A screening of Just a Farmer in the theatre at Parliament House brought together both sides of politics. From left, Monash MP Mary Aldred, actor, writer and producer Leila McDougall, Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick, Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins, Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and Screen Producers Australia chair Kate Carnell.
By Mary Aldred
WITH four out of five weeks of the previous two months spent in Canberra for parliamentary sittings, it’s great to be back in the Bass Coast Post.
When asked about the role of a Federal MP, I often say there are two key jobs in the one role.
I make no secret about the fact my favourite side of the job is the local community work across the Monash electorate. From going in to bat for a constituent who has been messed around by their superannuation company, to fixing a telecommunications issue, through to speaking with veterans’ groups or working with a local food bank, or presenting a new Australian flag to a local school, these are just a few of the responsibilities I have the privilege of carrying out locally.
WITH four out of five weeks of the previous two months spent in Canberra for parliamentary sittings, it’s great to be back in the Bass Coast Post.
When asked about the role of a Federal MP, I often say there are two key jobs in the one role.
I make no secret about the fact my favourite side of the job is the local community work across the Monash electorate. From going in to bat for a constituent who has been messed around by their superannuation company, to fixing a telecommunications issue, through to speaking with veterans’ groups or working with a local food bank, or presenting a new Australian flag to a local school, these are just a few of the responsibilities I have the privilege of carrying out locally.
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When I’m in Canberra, everything I do is an extension of the aspirations and challenges reflected on behalf of the Monash electorate. This ranges from speaking in my party room about a policy issue; meeting with a peak organisation on mental health, farmers or small business; speaking on a piece of legislation; undertaking chair duty as a member of the Speaker’s panel; or contributing to a parliamentary inquiry on an issue like budget expenditure.
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There’s no ‘typical’ week when parliament is sitting. With nearly 100 pieces of legislation passed through the parliament last year, a large amount of my time is also invested in considering, contributing to the development of and debating legislation that ranges from private members’ bills through to government initiatives.
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Please contact my office on 5614 3600 or email [email protected] if you have a query or need assistance. |
My parliamentary office hosts visits from local constituency groups who have travelled to Canberra, youth groups, ambassadors and other members of parliament. I’m always proud to show off the local art, sporting memorabilia and books, all from the Monash electorate.
In a shortened three-day sitting week ahead of Easter, I delivered six speeches on topics ranging from the EU trade deal to the NDIS and highlighted Leongatha medical record delays and Phillip Island’s charity work. This was in between chair duties, parliamentary committee meetings, briefings on illicit tobacco and field days, and celebrating new National Youth Parliament Member for Monash, Mia Greco.
In addition to questioning the Prime Minister on the fuel crisis, I spoke on behalf of Monash farmers having to choose between buying fuel and fertiliser because of cost and availability.
A highlight for the week – and timely reminder of challenges facing farmers and rural communities – was the honour of organising the first screening of a film on farmer mental health in the theatre at Parliament House.
Bringing together both sides of politics, I was privileged to co-host the Just a Farmer screening with the Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson. Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick and Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins helped launch this inspiring film with a powerful message about mental health.
Actor, writer and producer Leila McDougall attended and spoke on the film’s importance to illustrate mental health, isolation and challenges around the lack of support services.
When I attended a screening of Just a Farmer here in Monash last year, it left a lasting impact, and I knew this tragic and beautiful film needed to be screened in our national parliament.
Arriving back in Monash after a busy month in Canberra, my first stop was the Inverloch Art Show. Despite challenges people currently face, there was a huge turnout at the opening and significant funds raised to support local families in need with nutritious food boxes.
Congratulations to the artists on their incredible and record-breaking entries, volunteers who invest hundreds of hours to run the art show, and local businesses who rallied behind this much-loved event in its 38th year.
For the remainder of last month, I was out and about in Monash meeting with as many constituents and community groups as possible. My mobile office was back on the road, with stops in Cowes, Wonthaggi and Grantville.
In a shortened three-day sitting week ahead of Easter, I delivered six speeches on topics ranging from the EU trade deal to the NDIS and highlighted Leongatha medical record delays and Phillip Island’s charity work. This was in between chair duties, parliamentary committee meetings, briefings on illicit tobacco and field days, and celebrating new National Youth Parliament Member for Monash, Mia Greco.
In addition to questioning the Prime Minister on the fuel crisis, I spoke on behalf of Monash farmers having to choose between buying fuel and fertiliser because of cost and availability.
A highlight for the week – and timely reminder of challenges facing farmers and rural communities – was the honour of organising the first screening of a film on farmer mental health in the theatre at Parliament House.
Bringing together both sides of politics, I was privileged to co-host the Just a Farmer screening with the Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson. Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick and Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins helped launch this inspiring film with a powerful message about mental health.
Actor, writer and producer Leila McDougall attended and spoke on the film’s importance to illustrate mental health, isolation and challenges around the lack of support services.
When I attended a screening of Just a Farmer here in Monash last year, it left a lasting impact, and I knew this tragic and beautiful film needed to be screened in our national parliament.
Arriving back in Monash after a busy month in Canberra, my first stop was the Inverloch Art Show. Despite challenges people currently face, there was a huge turnout at the opening and significant funds raised to support local families in need with nutritious food boxes.
Congratulations to the artists on their incredible and record-breaking entries, volunteers who invest hundreds of hours to run the art show, and local businesses who rallied behind this much-loved event in its 38th year.
For the remainder of last month, I was out and about in Monash meeting with as many constituents and community groups as possible. My mobile office was back on the road, with stops in Cowes, Wonthaggi and Grantville.
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Our region is home to incredible organisations. I shared the work of headspace Wonthaggi in my last column.
This month, I highlight Change for Sam, a group doing vital work from Phillip Island.
Family violence continues to be a major issue for the Monash electorate, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the work of groups like Change for Sam.
Set up to honour beloved Phillip Island psychologist and mum Sam Fraser, who was murdered by her former partner, Change for Sam is doing incredible work to help keep women safe from family violence.
From my meetings with Change for Sam, I’ve been moved to do more work in this area, and have spoken several times already about the need for a better nationally co-ordinated approach to combating coercive control.
Change for Sam deserve support and recognition for their work advocating for practical safety measures provided by 24/7 monitored duress alarms. I’m advocating for a national pilot project to incorporate this initiative.
I commend Change for Sam founder Lija Matthews and the broader network of volunteers involved for their powerful advocacy work, which I will continue to support.
This month, I highlight Change for Sam, a group doing vital work from Phillip Island.
Family violence continues to be a major issue for the Monash electorate, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the work of groups like Change for Sam.
Set up to honour beloved Phillip Island psychologist and mum Sam Fraser, who was murdered by her former partner, Change for Sam is doing incredible work to help keep women safe from family violence.
From my meetings with Change for Sam, I’ve been moved to do more work in this area, and have spoken several times already about the need for a better nationally co-ordinated approach to combating coercive control.
Change for Sam deserve support and recognition for their work advocating for practical safety measures provided by 24/7 monitored duress alarms. I’m advocating for a national pilot project to incorporate this initiative.
I commend Change for Sam founder Lija Matthews and the broader network of volunteers involved for their powerful advocacy work, which I will continue to support.