Very busy Parliament week

Last week was a very busy chamber week, compounded by the Government operating under a renewed sense of urgency due to there now being only three sitting days left for the year and likely, before the March 2026 election.

A priority topic was the swift introduction and ultimate passage (to the Upper House) of the Statutes Amendment (Energy and Mining Reforms) Bill. To offset what I believe will cause further pain and uncertainty for farmers dealing with mining companies drilling on their land, I proposed two clause amendments to this Bill – both to stop the Minister of the day having complete discretion to grant five-year extensions to exploration licenses in perpetuity.

My presented clause amendments called for an extension of two years only and that the extension can only be allowed once and in extenuating circumstances. Sadly, I lost the vote 13-21 and ultimately at third reading of the Bill in its entirety, only three members opposed it: myself, Member for Mackillop Nick Bride and the Member for Stuart Geoff Brock.

Other topics raised last week included Education Department processes appointing School Principals, timeframes for the improvements pledged for the Edithburgh to Yorketown Road, and the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill that proposes new regulations in response to the growing trend of the theft of copper piping across communities including ours.

Re the Edithburgh to Yorketown Road, it has been pledged to get back to me asap regarding details of these roadworks which had been roadside sign-noticed to commence on 3 November but haven’t yet done so.

All my questions and speeches are loaded on this website for anyone interested in viewing--refer Parliament tab.

Also on the website are details of any open grant opportunities which currently include Road Safety Community Grants and the Dining Cashback program, the latter offered in support of our coastal hospitality businesses (that now includes seafood retailers) to help offset the ongoing impact of the Algal Bloom.