Mr PITT (Hinkler) (11:16): I rise to speak on the national security statement made by the Prime Minister in this place and to inform the people of Hinkler about the actions of their government. I applaud the Prime Minister for his unambiguous stance on this issue. I note his three very clear messages and they are this: the government will do whatever is possible to keep people safe; the security measures legislated by the government and indeed this parliament are directed against terrorism, not religion; and he encouraged Australians to live normally because the terrorists’ goal is to scare us out of being our normal selves.

The first point I would like to make to the people in my electorate is this: the increase in the nation’s alert level to high was recommended by ASIO, which is an independent statutory authority. The changed alert level will result in some inconvenience and perhaps even a level of uneasiness among some members of the public. These decisions are not made lightly and are based on intelligence gathered by highly qualified and capable people.

The first priority of any federal government, regardless of party politics, is the security of the nation. It is important to recognise that in times of flux the individuals elected to represent their communities work together in the best interests of the nation. No-one in this place wants to see an Australian injured or killed. No-one wants to see the atrocities that have been committed overseas occur here. This is Australia. It is a nation of tolerance, a nation built on immigration, a nation built on the idea of a fair go for all. I believe we as a country have always struck the right balance between upholding the rights of the individual and keeping our community safe from harm. Our way of life is an envy for many. We have free speech, a free press, freedom of religion and democratic elections, and our civil liberties are being protected. We are well served by our state and federal police, but unfortunately at this time in our history that balance must shift.

The legislative changes this place is enacting have come about because of the rise of ISIL and the group’s ability to infiltrate Australia through social media. All that these ISIL extremists have needed to terrorise ordinary people is a victim, a knife and a camera phone. The exponential increase in the use of mobile devices has caused a quantum shift in the way in which we communicate as businesses, groups and individuals. With its mass communications capabilities it has already seen drastic reductions in the utilisation of traditional advertising—and it is a serious concern for parents regarding the online safety of their children. Unfortunately, modern communications have also made it easier for terrorists to prey on and recruit vulnerable and amenable young men. Criminals no longer need to meet and the days of the secret handshake have gone. All they need now is a call to action via Twitter, Facebook or email or on a website. Everything they need to enact evil is readily available. The online threat to this nation cannot continue unchecked. In order to give our security and intelligence agencies every possible opportunity to prevent an attack, we need to operate within a framework that is responsive and modern and addresses the difficulties of modern communications. It is about ensuring that the threat of home- grown terrorism can be nullified, if possible, and access to terror networks can be achieved and with the necessary haste. It is not about monitoring the entire internet; it is about providing the tools necessary to give our agencies the best chance of success. As a member of parliament and as an ordinary Australian citizen, I want to ensure our agencies have the opportunity to address threats before an attack becomes a reality. I would much rather have this debate now than be in this place 12 months from now explaining how it came about that Australian citizens were harmed.

Like everyone here, I do not want to see a another Bali bombing, a Twin Towers attack or assaults on our police. Our police have been acting in our best interests for decades and we must trust them to continue to do the job, but that role needs to be enacted in an informed manner, with the best possible intelligence available. Special intelligence operations under the amended legislation effectively mirror the existing Crimes Act, so this is not new to Australian law and existing whistleblower laws will continue to apply and are not effected. All Australians should be aware that it is illegal to associate with a terrorist organisation. You will be caught and charged to the fullest extent of the law.

Very few policy or legislative decisions are black and white; however, this one is. We must provide the tools our security agencies request. Our service personnel would rather face and fight a threat anywhere other than in this country. These ISIL extremists want Australians to live in fear, oppressed and without freedom. I cannot express my disappointment at having to explain to my three children at parliament this week why it was necessary to have armed AFP officers at Parliament House. I will tell Hinkler constituents the same thing I told my children: we should be vigilant but not alarmed; go about your daily lives, but of course be cautious. If we do not continue as normal, the terrorists will have got what they want—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 11:21 to 11:31

Mr PITT: I applaud the Prime Minister for his refusal to call a terrorist movement an Islamic state on the grounds that it demeans Islam. Early media reports called the terrorist group ISIS, which caused grief for many people in my electorate. Isis is a beautiful district in the Hinkler electorate. The ABC even discussed changing the name of one of the teams participating in the grand final to avoid confusion with the terrorist group. The Isis Devils almost became the Childers Devils, because ABC Grandstand, which was broadcasting the game, was concerned about events overseas. Talk about political correctness gone mad!

