At its best, pork barrelling is maladministration, at its worst its corruption. The solutions I have put forward in this Bill are practical reporting measures that ensure that the Parliament, and the public, know how funding decisions are made, and why grants are awarded

And we must end pork barrelling. It is another critical pillar to restoring public trust in government, and in democracy.

Australians know when they’re getting pork barrelled, they know they are getting ripped off, it lacks integrity and they’re sick of it

Today I rise to celebrate the generosity and resilience of our regional communities. Recently the Wangaratta and District Men’s Shed in my electorate of Indi fell afoul of an online scam, robbing them of $25,000.

In every Australian household, and especially in country areas, we’re relying on the internet more than ever. It is an essential service.

Until we see that funding flow to the regions, I will not be backing down on my calls and I say to you, don’t back down on yours.

I want to see young regional Australians given the same opportunities as those young people in the cities.

Addressing the housing crisis is one of the most important conversations for the nation right now and I am working to ensure the voices of regional Australians are front and centre.

There are major opportunities this government must take up to empower regional communities to play a role in the energy transition and to truly benefit. Let this be a gold rush for rural and regional Australia.

The evidence both across regional Australia and in Indi is clear. That’s why as an Independent I’m happy to support these bills that will make things a little easier.