Senator Paul Scarr

LNP Senator for Queensland

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

I spoke with Trudy McIntosh on Sky News this afternoon about the telecommunications outage affecting Telstra.

I've heard from Queensland small businesses and residents concerned about the disruption and the government's response. 

Most alarming are reports of difficulties accessing Triple Zero. 

Australians deserve answers.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Legislation currently before Parliament is estimated to impose $123 million in compliance costs in a single year, including more than $100 million on small businesses. 

That's why the Coalition has put forward sensible amendments to make these laws clearer, simpler and less of a burden for small business.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

A year ago, Labor promised to “repay the trust Australians have placed in it.”

Instead, they've broken key election commitments and introduced policies that risk discouraging investment, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Australians deserve a government that keeps its word and backs those who create jobs, grow businesses and drive prosperity.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

As co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Refugees Group, I was pleased to attend an event this week highlighting the incredible contributions refugees make to Australia.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Indexing tax thresholds is a sensible way to ease the burden of bracket creep and address the hidden tax of inflation.

Tackling inflation also requires discipline on government spending. 

The Coalition believes in empowering Australians and businesses—not putting government at the centre of everything.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

The biggest concern from the budget is the lack of market confidence. 

Weak auction clearance rates and reduced investment in new housing builds are warning signs that can't be ignored.

Australia needs policies that restore confidence and encourage the investment needed to increase housing supply.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Yesterday was the 10th Annual Pilgrimage of St Mary and Archangel Michael Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Brisbane. 

Over the past decade, this pilgrimage has grown into a significant spiritual and cultural gathering for the Eritrean Orthodox Queensland community, bringing together families and the wider community.

Thank you to the church for your warm and beautiful welcome.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to attend the Greater Springfield Community Festival at Robelle Domain Parklands yesterday.

It’s been fabulous to see how this event has grown into one of our region’s flagship community festival. 

Organised by the Varnam Cultural Society, the Greater Springfield Community Festival continues to bring together thousands of attendees, local businesses, and performers.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

We can all be proud of our Socceroos. This is a team that truly represents modern Australia, players from all backgrounds, some born here, some overseas, coming together as one. It’s inspiring, and it’s something the whole country can rally behind.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

As Vice Chair of the Australian–Netherlands Parliamentary Friendship Group, I was pleased to recently meet with Her Excellency Ardi Stoios Braken, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Our countries share a strong relationship built on more than 400 years of history. Today, our economic ties remain significant, with bilateral trade in goods valued at around 5.7 billion dollars.
This connection is also reflected in our community, with more than 380,000 Australians proudly claiming Dutch ancestry, making us home to one of the largest Dutch diasporas outside Europe.

Our shared history is also evident here in Queensland. During the Second World War, Camp Columbia at Wacol in Brisbane became home to the Netherlands East Indies Government-in-exile.

Today, Brisbane is also home to a vibrant Dutch community, including the Dutch Chamber of Commerce Queensland (DCCQ), Dutchlink Brisbane, the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre (DACC), and Dutchies in Brisbane, to name just a few.

I look forward to continuing to build on this strong partnership in the future.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

On Saturday Night, the Annual Multicultural Social Network Dinner was held on the Gold Coast, hosted by Multicultural Social Network Inc. 

MSN is a Gold Coast-based community organisation dedicated to promoting social cohesion through volunteer-driven initiatives, supporting vulnerable members of our community through programs such as meals for the homeless and disaster relief initiatives.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, MSN provided vital support to more than 200 international students who were left without work or government assistance. 

The award winners recognised on the weekend included Nasrin Vaziri, Raj Kumar, Diane Kozic, Ellen Peru, Patrice Poutu, Warren Taylor, Seema Chauhan, Debby Lo Dean, Endang Setyorini, Andy Rajapaske, Amin Sheik, and Lela MacDowell. In addition, the Queensland Police Service (Gold Coast) received the Islamic Society of Gold Coast Appreciation Award, accepted by Assistant Police Commissioner Chris Hodgman. 

A special thank you to founder Dr Hussain Baba for his leadership and committment to our community and to Fiona Simpson (Minister for Multiculturalism) and Sam O'Connor MP ( Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth) for helping to fly the LNP flag!

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to catch up with the team at Illuminated Elegance at the Ipswich Show who were set-up opposite my stand inside the Trade Pavillion. They’re producing hand poured luxury soy candles which are crafted to elevate your space. This is a great example of the creativity and quality on offer from local small businesses at this years' show.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to catch up with the team at Imbibis Craft Distillery and learn more about the fantastic work they’re doing right here in Ipswich. Imbibis is a true local success story — a boutique distillery producing award-winning, small-batch gins and brandy using premium Australian ingredients, many sourced locally. What really stood out was their passion for craftsmanship and creativity, as well as their commitment to showcasing the unique flavours and character of our region in every bottle. It’s businesses like this that highlight the strength of Ipswich’s growing food and beverage scene and the importance of backing local producers!

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to catch up with the team at eWaste Connection and hear more about the incredible work they are doing in our community. eWaste Connection is a fantastic local social enterprise that’s making a real difference — helping recycle electronic waste, reduce landfill and protect the environment, while also creating meaningful opportunities for people of all abilities. Their workshops not only give new life to old electrical items, but also provide a welcoming, inclusive space where participants can build skills, confidence and lasting connections!

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to spend time chatting with the talented members of Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich about the incredible work they do preserving and sharing traditional craft skills. This passionate local group brings together people of all skill levels to learn, create and connect through fibre arts, from spinning and weaving to knitting, dyeing and more. Their work not only keeps these important traditions alive, but also fosters creativity, wellbeing and strong community connections!

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to spend time chatting with the incredible members of Ipswich Rotary about the vital work they do across our community. From supporting local families in times of need to raising significant funds and delivering practical help on the ground, Rotary continues to make a real difference in Ipswich.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Great to be at the 2026 Ipswich Show – a fantastic celebration of local community, agriculture and small businesses. It was wonderful to meet so many locals, check out the incredible displays and acknowledge the hard work that goes into making this event such a success each year. From young show competitors to long‑standing volunteers and exhibitors, the Ipswich Show really highlights what makes our region special.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Thank you to the Bangladesh Association in Brisbane for hosting a wonderful Bengali New Year & Multicultural Festival (BoishakhiMela).

It was an honour to participate in the wonderfully colourful traditional New Year Parade.

What better place
To host such an event than Springfield where my office is located! 

Thanks to all of the organisers and volunteers and sponsors.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Thank you to Bhartiya Samaj for hosting a very successful “Job Ready – Jobs, Training & Community Support Day” in Logan.

I was delighted to participate in a forum with other community representatives providing guidance and encouragement to job seekers in the Logan region.

Thank you to all the volunteers and everyone who made the day possible.

[Senator Paul Scarr @senatorscarr]

Thanks to President Alexander and his team of volunteers at the Serbian Australian Centre for hosting a wonderful St George (Đurđevdan) Festival.

The performances, the food, the great company makes this such a wonderful event.

Celebrations will continue into the evening so feel free to go along to the Serbian Australian Community Centre in Willawong!