People with the name Isis have also been unfairly targeted. A survivor of the Childers backpacker hostel fire named his child Isis earlier this year. Many people do not realise that the name Isis comes from the ancient Egyptian goddess. We have the Isis Highway, the Isis Club, and a range of other Isis businesses. In fact, an online petition imploring the media to stop using the acronym ‘ISIS’ has now reached more than 30,000 supporters. It was started by a US woman, Isis Martinez.

I reiterate the Prime Minister’s comments. Actions taken by the government are not about religion; they are about criminality. According to the latest census, there are about 450 residents of the Islamic faith in the electorate of Hinkler. That is, around 0.5 per cent of the adult population. There are two mosques, one in each major centre. They are valued members of our community.

Racial vilification of any kind is deplorable and will not be tolerated. We cannot and must not let the likes of ISIL win, because, if they do, this nation will be changed forever, and that is unacceptable to me. A nation dominated by the actions of terrorists is not the Australia I want my children to inherit. We will act, because we must.

Applications under Round One of the Australian Government’s landmark $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF) are now open.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the newly created Fund would target new small scale community infrastructure projects at the local level that deliver sustainable economic benefits.

“The Government’s focus is on strengthening economies in Australia’s most disadvantaged regions by improving productivity, economic opportunity, employment and workforce skills,” Mr Pitt said.

The National Stronger Regions Fund will contribute between $20,000 and $10 million, covering up to 50 per cent of the total cost of the local community project.

“The NSRF will not fund infrastructure projects which simply shift costs from Local or State governments to the Commonwealth, or projects that are eligible for NDRRA funding,” Mr Pitt said.

Mr Pitt encouraged Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils to partner with community and not-for-profit groups, to ensure projects are well-targeted.

“I’d like to open the discussion up to all Hinkler constituents, which is why I will host two community forums next month to hear ideas from the public,” he said.

“I want to give local communities the power to identify local projects that meet local needs, ensuring communities are investing in their own future.

“I urge the Hinkler community to engage in this process, and to get behind the National Stronger Regions Fund to ensure our region gets its fair share.”

Projects seeking funding will be considered in consultation with the Australian Government’s National Infrastructure Committee, which has a strong interest in, and commitment to, harnessing the potential of Australia’s regions.

The Guidelines for the National Stronger Regions Fund detail the type of project proposals sought, how to lodge an application, how assessments will be conducted, and critical programme dates.

To access the guidelines, and to lodge a Round One application, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/nsrf

Hinkler constituents interested in attending the forums should email keith.pitt.mp@aph.gov.au or telephone 07 4152 0744

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814        

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt today welcomed delivery of the Australian Government’s $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery programme, announcing that the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast Regional Councils will receive a total of $18.42 million for local road construction and street repairs.

“Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss is writing to all councils advising them of their full allocations for the 2014-15 to 2018-19 Roads to Recovery programme,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is great news for local councils, residents and businesses.

“These funds will make a real difference in building roads, repairing streets and creating better access across our community.

“As announced in the 2014-15 Federal Budget, our Government has doubled Roads to Recovery payments to councils next year (2015-16) to $700 million, which will be a tremendous windfall for much-needed local road works.

“The Australian Government has extended Roads to Recovery for another five years to ensure councils all over Australia receive the funding they need to ensure local roads are safe, our communities are well connected and moving freight in and out of town is efficient.”

