As our local MP, James is committed to providing assistance to our local residents, businesses, schools and community groups in any way he can, including:
- Making representations on your behalf (both constituents and community groups alike) directly to relevant Ministers, Departments and local government
- Putting you in touch with a service that can help you
- Lobbying for more resources for your group or community service
- Providing information on any grants that may be available to support or assist your group
- Keeping you up to date on state issues
- Sponsoring parliamentary petitions on matters of importance to our community
- Speaking publicly or in parliament about important local matters
- Advocating for legislative and policy change in favour of our electorate
- Asking Ministers or the Premier questions in parliament on behalf of Southern Downs constituents
- Attending, sponsoring and speaking at community events such as shows, openings, fundraisers and award presentations; and
- Providing recognition for the great things done in and around our communities by Southern Downs people.
Some examples of areas that James can assist you with include:
Request a Letter of support
If you need a letter of support for your grant application, please email my office at [email protected] with details about your organisation, what funding you are applying for, and what the funding will be used for giving sufficient time for the letter to be generated.
Please also provide your deadline. All efforts will be made to work within your timeframe.
Funding Assistance
Funding for community groups and not-for-profit organisations may be obtained from a number of sources through the Queensland Government such as the Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
For more information regarding grants available through the Queensland Government.
Seniors Cards
If you are over 60, you may be eligible for a Seniors Card or a Seniors Business Card.
These cards allow you to take advantage of a number of government discounts and other special offers at thousands of businesses around the State. Submit your application for a Seniors Card.
Electoral Enrolment
The AEC manages enrolments in federal, state and local government elections.
If you need to enrol to vote for the first time or change your address or other details, you can do this online.
Application forms are also available in hard copy from my office.
Request for congratulatory message
If you or someone you know is celebrating a special birthday or anniversary, you can request a letter to mark the occasion from:
- Premier of Queensland
- Prime Minister of Australia,
- Governor-General
- Her Majesty The Queen
Birthdays
90th birthday letters can be requested from:
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Premier of Queensland
100th, 105th and 110th birthday letters can be requested from:
- Governor-General of Australia
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Governor of Queensland
- Premier of Queensland
Anniversaries
50th (Golden) anniversary letters can be requested from:
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Premier of Queensland
- Governor of Queensland
60, 65, 70 (Diamond) anniversary letters can be requested from:
- Governor-General of Australia
- Prime Minister of Australia
- Governor of Queensland
- Premier of Queensland
Consideration may be given to requests for letters to mark other anniversaries or birthdays if there are special circumstances.
How to Request a Letter
Request forms are available at my office or online.
You will also need to provide a copy of a supporting document to verify the applicant’s date of birth or marriage:
- Birth or Marriage Certificate* (short extract or photocopy acceptable)
- Passport or citizenship papers (photocopy acceptable)
* If you do not have a marriage certificate, you can supply a statutory declaration to confirm that the date and place of marriage are correct. The statutory declaration should be signed by a member of the family and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations (form available at my office).
Notice Periods for Letters
For birthdays:
- 90 years – allow 3 weeks
- 100, 105, 110 years – allow 4 weeks
For anniversaries:
- 50 (Golden) – allow 3 weeks
- 60, 65, 70 (Diamond) – allow 4 weeks
Submitting your Letter Application
You may return your completed forms to my office and we will organise the rest for you.
School Term Dates 2023
The following term dates apply to all State Schools in Queensland:
Queensland Term Dates
- Term 1
Monday 23 January 2023 – Friday 31 March 2023 - Term 2
Monday 17 April 2023 – Friday 23 June 2023 - Term 3
Monday 10 July 2023 – Friday 15 September 2023 - Term 4
Tuesday 3 October 2023 – Friday 8 December 2023
Tours of Parliament House
Tours of Parliament House can be fun and informative, not just for school children but adults as well.
BBQs and morning teas can be arranged too.
If James is in Parliament on the day you visit he may be able to meet your group and make your visit even more informative.
If you wish to organise a tour, please contact my office.