New data released by the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce today is further evidence that our local businesses are doing it tough under the Albanese Labor Government. The Toowoomba Business Performance Sentiment Index has fallen into negative territory to -28, indicating a sharp decline in business confidence across the region. Compliance and regulatory costs are the number…
It may well be that Australians find themselves, in the coming months or a little longer, facing another election. And there is no doubt, as this motion and the speakers from both sides have pointed out, that cost of living will be the issue. I would put to the Australian people that there is a…
Later this week I will travel to the United States of America, as part of a delegation with business leaders and parliamentary colleagues. The delegation forms part of a study tour, being led by the Insurance Council of Australia and the American Australia Chamber of Commerce. During the visit, I will meet with senior political…
Mr HAMILTON (Groom) (11:55): I move: That this House: (1) acknowledges the importance of superannuation for all Australians, particularly younger Australians; (2) notes that, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, in March 2023, $595,000 is the amount required to retire ‘comfortably’ in Australia; (3) recognises that young people are becoming increasingly disheartened…
Mr HAMILTON (Groom) (16:40): Can I commend the member for Spence for speaking on such an important topic. He’s providing the leadership that we need on this issue, and I’m sure that, if all of us here were honest, we would all have our own stories to tell. Thank you very much, member for…
Mr HAMILTON (Groom) (13:02): I’ll start on a genuinely meant positive note: I want to thank the Assistant Treasurer for his opening conversation on APRA’s proposed changes to capital and liquidity requirements for the customer owned banks. In a cost-of-living crisis, it is clear that, if there is an increase in those requirements and that…
Mr HAMILTON (Groom) (12:38): I move: That this House: (1) recognises the importance of home ownership to Australian families and that home ownership remains the Australian dream; (2) notes: (a) the increasing financial pressure on households with many Australians suffering mortgage stress; and (b) research by Roy Morgan that an increased level of mortgage stress…
Mr HAMILTON (Groom) (17:29): In speaking in support of these very sensible amendments, it is heartening to hear so many members on this side of the House speak passionately about small businesses. Like many here, in my log cabin story there’s a small business. It was as small as you could get—just my father…
This National Volunteer Week we celebrate the many volunteer organisations from across the Groom electorate. Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton said volunteers were a significant contributor to the Toowoomba region and served us well from emergency services, to disability and community care. “I want to thank all of our selfless volunteers who make our…
After two years of deliberately taking away critical road, rail and water infrastructure in regional Queensland, Labor’s latest budget does more damage. The Albanese Government’s review of the Infrastructure Investment Pipeline established a ‘Warrego Highway corridor’ derived funding allocated by the former Coalition Government. According to the review papers, the new corridor would usurp: •…