Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence // 2018 QLD Young Australian of the Year // Wounded in Afghanistan // Authorised by Phillip Thompson, LNP, Cranbrook.
My wife is a proud Aboriginal woman & disgusted by the leader of the greens
@AdamBandt
’s media stunt & his rhetoric of division. I take the importance of the ANF very seriously I fought underneath it my brothers who were Killed In Action have had our flag draped over their coffin
WE’RE VOTING NO TO THE VOICE OF DIVISION: The Yes campaign has stooped to every low imaginable in its bid to manipulate votes. Don’t let them fool you.
Jenna and I are Voting NO to race division and yes to a unified Australia.
First he didn’t know what the cash rate was, then he didn’t know the unemployment rate, now he doesn’t know the difference between the
@AustralianArmy
and
@Australian_Navy
who put this fool in charge!
WHAT A DISGRACE: Labor in SA has scrubbed the name Anzac Day from its legislated fixed public holiday list. The freedoms we enjoy are on the back of hard fought battles our Defence Force has fought in. This is not how you honour our brave men and women who serve our nation.
GUTTER TRASH: I’ve had several veterans contact me who are ‘RSL entertainment’ and don’t appreciate being politicised or publicly humiliated. I call on the Ed Husic MP the Minister for Industry to show some basic human and national pride and make a public apology immediately.
Honoured to have been asked by
@PeterDutton_MP
to serve in his shadow ministry as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence. I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Townsville and the wider Defence community.
If Parliament was sitting today as scheduled, we would be debating or passing legislation. Instead, Airbus Albo axed Parliament this week, because he was jetting off to the US. He could have left the Deputy PM in charge. Or made this trip in one of the 34 non-sitting weeks.
VICTORY: The South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has admitted he got it wrong erasing the names of Anzac Day, Australia Day & others out of his new Public Holidays legislation. Thank you to all those who advocated and helped the SA Government see the error of their ways.
Today I moved a suspension of standing orders to immediately bring on debate to condemn the disgraceful criminal act of vandalising our war memorials. Disgracefully the Labor government gagged this debate.
Today is my “Alive Day”. It’s the day 13 years ago I was critically wounded, blown up by an IED in Afghanistan. That was a day that changed my life forever, if it wasn’t for my wife and my mates I could of been another statistic.
We have an Australian Grandmother killed by the terrorist group Hamas There has been support for Hamas at rallies in Australia and the burning of the Israeli flag hateful chants about gassing Jewish people Where are you
@AlboMP
get out from under the desk It’s time for leadership
You're a grub
@PaulBongiorno
! Nothing but gutter politics from a partisan hack. You call yourself a ‘veteran political journalist’, your pathetic comment attacking the defence and veteran community shows who you really are, a spineless coward!
The people of Townsville are tired of being held hostage in their own city, by kid criminals taking advantage of Annastacia Palaszczuk's catch and release program. It's just not good enough.
Great to catch up with my mate
@DanCrenshawTX
a former United States Navy SEAL who like me, was wounded in action by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. Dan now serves in Congress representing Texas, welcome to Australia mate!
A signatory to the Uluṟu Statement from the Heart and a member of PM Albanese’s Voice advisory group Who can you trust on what the real agenda of The Voice will be? At a time when Australians are struggling to pay their bills, they want to charge you rent for living in Australia
UPDATE: “Any hope of finding crew alive has been lost”
This is now a recovery effort, rather than search and rescue.
Rest In Peace, my heart goes out to the families, friends and loved ones.
Today six years ago a brother succumbed to his war within. No words could describe the pain you must of been going through. Watch down on us, we love you mate.
Like in war military history deals in hard facts & reality; Battles Casualties Deaths Gender If you start adding political correctness at the Australian War Memorial you start going down the path of fiction rewriting history to suit an agenda Dishonouring the memory of our fallen
Honoured to have been asked by
@PeterDutton_MP
to take on additional roles and responsibilities in the coalition’s shadow ministry, as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Industry and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Personnel
Today is my “Alive Day” it’s the day I was critically wounded, blown up by an IED in Afghanistan. That was a day that changed my life forever, if it wasn’t for my wife and my mates I could of been another statistic. I remember the many who have succumb to their war within
SEARCH AND RESCUE: On the 28th July at around 1030pm an MRH90 crashed into the ocean off the coast of Queensland, near Hamilton Island. There are 4 people missing. The search and rescue continues. My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and loved ones.
