Standing Up for Durack’s Future
Re-elected for a fifth term, I remain committed to standing up for the people of Durack. My priorities this Parliament include fighting against Labor’s live sheep export ban, tackling the housing crisis, securing affordable energy, improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians, strengthening cyber defences, and backing science and space. Thank you to the people of Durack for your trust - I will keep making your voices heard in Canberra.
Labor's Mass Migration Mess
Despite housing shortages, strained infrastructure and record hospital ramping, Labor is pressing ahead with record levels of migration. With net overseas arrivals far exceeding forecasts and international student caps increasing, the Government is ignoring legitimate concerns about affordability, congestion and social cohesion. Young Australians deserve a fair go, not a future of higher costs and fewer opportunities.
Rising Phishing Scams Catch Young Australians Off Guard
Reports show a sharp increase in phishing scams targeting young Australians, with Bankwest recording a 49% rise in losses among 18–24 year olds last year. Despite being tech-savvy, young people remain vulnerable to cyber criminals. The best defence is simple: don’t click suspicious links and always verify messages directly with the institution.
My take on the March for Australia
The March for Australia drew thousands of everyday Australians - mums and dads, workers and retirees - who want their voices heard on cost of living pressures and Labor’s reckless migration program. While extremists must always be condemned, it is wrong to dismiss the many fair-minded Australians who marched out of love for their country and concern for its future.
Vale Arnold Carter
Last week in Parliament I paid tribute to the late Arnold Carter of Port Hedland. For more than 60 years, Arnold helped shape the town he loved – from driving the development of the port and serving as Shire President, to championing countless community causes. His passing is a great loss to Port Hedland, the Pilbara, and all of Western Australia.
Media Statement - Aussie Roo-ver Going to the Moon
Iranian Attacks Exposed: Government Must Be Ready for Cyber Retaliation
Revelations that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps orchestrated attacks in Australia highlight the serious threat of foreign interference. While the expulsion of Iran’s Ambassador was appropriate, cyber retaliation is now a real risk. I thank ASIO for keeping Australians safe and urge the Albanese Government to be transparent and ready to support those targeted, as all Australians remain vigilant online.
AUKUS is too important to fail
With Australia facing its most dangerous strategic environment since World War II, the Albanese Government must match words with action. Delays in AUKUS planning, underfunded defence projects and inadequate allied engagement put national security at risk. Stronger spending, enhanced cyber capabilities, and delivering on commitments are critical to protect Australians and uphold our alliance.
Labor’s Cuts Risk Our Space Future
Australia’s space industry has enormous potential for jobs, national security and innovation. The Coalition invested over $2 billion, established the Australian Space Agency, and backed world-leading projects like the Square Kilometre Array and lunar rover development. Sadly, Labor has cut key programs like the National Space Mission for Earth Observation, leaving us more dependent on foreign providers. With the global space economy set to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, Australia must seize this opportunity – not squander it.
Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025
Today I supported the Defence Housing Australia Amendment Bill 2025 - because delivering AUKUS starts with housing. As the Member for Durack, I know WA must be ready to host our allies. However, without new funding or a housing plan, this Government risks failing before we even begin. Defence spending must rise - including in cyber - because national security can’t wait.
Are you paying twice to see a GP?
Ratepayers are funding doctors, then paying again at the clinic. Labor said all you need is a Medicare card - for regional WA that was a lie. Watch my speech calling on the Health Minister to fix it.
On Sky: Labor’s Net Zero Failures and Trump Tariff Risk
This morning on Sky News, I backed Sussan Ley and called out Labor’s spin on net zero. Prices are up, emissions are up, projects are collapsing - and now Trump is threatening tariffs while Labor still can’t get a meeting. It’s weak and Australians are waking up to the truth.
