Investment to boost Leichhardt’s defence capability

WARREN Entsch MP, Federal Member for Leichhardt, today welcomed the release of the 2016 Defence White Paper, which sets out the Coalition Government’s comprehensive and responsible long-term plan to ensure Australia’s national security. It is the culmination of detailed analysis of our strategic environment, Defence’s priorities and objectives, and the capabilities required to achieve these…

Medicinal Cannabis passes Lower House

LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has welcomed the passing of the Bill in the House of Representatives last night that will allow the growing of cannabis in Australia for medicinal and research purposes. The Bill will now go to the Senate, where it is expected to pass with cross-party support by the end of this autumn…

Revised ‘backpacker tax’ option on table

Photo courtesy Tolga Backpackers Hostel FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has responded to concerns raised with him about the ‘backpacker tax’ by proposing a compromise with his colleagues in Canberra. Mr Entsch said that in Tuesday’s Party Room meeting, he was one of a number of MPs who expressed concerns that the tax would…

Port Douglas Crocs snap up a new scoreboard

GAME days in Port Douglas will be greatly improved with the Crocs AFL Club receiving an $11,484 grant through the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme to erect a new electronic scoreboard, says Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch. It comes just weeks after the Port Douglas Reef Raiders secured a $5800 grant for their much-needed new scoreboard,…

Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill 2016

I also rise to speak on the Narcotic Drugs Amendment Bill 2016. From my perspective, it is a very significant day when medical cannabis is acknowledged as being a product that makes a real difference to people suffering from chronic conditions or terminal disease. It will mean that patients and their family members will no…

Expanding the aquaculture industry in Northern Australia

The Australian Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee today tabled its report on expanding aquaculture in the Top End, titled Scaling Up. The Inquiry examined the current state of aquaculture in Northern Australia, the regulatory framework, and opportunities for further developing the industry in the region. On release of the report, Mr Warren Entsch MP, Committee Chair…

Final Report of JSCNA Aquaculture Inquiry

On behalf of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia, I present the committee's report entitled Scaling up: inquiry into opportunities for expanding aquaculture in northern Australia, together with the minutes of proceedings. Scaling up is the report of an in-depth investigation into the aquaculture industry in Northern Australia following on from the committee's earlier…

Appropriations Bills 2015-16

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2015-2016 and cognate bill. These bills seek authority from the parliament for the additional expenditure of money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund for this financial year. The total of the appropriations being sought through these two bills is just over $2.2 billion. The…