On this day 5 years ago, a man I called my brother died by suicide. The darkness you must of felt, the pain you must of had, you were a warrior in every sense of the word. I wish I fought these demons with you! I miss you brother.
MEDAL UPDATE: The minister has backflipped! Our veterans awarded the Australian Active Service Medal who were on HMAS Manoora will keep their medal! Thank you to
@BenFordhamLive
and the wider veteran community for joining me in the fight!
On ANZAC Day I remember my mates and the many Australians who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on operations in service to this nation, as well as those who have succumbed to their war within back here in Australia.
LEST WE FORGET
I struggled mentally when I returned from Afghanistan. I spent some time in Thailand with some monks and had deep conversations, a spiritual one. I got the young Buddha tattooed on my arm, he is supposed to keep you on the straight and arrow, which I definitely needed.
People are often shocked to find out that I’m a “conservative” politician. I’m assuming the beard & tattoos having something to do with it. My tattoos are important to me. This one is one of my most meaningful ~ it’s in honour of my mate who was killed in action in Afghanistan.
My heart hurts with the loss of our brothers, the pain their families must be feeling could never be described. Fathers, sons, husbands, mates, that’s who they are.
We are crushed.
Rest In Peace
MAX NUGENT, DANIEL LYON, JOSEPH LAYCOCK and ALEX NAGGS
You can’t say to a veteran, “Thank you for your service”, and take away their right to wear their medals. The Defence Minister
@RichardMarlesMP
can fix this right now!
On the 18th July and every day I remember my mate, our brother, Ben Ranaudo who was killed in action 15 years ago. In the same IED blast Paul suffered significant life changing injuries including having his leg blown off.
#LestWeForget
@AdamBandt
you’re a clown of the highest order and a human of the lowest form. Given you hate our nation so profoundly, I would encourage you to take a hike out of Australia and don’t look back. I think the nation would join me in celebrating your departure.
WITH FRIENDS LIKE THESE: While the Prime Minister
@AlboMP
and Premier of China Li Qiang were talking about how great each other are, Chinese government officials stand over Australian citizen and journalist Cheng Lei, in PARLIAMENT HOUSE!
@ALeighMP
do you think our submariners will develop three eyes by being on a nuclear powered submarines? Didn’t you vote in favour of AUKUS? Didn’t you vote in favour of our Navy getting nuclear powered submarines? You’re clearly a conviction politician 😂
Fantastic to experience
@3BrigadeTSV
at their most lethal during this warfighter exercise. I was honoured to thank our soldiers for their continued service to 🇦🇺 their commitment & professionalism. I also snuck out lollies, these soldiers have been out field for more than 4 weeks
On the evening of 12 June 1996 two Army Black Hawk helicopters from the 5th aviation regiment collided mid-air and crashed at the high range training area - Townsville. 18 killed and 12 injured. We will always remember. Lest We Forget.
RUGBY SEVENS: It was a privilege to attend the Rugby 7s in Townsville and announce Australia will provide funding to help establish a women and men’s rugby team to enter Australia’s Super W and Super Rugby Trans-Tasman competitions from 2022 and beyond
@MarisePayne
@ZedSeselja
5 years ago I was elected as the Federal Member for Herbert representing the wonderful people of Townsville. It has been one of my greatest honours to represent you We have more to do, and I look forward to working with you to make Townsville the best place to live, work and play
A sad day for all. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived an extraordinary life which touched so many and her reign has sadly come to an end. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is finally at peace with her beloved husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip. Thank you, Your Majesty.
The Qld Government is peddling its b*llshit “toughest laws in the country” line. We are sick to death of hearing this nonsense
@AnnastaciaMP
We are all living a bloody nightmare. No one more so than Emma Lovell’s beautiful daughters and husband who deserve so much more!
