Mr RAMSEY (Grey–Government Whip) (13:37): Every year for last 57 years, the city of Port Lincoln has staged the Tunarama Festival-originally to mark the departure of the tuna fleet. In more recent times, the industry that spawned the festival has changed into a modern, dynamic industry focused on quality production and marketing; so too the Tunarama Festival, which has adapted and become a broadly encompassing community festival.
This year, Tunarama also encompassed the Australia Day celebrations and, also, was able to claim its first Prime Ministerial visit during the carnival. It was a great pleasure to be able to showcase Port Lincoln to Malcolm Turnbull and introduce him in the flesh to many of my constituents. We had the opportunity to meet with many of the organisers and participants in the street parade, including South Australia Variety Bash’s No. 1 fundraisers, Runaway Brides; the Tacoma Preservation Society; Dragons Abreast-a wonderful support organisation for women who have suffered breast cancer; and a number of children and sporting groups. They were all eager to meet the Prime Minister. As we wandered down the street, the excitement of having a sitting Prime Minister was palpable, as people lined up for selfies with Malcolm Turnbull.
Whilst we viewed the parade from the mayor’s offices, we had the opportunity to meet with Sam Telfer, Julie Low and Bruce Green-three mayors from the lower Eyre Peninsula. The reps from RDA all had a chance to get in the ear of the Prime Minister. (Time expired)