History-making Bundamba MP makes maiden speech

Bundamba’s new state MP Lance McCallum has set his sights on providing secure local jobs, after his historic appointment to Queensland Parliament earlier this year.

Mr McCallum, who won the seat vacated by long term MP Jo-Ann Miller in this year’s March by‑election, said job security has never been more important for the Bundamba community.

“The people of Bundamba, like the majority of people across Queensland, want jobs: jobs that are purposeful, secure and can provide a decent standard of living for them and their loved ones,” Mr McCallum said in his maiden speech to parliament.

“Looking back now to my childhood, with seven people in my family in a three-bedroom house with a single working wage to support us, there was no way we would have been able to survive if my father’s job had not been secure.

“It was modest but it was secure and that meant stability: stability of accommodation, education and the basics of what a family needs to survive.

“As we begin to rebuild our coronavirus impacted economy, with so many unemployed, underemployed and seeking more work or having given up on looking for work altogether, all through circumstances beyond their control, it has never been more important to provide as many secure local jobs as possible.”

A proud Gubbi Gubbi Man, Mr McCallum made history alongside fellow MPs Leeanne Enoch and Cynthia Lui, with it being the first time three First Nations people have held seats in Queensland Parliament at the same time.

Mr McCallum made history alongside Algester MP Leeanne Enoch and Cook MP Cynthia Lui. Image: Facebook

Mr McCallum said much of Bundamba’s strong sense of community comes from its proud and broad cultural diversity.

“People from the world over, Polynesian, African, Asian, Indian, New Zealand, European and many more, all make strong contributions to the fabric of our community,” he said.

“Being inclusive, tolerant and supporting one another is something that I believe in deeply.

“I have been subject to my share of racism and I have seen others be persecuted for their origin, religion, body shape, gender or sexuality simply because the perception of them by others was one of an often illusionary difference.

“I will always strive to call out this insidious behaviour and will always choose acceptance, collectiveness and unity over fear, distrust and division and staunchly support those who work in our communities to celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.”

Mr McCallum said he was committed to making Bundamba a better place for all.

“I am here to ensure that we get the services and infrastructure that our growing community deserves, whilst preserving the beauty of our natural environment,” he said.

“I am here to fight for a Bundamba where our community can access secure local jobs and the very best in services like education, training, health care and public transport.

“The people of Bundamba have put their trust in me and I do not intend to let them down.”