National Security should never be an afterthought
Labor’s reckless dismantling of the Home Affairs portfolio has backfired - forcing them to quietly reverse course when their changes failed during a critical moment. From ASIO to border protection, Labor’s instincts are wrong. The Coalition built a strong Home Affairs framework for a reason: to keep Australians safe.
Vale Dr Alan Eggleston AO
Honoured to pay tribute to Dr Alan Eggleston AO in Parliament today. A trailblazer, a regional champion and a kind mentor to many – including myself. His legacy lives on in the communities he served so fiercely.
Labor’s Spin Can’t Cover the Pain
Durack didn’t vote for this Labor government - and for good reason. Families in Geraldton are working hard and still relying on Foodbank. Energy debt is climbing. Mortgages are crushing household budgets. And young Australians have lost hope of owning a home. Labor needs to stop congratulating itself and start helping.
Opinion Piece - PM must be clear-eyed to security threat posed by China
The first duty of the Australian Government is to keep Australians safe and the nation secure.
This duty intensifies when the Government declares that Australia is confronting its most complex strategic environment in 80 years.
In large part this is because of the rapid expansion of China’s People’s Liberation Army, which our Minister for Defence has described as the biggest increase in military capability and build-up in a conventional sense by any country since World War II.
At such a time, you would rightly expect the Government to not just be talking about the threat, but to be working to make us as strong as possible, as fast as possible.
Regrettably, that is not what the Government is doing.
The Prime Minister has not budged on defence spending which not only limits our own strategic capability, but has the secondary effect of undermining the backbone of our security policy — our alliance with the United States.
The US has served as the guarantor of regional stability since WWII. This role hasn’t been limited to our region, and it has been costly for the US taxpayer. The US is currently US$37 trillion in debt and the conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have many Americans asking why America’s allies aren’t bearing more of the cost burden to guarantee their own defence.
This push from the Americans culminated in NATO countries last month committing to lift core defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP and a further 1.5 per cent of GDP on broader defence and security related investments by 2035.
The Trump administration has called on Australia to increase our own defence spending and is currently reviewing the AUKUS agreement.
Obtaining nuclear submarines will serve as a significant deterrent to future attacks on Australia.
To ensure the continuation of this agreement, it is imperative we demonstrate that we are a credible ally. This means investing enough to operate and maintain these submarines, while not skimping out on other defence priorities.
Like NATO we should also strengthen our sovereign industrial base and commit to greater funding to protect our critical infrastructure against attacks including cyber.
As the Government’s last annual cyber threat report outlined, state-sponsored cyber operations are an ongoing concern. These actors are engaged in intelligence gathering, interference, coercion and are working to gain a foothold within critical networks.
This is an awkward fact for the Prime Minister to navigate with him last week in China.
While they are our major trading partner, they are also the source of our consternation.
This was an important trip for the Australia-China relationship, but it could also send the wrong message to our US allies.
The Prime Minister should be able to walk and chew gum at the same time. He should advocate for continued trade with China, which is vital for our economic prosperity, particularly here in WA, but he must be clear-eyed about our national security and call out unacceptable behaviour.
Reiterating where we stand will send an important message to the US as AUKUS remains under review.
This is assuming the Prime Minister’s failure to meet with President Trump since the November election, his bizarre John Curtin Oration, and his resistance to increase defence spending haven’t spoiled the deal already. If not, there is still a lot of work to be done.
While we may not get our first submarines until the early 2030s, US and UK submarines are set to begin rotating through HMAS Stirling in 2027.
Our readiness to host these submarines will be an early test and critical in signalling our commitment to AUKUS.
State and Federal Labor need to put their shoulder to the wheel to get that part of AUKUS right, otherwise we can almost kiss goodbye having our own fleet of nuclear submarines.
*Published in the West Australian, 21 July 2025
The Hon Melissa Price MP
Federal Member for Durack
Shadow Minister for Cyber Security
Shadow Minister for Science
Qantas Cyber Incident
Confirmation that Qantas has been impacted by a major cyber incident is concerning. We expect Qantas to continue working closely with relevant authorities to manage the situation swiftly and transparently.
