Labor is Failing to keep our communities safe

I addressed the House yesterday about the Labor Government's failure to stop the boats and keep Australians safe. Of course, the Government’s immigration failures reach much further than reduced patrols or cuts to border security. Late last year, the Government released 152 hardened criminals into the community. This included 7 murderers, 37 sex offenders and 72 people who have committed very serious crimes. LABOR - put Australians first!

Focus on Actions Not Words

Politically it doesn’t make sense for me to stand up for the Prime Minister in the lead up to a federal election, but I believe it’s important not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

In 2021, I attended the “March 4 Justice” rally outside Parliament House in Canberra. I felt it was important to attend on behalf of and in support of regional women who are disproportionately victims of domestic and family violence.

To my great disappointment, the protest and media reporting over the next several months left me feeling like we weren’t moving the dial at all and instead the only man targeted became Prime Minister Scott Morrison, as if he was the one who needed locking-up.

The pile-on Prime Minister Albanese this week represents just a fraction of the criticism Morrison endured for similarly clumsy comments. Of course, I don’t have a lot of sympathy for Albanese given it was him and the Labor party that weaponised such issues for their political benefit.

It’s worth remembering the Coalition never took the lead in Newspoll following the Higgins’ Project interview. The truth didn’t matter then. The Labor Party and their friends in the media pushed the narrative that the Liberal Party was anti-woman and that there had been a cover-up.

The treatment my colleague and friend, Senator Linda Reynolds received was unforgivable and I am pleased that she has been vindicated by the recent ruling by Justice Lee.

Whilst I might find some enjoyment in the Prime Minister getting a taste of his own medicine, it’s more important that the national focus remains on practical actions addressing why thousands of people chose to march over the weekend. 

This year, 28 women have been violently killed in Australia. This number is significantly higher than in recent years and is close to one woman being murdered every four days.

This epidemic of domestic violence is unacceptable, and is a national crisis, a national shame, that deserves continued attention.

I believe everyone has a role to play, whether it be having uncomfortable conversations, calling out bad behaviour of mates or assisting friends and family in need. More attention must also be given to the rehabilitation of male perpetrators.

Of course, government has a role to play as well, especially a government that came to power promising it was uniquely capable of tackling family, domestic and sexual violence.

I welcome the announcement by the Prime Minister to establish the Leaving Violence Program making permanent the Escaping Violence Program trial that we initiated when in Government, which has already assisted more than 45,000 Australians.

Those eligible will be able to access up to $5,000 in financial support. This is great, however the real problem is whether these women, who often have children as well, will be able to find a safe place to stay. There is a severe lack of housing, particularly transitional housing, across Australia and even more so in the regions. Often women feel like they have no choice but to stay in an unsafe environment.

Statistics demonstrate that special attention must be given to the regions. Unfortunately, one of the 28 victims was attacked in the Kimberley. This should come as no surprise, given that according to WA Police data last December the rate of reported family assaults in the city was 70 per 100,000 compared to 247 in the regions and a shocking rate of 1,163 in the Kimberley specifically.

The Prime Minister must also deliver on his existing commitments. Prior to the last election Labor pledged 500 new frontline community domestic violence workers. The latest update from the Government indicates just 17 new workers have been delivered.

Addressing the crisis through National Cabinet is also appropriate, especially when state governments are often on the front line delivering support or responding to incidents. However, the Federal Government needs to do more in terms of delivering early intervention and prevention initiatives.

For years now we have known that online pornography has become more violent and viewed by a vast majority of teens. Such access is making them vulnerable to becoming victims and potential future perpetrators.

In March 2023 the eSafety Commissioner recommended the Government enact an age verification trial ensuring children cannot access pornography and other damaging material. In August, the Government rejected this recommendation and subsequently voted against a Coalition bill in November. Thankfully, this week they have backflipped and now it is time for them to urgently move forward with this.

Tackling the violence epidemic should be above politics and therefore I won’t pretend that the Prime Minister’s blunder over the weekend demonstrates some sort of woman problem. However, this Government which made this issue political, has a duty to act and while they have talked a big game the statistics have only gotten worse.

Hon Melissa Price MP

Opposition Whip

Federal Member for Durack

Live Export is Crucial to WA

This week in the House I spoke about Labor's decision to phase out the live sheep trade. This has already had a disastrous impact, with confidence in the industry being destroyed. As a result, local markets have been overwhelmed and prices have dropped significantly. Farmers are struggling to sell their sheep above the price of freight and, in some cases, have had to make the tragic decision to sell their sheep at a loss or kill and bury them on their own farms.

Lang Coppin, Shire of East Pilbara

Today I paid tribute to the amazing Lang Coppin for his 46-year-long service as a councillor for the Shire of East Pilbara. Lang was a strong leader for the northern part of the East Pilbara district for nearly half a century and I understand holds the title of longest current period of service of an elected member to any council, parliament or assembly in Australia. Congratulations Lang, I look forward to celebrating with you in Marble Bar early next month.

