Charlene Senior - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

⭐ Charlene is the Pilbara Manager for Anglicare WA, operating our vital headspace centres across the Pilbara and providing crucial early intervention mental health services to young people with mental health challenges affecting their wellbeing. Charlene has also worked to implement various programs across the Pilbara in primary healthcare, mental health, disability services, suicide prevention and chronic disease and has been instrumental in setting up the Pilbara headspaces, with the new Karratha facility, opened last year, being the 150th centre in Australia. Charlene is committed and dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of her community and lives by the motto of ‘Supporting Pilbara People to Thrive’.⭐

An interview with Charlene

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

No, you’re not imagining it! You are being underestimated. But knowing this empowers you to approach, create and develop opportunities to grow your career. There will be strong women who see your potential, who don’t underestimate you and reflect back the best of you; listen to them, follow their lead and they will take you to amazing new places. Remember how at the end of a training session, when you were so exhausted you couldn’t lift your arms and your state netball coach would tell you to go and post up and practice shooting? Getting accuracy for the tired shots, the ones that will make or break a tight game, was an important life lesson. It taught the importance of creating good habits which have a powerful impact on life because these good practices become an unconscious part of your routine, like brushing your teeth. The key habits to develop for leadership are sleep, eat for health, regular exercise, learn mindfulness, have gratitude, be compassionate to yourself and others and always learn new things. If these are all part of your routine, you’ve got a really strong foundation to build on. My last bit of advice for my younger self is that leadership is a difficult metric to self-measure. You can’t determine whether you are a good leader or not, only your team can. Listen to those around you and be guided by them.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

I am inspired by so many people! My mum invested so much of herself to build my self-confidence and resilience in my younger years. Both my parents taught me that success isn’t anything particularly glamorous, it’s about not giving up on your goals, but also knowing when changing up your approach is the right thing to do. At Anglicare WA, I work with remarkable women who model strength, resilience, compassion, intelligence, ask great questions and simultaneously consider the big picture while being attentive to the small details. I am incredibly grateful for these inspiring women whose leadership inspires me to lift my expectations of myself and to achieve more for this region. When I am looking for inspiring words to help me frame a situation, Maya Angelou is my go-to, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Is the quote that I use to guide my actions in leadership.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Democratic. I’m working to create psychological safety across our widely dispersed teams in the Pilbara and can only achieve that by getting input from the people on the ground. Our staff are incredible people! They are literally some of the best humans I’ve ever known, and the work they do across our Pilbara communities is changing people’s lives. Their input is gold. It is a privilege to work with these amazing people and I am incredibly grateful that when I do make an error, the team will tell me so that we can discuss it as a group, make any changes needed and move forward together.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Women in the regions are strong, resilient, adaptable and we don’t sweat the small stuff. We prioritise authentic connections, we find ways to laugh when things are tough, and we care for our communities. Our resilience and authenticity are a highly valuable skillset that we all have because without it, we don’t stay here long. Whatever you want to achieve, you’ve got this!

We thank you Charlene, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙

Leonie Noble - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

⭐Leonie holds the position of President on the National Rural Women's Coalition and Network board and is Immediate Past President of the WIN - Women's Industry Network in Seafood. Leonie is a born and raised Geraldtonian and is partner in a crayfishing business and former Deputy Chair of the Regional Development Australia - Mid West & Gascoyne Board. Leonie also chaired The Rural, Regional, Remote Women's Network of Western Australia, which feeds policy into the state government, for 5 years. Leonie sits on the National Fishing Advisory Council and is a past director of the Western Australia Fishing Industry Council. One of the first women inducted into the National Seafood Hall of Fame, Leonie was inducted into the Australian Financial Reviews Alumni for Australia’s 100 influential women 2019. Leonie works at community, state, federal and international levels to empower women’s voices ⭐

An interview with Leonie

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

Be Brave, dont automatically say no to opportunity until you have really thought it through because the more you say no the quicker opportunity dries up. Listen more and talk less, do your homework, you will not always automatically be right and the more you know the easier it is to stand up and back yourself.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

My Parents and grandmother, in the early days, their honest wisdom, patience and encouragement made a huge difference in how I approached life and work. In the later years it was the women (and some men lol) that had the same belief systems as I have and who worked so hard to ensure a place at the table for other women.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Inclusive, supportive and brave! At least thats what I have always tried to be.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

If a noisy girl from Geraldton can be accepted in the arenas that I have been able to wield some influence in and be given the opportunity to speak at the United Nations in New York on several occasions, there is nothing to stop anyone who has a burning passion to make a difference in what ever sphere they want to, it just takes hard work. Stop saying No to opportunity if it fits your belief system, the time commitment fits your lifestyle and you have a passion for the subject. Believe in yourselves, back your authentic self and get a mentor when you need one.

