Three Months Old

Can you believe I’m a three-month-old Senator now? 

It all feels a bit exciting and terrifying all at the same time. But I’m here because of you guys, and I’m going to give this my best shot. I said the same thing in my first speech a few weeks ago - I'll give you everything I have. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can watch it here. 

Success in the Senate!

This week I had my very first win in the Senate. Remember the Future Leaders Fund from a few weeks ago? The former Coalition Government gave the Governor-General $18 million to set up the Future Leaders Fund. It had no website, no staff, and no details. But they handed over the money anyway. The whole thing was just weird.

Labor decided to pull this funding, and good on them. But that didn’t go far enough. So I put a motion forward in the Senate to make sure a Government can’t hand over this kind of money again without a competitive tender process. And the motion passed. It’s a small win, baby steps. I said I’d be here to hold the big parties to account and this is a step in the right direction.

Fighting for Aus wine producers

I’ve also been working hard to make sure wine producers get grant money they deserve. We all love a good drop of wine, right? Well wineries around the country depend on the Australian Wine Tourism and Cellar Door program to keep them afloat. It’s run for the past few years, but this year? Crickets. The Government hasn't told wineries if this program is going to run or not. If it doesn’t go ahead, some producers are worried they will have to cut jobs or stop planned expansions. Tassie wineries bring in tourists, employ locals and win international awards. They’re worth investing in. And I’m going to fight hard to make sure they get what they deserve. 

So watch this space! I’m loving hearing from you all. This isn’t just my journey - it’s about all of you and all of us working together to make change. I wouldn't be here without you.

Much love,

Tammy