MEDIA RELEASE
21 July 2026
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP has welcomed Shadow Minister for Education and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser MP to the Sunshine Coast for a full day of meetings with local students, educators, university leaders and community representatives.
Mr Wallace said the visit is designed to ensure Fisher’s education priorities and community concerns are heard directly by a senior member of the Coalition’s Shadow Cabinet.
“The Sunshine Coast is growing quickly, and our schools, university, young people and community organisations need a strong voice in the national conversation,” Mr Wallace said.
“I want senior decision-makers to come to Fisher, meet local people and hear directly about the opportunities and pressures facing our region.”
A key focus of the visit will be the University of the Sunshine Coast, where Mr Wallace and Mr Leeser will meet with Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett and university representatives.
Discussions to be focused on regional higher education, student experiences, workforce needs and UniSC’s important role in supporting local jobs, research, innovation and economic growth.
Mr Leeser said regional universities were critical to Australia’s future.
“Regional universities such as UniSC give young Australians access to a quality education while allowing them to remain connected to their families and communities,” Mr Leeser said.
“They also play an important role in building skilled workforces, driving research and supporting regional economies.
“I know of the good reputation of Sunshine Coast university because of the good work of its Vice Chancellor who I am looking forward to seeing again. I also know that Andrew has worked hard to help build the Thompson Institute at UniSC, and he and Ted have been strong advocates of the medical school here on the Sunshine Coast.”
The visit also includes Notre Dame College at Bells Creek and Chancellor State College, where Mr Wallace and Mr Leeser will meet school leaders and students and hear directly about the issues affecting young people.
At Chancellor State College, students will be encouraged to develop practical policy ideas on housing, transport, education, employment and mental health.
“Young people deserve to be part of the decisions that shape their future, and I am pleased Julian can hear directly from local students about the issues that matter most to them,” Mr Wallace said.
“Their ideas and feedback will also help inform the work of my newly formed Fisher Youth Advisory Council.”
Mr Wallace and Mr Leeser will also meet members of the local Jewish community and Indigenous community representatives to discuss their experiences and priorities.
Mr Leeser said effective policy requires genuine engagement with the communities it is intended to serve.
“Every Australian should be able to participate in education and community life without racism, antisemitism, harassment or intimidation,” Mr Leeser said.
“Good policy begins with listening, and this visit provides an important opportunity to hear directly from students, educators and community leaders across Fisher.”
Mr Wallace thanked Mr Leeser for spending the day in the electorate.
“This visit connects national policy discussions with the real experiences of people here on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Wallace said.
“I thank Julian for taking the time to listen directly to our students, educators, university leaders, Indigenous representatives and members of the Jewish community.
“I will continue bringing senior Coalition representatives to our region and ensuring Fisher has a strong voice in Canberra.”
[ENDS]
Media Contact: Brendan West – 0402 556 646 – Brendan.west@aph.gov.au