We thank you Leonie, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙

Geraldton Emergency Rescue Helicopter request REJECTED

Today in the House I spoke on the recent careless decision by the WA State Labor Government to reject the establishment of an emergency rescue helicopter based in Geraldton, Durack’s largest population base.

The Voice. Where is Labor's Plan B?

The Albanese Government promised everything with The Voice. Yet it’s been more than four months now since the referendum, and we are still waiting on the Government to announce their Plan B. Today in the House I spoke on my recommendations with Indigenous Affairs moving forward.

Sylvia Kelly - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

⭐ Founder and stalwart of the Gingin Care Group, Sylvia is renowned for being a caring and deeply involved member of her community. The Gingin Care Group have a unique blueprint to provide holistic care to the members of the Gingin community. Among other services, the Group provides transport to and from medical appointments, and a variety of in-home support. Sylvia is always very humble about the amazing work she does in supporting her fellow residents, I would like her to know that she is an inspiration to many and I admire and respect her dedication to others ⭐

An interview with Sylvia

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

All my life, young and older, I have got involved in many varied ways when I saw a need.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Inspiring other people to explore needs and be focussed on meeting them. Never giving up no matter how many leads go into a blank wall. Inspiring others to find their caring selves.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Always be open to any input from group members...never have a need to be in control. Don’t have fixed ideas and be open to any suggestions or observations. Make sure you allow people the freedom to give as much or as little as they can.

We thank you Sylvia, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙

Susan Grylls - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

⭐ Director of the Pilbara and Kimberley University Centres and general all round community superstar, Susan is well renowned in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions for being a leader and a forward thinker. Susan has been recognised for her outstanding efforts in the business and education sector and was awarded Businesswoman of the Year at the Karratha District Chamber Commerce and Industry Business Excellence Awards in 2022. Susan is highly dedicated and involved in her community and has an admirable vision for the future of Durack constituents in our north. ⭐

An interview with Susan

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

Always keep your moral and ethical compass – no matter the consequences. In the end it is always turns out to have been the right pathway. Be yourself and enjoy the battle. Fight and never give up! Never be afraid to start at the bottle and make mistakes. Don’t take yourself too seriously but take your job and your passions as seriously as you can. And don’t forget to laugh.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

My mother, Michelle Obama, Margot Fonteyn, Leanne Benjamin, Amal Clooney, Marie Curie

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Gosh I have to laugh at this one. I think my leadership style has evolved over the years (as I have observed my mistakes and learned from them). I think nowadays it is mixture of a number of styles that are relevant to the situation and I think you have to be like that now – you have to be flexible, you have to be reactive to changing scenarios and the people around you. I try to lead by example and bring people around me on the journey so it’s a team play rather than it being an autocratic, egotistical experience for others involved.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Living in regional, rural and remote WA has been the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I grew up in Perth and planned to settle in San Francisco as a corporate lawyer. However life took me down a different path and I could not be happier! Regional, rural and remote WA offers incredible opportunities for everyone - to make friends, to explore, to challenge yourself, to be big, bold and visionary! It is not always easy and you have to be flexible, resilience and innovative. However it is worth it. Nothing and I mean nothing beats living in regional, rural and remote WA!

We thank you Susan, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙

Cristelle Stott - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Cristelle Stott

⭐ Cristelle is the owner operator of Autism Horses, an equine therapy group who help people from all walks of life with capacity building and independent functioning. Cristelle and her team understand the challenges that being a parent or caregiver of a specific-needs person are and their programs are developed for the participant as well as their support network by providing a ‘no demand stimulus’ therapy environment. Autism Horses aim to support members of the community who experience their environment hypo-reactively, reducing the sensory experience which can be overwhelming. Cristelle is highly involved in her community and cares deeply about the work she does ⭐

An interview with Cristelle

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

I would tell my younger self that I’m so proud of her courage to be authentic in this world as a woman. The ability to be authentic is a fantastic ‘filter’; because the people that don’t align with your message will naturally drop away when you centre yourself in your authenticity. To always listen to her ability as a woman to be receptive to her intuition, because women are a portal for energy, information and abundance, when they are both authentic and intuitively centred. Finally, to act on her intuition, because who, what and where you surround yourself with, will become you. There are no mistakes when you align yourself with yourself; so don’t stay, do or be anything that is not authentic and intuitive in that moment you make decisions, there are no accidents, no mistakes; there is only learning and growing. You are the only one that is with you, your entire life; so if you act from these principles you will always respect yourself.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

