Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to make a personal explanation.

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

Does the member for Macquarie claim to have been misrepresented?

Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have been—most grievously.

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

You may proceed.

Susan Templeman (Macquarie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Tuesday, during the MPI on the Building Better Regions Fund, the member for O'Connor said that he had heard I had not written letters of support for applicants to that fund. Mr Speaker, he did not say who had made that claim, but the facts are: firstly, I actively promote the BBRF and all other government grants in direct emails to, for example, council general managers and mayors, in newsletters, through my grants list and on social media; secondly, in doing so, I encourage everyone to advise me if they decide to put forward a project for funding; thirdly, I offer to help in any way I can, including in writing letters of support; and, fourthly, I have written dozens and dozens of letters of support that have been requested over the last five years for grant programs, including the BBRF, and I encourage any group or organisation in Macquarie who applies for a government grant to be in touch with my office. Thank you, Speaker.