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Northern Opinion - The Website of Australia's northernmost Liberal Senator

HOPE THAT A GOOD WET CAN WASH AWAY THE TROUBLES OF LAST YEAR

25 January, 2010

As most Australians fire up their barbeques and fill their eskies on Australia Day, I ask them to spare a thought those fellow Australians in Northern and Remote Australia who are bracing for cyclones, heavy rains, damaging flood waters and what could be possibly weeks of isolation.

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald said that the increased cyclonic activity around Australia this week reminds us all of some of the difficult times Northern and Remote Australians have had in the last 12 months.

But these tribulations are part of life in the North. Northerners love their way of life and know that although only a small part of the total population of Australia, the northern and remote parts of Australia produce almost 40% of Australia’s export earnings and consequently play a big part in producing the wealth all Australians enjoy.

“During the 12 months since last Australia Day those living in Northern and Remote Australia have seen record floods, severe drought and have been reminded of the devastating impacts of bushfires but their resolve has never been stronger,” Senator Macdonald said.

“The values of hard work, determination and mateship which have been displayed many times throughout Australia’s vibrant history are ever present in the communities in Northern and Remote Australia.

“While the trials of the last year have tested the resolve of everyone in the North and those living outside major centres there is a genuine sense of optimism for the year ahead.

Northern and Remote Australians stand poised to again be the power house of the Australian economy as the world rapidly recovers from the global financial crisis.” Senator Macdonald said.

Senator Macdonald will be attending Australia Day celebrations in his hometown of Ayr in North Queensland.

END

25 January 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255                                           

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