It is vital that government agencies, including the Australian Cyber Security Centre, provide full support to Qantas as they respond to this breach. With up to six million customers potentially affected, this is a nationally significant cyber incident that must be treated with the highest urgency.
Qantas must maintain open and honest communication with the public throughout the incident. Australians travelling today should take some comfort in the company’s reassurance that flight safety remains unaffected.
This incident is a stark reminder to all Australian businesses - regardless of size or sector - of the need to take every possible measure to protect the personal data of Australians.
Qantas has been in contact with the Opposition today, and we will seek a formal briefing from the Government at an appropriate time.
Ends.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
I Am Fighting For - the Redevelopment of Nabawa Recreation Centre
Liberal Member for Durack, Melissa Price MP, and the Liberals will deliver $550,000 to support the vital redevelopment of the Nabawa Recreation Centre, a project that will deliver modern facilities for local sports and community events in Chapman Valley.
“This project is about backing local communities, supporting our growing region, and ensuring women and girls feel safe and included when they step onto the field,” Ms Price said.
The Great Northern Football League (GNFL) is preparing for increased female participation, reflecting national trends in AFL and cricket and the Nabawa facility currently fails to meet basic standards for privacy, access, and safety. With changerooms offering no privacy, a single toilet for home and away teams, and no disabled access to upstairs areas, the current set-up no longer serves the community’s needs.
The proposal includes two fully compliant changerooms, accessible amenities, modern spectator areas, a large function room, commercial kitchen, bar facilities, and improved storage, all designed to meet current building codes and future community needs.
“We have a growing population, increased female participation in grassroots sport, and a strong sporting culture. This project ensures our local infrastructure keeps pace,” Ms Price said. “This is about building a facility that locals can be proud of.”
Opened in 1968, the Nabawa Recreation Centre has served our region well. However, it’s time for a facility that meets modern standards and reflects the community's growing needs.
CEO of the Shire of Chapman Valley, Jamie Criddle, welcomed the announcement: “The redevelopment of the Nabawa Recreation Centre is a game-changer for our community. It will provide modern, inclusive facilities for our growing population and create a safer, more accessible environment for all participants. We are excited to work with Melissa Price to bring this important project to life and strengthen our community through sport and recreation.”
Only the Liberals have a plan to invest in local infrastructure in our regions and get Australia back on track.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
I am Fighting For - Upgrades to the Geraldton Tennis Centre
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price MP, has announced that a future Liberal Government will commit $550,000 towards upgrading the Geraldton Tennis Centre (GTC), delivering a major boost for local sport in the Midwest.
In 2024, the Geraldton and Spalding Tennis Clubs united to form the Geraldton Tennis Centre, a move designed to reinvigorate the sport locally. However, participation has declined due to outdated and non-compliant facilities. While the GTC boasts 25 courts, only two are floodlit - making evening play near impossible for most locals.
This investment will fund Stage 1 of the Centre’s Master Plan, which includes the conversion of six grass courts to hard courts and the expansion of lighting across the facility.
“Geraldton is the largest population centre in Durack, home to over 45,000 people, and it deserves modern, well-maintained sporting infrastructure that supports an active, healthy lifestyle,” Ms Price said.
The Geraldton Tennis Centre has a growing local presence, with nearly 900 followers on social media and a dedicated community of players and volunteers. Geraldton Tennis Centre’s vision is to increase participation across all age groups and skill levels.
“This investment is about supporting volunteers, encouraging young people to take up a racquet, and giving families more opportunities to spend time together in a safe, inclusive space,” the Federal Member for Durack added.
This funding comes in response to community feedback and reflects a clear need to modernise local facilities to meet current and future demand.
A future Liberal Government is committed to delivering real, practical support for Geraldton, ensuring our regional communities have the facilities they need to thrive.
ENDS.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au