logo
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley making second visit out West in a fortnight with a trip to the Kimberley

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley making second visit out West in a fortnight with a trip to the Kimberley

West Australian19-07-2025
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is heading back to WA, this time to visit remote and Indigenous communities across the Kimberley region.
Fresh from a three-day-visit to Perth this week, Ms Ley has pencilled in August 1-4 for a visit up north, visiting communities like Broome, Kununurra and Wyndham.
She will be joined by Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Kerrynne Liddle, and local Member for Durack, Melissa Price.
'The Coalition's vision is for a country that works alongside Indigenous Australians, in dignity, opportunity and mutual respect,' Ms Ley said.
'We want Indigenous communities to be places where everyone, especially women and children, feel more than safe – but empowered.
'I promised a fresh approach at the outset of my leadership and part of that will be listening to Indigenous Australians where they are, with my outstanding colleague Kerrynne Liddle.'
Ms Ley said Liberal MP Julian Leeser would represent the Coalition at the Garma Festival, Australia's largest Indigenous gathering, in north-east Arnhem land at the same time.
'We value the opportunity to be part of Garma and I know Julian will bring the insights of the festival back to our Shadow Cabinet table,' Ms Ley said.
Ms Ley's decision to make two visits to WA in a space of a fortnight highlights how important the west is to the Coalition's chances of of becoming a political phoenix.
The Federal Liberals hold just four out of 16 seats here in WA and desperately want to improve on that at the expected 2028 federal poll.
Senator Liddle said attention was often on the Northern Territory. But she said the Coalition was aware of communities with significant challenges in regions across the country, like far north-west Australia.
'This trip is an opportunity to understand why the local rates of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, family violence, suicide, hospitalisations for chronic illness, diabetes and heart failure are some of the highest in the nation,' she said.
'We are also keen on hearing good stories where progress is being made and that includes understanding what's needed for greater economic prosperity, social inclusion and progress.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Allan is wrong about NGV protest - it is fair to highlight Israel links
Allan is wrong about NGV protest - it is fair to highlight Israel links