Hinkler-based councils will receive their funding allocations in November:

•           Bundaberg Regional Council will receive $1.4 million for 2014-15, bringing their total funding to almost $8.46 million by 2018-19

•           Fraser Coast Regional Council will receive $1.66 million in 2014-15, bringing their total funding to about $9.96 million by 2018-19

Mr Pitt said Roads to Recovery was just one of many funding programs provided to Hinkler Councils this financial year, including a total of $15 million through the Financial Assistance Grants Program.

“Contrary to what Bundaberg Regional Council would have their ratepayers believe, the Federal Government is not to blame for their $5 million budget deficit. In fact, funding under some of the programs has increased.”

Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814         

Statement from Keith Pitt MP sent to local Hinkler media:

Over the past week in metropolitan centres in Australia a number of counter-terrorism operations have been undertaken.

While there is no specific threat to regional areas in the Hinkler electorate, counter-terrorism measures and community engagement are vitally important.

We need to work together to counter this threat from a small number of criminals, but in so doing, we need to remain a tolerant and inclusive community.

I urge everyone in the electorate to be informed and to remember that violence against anyone based on their race, religion or beliefs is never acceptable and is not the Australian way.

By remaining calm and tolerant we aren’t giving terrorists the outcome that they want or expect which is to disrupt our way of life.

The Government is doing whatever is possible to support our police and law enforcement agencies in keeping people safe.

The Government has introduced into parliament new counter terrorism measures that strengthen our counter terrorism preparedness and response.

We need to calmly carry on with our lives while our law enforcement and security agencies work tirelessly, as they have always done, to keep all members of our Australian community safe.

Mr PITT (Hinkler) (13:37): At their recent Federal Council meeting The Nationals voted unanimously in favour of a motion I moved, seeking a multijurisdictional taskforce to address exploitation of foreign workers in the horticulture sector. I moved:

… that: “the Federal Council recognises the existence of labour hire contractors who are not paying employees correctly, and calls on the Government to form a multi-jurisdictional, multi-portfolio task force to advise enforcement agencies”.

The motion was seconded by former police detective Senator Barry O’Sullivan. Allegations and complaints made to my office range from the underpayment and exploitation of workers to tax evasion, visa breaches, racial discrimination, intimidation of farmers and overcrowding in private residential dwellings.

Earlier this year, Senator O’Sullivan and I hosted a stakeholder forum in Brisbane. The very clear message we received from that meeting was that new legislation and further inquiries are not the answer. Stakeholders want real action. They say there needs to be greater enforcement of existing laws and greater cooperation between the many relevant agencies, across all three levels of government. I have briefed the relevant ministers’ offices on the issue and the outcomes of the forum, and look forward to working with them to address this very serious issue.

The majority of businesses do the right thing, but it is imperative that we ensure our seasonal workers are protected, businesses have a level playing field and Australia remains a destination of choice for overseas students and holiday makers. Seasonal workers are vital to Queensland’s agriculture and tourism industries and the Australian economy more broadly. Action is needed and it is needed now. The time for inquiries is at an end. (Time expired)

Mr PITT (Hinkler) (13:31): It is with great sadness that I advise the House of the passing of the former Sergeant Thomas Henry Lea, better known as Buddy. Buddy lost his fight with lung cancer at the Hervey Bay hospital recently. He served 35 years in the Australian Army and saw service in Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam. Buddy was one of the legends of Long Tan. Known for rescuing one of his mates during the battle, he was shot three times on 18 August 1966. His former commander, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith (retired), described Buddy as ‘an excellent soldier’, saying:

… he was very brave and one of the most loyal people I’ve ever come across.

Buddy was a member of D Company 6RAR and it is only appropriate that they provided an honour guard at his service, which was attended by over a thousand mourners at Hervey Bay. Affectionately known, Buddy will be remembered fondly for his booming laugh and the way in which he lit up a room.

