News

I am honoured to have been asked by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to serve in the roles of Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Industry and Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Personnel, in addition to my current role as Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence.

Defence Housing Australia (DHA) has revealed it has no current building projects in Townsville ahead of 500-plus troops and their families moving to the city in the new year, while nine separate projects are underway in other areas across the country.

Two local businessmen – one a former Cowboys captain – are tackling Townsville’s skills shortage head-on.

Equality Education Director Arthur Burchett and Partner Michael Morgan have set up shop, providing local specialist training in hospitality, leadership and management.

Herbert remains one of the most expensive federal electorates in the country to visit a GP as availability dwindles and out-of-pocket charges continue to climb.

The newly released data, compiled by online healthcare directory Cleanbill reveals a 10.5% decline in local bulk-billing rates on last year, coupled with a $2.13 increase in out-of-pocket charges per standard consultation.

Shocking new data reveals a 7.22 per cent decrease in numbers of apprentices in training across the Herbert electorate in the first year of the Albanese Labor Government amidst an ongoing skills shortage.

This compares with the final year of the Coalition Government when the number of apprentices was at record highs, with a 27.16 per cent increase on the previous year.

The Townsville community continues to be left in the dark over how Defence plans to house the 500-plus troops and their families who are set to call the regional city home as early as next year.

New details have been released on the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to reduce emissions from cars, and it’s not good news for anyone wanting to buy a ute or 4WD.

A new report outlines the Government’s preferred option is to set a cap on the total emissions of cars a manufacturer sells, meaning the more high-emissions cars it sells, the more it will have to offset them with EVs and Hybrids.

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson is calling on the Federal and State Labor Governments to unlock disaster relief grants of up to $1,000 for individuals and $75,000 for businesses.

Mr Thompson said the funding was desperately required for some community members who had suffered significant financial difficulties after Cyclone Kirrily hit Townsville last Thursday night.

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson says the Albanese Labor Government is putting an end to the 4-wheel-drive as we know it.

The Albanese Labor Government has quietly announced over Christmas the introduction of stringent new environmental standards that will see vehicles such as Ford Rangers, Toyota Hiluxes and even Hyundai i30s no longer able to be sold in Australia if they fail to comply.

2023 has been a year of uncertainties, and a very difficult one for many.

In the highlight reel, Townsville welcomed the continued progression of many projects and became the choice destination for many new citizens. Investment in our region continued to prosper as we became home to small businesses and sole traders as well as superstores and luxury hotels.

It’s the season of giving and a group of rugby league clubs and small businesses are certainly showing their generosity this festive season.

In their third year, the Townsville Chiefs Rugby League Club, in partnership with Townsville Brothers Rugby League and Northern Airconditioning have doubled their spend and bought over $5000 worth of toys and vouchers for sick children this Christmas.

As many of us wind down and head off on holidays, members of the 5th Aviation Regiment are back at work, helping their fellow Queenslanders in their time of need.

One of the many sacrifices of service to our nation is to answer the call to action at a moment’s notice – even when it means giving up time with family and friends.