— for giving me the tremendous opportunity of representing them in our nation’s parliament. I consider my election to parliament a very deep privilege and look forward to fighting hard for the needs of the Ryan community.
On the 13th of February, during the first week of parliamentary sitting, I gave my maiden speech in Parliament. In that speech, I identified two national issues that I personally intend on addressing during my parliamentary term. These two issues include our ageing population and Australia’s future population levels.
It is very much in the national interest that Australian begins to engage in a national debate about the level of population we should be looking to set.
Indeed the wonderful success and vibrancy of contemporary Australia is founded on an immigration program that includes and embraces people from 185 countries-virtually every corner of the globe. Today, almost one in four Australians was born overseas-a ratio far higher than any other comparable country. In the United States the ratio of people born overseas is about one in 10. Unlike the laws and cultures of many other countries, which prevent foreigners from taking out their citizenship, our laws say that anyone can become an Australian.
It is vital we ensure that Australia stays a land of vast abundance-one that is rich in opportunities for our people to pursue their hopes and dreams. `Equal opportunity, not equal outcomes' is a description that sits at the heart of my Liberal political views. It is in this context that my philosophical view of the role of government takes shape. It must be the role of government to do all in its capacity to ensure that its citizens have the greatest opportunity of pursuing their life's dreams.
Two other issues that I raised in my maiden speech were the length of parliamentary terms and the need for amendments to the electoral laws to modernise its by-election provisions. I strongly support four-year parliamentary terms and believe that streamlining the law applicable where parliamentarians retire or resign from parliament will strengthen our democracy.
As the federal member for Ryan, I understand that with my election come tremendous responsibilities. The people of Ryan can rest assured that I will perform my duties with enthusiasm, energy, integrity and diligence. They can rest assured that, consistent with my affections for Ryan over 20 years, I will continue my support of community activities, worthy charities and local businesses. I will also be a member for all the people of Ryan and commit to maintaining the high profile Ryan deserves from its federal member of parliament.
Once again, to the people of Ryan, you have bestowed upon me the greatest honour any Australian could ever imagine being conferred upon them-a seat in the parliament of Australia. Thank you.
Please contact my office on (07) 3720 2599 if you would like a copy of my maiden speech.
I extend a very warm invitation to all Ryan residents to contact my office if I can be of assistance to you on any federal matter or if you simply like to give me your point of view of a certain issue. I am happy to hear from you.
