sussanleymp

Queensland’s multicultural communities make our country stronger. Their stories are built on hard work, aspiration and a deep commitment to building a better life – values that sit at the heart of our Liberal belief in opportunity for all.

Today’s roundtable with the @eccqld was a valuable opportunity to listen, learn and engage with community leaders who live those values every day.

Aspiration is the foundation of the Australian promise: that if you work hard, play by the rules, do your best for your kids and contribute to your community, you will be able to build a better life for yourself and your family. With cost of living rising, wages stagnating and home ownership out of reach, that promise feels distant for so many Australians. The Liberal Party’s job over the next three years is to restore that promise.

Thank you to @buolelijah and the ECCQ team for the warm welcome and thoughtful discussion. It was also a privilege to tour the Berlasco Court Caring Centre and see their inclusive, community-focused aged care services in action.

sussanleymp

It was the Howard Government that first backed Trade Colleges like this, and their role is just as important today.

This morning I joined Shadow Minister for Skills and Training, @scottbuchholzmp at the @tradecollege North Brisbane to meet students learning skills in carpentry, automotive, hairdressing and more.

These are the jobs that keep Australia moving. But right now, there are over 100,000 fewer apprentices and trainees than when the Coalition left office.

We are out in the community listening. We’re hearing what needs to change and feeding that directly into our policy review.

Labor’s tax and spend agenda is unfair to the next generation. Treasury’s own secret advice says the only way Labor can fix the budget is by raising taxes. That’s not a future we want for these students.

Our values are clear: reward for effort, support for small business, and strong pathways into work.

Thanks to Principal Brett Kavanagh and the team for having us.

sussanleymp

A strong skills sector is vital to the future prosperity of Australia.

Yesterday I visited @classiccontractors, a WA success story delivering top-quality painting work while training the next generation of tradies.

From workforce shortages to better training pathways, we had a frank conversation about what’s holding this sector back and how we fix it.

Great to meet Nate, one of their rising apprentices, and to hear firsthand what’s working and what’s not.

Thanks to the Classic Contractors team for the warm welcome and the work you’re doing to build a stronger, more skilled Australia.

liberalaus

Treasury`s advice to Labor? They have a spending problem and won`t meet their housing targets.

sussanleymp

Australia needs more people on the tools, and that means backing the apprentices who are putting in the hard work to build a future in the trades.

At @skillhire’s Forrestfield campus today, I met apprentices gaining the practical, job-ready skills our economy needs. But right now, there are fewer apprentices and trainees than when Labor took office, and construction trades are being hit hardest.

We need to reverse the trend. Because if we want more homes, more jobs and a stronger economy, we need to skill more Australians.

sussanleymp

Australia’s Chinese community has contributed so much to our country, and that includes the many seniors who continue to lead, connect and support those around them.

Today I had the chance to visit the WA Chinese Seniors Association in Willetton, where I saw that contribution in action, through dance, music, table tennis and community.

Thank you to President Pei-Jie Ge for the warm welcome and tour, and to @senatorosullivan and @howard_0ng for joining.

sussanleymp

Western Australia isn’t just vital to our economy, it’s the engine room of Australia’s prosperity.

At @lifeatriotinto’s Remote Operations Centre in Perth, you can see that in action. This world-class facility oversees autonomous trains, trucks and drills across the Pilbara from a single hub. It’s high-tech, highly skilled and a powerful example of what WA does best.

That’s why I’m here this week – to meet with the people who are creating jobs and driving innovation.

sussanleymp

@boschetti.au has grown over the past decade into one of the region’s leading electrical businesses, delivering quality work, investing in innovation, and building a strong local team.

It was great to drop in and catch up with Robert and his team, an inspirational leader in business who’s always looking at new innovations to shape the future of the electrical and energy industries.

Best of luck to them as finalists in four categories at this year’s @aw_businessawards!

Another strong example of the skill and ambition that defines local business in Farrer.

sussanleymp

It’s been a big year of change and challenge, and an enormous privilege to take on the role of Liberal Leader and Federal Opposition Leader.

In the August edition of The Australian Women’s Weekly, I’ve shared a little of my story. From working in shearing sheds, to flying planes, to standing up in Parliament.

It’s a reflection on the journey, the people who shaped it, and what comes next. You can find it on shelves now or online via @womensweeklymag.