No cause gives you the right to desecrate one of our war memorials. Nearly 18,000 Australians fought in the Korean War. 339 died & 1216 were wounded. Many families & loved ones of those who served, were killed or wounded in the Korean War visit this memorial to pay their respects
I laid a wreath at the Last Post Ceremony at the
@AWMemorial
to mark the commencement of the 2024 Parliamentary sitting year. This annual ceremony is for our political leaders to reflect on the nation they serve and the price paid for the freedoms we enjoy as Australians.
@AnnastaciaMP
The Premier of Qld and her three local MPs in Townsville have told us regularly that we, the community, have it wrong and the State has the “toughest laws” in the country. Shame on the lot of them, they all have blood on their hands.
Townsville is the new Capital of the Australian Army. Our city will be the new home for all of Army's Tanks, Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and Huntsman self-propelled Howitzers, along with the Apache and Chinook helicopter fleets.
What a grubby personal attack on
@JNampijinpa
, as a so called ‘veteran’ political journalist
@PaulBongiorno
, if someone has a different opinion to you, you just attack them? Political journalist, more like political hack.
Senator Jacinta Price is a lonely sad indigenous voice in Australia…a pathetic tiny minority as the Uluṟu Statement From The Heart process demonstrates. Still Pauline Hanson admires her immensely.And ugly racists use and hide behind her.
ABSOLUTE LEGEND: Jenna and I had the honour of spending some time with former Prime Minister John Howard. Going into the 47th parliament in opposition, it was good to get some advice from one of Australia’s greatest Prime Ministers 🇦🇺
We are a resilient, strong community who look out for each other in a time of need. On our national day, we are doing just that - helping our mates in the aftermath of the cyclone. Thank you to our emergency services and Ergon Energy workers who have been working tirelessly.
GARRISON CITY: We are very lucky to have so many military personnel based in our town. Thank you to the members of 3rd Brigade - Australian Army who replenished the sandbag locations and helped fill them for people in need.
My Pop, my first hero and my mentor has sadly at 93 passed away. A Veteran and all round top bloke, taught me how to fish, use a knife and assisted with mum in teaching me how to shave. I’ll miss you pop, until we fish again.
It was a privilege and honour to be sworn in as the Member for Herbert on the first day of the 47th Parliament this morning - thank you to the people of Townsville for putting your faith in me once again. It was great to be joined by Jenna, my mum-in-law and the girls
WEAK LEADERSHIP:
@AlboMP
promised Australians there would be no changes to Australia Day. Despite this, he has gone ahead with changes that undermine our national day, which has led to more than 80 councils refusing to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.
It was great to catch up with my good mate
@CurtMcGrath
, a Paralympic gold medalist & the 2024 Co Captain of the
@AUSParalympics
team. Curtis served his country in the
@AustralianArmy
he was critically wounded in Afghanistan, losing both his legs in an IED blast.
NATIONAL OUTRAGE: I have been contacted by Veterans from across the country voicing their disgust at the vandalism of our national War Memorial & other military monuments
The spineless thugs doing this need to feel the full brunt of the law including being publicly named & shamed
It is great news that the Apache will call Townsville home. It was the right decision to cancel the contract of the Tiger. The Apache is the most lethal, reliable attack helicopter on the market. I’m very glad our troops will be supported on the battlefield with this warhorse.
MURDERERS – RAPISTS – PAEDOPHILES: The Labor government have released 84 hardcore non-Australian criminals who have committed violent and sexual crimes into the community.
CRIME CRISIS: Last night, tonight and tomorrow night someone in Townsville will be a victim of youth crime. We have been failed and let down by weak politicians who have voted for weak laws.
scott stewart les walker aaron harper you continue fail our community. You should resign!
Hey
@AlboMP
did you just realise we are in a cost of living crisis? Nearly $500k to fly all labor members to Canberra for a catch up. This is just more virtue signalling.
@NicolleFlint
Great work
@NicolleFlint
, while you’re out listening to the community the current Boothby member voted to gag debate on the family car and ute tax. The voices of our communities aren’t a priority for this weak government.
