Right now on 4AM, we’re catching up with Senator Paul Scarr, Liberal National Senator for Queensland. He’s currently touring Queensland and is up in the Mareeba area for citizenship ceremonies. Welcome to 4AM, Senator. How are you?
Senator Scarr:
I’m absolutely wonderful, and it’s great to be here in Mareeba. It’s great to finally catch up with you and meet you.
Host:
Now, you’re in Mareeba for the citizenship ceremonies.
Senator Scarr:
Absolutely. We made 16 brand new Australian citizens today from all over the world. We had someone from Switzerland, a lovely young lady from Brazil, a couple from Hong Kong, some New Zealanders—our brothers and sisters across the Tasman—as well as people from the UK and Vietnam.
We have around 75 different nationalities here in Mareeba on the Tablelands. It’s absolutely fantastic—that’s why we have our big multicultural festival every year. We’ve just welcomed 16 more individuals to be part of the Australian story, and the Mareeba story in particular.
Host:
It really is a great demonstration of multiculturalism—people coming from all over the world, starting their lives here and adding to the Australian story. Now, you come from southern Queensland?
Senator Scarr:
I do. The mayor actually reached out and invited me to attend. Usually, I go to much larger ceremonies in Brisbane, Ipswich, or Logan—in fact, on Monday night we had one with over 500 new citizens.
But I jumped at the chance to come to Mareeba. I really enjoy the smaller ceremonies—you get the chance to speak with the conferees, hear their stories, and talk to their families and supporters. It often means just as much to them.
There’s a real sense of gratitude from new citizens, and it’s incredibly uplifting. I also have a family connection—my late father-in-law worked in this region as an agricultural scientist and met my mother-in-law here.
Host:
Back to where you’re based—you’re in the Ipswich area, Springfield?
Senator Scarr:
Yes, Springfield, in the southwest corridor between Ipswich and Logan. It’s one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia—you can see new housing developments, lots of first-home buyers.
I’m passionate about encouraging people, especially new Australians, to consider regional areas. There are great opportunities—lifestyle benefits, shorter commutes, and strong community connections.
Host:
What’s it like being part of such growth?
Senator Scarr:
It’s wonderful, but it also comes with responsibility. We need to ensure infrastructure keeps up—roads, hospitals, schools. That’s a key challenge in growing areas.
Host:
That leads into the budget—anything stand out to you?
Senator Scarr:
I was disappointed in several aspects. A lot of infrastructure spending is going south, particularly to Victoria through the Suburban Rail Loop, while projects like Inland Rail—which was meant to connect Melbourne to Brisbane—have effectively been cut short.
That means Queensland misses out on billions in investment. We need those nation-building projects in regional areas to support decentralisation and economic growth.
Host:
How do you see the Premier performing?
Senator Scarr:
I’m a big fan of Premier David Crisafulli. He’s doing a great job and provides strong leadership. He often talks about his family story—hard work, opportunity—and that reflects the Australian dream, particularly in places like Mareeba.
Host:
And looking ahead—what’s the Coalition’s plan?
Senator Scarr:
There’s a clear difference, particularly on taxation. We want to encourage investment and small business growth, not punish success.
Changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing, and trust structures concern me—they risk discouraging investment.
Also, it’s important governments do what they say they will do. Trust is critical in politics.
Host:
What’s next for you?
Senator Scarr:
I’m heading to Canberra for a parliamentary hearing tomorrow involving KPMG, then staying on for functions and sitting weeks. So, back to the cold of Canberra after enjoying Mareeba’s weather.
Host:
You’ve picked a great time to visit—the dry season!
Senator Scarr:
Absolutely—and I’ll be giving Mareeba a shout-out in Parliament. I can’t imagine a better place to become an Australian citizen.
Host:
There’s nowhere quite like Far North Queenslanders, that’s for sure. Senator Paul Scarr, thanks for joining us today on 4AM.
Senator Scarr:
Thank you very much.
