A third-term Nationals MP from Bundaberg has been appointed chairman of the parliamentary committee tasked with overseeing the national capital and Australia's territories.
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Keith Pitt, who represents the central Queensland cane country seat of Hinkler, was appointed chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories on Friday.
The committee is the key parliamentary body tasked with overseeing the development of Canberra as the nation's city, as well as the parliamentary triangle, national institutions, and external territories like Christmas and Norfolk Islands.
A former cane farmer, Mr Pitt has been a key voice in the National Party representing the interests of the industry, and came to prominence early in his career defending the rights of seasonal workers being ripped off by questionable elements in the farming and horticultural sectors.
While the rest of the committee has not yet been appointed, he said he was particularly looking forward to having a role overseeing the Australian War Memorial and investigating the problems facing Norfolk Island residents.
Mr Pitt said he was looking forward to a National Capital Authority briefing soon, and the committee would meet to discuss its first inquiries during the next sitting.