Labor's absurd Biosecurity Protection Levy

Labor will introduce their new Biosecurity Protection Levy from 1 July 2024. This absurd levy will charge Australian primary producers $50 million per year to pay for the biosecurity costs of importers. Under this legislation farmers and fishers from my electorate of Durack will be forced to cover the risks imposed by their foreign competitors. This is just another stab in the guts for struggling producers and will no doubt adversely affect regional Western Australia.

The future of Australian agriculture is NOT in safe hands.

Yesterday in Parliament I spoke about how Labor have forgotten the fundamental importance of agriculture to our nation's prosperity. The agricultural industry sustains not only our national economy but also our very way of life in the regions. Yet, in their misguided pursuit of urban interests and placating to activists, the Albanese Labor Government are forsaking the very essence of our Australian identity.

Tralee Cable - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ Tralee is an extremely competent and energetic business professional who is currently CEO of the Shire of Mount Magnet. Tralee has held a wide variety of positions in many career sectors, including being a marriage celebrant and a funeral director. Formerly the Community and Development Services Manager at the Shire of Meekatharra and the Regional Manager of the WA Primary Health Alliance, Tralee is knowledgeable, innovative and resourceful. She is an invaluable asset to any organisation and highly dedicated to regional Durack. As Tralee has said herself, her career has been a pleasure rather than a duty and I applaud her on her commitment to her community ⭐

An interview with Tralee

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

I would advise myself to not loose the gentle kindness of your soul trying to compete in a mens world. Embrace the person you are and allow your kindness to lead the way. Its very easy to let yourself become hard in the fight that women have in their desire to contribute and its vital our inner steel allows the compassion and empathy to shine. This is our uniqueness and value as a woman in leadership. Also, listen to your mother.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

Absolutely my mother, my grandmothers and their mothers. They were such strong pioneering women who lived in harsh environments and kept their soft core, and their caring reputations. If I could ever be a fraction of the great leaders and contributors those ladies were I’d be very pleased with my life – the difference they made for their communities and those around them is enduring. My mother was such a strong willed and minded feminist well before her time and if only I had paid closer attention to her lessons…..

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Its an interesting question because self reflection and description is usually flawed. The type of leader I try to be is a consistent and thoughtful leader who allows my team the space to be engaged and to achieve. I see my role as clearing any obstacles that might impede my experts from doing what they do best of all, and helping them to collaborate, through vision and goal setting. Communicating those goals and visions is always a challenge for me, but its worth the work to grow those areas that need the little extra attention in ourselves.

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

The biggest is that you are not alone, we are not alone, we are strong and agile and supportive. Our networks are enduring and vast. Come and join us out here, the region desperately needs more women prepared to stand up for and support our communities.

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

Catherine Milliner - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ Catherine has over 25 years of experience working in the WA health and resources sectors, starting as a registered nurse in Perth and then Kambalda, before joined Kambalda nickel mines as an occupational health nurse. Now the CEO of the Wheatbelt Health Network, a not-for-profit organisation that provides multidisciplinary primary care services across the Wheatbelt, Catherine adds a wealth of experience in the areas of strategy, governance and business continuity. Catherine holds a multitude of knowledge in human resources, business development and management of health services.  Along with running a consulting and small retail business, Catherine is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was previously the Chair for the board of Miners Promise. A senior manager with an impeccable understanding of corporate governance compliance, Catherine has a 'can do' attitude with a high level of integrity and professionalism. ⭐

An interview with Catherine

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

Practice being brave so you can stand up for yourself. It gets easier each time you are confident in your abilities. Behind every bully is a person looking to feel powerful by taking power from you. They often lack true self-confidence and trust in the world. Find out what is important to them as an individual, win their trust and take your power back. People may not remember WHAT you have done, but they will remember how you made them FEEL – be kind, find a way to help others around you rise to be their best because of you.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

The women who surround me every day inspire me to be better. They are not famous. My nursing buddies who hung in there for more than 30years giving the best care to their patients despite the difficulties in the health care system. My sister who pushed through the challenges of being a very young mother in the goldfields to educate herself and be an amazing mother, piano teacher , school educator and my friend. My mother who rose from her childhood poverty determined to educate herself and be the best wife/mother/piano teacher she could be.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Always wanting to do better. ( I will never be perfect).

Curious to know more.

Clear about my integrity boundaries.

Transparent with information.

Enjoy enabling my team to be their best.

Happy!

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

The rural/regional areas often offer interesting opportunities the cities will never do.

Be brave! Take the adventure.

