Happy New Year! 2026 is going to be huge. I hope you had a safe and restful break over the Christmas period with family and friends.
The start of the year for many has been difficult, with bushfires and floods ravaging many communities. I have spent the break fighting for a Royal Commission into the Bondi Islamic terrorist attack, which we have been successful in securing. The Albanese Government's response has been lacking, with poorly drafted, rushed legislation being debated next week in parliament.
Bushfires: Local Victorian National Party MPs have been on the ground and active to ensure those in their communities received fodder, food, water and other essentials. As we move out of the immediate danger, we are shifting into recovery and facing the reality that the road ahead is long.
This week, I visited the Longwood bushfire relief centre to see how the local community was holding up.
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This photo tells a powerful story of the Christmas period that many in regional Victoria sadly went through.
Despite it all, this community is banding together to ensure those affected and evacuated have the essential needs required for recovery. My heart goes out to everyone across Victoria, many of whom have had their lives changed by this tragedy.
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I also want to thank the hard work of the Country Fire Authority. The CFA's bravery and dedication has meant many communities are better off than they would've been.
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UNFAIR GUN LAWS AND ATTACKS ON FREE SPEECH
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The Prime Minister thinks the Bondi Terror Attack was caused by law-abiding firearm owners. It wasn't the gun, Mr Albanese, it was Islamic Extremism.
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Next week, legislation will be debated in the Australian Parliament that unfairly targets law-abiding firearm owners (like myself) alongside Islamic hate preachers.
Labor's laws do not focus on the real issue. None of the measures will combat antisemitism, nor will they combat radical Islamic hate preachers or ideology. Instead, it aims to paint sporting shooters, hunters and farmers as the real issue.
It is critical you sign my petition to protect the over a million law-abiding firearm holders in Australia.
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Over 35,000 of you have already signed and I am forever grateful. We must stand united.
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I have serious concerns about the Government's proposed Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026, and will be voting no.
We only received the legislation (144 pages) and explanatory memorandum (319 pages) after it was announced so had no input into its design.
The legislation does not address the real issues that gave rise to the Bondi terrorist attack, namely Islamic extremism, ISIS influence, the rise of antisemitism, and the associated terrorist threat in Australia.
There's more than 500 pages here and the term 'radical Islam' is not mentioned once. If the Prime Minister can't name the problem, he can't tackle it.
If you preach hatred, preach radical Islam, glorify terrorism or incite violence:
- If you are not an Australian citizen, you should be deported.
- If you are an Australian citizen, you should be arrested.
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The Parliament can and should be able to criminalise radical Islamic extremist anti-Semitic hate preaching without impinging on free speech.
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FREE AUSTRALIA DAY STICKERS!
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Australia Day is coming up and this is a perfect opportunity to receive your very own bumper sticker, free from my office!
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It is so important that we show the pride we have for our nation. Please contact my office via email: senator....@aph.gov.au, and we will get one to you!
Alternatively, you can visit my Wodonga Office to receive one in person.
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Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and have a fantastic weekend!
Kind regards,
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Senator Hon. Bridget McKenzie
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development
Leader of the Nationals in the Senate
Senator for Victoria
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