When regional Australia is strong, all of Australia prospers.

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That's the belief that has guided me during my first 100 days in Parliament as the new federal member for Farrer.

It has certainly been an eventful, challenging, exciting and educational introduction to Australia's parliament.

When I asked the people of Farrer for their support, I made one simple commitment: to return productivity and capacity to Farrer.

One hundred days later, that important commitment remains unchanged.

There is still an enormous amount of work ahead, but the journey has begun and meaningful progress is being made.

Like every new member of parliament, I have also learned some valuable lessons.

Fortunately, none have come at the expense of the people of Farrer - although a few have undoubtedly bruised my own reputation.

Parliament is a unique environment and every day presents another opportunity to learn, improve and better represent the people who placed their trust in me.

At my age, I did not seek election to begin another career. After more than five decades in Australian and international agribusiness, I stood for parliament because I believed I could make a meaningful contribution to the region that shaped my life.

Like most Australians, I adore our country, Australia. I am especially passionate regarding the success and prosperity of Farrer.

Farrer is one of Australia's great productive regions.

Every week of the year, somewhere across our electorate, crops are being harvested, livestock are being produced, food is being processed, and businesses are supplying Australian families and international markets.

Few electorates make such a significant contribution to feeding Australia, earning export income and supporting our national economy.

Our farms support our towns. Our towns support our farms. Together they create the prosperity that underpins communities from Albury........

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