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

Meegan Taylor - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ Meegan is a positive, engaging and dedicated leader with in-depth understanding of human resources, general business management and specialist experience in Senior Executive HR Management roles. As Business Services Manager for Desert Blue Connect and Co-ordinator of the Chrysalis House Women’s Refuge in Geraldton, Meegan is a godsend to women and children in need. Chrysalis House provides safe accommodation for women and children who are escaping family violence or are at risk of being homeless as a result of crisis. I am always so very impressed with the lengths Meegan and her staff go to in order to protect those who need their help, with the refuge being staffed 24/7. Meegan prides herself on being an extremely good communicator who enjoys new challenges, her ability to always go above and beyond to achieve positive outcomes is an inspiration ⭐

An interview with Meegan

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

Believe in myself – nobody was born an expert. Learn and absorb and be authentic – don’t change who I am and embrace my difference. Surround myself with people who will bring out the best in me, use my voice and don’t be afraid to speak up. Lastly, find a mentor – a woman who inspires, encourages and believes in me.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

Bev Jowle – My former CEO at South Coastal Women’s Health Services. Bev taught me all there is to know about feminism and in turn, I passed this knowledge on to my daughter and have watched her grow into an incredible woman. Also my late mum Lyn Cunningham. Her strength and resilience was inspirational. She encouraged me and believed in me.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Approachable, hands-on, transparent, authentic, kind and compassionate.

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

Women from regional, rural, and remote areas of Western Australia, you stand as the cornerstone of your communities, illuminating paths for future generations. Embrace the tight-knit bonds you share, and harness their profound strength and resilience. Dare to venture forward, embracing new experiences, welcoming change, and staying true to yourselves.

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

Pauline Bantock - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ As President of Victoria Plains Shire and secretary of Mogumber Outback Club (MOC), Pauline is right at the beating heart of Mogumber, a tiny township of only 58 people located in the Wheatbelt region of Durack. MOC was established as a community social group and has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with members calling Pauline “A champion for our small rural town.”  In 2022 Mogumber locals rallied together to buy the town’s historic tavern, saving their beloved pub from disrepair and transforming it into a community hub. The 130-year-old pub is undergoing an extensive renovation with money raised by the club and hours of labour from Pauline and a team of volunteers. The club’s major fundraiser is the Mogumber New Year’s Eve Rodeo, which has been running since 2013 and is now a sellout every year. Pauline has a background in hospitality, runs a Wheatbelt farm with her husband Dave and is well known for being highly dedicated to her community and to bettering the lives of those around her ⭐

An interview with Pauline

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

If plan A doesn’t work out, find plan B, or C or D. And I would probably tell my younger self to enjoy your time with family and friends more, the to do list can wait. Keep chipping away, but don’t work so hard that you leave your family life behind.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

My Great Grandmother Vera Hammer was part of my life until I was 15 and even at this early age, I absorbed her strength and commitment. I’ve since learnt more of her stories as the 11th woman to join local government in Western Australia. She joined the Coolgardie Road Board at age 40, giving to her community even when she ran a business and had 3 children, all while her husband was being held as a prisoner of war following the fall of Singapore in WW2. Her Daughter, Topsy, is another role model for me. She turned 99 this year and is so resilient and positive. My Grandmother still provides me with such wonderful advice. And of course, my Mother, Judy. She puts 100% effort into everything, has so much patience and has taught me to see the best in people. Outside of my own family, I’m really inspired by Michelle Payne, the first woman to win the Melbourne cup. I was lucky enough to meet her in person last year. She has true GRIT!

What word/s describe your leadership style?

I’m a hands-on leader. I like to lead from the trenches. It’s the best way to witness the strengths. Learn why this is important to your community. Everyone has a strength they can contribute and leadership is needed to harness that power for the benefit of the entire community. I believe in doing the right thing, which might not be the most popular thing at times, but popularity is not my goal.

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

In the long run, grit and determination will mean more than money and talent.

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

Dee Van Beek - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ Dee has worked in the community service industry for over 20 years. During this time, she has supported clients in numerous areas, including disabilities, mental health, palliative care, dementia, domestic violence and bereavement. While Dee is still passionate about these areas, her main focus now, is to empower and support women through the Karratha Women’s Place (KWP). Dee moved to Karratha in 2009 and quickly realised just how socially isolating it could be for women living there, as they are often alone while partners work long shifts. As a result, Dee made the decision to actively make a positive change for the community and fill a gap that effected women, by establishing KWP. Although she lacked funding and organisational backing, Dee was determined to make her dream a reality, so that women now, as well as in the future, are supported in Karratha. After many years of Dee’s hard work, in 2019, KWP opened its doors to women of all ages, cultural backgrounds, religions and sexual orientations. Since then, KWP has continued to grow with the service supporting numerous women and offering a range of free monthly programs ⭐

An interview with Dee

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

With enough determination and hard work, anything is possible. If something doesn’t work the first time, don’t give up, try again taking into account what worked and what didn’t work, think outside the square, be inventive and be resilient.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

