Acting Deputy President, once again Ipswich has missed out on its fair share of infrastructure spending. I am the only Queensland senator with an office based in the Greater Ipswich region, and once again Ipswich has missed out in the latest Labor budget.
Ipswich is located in the South West Corridor, one of the fastest-growing parts of Queensland, and yet there was nothing in the budget for Ipswich—nothing in terms of additional road funding, rail bridges, or the essential infrastructure that Ipswich needs. In fact, infrastructure funding has been taken away from the Greater Ipswich region with the abolition of the Inland Rail project.
No longer will that monumental nation‑building project pass through Greater Ipswich, and once again Ipswich will miss out. Ipswich’s fair share of infrastructure funding is instead being redirected south to Victoria for the Suburban Rail Loop—an uncosted project with no clear indication of its final price. Yet Ipswich’s funding is being sent there by the Labor government. It is an absolute disgrace.
Acting Deputy President, I was delighted to attend a citizenship ceremony in the wonderful town of Mareeba in Far North Queensland. I thank Mareeba Shire Council for hosting this event, where we welcomed 16 new Australians.
I particularly thank Mayor Angela Toppin AM for the invitation and Deputy Mayor Lenore Wyatt for presiding. It was also a pleasure to meet Councillors Amy Brays and Mladen Bosnic, alongside David Kempton MP, the hardworking Member for Cook.
Our newest Australians came from New Zealand, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Brazil, Switzerland and Vietnam—each strengthening our national community and contributing something unique to the Australian story. Mareeba is a proud multicultural community, with more than 70 languages spoken and over 75 ethnicities represented. I thank Mareeba Shire Council and look forward to visiting again soon. Congratulations to those 16 new Australians.
Acting Deputy President, I was also pleased to open the 119th annual Lowood Show. If you find yourself in Queensland next year, I would be delighted to host you at the 120th Lowood Show—it is a fantastic event.
Agricultural shows are wonderful community occasions across Australia, and the Lowood Show is no exception. I acknowledge the leadership of Show Society President Lynelle Gindra, a wonderful host who puts her heart and soul into the event. It was very moving during the opening ceremony to observe a minute’s silence for her late husband, Errol, who made a great contribution to the show.
Events like the Lowood Show bring communities together. One of the most enjoyable aspects is the involvement of local schoolchildren, and it was wonderful to see the many arts and crafts entries from students across the district.
A special mention to Mr Jeff Beatty, who makes what I would say are the best fruitcakes in Queensland. I saw his prize‑winning entry—an absolutely beautiful, rich fruitcake—and he continues to win award after award. It was a pleasure speaking with him about how he developed his craft.
If you missed the 119th Lowood Show, make sure you come along next year for the 120th—it will not disappoint.
Acting Deputy President, earlier this year I attended the Indian Council of Australia (Queensland) Inc. New Year celebration, the traditional Gudi Padwa festival, held in Roma Street Parklands.
There were many wonderful performances by talented young Queenslanders, and I was particularly impressed by a beautiful performance from Rama Apurv Kusuka. I would like to place on record my admiration for her poise and excellence—it was remarkable given her young age.
I also congratulate her parents, Apurv and Sarita Kusuka, for raising such an outstanding young Australian.
