Writing on the wall for CASA ineptitude

LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has welcomed the findings of a review into Australian aviation safety, saying it has put the spotlight on CASA’s “toxic and vindictive” culture and practices. “It’s the best report relating to CASA that I’ve seen in a long time,” Mr Entsch said. “I congratulate David Forsyth and the panel that reviewed…

Cyclone Ita: McLucas misleads again

THE Federal Government has made special arrangements for Cook Shire Council to carry out post-Ita repair work on its road network despite Senator Jan McLucas’ “totally inaccurate” claims otherwise. Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch says Cook Shire Council has already received a special dispensation from the Prime Minister’s office so that it can use its own…

ATO calls time on Cairns office

LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has confirmed that the Australian Tax Office has advised it will be closing its office in Cairns, as the office consolidates its operations from its smallest regional sites. “This is an ATO decision, not a government decision, no matter how Jan McLucas tries to spin it,” Mr Entsch said. “In fact,…

Remote airport services secure: Entsch

LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has rubbished claims from Labor that regional airstrips face a loss of funding for upgrades, describing it as “irresponsible scaremongering” from the Opposition. “Any suggestion that airstrips in Leichhardt are going to be affected is nonsense,” Mr Entsch said from Canberra today.  “The Deputy Prime Minister’s office has personally confirmed with…

Appropriations Bills (1&2) 2014-15

I thank you for the opportunity to speak on Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2014-15 and cognate bills today. There is no hiding the fact that there has been some very highly vocal and predominantly negative reaction to the budget both before it came down and at the time it came down. I had concerns as…