August 29, 2024
It was an honour to attend Vietnam Veterans’ Day services across the Electorate on August 18, including Nanango’s.
This important day gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who served during the Vietnam conflict, as well as the 523 Australian personnel who did not come home, and the 3000 who were wounded.
It also allows us to reflect on other conflicts such as those in the Middle East and Afghanistan that Australia’s Defence Forces have been involved in since the Vietnam War ended, and the need to ensure our veterans are supported and cared for afterwards.
My congratulations to everyone who had a hand in organising or attending this year’s services.
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Elective Surgery Waitlists Soar
The Queensland Health Crisis has reached a shocking new low under Labor with more Queenslanders than ever before waiting for surgery.
In fact, 61,421 Queenslanders are now on the waitlist – the biggest number ever recorded and double the number it was in 2015 when the Labor Government came to power.
This figure represents Queenslanders waiting for life-changing surgeries like hip replacements or cataract operations.
It represents a health system in crisis, frontline staff being stretched to the limit and patients not getting the care they need.
For those in the South Burnett waiting for surgery at Toowoomba Hospital, the elective surgery waitlist has soared by 664 to 2833 since 2015 – a 31 per cent increase.
The dire new data also follows the worst six months of ambulance ramping in our State’s history.
Only the LNP has the Right Plan to heal the Health Crisis and that starts with better resources, better triaging, releasing data in real-time and putting doctors and nurses back in charge to improve patient care.
If government changes in October we will drive down figures like this because Queenslanders deserve a world-class health system no matter where they live.
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BaconFest Bigger And Better Than Ever!
Fantastic weather and huge crowds made the fifth BaconFest bigger and better than ever as we celebrated the local pork industry and the pivotal role it plays in our region.
The pork industry not only provides delicious food for us to enjoy, but also supports hundreds of jobs and businesses in our community.
From farming and processing to distribution and retail, every step of the pork production process is integral to the economic health and sustainability of our region.
A huge thanks must also go to the BaconFest Committee and volunteers who make sure this iconic festival keeps going from strength to strength.
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150 Years Of Stonehouse
150 years of history was on display at the Moore Stonehouse in late July celebrating the only stone-built inn and stagecoach station in Queensland.
It was a very popular event with people coming from far and wide to soak up the history of the Brisbane Valley, including stagecoach rides, horse ploughing, spinning and weaving and much more.
Congratulations to the Friends of Stonehouse who organised this special day.
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Recognising Dr Daphene and Jeff Connor
Dr Daphene and Jeff Connor have been the backbone of health care and volunteering for the Blackbutt community for over 20 years.
So it was an absolute honour for me to unveil the ‘Connor Corner’ plaque to help remember their contribution to our community.
In a time when it is difficult to access GPs, some people travel from across the South Burnett and the Somerset to attend the Blackbutt Medical Centre.
Their contribution over the past 20 years – through both the Medical Centre and through their community involvement – has had a huge impact on the growth of Blackbutt.
Thank you Jeff and Daph – enjoy your retirement. It’s been well-earned.