I respect and gravitate to people who are value driven and moral orientated, with grit and drive who don’t give up. They are everywhere and sometimes you only get just a glimpse. We call this ‘glimmers’. Glimmers of hope in humanity. My current favourite role model is my 12 year old daughter.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

As a micro-noticer, I am equipped to lead gently from behind. I encourage my team to think and only bounce off me after they have made relevant choices and decisions. I notice strengths before challenges in my team; adjust the team member workload to suit, and set them up to thrive. I set up an environment that is an open learning exploratory and stimulating environment; with challenges suited to team members, but also with the expectation that team members perform at their highest level. I scaffold well to this. I am aware I am human, a female human with combination Autism and adhd; so I can appear cold due to being in my reporting brain, and grumpy. However I only ever get grumpy with my team when team members do something they know they should not do. I protect my team and absorb challenges not directly related to team and individual performance. You will never get in trouble for making a mistake. I think I just answered that in a really long winded way, so I will say I think I’m a good balance between the three leadership types; autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

You are not a man; nor should you try to be one. When women do things they don’t want to do, or have no choice but to ‘play’ roles determined by others outside of themselves, they produce testosterone. Let the men be men and produce the testosterone. Withdraw from the game presented to you by others by understanding that you have way more creative control than what you give yourself credit for. In any circumstance, the reality you experience is the one you activate by responding to the thoughts you have about it. Seek to be an ‘activated’ woman; even in any and all pain you experience. Don’t run from the pain, it is your highest learning. The world needs connection, depowered language and deconstruction of archaic social narratives. Women need to lead like women. As a woman, you have the innate and natural ability to lead via empowerment through noticing others. Never forget the power of your attention or lack thereof; even without saying a word. Women can naturally design and create new paradigms, and are an expression of the abundance of life—-only if your own cup is full first!! Never ever never ‘dim your light for anyone’ or pour from an empty cup, that won’t serve your culture, community, your passion, your family at all. Old system thinking doesn’t solve new world problems, so recognise the process is top-down by putting you first; then address society, culture, community; down to family. But you make sure you’re at the top, Queen. Nobody can do this without you. The whole world is waiting for this swing back from patriarch to feminism, to the balance of empowered persons. Then we can united tackle the real problems. Your people are watching you, and they need to see you vibrant, resourced, and inspirational. Make that happen, and everything else will fall in.

We thank you Cristelle, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙

Debbie Dowden - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Debbie Dowden

⭐ Debbie is the owner and operater of Challa Station, a beef cattle enterprise based in the Southern Rangelands of WA that has been in the Dowden family since 1888. Debbie and her family understand the need to rehydrate farm lands, repair historical degradation and restore the natural environment for future generations. Debbie is the Interim Chair of the Southern Rangelands Pastoral Alliance, a Fellow at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, holds her Masters degree in Environmental Science and overall, is widely recognised as a leader in sustainable production ⭐

An interview with Debbie

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

Put the voices of doubt aside and know that you are stronger and more capable than you think.  Don’t focus on the challenges, focus instead on the contribution that you can make, understanding that women have been leading since the beginning of time but often push their men into the limelight. Be brave and step into that light yourself.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

As a teenager I was inspired by Margaret Thatcher, because she was a powerful woman who lead a country, and she broke a lot of moulds. These days, good people with passion, a positive mindset and a strong work ethic inspire me. People like Professor Fiona Wood and aviator Nancy Bird, and also people closer to home like rural leader Sue Middleton and pastoralist Annabell Coppin.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

People often underestimate me, so I would say surprising best describes my leadership style. After that, my leadership style could be seen as positive, democratic and very often situational.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

We are incredibly privileged to be living in regional, rural and remote areas. There are so many opportunities to be your authentic self and to lead from the heart. You live in a strong community where people care and matter, and where the ‘vision splendid’ still exists.

