Keith Pitt welcomes Madam Speaker to Bundaberg

Speaker of the House of Representatives Bronwyn Bishop visited Bundaberg today to officially open the annual Seniors’ Week Expo and visit a local retirement village.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said he was delighted Madam Speaker had accepted the invitation from the event’s organiser, Nina Higgins OAM.

“Madam Speaker has long been an effective advocate for senior Australians,” Mr Pitt said.

“In the Howard Government, Ms Bishop served as the Minister for Aged Care and was responsible for the introduction of mandatory national standards for aged care.

“Having such a well-respected and senior member of the Coalition visit Bundaberg for this very worthwhile event is a show of this Government’s commitment to older Australians and the Hinkler Electorate.

“The wisdom, local knowledge and life experience seniors bring to our community is invaluable.

“Hinkler is fortunate to have a very strong and active senior population, and I’m pleased they’ve had the opportunity to speak directly to Ms Bishop today.”

Ms Higgins said she was delighted to have Madam Speaker and Mr Pitt at the Expo, which is now in its 17^th year.

“The Expo is one of several events hosted locally by the Bundaberg Seniors’ Network, which enables seniors to ask questions and share ideas about matters that are vital to their wellbeing, such as finance, technology, health and fitness,” Ms Higgins said.

In the afternoon, Madam Speaker will be visiting a local retirement village Argyle Gardens to meet residents over afternoon tea.

Argyle Gardens manager, Lois Donovan said both staff and residents were delighted to welcome Ms Bishop to the village.

“We have a great community of residents here at Argyle Gardens who are looking forward to welcoming Ms Bishop into our excellent facilities,” Ms Donovan said.

Media contact: Debbie Leis 07 4152 0744