As we move through the 2015 Federal budget week, I believe it is important to reflect on last year’s budget and consider how this year will be different. Last year’s budget was tough, responding to a lot of hard decisions that needed to be made. As difficult as it was, last year’s budget was also…
Prime Minister the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Warren Truss MP and Minister for Agriculture the Hon. Barnaby Joyce MP, have today announced details of much needed drought assistance for regional communities and farmers. Rural communities suffering through extreme drought will be eligible for Commonwealth assistance as part of a…
Young local artists will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with a world-class artist as a result of Australian and NSW Government support for a major international art event by Kaldor Public Art Projects. Kaldor Public Art Projects is bringing internationally renowned performance artist Marina Abramovi? to Dubbo for an immersive public art experience…
This week I had the pleasure of officially opening the new and improved Trangie-Nevertire Irrigation Scheme. The opening took place on the Macquarie River at Gin Gin and represented more than half a decade of hard work by the Scheme board and members. The scheme will provide long-term water efficiency and crop productivity gains for…
Seniors in the Parkes electorate will continue to have free access to computers and internet training to ensure they are not left behind in the digital age, thanks to a $1.3 million Abbott Government investment. The Abbott Government has invested $1.3 million to assist more than 97,000 older Australians continue building their digital skills under…
An MP who represents the biggest federal electorate in New South Wales and thousands of farmers has slammed a proposal to slash fuel tax credits. The Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has described an Australian Conservation Foundation plan to cap fuel tax credit claims at $20,000 per claimant by 2018-19 as “disastrous for farmers…
Further Green Army opportunities are now available for young people in the Parkes electorate with another two projects set to begin in the coming weeks. Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the service provider, Conservation Volunteers Australia, has commenced recruitment for projects which will be conducted in the Warren and Brewarrina districts. This follows…
Tax-deductible donations to hundreds of environmental groups will be scrutinised in a new inquiry by a Federal Government House of Representatives Environment Committee. The committee has launched an inquiry into the administration, transparency and effectiveness of the Register of Environmental Organisations (the Register) in supporting practical action to improve the environment. The committee looks forward…
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs MP, and Member for Parkes, Mr Mark Coulton MP, today announced funding of $3,668,000 to fix 12 dangerous black spots on local roads. The approved projects are: – Gollan Road in the Wellington Council area – $615,000. – Mookerawa Road in the Wellington Council area –…
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a Federal MP is meeting and working with inspirational people. Recently I had the privilege of becoming the first supporter to sign up to Kelly Foran’s Friendly Faces’ fundraising campaign. Kelly, who lives in Maules Creek, has faced many adversities in her life. In 2002 she was…