Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch has welcomed the news of a September 14 federal election, announced by Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday.

Mr Entsch sai he was looking forward to "locking in firm policy commitments" that will benefit the Far North.

“The timing couldn’t be better, given that the Coalition has just announced its positive plan to build a strong and prosperous economy, and a safe and secure Australia,” Mr Entsch said.

Watch Prime Minister Gillard's announcement (top left)

“From talking to people all around the electorate, I know that they want a change – and having a date now confirmed means that our plan can start working from Day 1.”

Speaking from Russia, where he is representing Australia at the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, Mr Entsch emphasised that his focus during the next eight months will be on locking in policy commitments on issues such as;

• a solution to the property insurance crisis;
• establishment of the Tropical Campus of the Australian Institute of Sport and related infrastructure;
• ongoing upgrades to the Bruce Highway;
• supporting the creation of a new meeting and entertainment precinct in Port Douglas alongside the lagoon and waterfront redevelopment;
• the sustainable, multiple use of oceans and waterways, particularly in regard to the Coral Sea Marine park; and
• fighting the proposed World Heritage Listing of Cape York.