Adjournment – Dredging and Great Barrier Reef

In this adjournment this evening, I would like to welcome the environment minister's announcement this week that there will be zero capital disposal anywhere in the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The ban will be put into law through regulation and will apply to all applications for capital dredge disposal in the marine park,…

Leichhardt to commemorate Anzac Centenary

FEDERAL MP Warren Entsch has congratulated seven Far North Queensland organisations that have collectively received more than $125,000 through the Australian Government’s ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program (ACGLP). “The Great War was the crucible that forged our nation and that’s why the Centenary of ANZAC will be such a significant period of commemoration for all…

$64m boost in primary care for Indigenous communities

INDIGENOUS communities across Leichhardt will benefit from a $64 million investment in primary and preventable health care as part of the Abbott Government’s ongoing commitment to closing the gap. Mr Entsch announced today that three Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) would have their funding extended for another three years to ensure they could deliver…

Cairns hockey successful in IAS bid

Image source: ABC News CAIRNS Hockey and local MP Warren Entsch have welcomed news that a new program aimed at boosting young indigenous women’s participation in sport will receive funding through the Federal Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy (IAS). Murray Bain, General Manager of Cairns Hockey, said the organisation will receive support for a pilot of…

Spotlight on Youth Mental Health

FEDERAL MPs and Senators have this week heard about the “disgraceful” level of mental illness among young LGBTI people in Australia, pledging their support to safe and inclusive school, sport, home and work environments. The Parliamentary Friendship Group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Australians, made up of MPs and Senators from across the…

Applications to upskill youth now open

THE Cairns region has been chosen to trial a new pilot programme enabling businesses and community organisations to apply for support to boost the skills of local young people. “Our Government is looking at innovative ways to address youth unemployment by undertaking two youth pilot programs – Training for Employment Scholarships (TES) and the Youth…

Appropriations Bills

In rising to speak this evening on Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2014-15 and related bills, I would like to take the opportunity to add my voice to the conversation about fairness that we, as a country, must have and that must be heard at the highest levels and seep into the consciousness of every man…

Entsch praises Cairns Street Chaplains

LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has spoken in Parliament to commend the invaluable community service provided by the Cairns Street Chaplains. “Since starting in October 2013, the Cairns Street Chaplains have had a profound impact on our city,” said Mr Entsch. “The Chaplains walk the streets of our CBD looking out for those who have partied…