Of course, he is a great loss to his family. He is survived by his son, Barry, his daughter, Meisha, and his grandchildren. While my electorate of Hinkler has lost one of its most respected and well known war heroes, it is also a great loss to our community. Buddy was very well known in Hervey Bay for his work with local school children and the advice he provided about what it meant to him to be an Australian service person. Buddy adorned the cover of a recent white pages with Lieutenant Colonel Harry Smith, and it is a great photo that is left in his memory. Buddy Lea, we will not forget you. May you rest in peace.

The age pension will increase from tomorrow; just as Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt assured the public it would.

Mr Pitt said the Coalition was committed to providing strong support for pensioners, with pensions set to increase twice a year.

“On September 20, single age pensioners will start receiving an additional $11.50 a fortnight. Couples will together receive an additional $17.40 each fortnight,” Mr Pitt said.

He said age pensions were increasing at a higher rate than Male Total Average Weekly Earnings.

“The Coalition has delivered on its promise to repeal the Carbon Tax to provide cost of living relief and pensioners will continue to receive the associated Energy Supplement.”

Mr Pitt said many pensioners were upset by Labor’s misleading claims about cuts to pensions.

“Before we released our first Budget, Labor targeted the Hinkler electorate. They fuelled pensioners’ fears in a bid to score cheap political points,” he said.

“Despite the $12 billion per annum interest bill we inherited from Labor, we’re keeping our commitments to seniors.

“The family home is not included in the pension asset test and, under the Coalition, it never will be.   

“As promised, we’ve met our commitment to fairly index Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit pensions.

“For self-funded retirees, we’ve indexed the income threshold to qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card so that more self-funded retirees will qualify.”

Updated Seniors’ Guides are now available from the Hinkler Electorate Office on Woongarra Street and at www.keithpitt.com.au

[ENDS] Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814         

This month marks one year since Keith Pitt retained the Federal seat of Hinkler for the LNP, helping the Coalition to win Government.

Mr Pitt said he’d worked tirelessly during his first 12 months to deliver each of the commitments he made to the people of Hinkler during the September 2013 election.

“I’ve delivered funding for surf lifesaving, community and sporting clubs, school infrastructure, flood repairs, environmental projects, industry bodies, Councils, veterans associations and war memorials,” Mr Pitt said.

“As promised, the Carbon Tax has been abolished to give regional households cost of living relief. The Government’s consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has been given additional powers to ensure savings are passed on to consumers. Families and pensioners will keep the associated tax cuts and compensation that are already in place.

“I hosted the Nationals first Party Room meeting for 2014 in the electorate. What the MPs, Senators and Ministers learnt during their visit has certainly aided their deliberations in Parliament.

“Local constituents have attended forums to voice their concerns on topics such as small business, communications, early childhood education and seniors, with the likes of senior Government figures Bruce Billson, Paul Fletcher, Sussan Ley and Bronwyn Bishop.

“As promised, we’ve abolished the mining tax and we’re stopping the boats to prevent people from risking their lives at sea. Between December 2013 and July 2014 just one vessel arrived in Australia, compared to more than 200 successful people smuggling ventures during the same period in the previous year under Labor.

“The Coalition’s first Budget laid a foundation to strengthen and build the economy by reducing projected Government debt by almost $300 billion over the next decade. This will mean we will no longer be wasting almost $1 billion of taxpayer dollars every month paying back the huge interest bill.

“The Budget included $13.4 billion to fix Queensland’s major roads, including $6.7 billion to fix the Bruce Highway.   

“Nationals Senator Barry O’Sullivan and I hosted a stakeholders’ forum in Brisbane to discuss some of the contract labour hire issues confronting the Queensland horticulture and tourism industries. I am asking the relevant Ministers for a multi-agency taskforce, across all three levels of government, to put an end to the exploitation of workers and farmers.

“I recently moved a motion in Parliament calling on the Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal to immediately decorate the two officers and ten other ranks, who still have not received the individual awards that were recommended in 1966 following the Battle of Long Tan. I also seconded a motion seeking recognition for Australian South Sea Islanders in the next ABS Census.

