Productivity Commission study into regional economies Last week it was announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake a study into regional economies. With our national economy’s transition away from the resources-led boom towards broader-based growth, we are seeing different challenges and opportunities for Australia’s regions. This study will help to determine how well different regions…
Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the ground-breaking China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said ChaFTA has given local farmers and businesses a competitive advantage that is driving exports and creating new jobs. “ChAFTA is the most favourable trade deal China has ever done with a developed economy,” Mr Coulton…
Broken Hill office open to the public I was very pleased to open the doors of my Broken Hill office to residents of Far West New South Wales (NSW) last week. The office is being looked after by two new staff members. They are Broken Hill residents who, along with the staff in my other…
Backpacker tax breakthrough The final sitting of Federal Parliament saw the Coalition Government deliver on some of its key promises including the so-called backpacker tax that passed through both Houses of Parliament late last Thursday evening. This tax will give certainty to those sections of rural and regional businesses that rely on backpackers, commencing in…
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton today announced that new mobile base stations to improve mobile coverage under round 2 of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program will be deployed at Ballimore, Westella and Yellow Mountain. “I’m so pleased to announce new coverage for areas around Dubbo including Ballimore and Westella,” Mr Coulton said.…
Superannuation changes pass the Parliament Last week the Coalition Government secured parliamentary passage of the most comprehensive suite of superannuation reforms in a decade. This delivers on our commitment to improve the fairness, sustainability, flexibility and integrity of the superannuation system. With our Federal Budget currently under pressure, this saving measure will improve the underlying…
As Australians prepare to spend around $50 billion in the lead-up to Christmas Day, Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has urged residents across Western and Far West New South Wales to shop small in their local communities. “The coming month is when many local businesses take risks, make investments and employ more locals in…
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has welcomed the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) proposed Basin Plan amendments and public consultation schedule resulting from its Northern Basin Review (NBR). Mr Coulton has supported the NBR and the direction it has taken under Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce. “The Northern…
The Coalition Government’s new Building Better Regions Fund will invest in projects that will create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger rural, regional and remote communities into the future. This new $297 million fund launched by Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash said BBRF will deliver infrastructure projects and community activities located outside the…
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has welcomed the extension of disaster assistance for seven additional local New South Wales communities in response to flooding which occurred from late August. Mr Coulton said the funding announced today would assist the Brewarrina Shire Council in ensuring it has the resources and support needed to recover from…