We thank you Debbie, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙

Sandy Dann - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Sandy Dann

⭐ Sandy is a proud Nyul Nyul woman from Broome who is deeply connected to the Kimberley community and is well respected as a radio broadcaster, both locally and nationally. An inspirational local figure who has celebrated over 30 years in broadcasting, including many years dedicated to the famous Radio Goolarri, Sandy brings a wealth of insight and perspective to her community and beyond. After contracting congenital rubella at a young age which led to vision impairment, Sandy has said that “she has a coloured world even though her eyesight is limited”.⭐

An interview with Sandy

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

Advice I would give to to my younger self would be - don’t think every one will like you, respect is there to be earned. 

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

My Mothers, Aunties, Sisters and nieces ensure that I am grounded as role models amongst the women I meet and work along side that keep me growing.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

I have always taken note to find your own within and do not follow others or they can lead you astray.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

To any lady/girl - be your self, work on the gifts you are born with, life is never too hard, we just got to find another way.

We thank you Sandy, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙

Angelina Calver - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Angelina Calver

⭐ Angelina is a born and bred Geraldtonian who commenced life as a mortgage broker back in 1998 and has built a fantastic reputation in her community since. She is renowned for her friendly and bubbly demeanour, taking care to always ensure her clients get the right advice on what’s best for them. Angelina’s knowledge and experience have helped countless people over the years achieve their home ownership or investment dreams ⭐

An interview with Ang

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

To have confidence and faith that you can achieve what you set your mind to.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

Every successful hard working woman.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Don't expect someone to do what you would not do and lead by example.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Have faith in your ability to achieve what other people do not believe you can, in regional WA we have a lot of opportunities. You just need to look for them and have faith in your ability.

We thank you Angelina, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙

Tina Scott - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Tina Scott

⭐ General Manager of the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce, Tina has been a Port Hedland resident for over 12 years and was previously board member and treasurer of the Chamber. Tina has been recognised for her commitment to her community with various accolades, including Port Hedland Employee of the Year and Best Business at the Business Excellence Awards. Tina has an extensive background in finance, real estate and business development. With a passion for all things Pilbara and for her community, Tina is heavily involved with various boards and local fundraising events.⭐

An interview with Tina

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

I would tell my younger self that making mistakes is a natural part of life and a valuable opportunity for learning and growth. Be yourself! Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that you want to ask and seek the answers. Stand tall and be proud of who you are and always come from a place of “Yes”  You can figure out how to make id happen along the way. And never be afraid to be bright and wear PINK !

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

Over the years I have many, Julie Bishop, Dr Catherine Hamlin , Bethenny Frankel , who I am meeting in March. My personal role models are the powerful resilient females in my life, My Mum, my girlfriends, and colleagues. The women who support you every day, women who support women in life’s daily challenges all trying to make a difference.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Fast and Furious, with stilettos!

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Grab every opportunity and have a go, Hedland / Pilbara is the land of opportunity and being remote should not be a barrier for reaching your goals, you may need to pivot to achieve them. Be involved , engage in community and be present. Volunteer , attend events and make meaningful connections

We thank you Tina, for what you achieve for your community and regional, rural and remote Durack 💙

Sharni Foulkes - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Sharni Foulkes

⭐ CEO of the Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc., Sharni is a true blue Broome local who is highly involved in her community. She has worked in various fields as a Business Adviser, a Director, a Regional Manager and now a Chief Executive Officer for the past 2 years. Sharni is an inspiration to her community and indeed, to all women striving to achieve in regional, rural and remote areas of Durack ⭐

An interview with Sharni

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

I was very young when I took on my first leadership role, managing multiple sites with a number of staff. From day one, I was told that I would only ever be as good as my team, but what I didn’t know at the time was how hard working and loyal staff could be. I wish I had known what motivated my team and what actualy mattered to them. And I wish I had known that what motivated me (money and free travel) did not necessarily motivate them. And that all good people excel when they are treated as just that, good people. Trust and empowerment always goes a long way in any situation/workplace/leadership position.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

I’ve had many good role models in life, but one thing I wish I had of done earlier, was actually reaching out to the people I admire and asking them if they would mentor me. What I learnt and the connections and opportunities from seeking support and having someone to look up to created was in valuable.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Passion and empowerment -  you have to love what you do and you have to love who your working with! Leading a team that feels empowered and has the confidence and aspiration to succeed is on another level and together you can truly conquer whatever you set out to achieve!

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

This is a tough one, yet the easiest and simplest question to answer. Have each others backs! Co-sign, work together, collaborate and be inclusive. We are so much bigger when we are banded together in force, so embrace the remoteness and make sure when you go in to bat, your batting with the support and the backing of all the other regions!

