As Vice Chair of the Australian–Netherlands Parliamentary Friendship Group, I was pleased to recently meet with Her Excellency Ardi Stoios Braken, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Our countries share a strong relationship built on more than 400 years of history. Today, our economic ties remain significant, with bilateral trade in goods valued at around 5.7 billion dollars. This connection is also reflected in our community, with more than 380,000 Australians proudly claiming Dutch ancestry, making us home to one of the largest Dutch diasporas outside Europe. Our shared history is also evident here in Queensland. During the Second World War, Camp Columbia at Wacol in Brisbane became home to the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-exile. Today, Brisbane is also home to a vibrant Dutch community, including the Dutch Chamber of Commerce Queensland (DCCQ), Dutchlink Brisbane, the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre (DACC), and Dutchies in Brisbane, to name just a few. I look forward to continuing to build on this strong partnership in the future.

On Saturday Night, the Annual Multicultural Social Network Dinner was held on the Gold Coast, hosted by Multicultural Social Network Inc.  MSN is a Gold Coast-based community organisation dedicated to promoting social cohesion through volunteer-driven initiatives, supporting vulnerable members of our community through programs such as meals for the homeless and disaster relief initiatives. During the COVID 19 pandemic, MSN provided vital support to more than 200 international students who were left without work or government assistance.  The award winners recognised on the weekend included Nasrin Vaziri, Raj Kumar, Diane Kozic, Ellen Peru, Patrice Poutu, Warren Taylor, Seema Chauhan, Debby Lo Dean, Endang Setyorini, Andy Rajapaske, Amin Sheik, and Lela MacDowell. In addition, the Queensland Police Service (Gold Coast) received the Islamic Society of Gold Coast Appreciation Award, accepted by Assistant Police Commissioner Chris Hodgman.  A special thank you to founder Dr Hussain Baba for his leadership and committment to our community and to Fiona Simpson (Minister for Multiculturalism) and Sam O'Connor MP ( Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth) for helping to fly the LNP flag!

Anthony Albanese buried a 30% inheritance tax in the budget papers and hoped nobody would notice. Now, Australians are finding out the truth. Labor’s Budget of broken promises attacks aspiration with higher taxes on investment, higher taxes on savings, higher taxes on housing and higher taxes on small business. Labor is also coming after family inheritances. Australians who work hard and save for their children should not be punished with new taxes buried in Budget papers. Labor must come clean about its plans and rule out any future death taxes in full. Sign the petition today - liberal.org.au/NOdeathtax

Labor’s version of intergener­ational fairness means young people will be taxed more.

When Labor runs out of money they come after yours. Even in death.

Our Tax Back Guarantee will mean you don't pay more tax because of inflation. By indexing income tax thresholds to inflation, Australians will keep more and get ahead

Great to catch up with the team at Illuminated Elegance at the Ipswich Show who were set-up opposite my stand inside the Trade Pavillion. They’re producing hand poured luxury soy candles which are crafted to elevate your space. This is a great example of the creativity and quality on offer from local small businesses at this years' show.

Great to catch up with the team at Imbibis Craft Distillery and learn more about the fantastic work they’re doing right here in Ipswich. Imbibis is a true local success story — a boutique distillery producing award-winning, small-batch gins and brandy using premium Australian ingredients, many sourced locally. What really stood out was their passion for craftsmanship and creativity, as well as their commitment to showcasing the unique flavours and character of our region in every bottle. It’s businesses like this that highlight the strength of Ipswich’s growing food and beverage scene and the importance of backing local producers!

Great to catch up with the team at eWaste Connection and hear more about the incredible work they are doing in our community. eWaste Connection is a fantastic local social enterprise that’s making a real difference — helping recycle electronic waste, reduce landfill and protect the environment, while also creating meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities. Their workshops not only give new life to old electrical items, but also provide a welcoming, inclusive space where participants can build skills, confidence and lasting connections!

Great to spend time chatting with the talented members of Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich about the incredible work they do preserving and sharing traditional craft skills. This passionate local group brings together people of all skill levels to learn, create and connect through fibre arts, from spinning and weaving to knitting, dyeing and more. Their work not only keeps these important traditions alive, but also fosters creativity, wellbeing and strong community connections!

Great to spend time chatting with the incredible members of Ipswich Rotary about the vital work they do across our community. From supporting local families in times of need to raising significant funds and delivering practical help on the ground, Rotary continues to make a real difference in Ipswich.

Great to be at the 2026 Ipswich Show – a fantastic celebration of local community, agriculture and small businesses. It was wonderful to meet so many locals, check out the incredible displays and acknowledge the hard work that goes into making this event such a success each year. From young show competitors to long‑standing volunteers and exhibitors, the Ipswich Show really highlights what makes our region special.

Young people will no longer have the same opportunity previous generations have had to save for their future.

Rising living costs. A $1.2 trillion debt to pay off. A bigger tax burden. Young people are the biggest losers out of Labor’s budget.

Important facts from Tuesday Night's Budget.

Important facts from Tuesday Night's Budget.

Important facts from Tuesday Night's Budget.

Important facts from Tuesday Night's Budget.

Important facts from Tuesday Night's Budget.

Labor’s Budget is full of broken promises and higher taxes.