MAYOR Teresa Harding and Cr Marnie Doyle rubbed shoulders with the nation’s leaders last week at the opening of Parliament in Canberra.
The councillors attended the opening address at Parliament House and a reception in the Members’ Hall at the invitation of the Federeal Member for Oxley Milton Dick.
Ratepayers will cover the cost of the councillors’ flights and travel expenses for the trip, totalling more than $3250.
Speaking to Local Ipswich News from Canberra on Tuesday last week, Cr Doyle said they were representing “both sides of politics” and meeting with Ministers.
“I’m visiting with a number of Ministers as is the Mayor, both sides of politics … I was down here last night, I’ve got a number of meetings while I’m here,” Cr Doyle said last week.
Cr Doyle would not elaborate on who she was meeting with and what was being raised.
The pair met with the two local members, Shayne Neumann and Milton Dick, and Ipswich-based Senator Paul Scarr. The Mayor posted photos of herself with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley on her social media accounts, presumably taken at the reception function.
Cr Harding said she was honoured to be invited to the prestigious event and for the opportunity to meet with new and existing members of the Australian Parliament.
“Ipswich is incredibly lucky to have the Speaker of the House as one of our local members,” she said.
“It is a powerful position and one that he uses to ensure our Council maintains a positive relationship with Canberra’s key decision makers through important events such as this one,” Cr Harding said.
“It was an honour to attend and support Speaker Milton Dick on this important day, which included the traditional ceremony where he was dragged to the Speaker’s Chair by his colleagues.
“This visit was a great opportunity to meet many of our newest Queensland representatives, as well as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, forming the connections needed to put Ipswich
priorities on the national agenda.
“Successful advocacy relies on Ipswich being front and centre in the minds of these decision makers, and I am thankful to the Speaker for the opportunity to have a head start on other councils in doing just that.”
Cr Doyle said Ipswich’s presence at the opening of Parliament was an important opportunity for Council’s advocacy in this new term of government.
“Working together with all levels of government, and different sides of politics, is how we achieve the best outcomes for our community,” she said.
“It was a privilege to be able to represent Ipswich as we met with many of the nation’s leaders, and took this rare opportunity to put our city’s best foot forward for this term of government.
“Having a seat at the table, and strong connections with those around it, means better outcomes for the people of Ipswich.
“We have made new connections and strengthened old ones as we advocate for Ipswich and the opportunity to participate in the conversations that will shape our region’s future.”
