Well, it’s a very special day in Mareeba. Today there’ll be 16 new Australian citizens, coming from seven different countries—from the United Kingdom to Vietnam to Brazil—and some brothers and sisters from New Zealand, all becoming Australian citizens today. I’ve got to say, it is the greatest privilege I have as an elected member of parliament to be the presiding officer at citizenship ceremonies.
HOST:
I was talking to the Mayor the other day about this, and what I love about these events is the families and friends, and the people being welcomed to Australia—here are your citizenship papers—and the smiles from ear to ear. It’s like they’re saying, “At last… I’m home.”
SENATOR SCARR:
Absolutely. I’m so glad you made that point, because at the ceremonies I attend there’s always a real sense of gratitude from the new citizens to Australia and its people. It’s very emotional—it’s the culmination of a dream to start a new life here.
HOST:
I always get asked this question—what do senators do? I’ve got one in the studio, so what do you actually do?
SENATOR SCARR:
It might be easier to answer what senators don’t do, because we do so many different things. We’ve got two houses of parliament—the House of Representatives and the Senate. Laws are introduced in the House, debated there, and then they come to the Senate. One of the Senate’s key roles is as a house of review. We examine legislation, hold inquiries, take public submissions, and try to improve laws as they go through. It’s a really important check and balance.
HOST:
So you’re the last line of defence—if something smells wrong, you make sure it’s fixed.
SENATOR SCARR:
Exactly. Some of the most important work I’ve done is helping amend legislation to fix unintended consequences. We hear from people across Queensland and try to improve what comes through from the lower house.
HOST:
What’s the trickiest issue you’ve had to steer in the right direction?
SENATOR SCARR:
There are so many. Just this week, for example, the Senate has been looking at access to insurance for small business. We’ve heard evidence from industries like caravan parks about how difficult it is to get insurance. It has real-world consequences—not just costs, but in some cases people can’t even sell their business because buyers can’t get insurance.
HOST:
It’s a real issue in Far North Queensland—almost impossible to get insurance.
SENATOR SCARR:
Exactly. So we look at what can be done—whether government can help, or whether there are alternative models, like mutual structures, where businesses pool resources to support each other.
HOST:
Why should the government keep stepping in though? If a business can’t stand on its own feet, why keep propping it up?
SENATOR SCARR:
It’s a good question. Each proposal has to be judged on its merits. Sometimes there are market failures—where an industry is important to the community, but the market isn’t responding properly. In those cases, a limited, targeted “hand-up” can help businesses get back on their feet—but it has to be carefully considered.
HOST:
Insurance companies have really let Far North Queensland down. You try and insure a home on the beaches or west coast—it’s almost impossible. Up to 60–70% of people are uninsured.
SENATOR SCARR:
It’s a serious issue, and one we need to keep working on.
HOST:
Paul, I know you’re busy—thanks for coming in. If people want to contact you?
SENATOR SCARR:
Absolutely. I encourage listeners to get in touch if they’ve got an issue.
Email: senator.scarr@aph.gov.au and I’ll do my best to help.
HOST:
That’s what it’s about—helping Queenslanders. How long have you been a senator now?
SENATOR SCARR:
Seven years—and every day is different. Meeting people around Queensland is what makes it rewarding, and today will be special seeing those 16 new Australians become citizens.
HOST:
The Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt will be there, and the Mayor’s recovering after breaking her leg.
SENATOR SCARR:
Yes, wishing her all the best.
HOST:
Senator, thanks for coming in. Safe trip up the mountain.
SENATOR SCARR:
Thanks very much.
