Keith Pitt: a strong local voice for Hinkler

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