You enjoy the freedoms today because of our men and women in uniform, who answered the call and consistently stand up. I doubt you have the fortitude to do the same. How about less anger aimed at our defence force and more at your mates who glue themselves to the road.
What on earth is the Australian Defence Force doing conducting “riot control activity” and “blank-fire clearance” in Lismore Airport and at Trinity College? This is work for police not the ADF. It’s dangerous mission creep for the armed forces.
@FMcL2020
@WarintheFuture
@RichardMarlesMP
An idea, stop asking generals how to keep enlisted personnel. I’ve been in the meetings where the enlisted retention issue question comes up, and that question gets directed to the 2 or 3 star. Not the full-track, SGT or WO. What will keep enlisted personnel serving? Ask them.
Everybody can relax. The part time Defence Minister
@RichardMarlesMP
has said, when China fire’s flares at our Navy helicopters (like they did recently) “we’ll agree where we can and disagree where we must.” Geez, thanks for the confidence you’re the right person for the job 🙄
Thank you to the many soldiers from
@3BrigadeTSV
who participated in the ANZAC Day game.
@nthqldcowboys
that was the most moving ANZAC Day commemorative service the
@NRL
has done! Thank you, the boys played hard and left it all out there on the field.
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY 🇦🇺: We are truly blessed to live in the best country on earth. Congratulations to all the new Australians and thanks to the many who came and grabbed an Aussie flag off me on the strand.
Ed Husic an
@AlboMP
government minister has said on
@SkyNewsAust
“We all have to be careful of words we use” this is the same minister who said Israel is using ‘collective punishment’ which by definition is a war crime.
@AlboMP
why have you not condemned Ed Husic’s comments?
How many violent crimes, car thefts and traumatic events has our community endured because
@AaronHarperMP
@ScottStewartMP
&
@cr_leswalker
have put their political masters before the Townsville community for so many years?
More than 60,000 Australians served in the Vietnam War, we remember the more than 3000 wounded, the sacrifice of the 521 who were killed in action, & remember those who have succumbed to their war within back on home soil. Thank you to all who have served our nation
#LestWeForget
It’s extremely sad to hear that my close mate, Josh ‘Yogi’ Ogilvie has passed away. Yogi was like a brother, such an amazing human with a huge heart. We served together in 1RAR. My love and prayers are with his family especially his son. I’ll miss you brother.
The relocation and consolidation of Army’s 1st Aviation Regiment to Townsville and with the Apache attack helicopters also being located in Townsville, this will see an investment of $700 million for upgrades at the RAAF base. We want local jobs going to local businesses.
REMEMBRANCE DAY: It's been great to mark this special day with a BBQ To Remember with
@Swiss8app
and the National Commemorative Service at the
@AWMemorial
with my mate Gavin Pearce MP. I hope you take the time to pause and remember today.
I have written to Australia’s new PM
@AlboMP
to congratulate him and ask for a collegiate relationship that puts the people of Townsville front and centre. I’ve requested he honour commitments from both sides that will ensure our region continues to be a wonderful place to live.
Bravo
@CricketAus
the Taliban are the most putrid creatures on the planet! The Taliban buy and sell girls as young as 8 to grown men. As well as not allowing girls & women to be educated, girls and women can be stoned to death on an accusation, this is not the case for men.
A qld state member of parliament, in premier
@AnnastaciaMP
team has shown utter contempt for victims of crime at a rally in Townsville.
@AaronHarperMP
you should resign!
Our
#ADF
need action on Land 400 phase 3 now. Stop delaying this
@RichardMarlesMP
@AlboMP
if our soldiers don’t train in, what they fight in, it puts lives at risk.
2023 has been a challenging year for many. May 2024 bring you, your family, friends & loved ones good health, happiness, peace & an abundance of love. Jenna, the girls & I are eternally grateful for your support & encouragement throughout the year 🙏
Today’s ANZAC Day March saw schools, defence and veterans groups participate in the historic event. As the largest garrison city in the nation, ANZAC Day is one of our most sacred days.
How the Taliban treat woman & children is disgusting, the Taliban, ISIS, Haqqani Network they’re all terrorists, they’re all cowards, they’re all scum of the earth.