Sarah Henderson

LP Federal

First Speech in Parliament

16 October 2019

# Regional Development # Energy Policy # Family Law Reform

Personal Background and Values

• Sarah Henderson expresses pride in her role as a Liberal senator for Victoria, highlighting her previous experience as the member for Corangamite.
  
• She emphasises her commitment to the Liberal Party and its foundational values of freedom, opportunity, and individual development, referencing historical figures like Sir Robert Menzies and John Howard.
  
• Henderson acknowledges her family’s influence, particularly her mother’s legacy as a former MP, and expresses deep gratitude towards her supporters and mentors.
  

Policy Goals and Focus Areas

• Aims to advocate for regional Victoria, addressing specific local issues such as drought management and the need for water infrastructure, including new dams and gas mining to ensure energy security.
  
• Commits to improving regional transport infrastructure, including fast rail projects, and tackling housing affordability through initiatives like the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.
  
• Highlights the need for reforms in family law and support for victims of family violence, underscoring her past role in social services, housing, and disability policy.
  

Future Agenda and Challenges

• Plans to fight for economic stability through budget surpluses, job growth, and infrastructure investment, while rejecting extreme left agendas that challenge free speech and farmers' rights.
  
• Emphasises the importance of national security, foreign investment laws, and the need for transparent governance in critical infrastructure.
  
• Calls for continued reforms in disability services and housing to address pressing social issues.