Mr ENTSCH: I rise to speak on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Cyclone and Flood Damage Reinsurance Pool) Bill 2022. I have to say, before the member for Kingsford Smith leaves the chamber: this hasn’t been a nine-year journey. The first time we had the opportunity of fixing this catastrophe was back when I approached his Treasurer,…
MR ENTSCH: Everybody loves a first, and that’s why it was great to recently announce, alongside defence minister, Peter Dutton, that Cairns would be the home for the first Defence regional maintenance centre. This is something I’ve been working towards now for quite a few years, and I’m proud to have delivered it for my…
Far North Queensland families can now compare childcare services and their fees following the launch of a new government website. Families can visit www.StartingBlocks.gov.au to find local childcare services, view vacancies, compare costs, and check official quality ratings, including safety. Acting Education and Youth Minister Stuart Robert said the website gives parents a new central…
MR ENTSCH: I have to say to that there is no way in good conscience that I can support legislation that strips away people’s religious rights or, for that matter, any other rights. It’s the right of all Australians not to be discriminated against, including those of faith. Our society rightfully does not accept people…
Field investigations are underway on the Captain Cook Highway as planning for a $359 million program of road upgrades continues. The news marks the latest milestone in delivering the Captain Cook Highway upgrade (Cairns CBD to Smithfield), which is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 basis. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby…
MR ENTSCH: I rise this afternoon to place on the record and pay tribute to those in my community who were recently named as Citizens of the Year at recent local government Australia Day Awards ceremonies in my electorate. These awards are always one of the highlights of the year, as they acknowledge those who…
The next piece of the Cairns Bruce Highway Upgrade Master Plan is taking shape with the award of the planning contract for a $225 million upgrade of a key intersection south of Cairns. AECOM Australia have been named the successful tenderers for the planning project, with planning expected to be complete in early 2024. The…
The Morrison Government has finalised the design of the reinsurance pool for cyclone and related flood damage following consultation on the draft legislation. The reinsurance pool will be backed by a $10 billion annually reinstated Commonwealth guarantee and be administered by the Australian Reinsurance Pool Corporation. The reinsurance pool will come into effect from 1 July 2022. More…
The preferred upgrade option for Cairns Western Arterial Road between Redlynch Connector Road and Captain Cook Highway has been finalised. The Cairns Western Arterial Road Duplication is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments with the Australian Government contributing $240 million and the Queensland Government $60 million. It will support an estimated 185 jobs over the…
Motorists heading to the Daintree can now travel safely thanks to improvements on Mossman-Daintree Road. This project is funded under the Australian Government’s $3 billion Road Safety Program. Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the works delivered safety improvements between Atherton Street and Newell Road in North Mossman. “The works are part of a package…