“Free Trade Agreements have been reached with several of our major trading partners, to reduce tariffs for our farmers and fishers. 

“I wore a track to Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s office, resulting in Bundaberg being announced as one of ten sites nationally prioritised for the roll out of the National Broadband Network.

“Bundaberg and Hervey Bay were among 18 sites selected nationally for the first phase of Work for the Dole. We’ve introduced a range of financial incentives to encourage people to find and retain a job.

“My focus going forward will be to attract investment to the region, so that businesses have the confidence to expand and create jobs.

“I’ve asked for support from my State and Local government colleagues to establish a dive wreck in the Wide Bay region, which will boost tourist numbers and bring about $5 million into the local economy each year.

“As at June 30 last year, there were 630 aged-care beds across the Wide Bay region that were funded by the Federal Government but not yet built by providers. The construction of these beds would not only reduce the waiting list for people who deserve to live out their remaining days with dignity, but it would also stimulate the construction industry and the local economy. It would create jobs and training opportunities in nursing, allied health, pharmacy, administration and retail.

“If Hinkler residents have any suggestions for projects that will stimulate the local economy, I’d love to hear them.

“Constituents in Childers, Woodgate, Burrum Heads, Hervey Bay and Howard have had greater access to their Federal Member than ever before, as a result of the Hinkler electorate office hitting the road on a regular basis to hear their concerns.

“I will continue to work hard to be a strong local voice for the people of Hinkler and regional Australia. My door is always open.”

[ENDS] Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814       

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt is calling on the Department of Agriculture to adhere to the strictest possible import standards when inspecting fresh ginger from Fiji.

The Department of Agriculture recently announced it will lift a ban to allow importers to apply for permits to bring fresh ginger from Fiji into Australia.   

Mr Pitt said growers were understandably concerned about the threat posed by pests and diseases, like burrowing nematode and yam scale.

“I acknowledge that Fiji has exported fresh ginger to New Zealand and the United States for years, but the risk is still very real,” Mr Pitt said.

“There are 49 ginger growers in Australia, who produce around 8000 tonnes a year worth about $35 million.

“The Department of Agriculture has approved the importation of ginger and now it is incumbent upon them to make sure our Australian crops and farmers are protected.”

Mr Pitt said Australia was a member of the World Trade Organisation and, as such, Import Risk Analyses undertaken by the Department were based on science and free of political influence or interference.

“I congratulate Australian Ginger Growers Association chairman Anthony Rehbein for his strong representations on this issue. I’ve taken his concerns to Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce and the Department,” he said.

“The Department assures me that it has very stringent measures in place to ensure biosecurity risks are reduced to the lowest level possible, and that they can review import conditions at any time in light of new scientific information.

“I encourage Australians to support their local farmers and buy Australian-grown ginger.”

[ENDS] Media contact: Larine Statham 0427 653 814      

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and State Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen today inspected progress on the construction of new facilities at St James Lutheran College.

The Federal and State Governments have each contributed $400,000 towards the $1.45 million development.

Mr Pitt congratulated St James Lutheran College on their successful applications.

“Construction began last month on three general learning areas, a science laboratory and preparation room, undercroft and veranda.

“Students starting their senior schooling next year will be the first to benefit from the new science and art facilities.”

Mr Sorensen said Government grants were important for easing the cost burden of delivering capital works for non-state schools.

“This is yet another example of how State and Federal governments can partner with the community for the benefit of our local students,” Mr Sorensen said.

St James Lutheran College Principal Shane Altmann thanked the Federal and State Governments for contributing to the growth of the college.

“St James Lutheran College recognises that the funding relationship between independent schools and government enables school communities, such as ours, to flourish in the Fraser Coast region, thus providing an authentic choice to families when educating their children,” Mr Altmann said.

[ENDS]

Media contact:

Keith Pitt: 07 4152 0744

Ted Sorensen: 07 4124 1386