While there are many inspiring women I have met over the years and I am inspired by other women who, like me have been through traumatic times in life, I haven’t really had any specific role models. Instead, when I think back to starting my journey and career in the community services, as a single mum of 3 daughters, I wanted to set a good example, be a role model to them and show that they could achieve whatever they wanted to in life. So, following my divorce and, up until then being a stay-at-home mum for nearly 20 years, I started a new chapter of life in my 40s and enrolled in TAFE, then studied at Uni all while working full time and continuing to raise my daughters.  In addition, I drew strength from the song “I am Woman” by Helen Reddy, I always feel very empowered after listening to the song and it’s a great one to have playing in the car on the way to work, to help get me get into the right mindset for the day.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Inclusive, creative, passionate, supportive, caring and democratic. I always endeavour to make sure that all members of my team feel equally important and are given an opportunity to participate and share ideas. While Managers may have the final say in decision making, all team members should be encouraged to have a voice. 

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

I think it is really vital to keep in mind that things in regional, rural and remote WA work very differently compared to how things work in metro areas. As a result, it is extremely important to be resilient, believe in yourself and don’t give up when something might not work the first time. It took me around 10 years to make the Karratha Women’s Place not just a dream, but a reality. During this time, I faced multiple hurdles, but I never gave up and now we’re getting ready to celebrate our 5th birthday.

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

May Doncon - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ May has worked in the crucial and ever-growing mental health sector for over 20 years. Now the proud manager of headspace Geraldton, May has been an early intervention worker, a social worker with WA Country Health Service and a manager of mental health programs with WA Centre for Rural Health and 360 Health. May is a proud advocate for women’s rights internationally and arrived in Australia as a child after spending time as a refugee after her family fled their home country of Iran. May is also a volunteer firefighter at Cape Burney Brigade and is passionate about fitness and health, with martial arts being just one of her varied interests.  I applaud the work that May does in developing mental health and community development programs and am so pleased to have her spearheading the Geraldton headspace centre. As May has said herself, she is passionate about the delivery of high-quality health care to rural, remote and regional areas of Australia ⭐

An interview with May

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

You are stronger and more resilient than you think. Trust in yourself and believe inyour abilities. Challenges will come and go but you will overcome them with time, perseverance and patience.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

The people who have inspired me the most are not famous or in the public life but every day people who have overcome adverse life circumstances, demonstrated courage in difficult situations and have used their experiences to help others. I’m also inspired by community volunteers who give so much of their time and personal resources to local community organisations

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Supportive and empowering. People can only grow and improve with encouragement, support and opportunities.

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

Never underestimate your power to create positive change in your life and your community.

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

Durack Housing Shortages

We are facing a housing crisis nation wide and all throughout my electorate of Durack. The Albanese Labor Government is bringing more people into the country than ever before and at the same time, fewer houses are being built. More people, fewer houses; fewer houses, more people. Why can't Labor understand that their strategy is driving up housing prices? It is simple economics.

Sophie Cooke - Inspirational Women of Durack

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

⭐ Sophie is a Kimberley star from Kununurra who has a very diverse career and background, including the achievement of her master’s degree in education, focusing on special education. Sophie’s multi-faceted career includes being the Chair of her family’s agricultural venture, the Cooke Agricultural Group, her role as a Small Business Advisory Consultant for the Kimberley Small Business Support program and being a Thrive Support Teacher at Scotch Global. Her leadership extends to Ord Valley Events, where significant achievements, such as securing a gold win at the WA Tourism Awards for the Ord Valley Muster, highlight her strategic planning acumen. Initiatives like launching the Taste of the Kimberley event and transforming a local rodeo association into one of the country's largest showcase her diverse skill set, including successful marketing campaigns like the Jabiru Mangoes ⭐

An interview with Sophie

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

Keep your focus and determination strong and don’t waver. I would also say, you can’t be 100% at everything at once, life is long and you have time to do ALL the things you want to, they don’t have to be done in one decade. I would also tell her, the children don’t stay little forever, kiss their heads and dance in the kitchen because one day you’ll have PLENTY of time to do all the other things.

Who are the role models that have inspired you?

Brene Brown, Kemi Nekvapil, Rosa Storelli (my high school Principal), My Mum and without sounding super sucky, Melissa. I think she’s been an incredible advocate for Durack and I thoroughly enjoy her leadership and intelligence every time we interact.

What word/s describe your leadership style?

Inclusive empowerment. I believe in bringing people into my team with the qualities and strengths that are needed and then mentoring them in their roles to ensure they are achieving the best for themselves as an individual and the best for the organisation as a whole.

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

Keep doing what you do, and make it loud. We are some of the most resilient, capable, adaptable and innovative women on the planet. Our voices have great value. Lets keep using them.

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

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