Federal Labor’s proposal to impose a 10 per cent per year increase in fuel taxes and registration charges on the nation’s truckies would cost the sector an additional $2.6 billion over three years and add to inflationary pressures.

Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox said the Albanese Government’s proposed increases to ‘truckie taxes’ would drive up cost-of-living pressures on local families and businesses and accelerate closures for small and family operated transport enterprises.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox is calling on the Federal Government to further extend the Improving Mobile Coverage Round [IMCR] following Dawson completely missing out.

The IMCR will deliver funding to extend and improve mobile phone coverage and competition in regional and remote Australia, by co-funding new or upgraded telecommunications infrastructure in 54 target locations with up to $40 million available.

Federal Member for Dawson is urging Labor to reinstate $35 million in funding cuts to Tourism Australia after the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released new data indicating the return of international tourists to Australia is seriously lagging.

Tourism Australia’s budget under Labor will continue to be slashed by a total of $41 million by 2025, which is a major blow for the industry.

Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry, Federal Member for Flynn Colin Boyce, Federal Member for Dawson and Senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan have called out Labor’s stance on the mining industry for pushing two Central Queensland mines to the brink.

Cost of living continues to rise because of agriculture workforce shortages, but the Albanese Government refuses to accept the Ag Visa as part of the solution.

In last week’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Senate estimates hearing Senator Penny Wong revealed that more ASEAN countries were interested in joining the Ag Visa.

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has launched an inquiry into advanced manufacturing to seek solutions to support the Australian manufacturing industry, create jobs and revive manufacturing in Australia.

The Stronger Communities Programme which provides Federal funding of up to $20,000 for small community groups is now open for expressions of interest.

The Stronger Communities Programme has provided much needed funding over the past 7 rounds to local community groups in Dawson to undertake small capital works projects.

Andrew Willcox, Member for Dawson is calling on the Albanese Labor Government to immediately reverse its decision to impose a defacto regional processing penalty on skilled workers in priority sectors hoping to take up one of thousands of jobs that need to be filled in regional communities.

Successful applicants for Round 3 of the Federal Government’s Local Sporting program have been announced.

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. Successful applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Mackay Christian College has suffered firsthand by the Youth Crime Epidemic this week with students almost being run over by an out of control stolen vehicle. This is becoming all too common with recent figures revealing that a record 2133 cars were stolen in QLD through December 2022.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was delighted to see crews finally setting up to recommence works on the deserted roadworks between Proserpine and Bowen this week.

Construction halted on three projects between Emu Creek and Drays Road, and Bowen Connection Road and Champion Street in 2022 following the contractor WBHO Infrastructure Pty Ltd going into voluntary administration.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox is calling for residents to make submissions into the ACCC’s Regional Mobile Infrastructure Inquiry.

“I am in full support of this inquiry and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) recent decision to rule out a 10 – year mobile infrastructure sharing deal with Telstra and TPG Telecom because more than 700 towers would have been lost.

When asked about flood proofing the highway on Wednesday, Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King failed to commit any funding to the flood affected highway.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox criticised the Minister’s inaction saying it leaves residents vulnerable, cut off from the rest of the country.

In order to reach their 2030 climate targets, the Federal Labor Government have announced they will force 215 of Australia’s biggest polluters to cut emissions by 5 per cent each year or pay for their emissions output.

Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox has slammed the Albanese Labor Government for stripping $69 million from the Black Spot Program.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox this week showed his frustration with a Christmas twist on social media at the stagnant road works on the Bruce Highway between Bowen and Proserpine.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox this week showed his frustration with a Christmas twist on social media at the stagnant road works on the Bruce Highway between Bowen and Proserpine.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox is inviting eligible providers in the Dawson region to apply for grant funding that offers hope for the aged care workforce.

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox warned of the detrimental effects of price caps in an address to the Parliament stating that they would drive business offshore and add pressure to the supply shortage.

The Albanese Labor Government’s announcement that they are cutting the additional Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions introduced by the Coalition has ripped away mental health support for vulnerable Australians in Dawson