Betty Hinton – 26 March 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (16:23): I rise today to pay tribute to a much-loved and respected member of the North Daintree community, Betty Hinton. I’m proud to call Betty my friend. Betty is the owner of Floravilla Ice Cream Factory and Art Gallery at Cow Bay, a business she has operated for more than 35 years.…

Mainie Designer Fashions – 28 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (13:31): I rise today to speak about a Far North Queensland company that is kicking some major goals both domestically and overseas. Mainie Designer Fashion is an Australian owned company with a vision to be recognised internationally as a distinctively Australian fashion and gift brand. Mainie’s founders and owners are Cairns based husband-and-wife…

Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill – 28 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (10:42): I rise to speak on the Veterans’ Affairs Legislation Amendment (Veteran-centric Reforms No. 1) Bill 2018 and support it. It’s one that I think is long overdue and one that will make a real difference to the lives of thousands of Australians. There is no greater honour than to serve your country.…

Chinese Lunar New Year – 13 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (13:53): I rise today to speak about one of the most important cultural festivals in the Cairns and Far North Queensland calendar. Now in its 15th year, thousands of locals, domestic visitors and international tourists from mainland China and Hong Kong will descend on our beautiful city to celebrate Chinese lunar new year.…

Far North Queensland Power Prices – 13 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (19:19): Far North Queensland is sick and tired of being treated as a cash cow when it comes to paying for electricity. The Queensland Competition Authority has warned the state-owned regional electricity retailer, Ergon Energy, that it must be forced to compete against new retailers. There is no competition out there. The…

John Morris – 6 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (13:43): I take this opportunity to recognise a great community leader, developer and dear friend of mine, John Morris. I also wish John a very happy 90th birthday for this Thursday. John is known as ‘Mister Port Douglas’ and is a living icon in the Far North. His vision and determination has helped…

John Norman – 5 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (10:33): You don’t meet many people in your life who are gifted enough to inspire change in business in a community and who leave a long-lasting impression on all of those that they meet. Robert John Norman, commonly known as ‘Bob’ is one of those men. On 18 January 2018, a great life…

Daintree River Ferry – 5 February 2018

MR ENTSCH: (Leichhardt) (16:33): For five days, at the end of this month, the Daintree River Ferry will be dry-docked to allow for an inspection to take place. While not forgoing the safety importance of any inspection on the vessel, it is the residents, small businesses, farmers, workers and schoolchildren whose only access is the…

Amendment – Same Sex Marriage Bill – Second Reading

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt) (10:13): I present the explanatory memorandum to this bill and move: That this bill be now read a second time. Mr Speaker, as I'm sure you are well aware, I've been a long-time advocate for changes in this area and initially I found the journey to be very lonely, but it was…

Amendment – Same Sex Marriage Bill -Consideration in Detail

Mr ENTSCH (Leichhardt) (15:45): On this amendment, I just want to indicate I'll certainly be opposing it. This is an amendment that will radically wind back our discrimination protection-an amendment that directly targets LGBTI people. So let be me clear: the majority of Australians voted yes on same-sex couples being treated fairly and equally across…