Narungga December update

The last two parliamentary sitting weeks for 2018 were certainly fruitful and I now look forward to more achievements in 2019. 

I was honoured to present two petitions to Parliament on behalf of the Mallala community in response to community concerns about future resourcing for the Mallala Police Station; and topics I’ve covered in speeches to the House in the last 3 weeks have included International Volunteers Day, the 135^th Anniversary of St John’s Ambulance, World Tourism Day,  the Statutes Amendment (Mineral Resources ) Bill, and the Fire and Emergency Services (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2018.

Of the latter, I encourage CFS and farmers to lodge submissions to the Select Committee that I successfully advocated for to address concerns about the proposed new legal powers for CFS officers to direct farmers to stop harvesting in certain weather conditions. I used my speech to highlight the existing effectiveness of the State-wide producers’ Harvest Code of Practice and SMS alert text messaging systems developed by farmers and used by farmers who highly value them.

Address your submissions to:  Select Committee on the Fire and Emergency Services (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill, Parliament House, GPO Box 572 ADELAIDE SA 5001. Enquiries to Secretary Mr Joshua Forkert; (08) 8237 9223, Email: [email protected] 

In relation to the Mining Bill, I have sincerely appreciated all feedback received since my crossing the floor to adjourn debate to allow for more consultation and work on amendments to improve farmland access rights. There will be more on this topic between now and next February.

I also welcomed last week’s announcement that a new Advisory Committee is to be established to work with the commercial fishing industry; and, the call for recreational fishers to get involved in the creation of the new Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council.

Nominations for the Recreational Fishing Advisory Council will open on Monday 17 December, with voting for candidates commencing on 18 February 2019. For more information visit www.yourSAy.sa.gov.au/fishing

Two fantastic announcements in the last couple of weeks included Adelaide being the successful bidder for the new National Space Agency (an historic, exciting development); and the other, the $5.67 million of roadworks for the electorate, including $670,000 to upgrade Maitland to Minlaton Road. There are many roads demanding attention and all such investment is very welcome.

January will give more time in the electorate, meeting with industry and constituents. I have really enjoyed attending end of school functions and presenting medallions to students at each school deemed to have made outstanding contributions to their school’s community in 2018. Well done to you all.  

I am pleased to advise a new Fraser Ellis MP website has gone live this week, which features media releases, State Government policy news, updates on parliamentary activity (including videos of my speeches), grants information and links to my Facebook/Twitter. The address is www.fraserellis.com.au

The Maitland electorate office will be closed for a Christmas break, from 5 pm Friday, December 21, to 9 am Wednesday January 2. Rosemary, Sarah and myself extend season’s greetings to all, and look forward to continuing to work with you in the new year.