The proposed 32.5 per cent tax rate that was to apply to working holiday visa holders from July 1 will be slashed to 19 per cent following strong representations by The Nationals in Government. Federal Member for the electorate of Parkes Mark Coulton said the change recognised the importance of keeping regional economies strong. “Agriculture…
Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare Last week the Coalition Government announced the first stage in a new approach aiming to revolutionise the welfare system by focusing on improving the individual lives of people trapped in it. This is an issue that is very close to my heart as I represent an area that has…
The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre ‘Golden Wattle’ will hit the road to give people in Condobolin and Lake Cargelligo easy access to essential government payments and services in October. Minister for Human Services, Alan Tudge said the new vehicle demonstrated the government’s ongoing commitment to access to government services for all Australians, no matter…
Dubbo Solar Farm is one of 12 new large-scale solar PV plants set to be constructed across Australia, after securing $5.5 million in funding from the Coalition Government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton welcomed the funding that will support Neoen Australia’s $55.6 million solar project. “The Dubbo…
Budget Savings measures pass through Parliament It was another busy week in the Federal Parliament in Canberra last week. I was pleased that the Coalition Government was able to make tangible headway towards balancing the Budget with the passage of the Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill. The amended Bill passed through the Senate late on Thursday…
Tackling pests and weeds in NSW Landholders throughout the Federal electorate of Parkes will soon be better-equipped to tackle the scourge of pests and weeds thanks to a share in $3 million of federal funding for 23 projects across New South Wales. This is a very welcome announcement particularly for parts of New South Wales…
Opening of the 45th Parliament Last week I was in Canberra for the first sitting week of the 45th Parliament which began with a Welcome to Country ceremony in the Great Hall at Parliament House. On the opening day of the House of Representatives, Member for Casey, the Hon Tony Smith, was re-elected as Speaker…
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton has been elected to the role of Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives for the 45th Parliament. The election of the Deputy Speaker occurred this afternoon as the Parliament sat for the first time. Mr Coulton, who was The Nationals’ chief whip for six years, brings nine years…
Western NSW Cancer Centre update Last week I officially received a petition containing well over 45,000 signatures in support of an integrated cancer centre based at Dubbo Hospital. Receiving this petition is certainly one of those special moments in my parliamentary career to date. I could not have predicted the magnitude of the number of…
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton today welcomed the activation of disaster assistance for local communities following recent storms and flooding in July. Assistance is being provided to the Bogan, Coonamble, Narromine and Warren regions through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA). Mr Coulton said he is dedicated to ensuring…