Mr ENTSCH: I rise on an issue affecting the tourism industry, particularly in the Port Douglas region in my electorate. It relates to the mishandling and apparent failure of the Tourism Exceptional Assistance Grant following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Jasper. When Cyclone Jasper hit, it left behind a trail of destruction that severely impacted…
Mr ENTSCH: Last week was National Volunteer Week, and, on Friday 24 May, I had the distinct pleasure of attending and presenting the FNQ Volunteer of the Year Awards at the Novatel in Cairns. It was a fabulous and well-attended evening where the community was able to come together and recognise those people and organisations…
Mr ENTSCH: I rise with great sadness to speak on the passing of one of Far North Queensland’s finest. We lost a stalwart of public service and a true son of Mareeba, Mr Tom Gilmore OAM. His passing not only leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him but also marks the…
Mr ENTSCH: I rise to speak on this motion about illicit tobacco, which is certainly a matter of significant concern not only in my electorate but across our nation. The burgeoning illicit tobacco trade is an issue that affects public health, economic stability and law and order in our country. We’re all aware of the…
Mr ENTSCH: I would like to take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate this year’s Australia Day Award recipients from around Leichhardt. Starting with Cairns, Jacqui Backhouse has been awarded the Citizen of the Year, and Yazmin Rivette has been awarded the Young Citizen of the Year. Carol Wells has received Volunteer of the Year,…
Mr ENTSCH: In the wake of Cyclone Jasper and associated floods, the true spirit of the Far North Queensland community has shone brightly. In conjunction with Sergeant Dave Raymond, Project Recognise has been created to honour and pay tribute to the many unsung heroes and volunteers for many acts of selflessness and generosity that have…
Mr ENTSCH: I second the motion and rise to speak on this motion which is of profound significance not only for the people of Cuba but for the very principles of international cooperation and mutual respect amongst nations. Firstly, I’d like to thank the member for Newcastle for putting up this important motion and commend…
Mr ENTSCH: Today I rise to extend a very big congratulations to the JUTE Theatre Company, a beacon of artistic brilliance in our community now celebrating its 32nd year of operation. JUTE has just recently been awarded a four-year funding agreement through Creative Australia. This significant achievement not only marks a new chapter in JUTE’s…
Mr ENTSCH: I rise today to acknowledge the recent aftermath of Cyclone Jasper, a natural disaster that struck with ferocity unmatched in recent memory. This unprecedented event was tracked from its inception as a tropical low system, commanding headlines and drawing national media attention to our shores. Journalists were speculating on outcomes, painting pictures of…
Mr ENTSCH: Last month on 24 October was World Polio Day. I’d like to acknowledge the remarkable progress in the fight against polio led by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. In nearly four decades, we’ve seen a 99.9 per cent reduction in polio, saving millions from paralysis and eradicating two polio virus strains. Yet challenges…