On December 6, Peter Dutton, leader of the opposition, visited the Kiama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) to announce that, if elected, a Liberal government would allocate $512,000 to upgrade and repair the club's facilities and equipment.

Dutton was joined by Andrew Constance, the Liberal candidate for Gilmore, and Senator Andrew Bragg, Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing. They met with Kiama SLSC members, including President Phil Perry, as well as Kiama’s Mayor Cameron McDonald and Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters, for the announcement.

“Our announcement today is that an elected Liberal government will give $512,000 to Kiama SLSC to help address some of the ailing infrastructure here, and the need to establish a fit-for-purpose facility for young kids to train in and spend their social time in,” Dutton says.

During his visit, Dutton spoke with young members of the Kiama SLSC, citing them as a perfect example of the reason why he believes surf life saving is so essential.

Peter Dutton and Phil Perry speaking with young members of the Kiama SLSC

“You (Kiama SLSC) give an incredible amount back to the community here, you save lives and provide an opportunity for people to enjoy a day at the beach and enjoy an Australian way of life. And it’s only right that we give back to clubs that provide that support to our community,” Dutton says.

“Australia is the greatest country in the world and a big part of that culture is the surf life saving network. I think for the young people who we’ve met this morning, a couple who have saved some lives themselves, and they have really changed their lives for the better because of their involvement in the surf life saving club,” he says.

Peter Dutton in front of the Kiama SLSC clubhouse

In response to Dutton's announcement, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips expressed doubts about the Liberal government's promise of funding. Mrs Phillips questioned the sincerity of the funding commitment and drew attention to the work she has already done with both the Kiama and Gerringong Surf Clubs.

“As we’re not in an official election period, I guess anyone can promise anything with ‘funny money’ as we’ve seen today, " says Mrs Phillips noting there has been no mention of the grant funding program.

"I have previously provided multiple federal real funding grants to Kiama SLSC, supported them in their successful grant application to fix their roof, and on 8 October 2024 supported their application under the NSW Surf Facility Program 2024/25 for upgraded amenities and infrastructure," says Mrs Phillips.

"I’m also proud to have delivered $5.5 million for the fantastic new Gerringong Surf Club which will be open in the new year. I always consider shovel ready DA approved funding requests and look forward to receiving a written proposal from Kiama SLSC and any other organisations within the Kiama LGA that might genuinely need funding."

Mrs Phillips also encouraged Kiama Council to release the results of the Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy from more than two years ago.

"I also encourage Kiama Council, in the best interests of community members, to not be political in the lead up to the federal election. It would also be helpful if Kiama Council would release the much awaited outcomes from over two years ago, of their 'Open Spaces and Recreation Strategy' which is reviewing the infrastructure needs of sporting facilities in the Kiama local government area, so that transparency and greater surety can be provided for all sporting and recreational groups," says Mrs Phillips.

Dutton also used the occasion to comment on the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue, which occurred in the early hours of December 6.

“The firebombing of a synagogue, a place of worship, is something that has no place in our country. Today we should double down on our support of the Jewish community,” Dutton says.

“There are armed guards protecting kids at Jewish schools on this day and that is unacceptable in our country. There is a lot of work and leadership that needs to be provided to make sure people with Jewish faith and people across the country can be given assurances around basic safety requirements,” he says.

Two people have been injured as a result of the attack, but fortunately, at this stage, no deaths have been reported.