Backing Veterans And Building Dawson

In the final weeks of parliament for 2024, Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP has addressed two critical issues: the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and his ongoing efforts to support canegrowers and improve infrastructure in the region.

During his time in Canberra, Mr. Willcox hosted the Greater Whitsunday Council of Mayors and GW3 at Parliament House, where they discussed regional priorities with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.
“Our conversation centred on roads and infrastructure, housing, childcare, the sugar industry, and agriculture, providing a valuable opportunity to brief Peter on some of the region's main objectives for driving better outcomes and a stronger future,” Mr. Willcox said.
In the final two sitting weeks of Parliament, the safety of the Bruce Highway was a key focus for Mr. Willcox. He criticised the Albanese Government’s decision to reduce the funding split with the Queensland Government from 80:20 to 50:50.
“The Albanese Government has increased the risk to people’s lives by reducing the funding from 80:20 split with the State Government to 50:50,” he said.
“I have written to the Federal Transport Minister Catherine King to give her my frank opinion on what needs to be done urgently.”
“A commitment was made by Mr. Dutton that if elected, he would restore the funding back to 80:20 with the State Government.”
Mr. Willcox also emphasised the importance of innovation for the sugar industry, highlighting his meeting with Nationals Leader David Littleproud and Jet Zero.
“It was a very productive last week with Jet Zero meeting with Nationals Leader David Littleproud to discuss how sugarcane can be used to create sustainable aviation fuel in the future,” he said.
Reflecting on the Coalition’s year in opposition, Mr. Willcox celebrated a significant victory against the Albanese Government’s proposed Misinformation Bill.
“The Coalition has been the underdogs this year in opposition, but we had a major win with the Albanese Government losing its ill-thought plan to create legislation to censor you,” he said.
“From the start, I have opposed the Misinformation Bill along with the Coalition, which would have changed our Australian landscape when it comes to how we communicate online.”
Addressing the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Mr. Willcox acknowledged the Albanese Government’s response to the Final Report, which included 122 recommendations.
“Tragically, we have lost thousands of veterans to suicide over the last five years. We need to do more to support veterans who fought for us so we could live in a better world,” he said.
Mr. Willcox stressed the urgency of swift action on the report’s recommendations.
“While announcing the imminent appointment of an interim head is a start, the Albanese Government needs to commence public consultation swiftly and any legislation required to ensure that the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission is implemented expeditiously,” he said.
With a Federal election approaching before May, Mr. Willcox reiterated his commitment to the Dawson electorate.
“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for believing in me to get the job done as your Federal Member for Dawson,” Mr. Willcox said.
“Each day you send me an email, give me a call, or meet me in person to voice your concerns about real-life issues, whether it be on the cost of living, health, or on roads and infrastructure, you’re entrusting me with your concerns and to get the job done.
“There’s a lot of work to do, and I’m ready to work hard to grow a stronger future for us all,” he said.

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Mackay RSL Sub-Branch President and Vietnam Veteran, Ken Higgins with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP

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