In the year since the 2022 federal election, I have made it my mission to connect with as many Redlanders as possible to understand the issues that are affecting them and to work towards positive solutions.
Through regular doorknocking, mobile offices in local shopping centres, and visits to local schools, retirement villages and nursing homes, I have had the opportunity to listen to the concerns of our community.
The ever-rising cost-of-living, and the related concern of our rental crisis, remain the paramount concern of Redlanders. Sadly, core inflation in Australia is higher than many of the advanced economies around the world. While inflation has fallen in the UK, the US and Canada over the last year, it has risen in Australia.
Redlanders are also deeply concerned about our healthcare system, with Redland Hospital delivering some of the worst ambulance ramping statistics of any Australian hospital ever.
While fighting for meaningful responses to these areas of acute need, I have also been working to hold the Labor government to account on the promises that they made to our local community.
There have been challenges along the way, but I am pleased to report that we have achieved some wins over the past year. I secured new investment in cutting edge critical mineral research in Cleveland. I ensured funding was saved for the development of a new Head-to-Health mental health facility at Redland Bay. We have now also seen work commence for the upgrade of Wellington Street and Panorama Drive thanks to federal investment.
Over the course of the last twelve months, I have also stood against plans to increase flights over the Redlands which would have had a significant impact on our local amenity and quality of life.
As we head into the second year of this term of parliament, I am committed to continuing to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of the Redlands. I will support policy that is in the best interests of our country, but also hold the government to account.