep the Sheep!
Australia's Energy Future
THE HON PETER DUTTON MP
LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
LEADER OF THE NATIONALS
MR TED O’BRIEN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
AUSTRALIA’S ENERGY FUTURE
Every Australian deserves and should expect access to cheaper, cleaner and consistent electricity. But under Labor, this isn’t happening.
Right now, in households and businesses around the country, Labor’s expensive renewables-only approach is failing.
The Government is now talking about a 65 to 75 per cent emissions reduction target by 2035, but won’t release modelling and won’t tell us how much higher power prices will go up.
Power bills have already increased by up to $1,000 for many Australians, when they were promised a $275 cut. And Labor’s climate target of 43% emissions reduction by 2030 has become unachievable.
The Coalition believes Australia must have a balanced energy mix to deliver cheaper, cleaner and consistent 24/7 electricity. 90 per cent of baseload electricity, predominantly coal fired power stations, is coming to the end of life over the next decade.
Nuclear energy for Australia is an idea whose time has come.
Today, we are announcing that a future Federal Coalition Government will introduce zero-emissions nuclear energy in Australia, which has proven to get electricity prices and emissions down all over the world, to work in partnership with renewable energy and gas as part of a balanced energy mix.
And today, we announce seven locations, located at a power station that has closed or is scheduled to close, where we propose to build zero-emissions nuclear power plants:
• Liddell Power Station, New South Wales
• Mount Piper Power Station, New South Wales
• Loy Yang Power Stations, Victoria
• Tarong Power Station, Queensland
• Callide Power Station, Queensland
• Northern Power Station, South Australia (SMR only)
• Muja Power Station, Western Australia (SMR only)
Each of these locations offer important technical attributes needed for a zero-emissions nuclear plant, including cooling water capacity and transmission infrastructure, that is, we can use the existing poles and wires, along with a local community which has a skilled workforce.
A key advantage of modern zero-emissions nuclear plants is they can be plugged into existing grids. This means they can effectively replace retired or retiring coal plants and avoid much of the new spending needed for Labor’s ‘renewables-only’ system, including new transmission poles and wires. All of which will be passed on in the form of higher bills.
Labor’s approach requires imposing 58 million solar panels, 3,500 new industrial wind turbines, and up to 28,000 kilometres of new transmission lines across the country. Energy experts have warned the cost of Labor’s rollout will be between $1.2 trillion and $1.5 trillion.
No country in the world relies solely on solar and wind as Labor is proposing. By contrast, there are 32 countries operating zero-emissions nuclear plants. Another 50 countries are looking to do so.
Of the world’s 20 largest economies, Australia is the only one not using nuclear energy, or moving towards using it.
Our plan will deliver a net-zero electricity grid by 2050 and a strong and resilient economy. It will set our country up for decades to come.
At the front of this next wave of growth will be those communities which host zero-emissions nuclear plants. Not only will local communities benefit from high paying, multi-generational jobs but communities will be empowered to maximise the benefits from hosting an asset of national importance by way of:
• A multi-billion dollar facility guaranteeing high-paying jobs for generations to come;
• An integrated economic development zone to attract manufacturing, value-add and high-tech industry; and
• A regional deal unlocking investment in modern infrastructure, services and community priorities.
A Community Partnership will be formed in each host community, consisting of experienced local representatives, as the focal point for community engagement and to play an important role in planning the future of the region.
This community engagement process will occur alongside a comprehensive site study including detailed technical and economic assessments.
A Federal Coalition Government will initially develop two establishment projects using either small modular reactors or modern larger plants such as the AP1000 or APR1400. They will start producing electricity by 2035 (with small modular reactors) or 2037 (if modern larger plants are found to be the best option).
The Australian Government will own these assets, but form partnerships with experienced nuclear companies to build and operate them.
Australia is fast running out of energy. The way of life for everyday Australians and the cost of doing business in Australia is already in jeopardy and it is only going to get worse under Labor’s expensive all-eggs-in-one-basket ‘renewables-only’ policy.
We know the Prime Minister and his Government will mount the mother-of-all scare campaigns on zero-emissions nuclear energy.
But we believe Australians are up for this discussion and are open-minded about including zero-emissions nuclear technology as part of a balanced energy mix.
If you are serious about meeting our net zero by 2050 emissions commitments, then you must include zero-emission nuclear as part of your energy mix. Zero-emission nuclear power plants produce no air pollution or carbon emissions. For example, a 1.1 GW AP-1000 reactor cuts approximately seven million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to removing 1.5 million cars from the road.
