Coulton’s Catch Up – Critical medical support during COVID-19, Elective surgery restrictions eased, 3 million additional flu vaccines

Coulton's Catchup, COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Photo Caption: Pictured at the recent announcement of a $52.8 million aeromedical retrieval package – Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (centre) with RFDS Federation Executive Director, Frank Quinlan (left) and RFDS South Eastern Section CEO, Greg Sam (right).   Critical medical support during COVID-19 Early…

Coulton’s Catch Up – More National Cabinet actions on COVID-19, NBN assistance for families + businesses, Federal Government guarantees domestic flight network

Coulton's Catchup

More National Cabinet actions on COVID-19 National Cabinet last week agreed that Australia will continue to progress a successful suppression/elimination strategy for the virus, with new modelling that has confirmed that measures put in place to suppress the virus have largely been successful. I have made it clear that I feel our efforts to minimise…

Coulton’s Catch Up – JobKeeper legislation gets green light, Keeping our kids safe online, Saluting their service + more

Coulton's Catchup, COVID-19 (coronavirus)

JobKeeper legislation gets the green light I made the trip to Canberra last week for a Parliamentary sitting day on Wednesday, which was solely dedicated to addressing the Coalition Government’s $130 billion JobKeeper payment. A 20-hour return trip by car from my home near Warialda was made all the more worthwhile with the successful passage…

Coulton’s Catch Up – Protect yourself against the flu, Meals on Wheels helps more at home, supporting households + small businesses

Coulton's Catchup, COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Protect yourself against the flu With the 2020 flu season not far away, I’m encouraging those in my electorate to book in for a vaccination against seasonal influenza during April – particularly people in vulnerable groups or age brackets. You can speak to your GP, pharmacist or aged care provider to arrange a flu vaccination.…

Coulton’s Catch Up – COVID-19 stimulus progresses, Business hotline ramps up, NBN enhances data

Coulton's Catchup, COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 stimulus progresses Last week I welcomed the news that Bills had passed Federal Parliament across two economic support packages worth $17.6 billion (package 1) and $66 billion (package 2). Farm Household Allowance, JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, parenting and special benefit payments will be boosted by a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 a fortnight from 27 April.…

Coulton’s Catch Up – COVID-19 Update, ANZAC Day services, Backing female entrepreneurs

Coulton's Catchup, COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 Update I know that there are people in my electorate who are concerned about COVID-19 and what it means for their communities. I have been in regular contact with the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, who has been briefing me and other Federal Government Ministers on the very latest expert information about the…

Coulton’s Catch Up – Economic boost, Coronavirus, Bringing more doctors to the bush, Supporting young athletes

Coulton's Catchup, COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Economic boost for our communities Last week the Coalition Government announced its $17.6 billion economic plan to keep Australians in jobs, keep businesses in business, and support households and the Australian economy. We’ve been in the thick of drought right for some time now, so the extra stimulus will be most welcome right around the…

Coulton’s Catch Up – Improving digital connectivity, Community arts and culture, PBS breakthroughs

Coulton's Catchup

Improving digital connectivity I recently announced that the next stage of consultation is underway on the $53 million Regional Connectivity Program to improve digital connectivity in rural and regional Australia. I’d like to remind people in the Parkes electorate to have your say on the draft program guidelines – submissions can be made at www.communications.gov.au/regional-connectivity-guidelines…

Coulton’s Catch Up – Western NSW healthcare milestones, roads investment, support for those with Type 1 diabetes

Coulton's Catchup

Western NSW healthcare milestones We’re one step closer to providing patients in Dubbo and Western New South Wales with world-class cancer care. During the week we marked the commencement of demolition works to make way for the Western Cancer Centre to be built. I was joined by Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, Chief Executive of…