Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have to say that it was with a little bit of trepidation and with sorrow in my heart that I boarded the plane yesterday to come to the nation's capital. It was not because I was worried about the cold weather, nor was it a lack of excitement about the federal budget tonight. I'm just a little bit devastated not to be still at home this week, because it's beef week. Beef Australia started out as a street festival in the CBD of Rockhampton in 1988 and has grown and developed to become one of the world's greatest agriculture expositions.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Beef Australia has shown time and time again that regional cities like Rockhampton can put on a hugely professional event that rivals those of their capital city cousins. Seven days devoted to the beef industry of Australia draw in a serious crowd, with over 100,000 visitors expected to filter through the gates this week. Catering for over 2,000 cattle entries, hundreds of trade sites and tens of thousands of guests is no mean feat, and credit must go to those who make it happen. To the chairman, Blair Angus, and his board and to CEO Denis Cox and the tireless staff and volunteers of Beef Australia: we salute you and thank you for once again cementing Rockhampton as the undeniable beef capital of Australia. Here's to the next 30 years.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.