We thank you Sharni, for what you achieve for your community and regional , rural and remote Durack 💙

Lara Sadowski -Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Lara Sadowski

⭐ Director of the Geraldton Property Team, Lara was born and bred in Geraldton and has excelled in the real estate industry for over 15 years. Lara and her team are consistently recognised as the #1 Agents in the Geraldton real estate market, achieved through professionalism, experience and strong commitment to the Geraldton community ⭐

An interview with Lara

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

"Find a mentor" would be the advice when instructing my younger self on professional growth. My grandmother used to say that one can learn something from absolutely anyone. Her advice served me well, as it provided the lens for looking into the world as an ongoing learning opportunity. What I didn’t recognize at the time was that she was my first mentor along with my mother.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

My Mother whom passed away at a young age from illness. She was selfless and gave everything to her family. Coming from an Eastern European background, you were taught to work hard for what you wanted and give to others before you give to yourself. Eastern Europeans are a gritty, intense, and supernaturally sturdy people. Communism, wars, and winters have sculpted their tradition of getting by with little. They'll endure any hardship and overcome any challenge with a stoic and grim determination.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Independent, fearless, determined, caring, Resilient, adaptable, ambitious, confident and inspirational.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Never give up! You can do what you put your mind too. I love manifesting and focusing on what I want to achieve and when your mind is right/focused, you can achieve anything. Don’t let location dampen your dreams and goals. Look for opportunities to travel and attend conferences/seminars  to meet like minded people that will give you the stimulation and drive to keep following your dreams and goals.

We thank you Lara, for what you achieve for your community and regional Durack 💙

Karen Chappel AM - Inspirational Women of Durack

❤️ A Durack International Women’s Day initiative to celebrate and promote inspiring Durack women ❤️

Karen Chappel AM

⭐ President of the Shire of Morawa and the Western Australian Local Government Association, Karen was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia 2023 for her significant service to local government and the community of Morawa ⭐

An interview with Karen

What advice would you give to your younger self, considering the unique challenges that women often encounter in leadership roles?

To believe in myself and to embrace every opportunity, do not be intimidated by history or expectations. Accept that life doesn’t always sail smoothly and let the bumps along the way make you stronger and more determined. Always call out poor behaviour, stand up for yourself. Accept that leadership is not a popularity contest, it is about doing what is right. That there are 24 hours in a day, use them wisely.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

Ita Buttrose, as a child reading the Australian Womens Weekly editorial I idolised Ita’s column. Then of course my own mother Jean King,   my mother was State President of the CWA and a recipient of the Churchill fellowship. 

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Authentic, collaborative and caring. I do not judge anyone if I am not prepared to walk in their shoes.

What words of inspiration can you share with women in regional, rural and remote Western Australia?

Always be proud of being a girl from the country, we are known to be resilient and practical. Do not let the tyranny of distance become a barrier to participation in whatever passion or cause you believe in. Perseverance is the key, keep going until the right people listen or let you in. Trust in yourself, you know who you are and what you are stand for. 

We thank you Karen, for what you achieve for your community and for regional and rural Durack 💙

Durack Community Stars - Headspace, Morangup Progress Association and Gingin Aged Care

Today, the first day of Parliament in 2024, I took the chance to highlight the amazing work of some of the community stars in Durack. I always enjoy speaking about the hard work and accomplishments that inspirational community members in Durack achieve on a daily basis. Thank you for all that you do for your communities!

Opinion Piece - PM missing on booze crisis

Crime, poverty, child neglect and youth suicide are all exacerbated by severe alcohol abuse.

This is not news to those living in the north-west of our State who have watched tragedy after tragedy for many years.

While obvious to some, the release of the Kimberley police dossier this week has rightly put this issue front and centre for all in WA to see.

Sadly, if this was taking place in one of our leafier suburbs, like Floreat, we would be determined to find a solution and it would remain front of mind until such time as one was.

Will we still be talking about alcohol abuse in the Kimberley next week?

Most harrowing are the insights into the final moments of too many young people who chose to take their own lives, many of whom were intoxicated at the time.

These children and young adults should have been enjoying the best time of their lives, but unfortunately become another tragic statistic.

These stories make it clear that combating alcohol abuse is about life and death.

Stricter liquor restrictions in Broome and Derby may help to curb alcohol abuse, and ensuring the Banned Drinkers Register is fit for purpose is clearly one way to control sale of grog to heavy consumers.

Regardless, desperate people will find a way to acquire alcohol and the ongoing supply of “sly grog” is testament to that.