A zero-emissions nuclear power plant will be a national asset delivering cheaper, cleaner and consistent energy for 80 years. Getting started now on establishing a civil nuclear programme is the right decision for you, your children and your grandchildren.
From today, we will be speaking right across the country on the merits of our plan.
Our plan is bold, visionary and what Australians need to secure our energy and economic future.
19 June 2024
Live Sheep Export by Sea Inquiry
Today at the Albanese Labor Government’s Ending Live Sheep Export by Sea inquiry in Northam I spoke of Wesley and Louise Hagboom , farmers in Dowerin who wrote to me about the impact this ban will have on their family, friends, farmers and the wider community.
Durack Volunteer Grant recipients
This week I recognised the successful Durack organisations who were awarded a Volunteer Grant of up to $5,000 each. These grants will help make the work of our Durack volunteers easier and safer by providing essential equipment, helping with the cost of required training, fuel and transport costs and more.
Congratulations and thank you to all volunteers for your tireless community work 💙
🔵 Kununurra Neighbourhood House 🔵 West Kimberley Junior Football 🔵 1st Geraldton Scout Group 🔵 Bicycles for Humanity, Geraldton 🔵 Woorree Scouts 🔵 Dongara Osprey Girl Guides 🔵 Northampton District Bowling Club Inc 🔵 Newman Gymnastics Club 🔵 Paraburdoo Toy Library Association 🔵 RDA BrookValley Farm 🔵 Badgingarra Junior Sports Club 🔵 Wongan Hills Community Gardens 🔵 Mortlock Pony Club 🔵 Friends Of Chittering Wildlife Carers 🔵 South Midlands Pony Club Members
Australia's Family and Domestic Violence Epidemic
This week I called on the Albanese Labor Government to prioritise funding and resources to combat the family and domestic violence (FDV) crisis in regional Australia. The Kimberley region's recent police statistics detail a shocking 1,700 reported offences between January and March 24, with FDV rates up almost 50 percent in five years. This is the second consecutive time the Kimberley has recorded the highest rates of FDV in all of WA. My constituents deserve better from Labor.
An attack on our farmers is an attack on all of WA. #Keepthesheep
Last Friday, I had the privilege of attending the Keep the Sheep rally in Perth's CBD. The rally was respectful and dignified, reflecting the character of the people it represented. Unlike the behaviour and attitude of the Labor Party, who have a history of crippling industries. Will the Minister answer my question?
Australia's Defence Industry is Weak Under Labor
As former Minister for Defence Industry, I will continue to focus on the weak and ineffective approach to our defence capabilities by the Albanese Labor Government. Labor are simply not qualified to protect Australians, particularly in this uncertain and volatile global landscape.
The Albanese Labor Government's reckless budget eradicates crucial regional funding
I am outraged that Labor have scrapped the majority of our vital regional funding in their 2024 Budget. Further confirmation that this government will NEVER care about regional Australia.
WA Farmers Won't Stop Fighting #keepthesheep
Yesterday in the House I delivered a speech about the Albanese Labor Government’s absolutely absurd plan to shut down our live sheep exports by May 2028. This decision is driven completely by eastern states politics.
Digital ID Bill
Today I spoke in the House about the Labor Government's Digital ID bill. This legislation has raised many concerns regarding privacy and whether there are enough safeguards to ensure signing up for a Digital ID is truly a voluntary decision.
Labor is Failing to keep our communities safe
I addressed the House yesterday about the Labor Government's failure to stop the boats and keep Australians safe. Of course, the Government’s immigration failures reach much further than reduced patrols or cuts to border security. Late last year, the Government released 152 hardened criminals into the community. This included 7 murderers, 37 sex offenders and 72 people who have committed very serious crimes. LABOR - put Australians first!
Bandages Won't Fix Broken Promises
The Cook Labor Government has FAILED to fulfil it's promise to build a new hospital for Tom Price. Labor promised this community $12.8 million for a new hospital three years ago and have abandoned the hard-working people of Tom Price since.
Focus on Actions Not Words
Politically it doesn’t make sense for me to stand up for the Prime Minister in the lead up to a federal election, but I believe it’s important not to repeat the mistakes of the past.
In 2021, I attended the “March 4 Justice” rally outside Parliament House in Canberra. I felt it was important to attend on behalf of and in support of regional women who are disproportionately victims of domestic and family violence.
To my great disappointment, the protest and media reporting over the next several months left me feeling like we weren’t moving the dial at all and instead the only man targeted became Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as if he was the one who needed locking-up.
