A democratic country has a system of government where people have the power to participate in decision making.
The right to vote and the role of democracy should never be taken for granted – it gives us the opportunity to choose representatives to make decisions on our behalf.
We are extremely fortunate to live in a country like Australia where we can express our individual freedoms and opposing ideas of a representative government in safe and respectful manner.
I would like to congratulate Anthony Albanese on being elected as Australia’s 31st Prime Minister – the role of public office comes with many challenges, and I wish him all the very best.
I would also like to congratulate and acknowledge Logan’s three returning Members of Parliament Jim Chalmers, sworn in as treasurer, Bert van Manen and Scott Buchholz.
I have worked closely with all three local members during my time as mayor and I am proud say they care deeply about this city and its residents.
I’m confident they will continue to be great advocates for us in Canberra and I wish them all the best over the next term of government.
While it’s clear there has been a change in government from one major party to another, the thing that has struck me most about recent events is the loud and unequivocal message from voters that we must do more to address climate change.
This sentiment has been reflected not only in capital cities but also across the suburbs and regions.
Australia-wide, climate change is the number one issue for people. And it isn’t just an issue at a federal level. Responsibility rests with all levels of government to take more ambitious action when it comes to climate change.
I’m proud to say that Logan City Council is well on its way.
This year we will reach the ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral.
Only last month Logan became a global leader in how we manage wastewater with the opening of the Loganholme Gasification Facility, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6000 tonnes each year.
I’m optimist that this is just the start and I have every confidence in the team at Council as they investigate the next tranche of projects, which will further reduce our carbon footprint.
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