The Latest Groom News and Community Updates
It’s been an action-packed month across the Groom electorate and in Canberra.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out - whether it was at one of my mobile offices, community forums, or through emails. Hearing directly from you is invaluable, and it’s clear that important issues like crime, energy, and the rising cost of living are at the forefront of many of your concerns.
These challenges are affecting countless families across our community, and I want to assure you that they remain my top priority. My focus continues to be on the economy and holding the Albanese government accountable for their policies that are making life harder for everyday Australians.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s been happening👇
1. Delivering for our local schools
It’s such a pleasure to partner with our schools, to take projects from concept to construction.
I’m proud to have worked with our local school communities to secure over $8.5 million under the former Coalition government, to see these projects come to life and making a difference in the lives of our students.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the opening of one such project - the new Emanuel Solomon Arts Precinct at Mary MacKillop Catholic College in Highfields. It was inspiring to see the incredible creativity and talent of the students flourishing in this amazing new space.
Congratulations to everyone involved in turning this vision into a reality.
2. Listening to our community
We were thrilled to host Michael Sukkar MP, Shadow Minister for Social Services, NDIS, Housing, and Homelessness, in Groom recently. Over two days, we had the pleasure of hearing from a number of our local organisations across various sectors.
I'd like to extend my gratitude to the wonderful volunteers at Tony’s Community Kitchen, whose dedication ensures that nutritious meals are provided daily to those in need. It was a pleasure to assist for the night.
We also met with local NDIS providers and support coordinators to discuss the needs of our 5500+ NDIS participants and hear their concerns.
Michael's visit also highlighted pressing issues we face in Labor's housing crisis, such as the decline in new home construction, the strain on housing due to record migration, and the impact of high interest rates on mortgage holders. We appreciate his commitment to addressing these challenges and listening to our community’s concerns.
3. Supporting our small banks
Competition is so important - it would be bad for consumers and our economy if we only had the big four banks.
Working with the Customer Owned Banking Association, we defeated APRA’s proposed anti-competitive changes that would have left small banking customers paying the price.
4. Discussing local business priorities
The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce does an outstanding job championing our local small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy.
It was such a pleasure to welcome CEO Todd Rohl and Vice President Barton Castley, to Parliament House, to discuss small business priorities and concerns with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Small and Family Business, Sussan Ley.
The Coalition will cut red tape, ease regulatory burdens, and implement policies that drive regional prosperity and allow our small businesses to thrive.
5. Economics Committee hearing with the RBA
RBA Governor Michelle Bullock recently pushed out the prospect of a rate cut, with no chance of relief for mortgage holders this year.
This is devastating news for the many households in Groom already doing it tough.
As Deputy Chair of the House Economics Committee, I recently attended a hearing with the RBA, where I had the opportunity to ask critical questions about Australia's economic outlook.
The RBA says government spending is driving up inflation, but Labor isn’t listening.
6. Go Bears! 🐻
Another fantastic day of local rugby at this year's Risdon Cup!
A massive shoutout to all the players, coaches, sponsors, and organisers who made the event possible.
Special congratulations to the Toowoomba Bears Women's A Grade team for their incredible grand final victory - what an outstanding game!
7. Supporting our small businesses
Such a pleasure to be joined in Toowoomba by Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash.
It was wonderful to spend the day hearing from so many of our local small business owners, advocates and entrepreneurs as they shared their invaluable insights and experiences.
The Coalition understands that small businesses are doing it tough right now, and Labor’s radical industrial relations reforms are only adding higher costs, chaos and complexity.
We need certainty, simplicity and flexibility in our IR system - and that’s what we’ll deliver.
As always, please let me know if I can assist you with anything.
I will continue to advocate on the issues that matter most to our community.
Kind regards,
Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