Two years ago, I likened the youth crime wave taking place in the Kimberley to a war zone.

While I copped flak at the time that phrase has since caught on and is now quite mainstream.

Even with liquor restrictions I fear alcohol abuse will become normalised unless we tackle the social issues from multiple angles.

We need to be serious about working with the family structure and ensuring that the next generation is on the right track.

This means keeping kids in school and socially engaged and the home a safe place to be.

Whilst most of the responsibility lies with the Cook State Government, the Federal Government also has a role to play here.

It’s bewildering to me that the Voice was put forward as an urgent solution to closing the gap, but since referendum day the Prime Minister has been completely absent in this space. It seems that there was no plan B after all.

There are things that he and the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda Burney, could announce today that I believe could deliver tangible results.

For starters, announce an audit into Commonwealth spending for Indigenous specific programs.

We need a review, not just to reduce waste, but to also highlight the most effective programs that should be backed in. This is particularly important when it comes to youth diversionary programs.

Keeping at-risk youth engaged, developing respect for their local community and away from substance abuse will go a long way to ending intergenerational poverty.

Next, get serious about improving the environment children are growing up in.

This should include announcing a royal commission into child sexual abuse in Indigenous communities and reversing their decision to axe the cashless debit card.

The CDC preserved 80 per cent of welfare funds for essential goods such as food and rent.

This meant parents did not have access to cash to spend on alcohol, drugs and gambling. While the CDC was not implemented in Broome, it was rolled out across the East Kimberley.

Reinstating the card and expanding its coverage should be a priority.

Government should spend less time worrying about the optics and on the symbolic (and so should Woolies) and more on the practical actions that will improve the lives of our most vulnerable Australians.

As we saw in the Northern Territory, successful alcohol bans were removed when the then-chief minister called the bans “racist”.

After domestic violence and property offences skyrocketed, the restrictions had to be reinstated just months later.

Over the next fortnight the focus will inevitably shift to the annual debate surrounding Australia Day. We will see millions of Aussies celebrating our great nation, while others, overwhelmingly non-Indigenous, will gather in our capital cities to protest against the historical wrongs that occurred decades and centuries ago.

Wouldn’t it be great if the same level of passion and focus was applied to fixing the conditions today that cause this devastating generational cycle to roll on and on for many Aboriginal people?

*Published in the West Australian, 12 January 2024

The Hon Melissa Price MP

Federal Member for Durack

Opposition Whip

Prime Minister, You Are In Government. Do Your Job!

This week in Parliament I asked Labor when they will realise that they are in Government and no longer in Opposition. The time for action is now Albanese!

A Distracted and Missing Prime Minister.

This week in Parliament I spoke on the inability of our Prime Minister to do his job. He is missing in action when Australians need him the most. When will he care about keeping our borders secure and Australians safe?

Labor has no plan to bring down the cost of living.

Today in Parliament I spoke on the very real crisis that is facing Australians' under the Albanese Government.

Since Labor was elected, the cost of living has increased dramatically.

Just over the past 15 months;

• Food and grocery prices are up 8.2%.

• Housing prices have increased by 10.4%.

• Insurance is up by 17.3%.

• Electricity is up by 18.2% and gas is up 28%.

We know that millions of Australians have also been hit hard by the twelve interest rate rises that have occurred under this Government. So, I call on the Prime Minister and the Treasurer to get on with the job and come up with a real plan to combat the cost of living.

The End Of The Australian Dream. Labor Are Failing Young Australians.

🏡 Last week I highlighted how young Australians are hurting under this Albanese Labor Government.

According to a recent survey 9 in 10 have suffered financial difficulty over the past twelve months and 61% believe they will be financially worse off than their parents. Sadly just 41% believe they will ever be able to purchase a property in the future.

The crisis in housing we are seeing now is directly linked to Labor’s reckless management of the economy and immigration system. Australia’s population is growing at the highest rate in 70 years.

It’s commonsense that this would distort the market with rental vacancies hitting a record low of just 1.02% in October and the cost of housing increasing by 10.4% in the past 15 months.

Recently the CEO of one of the major banks said that home loans are becoming ‘only for the rich’. You shouldn’t have to be born with a silver spoon in your mouth to get ahead. Yet under Labor that is becoming a reality.

Labor cannot continue to take the youth vote for granted while they are crushing the Australian Dream.

Boosting home ownership has been a core belief of the Liberal Party since its founding. If returned to Government we will work to support more young people get into their own homes.