A number of residents have contacted me with concerns about the impacts of the Albanese Labor Government’s Digital Identity Bill.
Despite the Coalition’s opposition, the digital identity legislation has passed the Senate. The relevant Bills will now come before the House of Representatives for further consideration and debate.
When in government, the Coalition recognised that giving Australians the option to hold a digital ID may save time when it comes to dealing with government agencies.
However, the Albanese Labor Government’s proposed digital ID legislation fails to address many of the reasonable concerns held by Wide Bay residents and Australians more broadly when it comes to this technology.
The Coalition believes that when it comes to holding a digital ID, it must be purely voluntary and only available on an opt-in basis. The government’s proposed legislation is full of loopholes and weak spots that have the potential to allow a government to make it so that a digital ID is necessary to access essential services.
There is also a heightened risk of data breaches, hacking, and scams under the proposed legislation.
I crossed the floor of Parliament to bring on a debate about the impacts of the Covid vaccine mandates, and I will continue to fight for the rights and freedoms of Australians when it comes to these digital ID laws.
The Coalition had proposed amendments to Labor’s laws that would protect the rights and freedoms of Australians. The Albanese Labor Government rejected these amendments, and therefore I will be voting against these rushed and dangerous Digital ID Bills.
Please be assured that my Coalition colleagues and I will fight for the freedom of Australians to live according to their own conscience. I will always use my vote in Parliament to ensure that Australia remains a free country where the rights of the individual are respected and upheld.
National Road Safety Week commences on May 5. The annual event is aimed at raising awareness of the devastating impact of road crashes on our community.
The latest national statistics on road crashes are alarming. In 2023, 1272 people died and over 40,000 were seriously injured in road crashes in Australia. These are not just numbers; they are loved ones who did not return home, dreams that were shattered, and families, friends and communities left to grieve.
National Road Safety Week is an opportunity for us to reflect on our driving behaviour and make a commitment to improving road safety by pledging to drive so that others survive, and commit to looking after everyone on the road, so we all get home safe. Visit roadsafetyweek.com.au to take the pledge.
The Telstra 3G network will be switched off on 30 June. Wide Bay residents who are concerned about whether they will need to update their devices can use Telstra’s 3G SMS Checker Tool.
This service will let you know if you will need to take action and upgrade your device to be able to access the 4G and 5G networks. It’s very easy to use – just send an SMS with the number 3 to 3498 or “3G XT” to receive almost instant advice on your device. Further information about the 3G closure is available at telstra.com/3Gclosure
More than three-quarters of Australians don’t get the exercise needed for their physical and mental wellbeing. Inactivity is the second leading risk factor contributing to chronic disease – and it’s preventable.
Starting on 1 May for 21 days, the Million Moves Challenge is designed to help make physical activity become a permanent habit, where participants complete 75 moves a day over the course of three weeks.
I’m getting involved and I’m encouraging everyone to join me and our Sunshine Coast Federal Members of Parliament Ted O’Brien, Andrew Wallace, and Terry Young, in the Million Moves Challenge.
To find out more and to register to join us please visit millionmoves.org.au