The Age

time2 hours ago

  • The Age

Allan is wrong about NGV protest - it is fair to highlight Israel links

Shared humanity Experienced Israeli soldiers with proven loyalties are looking beyond the frontlines of Gaza's war (' Israeli soldiers and generals turning their backs on Netanyahu over Gaza ', 29/7). They see a reality in which Palestinian civilian families are mere collateral for an Israeli government resorting to violence to shroud political ambitions. (Yes, Hamas fighters also trashed Israeli civilian families). We should encourage Israel's uniformed dissidents; your correspondents' acknowledge they express a growing sentiment in Israel, against war. Yet being against war will not be enough to build a new peace. Israel needs peace as much as Palestinians do. But can Israel even start down that path while its occupation, laws, regulations and budgets ensure Palestinians remain subjects or second-class citizens? The Jewish state's reputation will fully recover, along with its security, when its people acknowledge the full humanity of others. Ken Blackman, Inverloch Loading Going backwards So Barnaby Joyce feels he is 'compelled' to repeal the net zero target because 'his community felt too passionately about the wide scale of solar and wind farms in the regions'. (28/7). It's worth mentioning that he has spent the past 20 years spreading misinformation about climate change and the transition to renewable energy needed to address it. That he and his fossil fuel friends have been astroturfing protests against renewable energy projects. Joyce's efforts have undoubtedly been successful in New England, where he received 67.14 per cent of the two-party vote at the last election. Joyce also claims, with absolutely no evidence, that our net zero target will 'have absolutely no effect on the climate'. Yet cutting emissions is the primary requirement to avoid a climate catastrophe. This is why more than 100 countries have zero emissions targets. Some, like China (2060) and India (2070), a bit later, and some a bit early, like Finland (2035) and Germany (2045). His claim is nonsense, like his earlier prediction of $100 roasts. Barnaby Joyce certainly won't give up on his favoured wedge issue, especially now that it can be used to wedge his own Coalition colleagues and perhaps rekindle his own leadership ambitions. Graeme Henchel, Yarra Glen Winning at dealing Like him or loathe him, Trump is no fool when it comes to money. He enters every 'deal' from a position of strength and on his own ground. Every other party enters in weakness. We first saw this in the Trump-Starmer (UK) deal. America the winner. Now it's the EU's turn. Have a close look at the expression on the faces of the two negotiators (' EU and US agree to trade deal with 15% tariffs for European exports ', 28/7). Trump's first strike allowed plenty of room for painless compromise. Yet again, a win for America. It remains to be seen how Australia will get on given we have already agreed to accept American beef, to no apparent advantage for Australia. Jim Lamborn, Doncaster Deal is a hoax Is this EU deal the biggest, the most beautiful, the most unbelievably fantastic hoax perpetrated on the American people in US history by the unparalleled shyster of all time? What a wondrous thing to watch the Trumpmeister perpetrate a reverse GST on his people by introducing across the board tariffs and getting importers and exporters to collect the tax from consumers, apparently solving the debt crisis. But get this, this comes while at the same time he releases the wealthy from contributing taxes to the welfare of American society under his Big Beautiful Bill. You've gotta hand it to the most successful carpet bagger in American history. Pier Paolo De Carlo, Ascot Vale Tariffs for peace So the Palestinians won't come to the party with Israel on peace negotiations for the Gaza Strip? It is time for the Great Deal Maker to step up. Trump only needs to threaten the Gaza Strip with a 150 per cent tariff on all their exports to the US and they will soon be begging for a deal. Christopher Rogers, Killawarra Finding answers Timely advice from Peter Hartcher (' Good journalism can seek solutions ', 29/7). Yes, we are so dispirited by bad news with seemingly no solutions. Taking climate change action as an example, Barnaby Joyce and others would take us back into the climate wars with his insistence of retreating from the net zero target for emissions ('Hanson hits out at Ley, tests coalition resolve on net zero', 29/7). We all know we could well fail to reach our targets in the prescribed time and see all around us evidence of worsening climate disasters. We need to move forward with solutions, which are more achievable working together. Yet we have various individuals focusing on their own goals of self elevation and party dominance. The public is certainly influenced by journalism and hence solution-focused writing would not only be welcome but essential in this extremely important area. Jan Marshall, Brighton A relief from gloom I keenly read Peter Hartcher's article on journalism seeking solutions. With the constant barrage of hard news reporting, it is little wonder that mental health issues such as anxiety and depression are increasing. It would be a relief if journalists could refocus on constructive solutions instead of high drama, gloom and doom, winners and losers, and report to readers on useful problem-solving strategies where at times positive change can happen. Helen Clements, Mt Waverley Privatising our park The latest moves to remove 34 mature trees from Albert Park while extending the lockout period to three weeks is another disgraceful example of privilege and privatisation of public utilities to serve the few. For a three-day annual event! (' Public lockout at Park ', 29/7). The original charter for the F1 race was that it would be short term. It makes an annual loss taxpayers subsidise while the owners reap the profit – if only there was transparency regarding the actual finances but good old 'commercial in confidence' covers that. Denise Stevens, St Kilda Chopper damage Shame on all connected with the environmental carnage that will follow in Swan Bay (' Helicopter landing site riles locals in this prized coastal area ', 29/7). In January at Lakers Cutting, I watched a military helicopter with its twin rotors roar low across the water. It sent pelicans, spoonbills, swans and ducks into a panic. As they spiralled off their peaceful patch, it appeared that they, the helicopter pilot and crew could all be imperilled in a devastating collision. Surely this is a worrying situation for James Ramsey, his precious toy chopper and the unfortunate birdlife when he takes off and lands. Alan McLean, Queenscliff Birds can handle it Helicopters are not an uncommon sight down here at the coast. When someone is in trouble they actually help to save lives. One private helicopter lifting off and gone in minutes won't annoy the swans - ever heard them honk? Margaret Skeen, Point Lonsdale The wrong bikes eBikes have been in the news lately; but what is an eBike? Let us not confuse electric bicycles and scooters with eBikes. An electric bike or scooter moves under battery power and can travel at great speeds, whereas an eBike requires a rider to actually pedal to create forward movement. The battery on an eBike is simply there to make pedalling easier. So let's get those electric bikes and scooters off footpaths and maybe have them registered. But eBikes do not need further controls as they present no danger. Alan Thomas, Hawthorn Kiwi rockets Elizabeth Knight's story on the DORKs meme stocks (' Love-bombing hits the market in revenge of the DORKs ', 28/7) correctly identified that Rocket Lab was an outlier because 'its shares had already taken off thanks to launching several satellites'. However, this undervalues Rocket Lab's impressive credentials. This New Zealand-founded, US headquartered company has made 63 launches of 224 satellites with manufacturing and launch facilities in the US and NZ, which in the past four years has positioned NZ as the fifth-ranked country globally for commercial space launches after the US, China, Russia and Europe. How about a story on how and why NZ has 'rocketed' ahead of Australia in the commercial space sector? Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Rocket Lab and own no shares in the company. But I am a proud Kiwi-Australian! Rick Ede, Mont Albert AND ANOTHER THING Barnaby Joyce Barnaby Joyce rejects climate change action (' Why Barnaby's war on net zero's already sunk ', 25/7). What about government assistance to farmers impacted by drought, floods and bushfires exacerbated by climate change? Peter Baddeley, Portland The sooner the Nationals merge with One Nation the better. The Liberals will then only have themselves to fight with. Randall Bradshaw, Fitzroy AFL Six/six/six: what a nonsense rule (' How the Demons' history-making horror show unfolded ', 28/7). These guys are not under 10s. How long before the AFL introduces an offside rule? John Walsh, Watsonia Please no Snoop Dogg at the AFL grand final. I'm still trying to get over Meatloaf all those years ago. We have much more talent on the local scene. John Bye, Elwood Loading Furthermore Your correspondent (' Underwhelming 100 ', Letters, 29/7) begrudges those younger than her voting for a Veronicas song that she does not consider a true classic, in the same way my parents would perhaps bemoan my not including Sadie the Cleaning Lady in classics of my era. Ageing is a funny business. Julian Guy, Mt Eliza Trump steak? (Letters, 28/7). Hard to chew and even harder to swallow. Greg Curtin, Nunawading An Ansett branded 'AI-powered travel agency' (' Ansett embarks on new adventure for travellers without taking flight ', 29/7) appeals to me even less than MG branded Chinese economy sedans and wagons. Maybe that's because I remember both Australia's Ansett Airlines and British MGBs. Lawrie Bradly, Surrey Hills Finally When a date is agreed for the end of coins and banknotes in favour of 100 per cent electronic 'card' transactions, will I be compensated for the obvious cost savings; and the end of occasional finds of a coin on the ground or a $5, $10, etc note blowing across my path? Malcolm Cameron, Camberwell

Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now
Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now

Sydney Morning Herald

time3 hours ago

  • Sydney Morning Herald

Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now

In 2023, nearly a year after being charged with three counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual intercourse without consent, and one charge of common assault, Kiama MP Gareth Ward stunned the NSW political establishment by holding on to his seat at the state election. Now, after Ward was found guilty on Friday of serious sexual offences involving two young men, the community that decided to give the former Liberal minister the benefit of the doubt has declared he must resign. 'The court has made its decision and proven that he's guilty,' retiree Tristan Lazare said on Tuesday. 'He's hurt people. Those scars will last a lifetime.' The 75-year-old's comments were echoed in more emphatic terms by teacher Alecia Zoccoli. 'He absolutely should resign,' she said. 'Anyone with a sketchy idea of right and wrong shouldn't be a member of parliament.' Ward, elected in 2011, has so far refused to quit despite pressure from Premier Chris Minns and Liberal leader Mark Speakman to go. Under the NSW parliament's Constitution, an MP convicted of a crime punishable with a prison term of more than five years will have their seat vacated, although the process will be put on hold pending an appeal. Ward will almost certainly be expelled, potentially as soon as early next week, after the government and opposition indicated they would support a motion to do so. On Wednesday, the Crown will seek a detention application, potentially putting Ward behind bars.

Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now
Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now

The Age

time3 hours ago

  • The Age

Kiama voters chose Gareth Ward after he was charged. This is how they feel now

In 2023, nearly a year after being charged with three counts of indecent assault, one count of sexual intercourse without consent, and one charge of common assault, Kiama MP Gareth Ward stunned the NSW political establishment by holding on to his seat at the state election. Now, after Ward was found guilty on Friday of serious sexual offences involving two young men, the community that decided to give the former Liberal minister the benefit of the doubt has declared he must resign. 'The court has made its decision and proven that he's guilty,' retiree Tristan Lazare said on Tuesday. 'He's hurt people. Those scars will last a lifetime.' The 75-year-old's comments were echoed in more emphatic terms by teacher Alecia Zoccoli. 'He absolutely should resign,' she said. 'Anyone with a sketchy idea of right and wrong shouldn't be a member of parliament.' Ward, elected in 2011, has so far refused to quit despite pressure from Premier Chris Minns and Liberal leader Mark Speakman to go. Under the NSW parliament's Constitution, an MP convicted of a crime punishable with a prison term of more than five years will have their seat vacated, although the process will be put on hold pending an appeal. Ward will almost certainly be expelled, potentially as soon as early next week, after the government and opposition indicated they would support a motion to do so. On Wednesday, the Crown will seek a detention application, potentially putting Ward behind bars.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store