Community
4 June, 2023
Douglas Mayor welcomes Regional Parliament
REGIONAL Parliament returned to Cairns last month for the first time in 15 years.
Politicians from across Queensland converged on the Cairns Convention Centre for a three-day (May 9-11) sitting of parliament, with youth crime, water security and tourism on the agenda.
An evening-session of Question Time was held to give more local residents an opportunity to attend and witness democracy in action.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the regional sitting was a positive exercise which kept the Douglas Shire on the Palaszczuk Government’s radar.
“I would like to thank the Queensland Government organising for the latest regional sitting of parliament to be held in Cairns,” Cr Kerr said.
“It is the ideal opportunity for politicians to get out from behind their desks and learn more about the issues impacting on Far North Queensland.
“It gave local businesses, tourism operators and our residents rare, face-to-face access to elected members.
“The bipartisan support for the “Path to Treaty” bill was also significant. An inquiry into colonisation will help provide a new narrative for Australians.
“And the regional sitting proved a memorable experience for students (some of which who travelled from the Douglas Shire) who witnessed the dynamic environment of Question Time.”
Cr Kerr held a series of meetings with MPs during the visit and delivered the opening address at an event with Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, the Honourable Di Farmer.
“Given May was Queensland Small Business Month, it did seem fitting for all of us to be talking about the local operators who keep our economy ticking along and the importance of training and skills development”, Cr Kerr said.
‘We like to think our region is pulling its weight when it comes to a buoyant Queensland economy and hope to continue our positive relationship with the State Government, with collaboration the key to taking skills and development to the next level.”
