The latest Groom updates!
Over the past month, I’ve been busy listening and working for you, and wanted to let you know about some of the exciting things happening across Groom.👇
1. Additional prizes announced for Groom's Gifts!
Thank you to everyone who has gotten involved with the Groom's Gifts initiative! 🎁🎄
Thanks to some very generous donations, there are now a variety of additional prizes to be won, including:
- Fuel Voucher from Zimms Corner
- Facial of your choice from Toowoomba Body Sculpting
- Yeti drinkware set from the Weber Store
- Confectionary Hamper from Pittsworth Confectionary
- 1/18 Atom RTR 4WD Electric RC Monster Truck from Wings Over the Downs Hobbies.
- $100 Voucher from Precious Time Fabric and Quilts
This is truly a testament to the unity and generosity of our community.
For more information and the list of participating businesses, click here!
2. Called on the Government to take more action on youth crime
In Parliament last week, I called for the Albanese Government to clean up digital platforms by legislating to deal with young criminals boasting online.
This situation is seeing criminals glorifying their behaviour and seeing a generation of young offenders become digital influencers - exacerbating the offending cycle and recruiting more young people to anti-social behaviour.
Unfortunately, Labor insisted the Queensland youth crime crisis was just a scare campaign. Watch the video here👇
3. Coalition commits to stronger child safety measures
In 2021, the Coalition Government asked the eSafety Commissioner to develop a roadmap to help keep children safe online. Following extensive research, the eSafety Commissioner’s report was released in August this year, recommending a trial of online technology.
Unfortunately, the Labor Government rejected the recommendation and instead decided to leave it to an industry code process.
Their decision was condemned by the National Children’s Commissioner, but welcomed by the porn industry.
It was also criticised by more than 45 child and women’s safety advocates who wrote to the Minister and Prime Minister, urging them to reconsider the decision to reject the trial.
That is why the Coalition has made a formal policy decision to support a trial, in line with the recommendations of the eSafety Commissioner.
This builds on our previous commitments to double the size of the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, ban gambling advertising during live sporting events and impose more obligations on big digital companies to stop scams and fraud.
4. Called for a sensible discussion on Australia's immigration policy
Australia could see 1.87 million people arrive in the country over five years, as Australians continue to struggle with cost of living and housing.
It has been a difficult year for people looking to buy or rent, and the threats of further interest rate rises and rising immigration levels is putting more pressure on the housing market.
In Toowoomba, we're seeing extremely tight housing conditions, with vacancy rates dipping below one percent and new housing approvals at record lows.
I'm calling for a sensible discussion on Australia's immigration levels whilst this crisis continues.👇
5. Cost of Living Survey
Australian families are feeling the pinch, especially in the lead up to Christmas as groceries, petrol, energy, and insurance costs continue to increase.
I know many households in Groom are making tough decisions about their budgets right now.
Please let me know how increasing cost of living is affecting you, via the survey here.
As always, please let me know if I can assist you with anything.
I will keep on listening and working for our community, and continue to advocate for our region in Canberra.
Kind regards,
Garth Hamilton MP
Federal Member for Groom
