Now that the new school year is well underway, I have had the pleasure of attending student leadership ceremonies around the Scenic Rim and on Tamborine Mountain. The leadership responsibilities accepted by students teach them vital skills that will help them to gain confidence as they prepare for the next steps in their lives. It has been a pleasure meeting students, teachers and parents at leadership ceremonies, and I wish all student leaders the best and encourage them to take full advantage of the opportunities made available by the fantastic local schools on Tamborine Mountain. It’s always amazing to see the personal growth that comes from just a year of leadership at school for our Year 6s!

KEEP SUPPORTING THE LOCALS WHERE YOU CAN. The past two years have been tough on everyone – especially small businesses. Lockdowns, uncertainty, cancelled bookings and orders, last-minute changes to plans – these are all things that have had an impact in one way or another on business confidence across our region and the nation recently. Knowing who you are dealing with in these times can be very reassuring, and so what a time to give the locals in business a go. 

Speaking of locals, congratulations to the local Rugby League supporters who have brought the game back to Tamborine Mountain after a hiatus of quite a few years. I dropped into the showgrounds a couple of weeks ago while the field was being marked and heard how things were progressing and a bit of the backstory to the return of footy this year. Now that we have seen the first game, I wish the club all the best. 

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN SHOW
This weekend is the Tamborine Mountain Show, and after a few years of the celebrations being disrupted due to COVID-19 it’s great to see that the show is running again this year. The Pavilion Exhibitions are back, so check out the Cooking, Sweets and Preserves, and Home Brew Sections. If you’re free, I encourage you to head to the show on Saturday and see the best of what Tamborine Mountain has to offer. 

QUEENSLAND PARLIAMENT 
Queensland Parliament was on this week, and we have another sitting at the end of March 2022. We then don’t sit until May. Unlike the Federal Parliament, Queensland’s Parliament does not sit that often – only about 13-14 weeks a year – which limits the opportunities for non-Government MPs to review and question the Government. This week saw very brief committee scrutiny of law to further extend the Government’s and Chief Health Officer’s powers in relation to COVID-19. I have asked the Government to provide to Parliament – through the committee – expert advice upon which these powers are sought. This question was met with a blank refusal. This does nothing to increase public confidence in Government. This shroud of secrecy must end. 

If I can be of assistance for a state government matter you’re concerned about, do not hesitate to contact me by phone (toll-free) 1800 813 960, by email scenicrim@parliament.qld.gov.au or by mail at PO Box 656 Beaudesert QLD 4285.