Federation Chamber – 3 Minute Constituency Statement

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (16:06): I rise today to welcome to Far North Queensland an event which is a fantastic opportunity for our tourism industry: the 20th Global Eco Asia-Pacific Tourism Conference. Taking place in Cairns from 15 to 17 October this year, the conference will see industry leaders from around the world offer…

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Bill

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (12:34): I certainly welcome the opportunity to speak today on this package of bills relating to the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the ACNC. Frankly, there are a number of elements within these bills that concern not just me but the organisations and people within my electorate,…

Government’s response to fishing science ‘total hypocrisy” says Entsch

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has condemned the Government for its knee-jerk reaction and total mishandling of the Abel Tasman super-trawler debacle. Mr Entsch addressed parliament on Wednesday morning after the government attempted to fast-track controversial changes to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.   The amendments would create a new Chapter 5B…

Marriage Amendment Bill 2012

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt-Chief Opposition Whip) (11:27):  In speaking to this private member’s bill, the Marriage Amendment Bill 2012, I certainly would like to reconfirm my commitment to removing financial and legal discrimination against same-sex couples. I have been a very, very strong and a very public advocate on this issue since-from memory-about 2002, at a…

Project manager sought for Parish Hall project

MOMENTUM is building on the planned refurbishment of the historic Parish Hall on Thursday Island with the Restoration Committee now seeking an ‘honorary project manager’ to get the ball rolling. The co-chairperson of the Parish Hall Restoration Committee, Chris Lemke, said public feedback had been fantastic but it was now time to get an idea…

Accolades flow for Eric Deeral

FEDERAL Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has added his own words of respect to the many tributes that have flowed since the passing of indigenous leader Eric Deeral yesterday morning. “I knew Mr Deeral for many years and always considered him a real thinker, who was absolutely committed to making change and very firm in…

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…