What about us? Entsch questions half billion dollar windfall

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt has questioned the move to award Pacific Island nations with $320 million to tackle gender inequality, saying long-overlooked projects in Far North Queensland should be prioritised. Prime Minister Julia Gillard made the announcement at the Pacific Islands Forum in the Cook Islands last week, saying the 10-year program will help increase…

Think outside the square on Daintree accommodation

A PROPOSAL by James Cook University to build its own accommodation at a research facility in the Daintree has been labelled as “short-sighted” by Federal MP Warren Entsch. The Queensland Government wrote to Mr Entsch this week to outline a Proposed Ministerial Designation of Land for Community Infrastructure at JCU’s Daintree Rainforest Observatory. “While I…

Cattle producers penalised yet again: Entsch

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has condemned two NSW rural MPs for failing to support his bid to assist graziers stricken by last year’s ban on live cattle exports. Mr Entsch put up a Private Members’ Motion earlier this year after Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig refused his request to temporarily re-open the application period…

‘Bolt to Cairns’ campaign hits Canberra

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has taken the ‘Bolt to Cairns’ campaign to Canberra, striking the track superstar’s trademark ‘lightning bolt’ pose in parliament last night. Mr Entsch was speaking during Adjournment Debate on the need to push Cairns to the fore as a sporting destination while Olympics fever still runs hot in the…

Nominate now to find our next Australians of the Year

RESIDENTS of Leichhardt have just two more weeks to nominate inspirational locals for the Australian of the Year Awards 2013. Federal MP Warren Entsch has today urged community members to have their say about who should be named the next Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and…

Entsch welcomes moves towards better management of Cape York

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has welcomed the renewed discussions on Wild Rivers, saying he was pleased to see that the Newman government has moved quickly to fulfil their commitment to revoke the legislation.  “I also welcome their recognition that residents and landholders are key to discussions on this matter, and would reassure Wild…

Cairns assists Coalition inquiry into childcare affordability

LOCAL childcare workers and training providers had a first-hand opportunity to discuss their concerns with Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Childhood Learning Sussan Ley yesterday. Fifteen childcare providers and training organisation representatives attended a roundtable forum at the Cairns TAFE, hosted by Ms Ley and Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch. “There were a…

Renewed focus on local rehab services

MORE than a year after the closure of Lyons House, the three levels of government in Cairns will today show they are committed to re-establishing vital infrastructure that will help people with addictions to get off the streets. Standing in front of the now-defunct residential rehabilitation centre, Federal MP Warren Entsch, Member for Cairns Gavin…

Little Dixie wins Jonno’s heart

CAIRNS youngster Jonno Cattell is well-known for his tough battle with illness but today the 10-year-old’s face was all smiles as he was presented with ‘Dixie’, a one-year-old poodle cross. The Cattell family has had a tough time in the last couple of years, with Jonno being diagnosed with a brain stem glioma in 2011. …