The pile-on Prime Minister Albanese this week represents just a fraction of the criticism Morrison endured for similarly clumsy comments. Of course, I don’t have a lot of sympathy for Albanese given it was him and the Labor party that weaponised such issues for their political benefit.
It’s worth remembering the Coalition never took the lead in Newspoll following the Higgins’ Project interview. The truth didn’t matter then. The Labor Party and their friends in the media pushed the narrative that the Liberal Party was anti-woman and that there had been a cover-up.
The treatment my colleague and friend, Senator Linda Reynolds received was unforgivable and I am pleased that she has been vindicated by the recent ruling by Justice Lee.
Whilst I might find some enjoyment in the Prime Minister getting a taste of his own medicine, it’s more important that the national focus remains on practical actions addressing why thousands of people chose to march over the weekend.
This year, 28 women have been violently killed in Australia. This number is significantly higher than in recent years and is close to one woman being murdered every four days.
This epidemic of domestic violence is unacceptable, and is a national crisis, a national shame, that deserves continued attention.
I believe everyone has a role to play, whether it be having uncomfortable conversations, calling out bad behaviour of mates or assisting friends and family in need. More attention must also be given to the rehabilitation of male perpetrators.
Of course, government has a role to play as well, especially a government that came to power promising it was uniquely capable of tackling family, domestic and sexual violence.
I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister to establish the Leaving Violence Program making permanent the Escaping Violence Program trial that we initiated when in Government, which has already assisted more than 45,000 Australians.
Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support. This is great, however the real problem is whether these women, who often have children as well, will be able to find a safe place to stay. There is a severe lack of housing, particularly transitional housing, across Australia and even more so in the regions. Often women feel like they have no choice but to stay in an unsafe environment.
Statistics demonstrate that special attention must be given to the regions. Unfortunately, one of the 28 victims was attacked in the Kimberley. This should come as no surprise, given that according to WA Police data last December the rate of reported family assaults in the city was 70 per 100,000 compared to 247 in the regions and a shocking rate of 1,163 in the Kimberley specifically.
The Prime Minister must also deliver on his existing commitments. Prior to the last election Labor pledged 500 new frontline community domestic violence workers. The latest update from the Government indicates just 17 new workers have been delivered.
Addressing the crisis through National Cabinet is also appropriate, especially when state governments are often on the front line delivering support or responding to incidents. However, the Federal Government needs to do more in terms of delivering early intervention and prevention initiatives.
For years now we have known that online pornography has become more violent and viewed by a vast majority of teens. Such access is making them vulnerable to becoming victims and potential future perpetrators.
In March 2023 the eSafety Commissioner recommended the Government enact an age verification trial ensuring children cannot access pornography and other damaging material. In August, the Government rejected this recommendation and subsequently voted against a Coalition bill in November. Thankfully, this week they have backflipped and now it is time for them to urgently move forward with this.
Tackling the violence epidemic should be above politics and therefore I won’t pretend that the Prime Minister’s blunder over the weekend demonstrates some sort of woman problem. However, this Government which made this issue political, has a duty to act and while they have talked a big game the statistics have only gotten worse.
Hon Melissa Price MP
Opposition Whip
Federal Member for Durack
Live Export is Crucial to WA
This week in the House I spoke about Labor's decision to phase out the live sheep trade. This has already had a disastrous impact, with confidence in the industry being destroyed. As a result, local markets have been overwhelmed and prices have dropped significantly. Farmers are struggling to sell their sheep above the price of freight and, in some cases, have had to make the tragic decision to sell their sheep at a loss or kill and bury them on their own farms.
Lang Coppin, Shire of East Pilbara
Today I paid tribute to the amazing Lang Coppin for his 46-year-long service as a councillor for the Shire of East Pilbara. Lang was a strong leader for the northern part of the East Pilbara district for nearly half a century and I understand holds the title of longest current period of service of an elected member to any council, parliament or assembly in Australia. Congratulations Lang, I look forward to celebrating with you in Marble Bar early next month.
WA Deserves Better!
Last night in the House I spoke about Labor's concentrated and dangerous attack on regional WA. This planned ambush, coming from all directions with State and Federal Labor, threatens to destroy the values we hold dear in the bush. I am determined to fight back and preserve our way of life in regional Durack.
Services Australia Delays
Today in the House I spoke about Services Australia's unacceptable delays in regard to processing claims for financial assistance. These delays come at a time when help is urgently needed for Australians during Labor's cost of living crisis.