The new Member for Groom has given his maiden speech in federal parliament

Garth Hamilton’s maiden speech to federal parliament encompassed a lot of what makes the region a great place to live and work. Here are the highlights:

Groom MP Garth Hamilton has used his maiden speech in federal parliament to highlight the many people and industries key to the region’s prosperity.

Delivering his speech on Monday afternoon, Mr Hamilton said it was a great honour to represent the good people of Groom, a region with strong community values, a proud ambition for the future, and a rich history.

His speech reflected the significant contribution of the pioneers of past and future that have built a strong, diverse Toowoomba region.

“While Toowoomba is our shining light on the Hill, Groom encompasses many towns and villages such as Pittsworth, Oakey, Highfields, Bowenville, Greenmount and Goombungee,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Historically, Groom has been characterised by its thriving agricultural industry and beautiful, tree-lined suburbs.

“However, when you drive through our region, you will find much more than just farmland and feedlots. We have Oakey barracks and we have another barracks at Carbalah.

“Underpinning these heavy industries are Groom’s manufacturing and transport industries that place our region as a strategic hub as we build Inland Rail.

“Health is the biggest employer and attracts new residents and visitors.

“With such strong foundations in place you can see why the Toowoomba Region is a great place to come to and it is with pride that we reflect upon the many success stories, economic and social diversity.”

Mr Hamilton said Australia today was greater than it ever has been, “with greater reward for effort and greater opportunities for all Australians”.

“With hard work we can build something good within ourselves and with service we can build something even better together,” he said.

“I want to thank my wife, Louise and children, Adeline, Everard and Claude – I love you.

“Thank you to the Liberal National Party for your faith in me.

Garth Hamilton with his wife Louise and children, Adeline, Everard and Claude.

“But most of all, thank you to the people of Groom for entrusting in me your good grace, your trust and your most valuable and won rights, in electing me to the Australian parliament as your representative.

“Today, under the strong leadership of Scott Morrison, we are bringing together Australia’s stories, those of our modern nation and those of what was, and we are creating something even better as we continue the great Australian journey.”