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.…
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…
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…
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…
Giving the Gift of Life A highlight of last week’s Parliamentary sitting period was participating in the 2020 Gift of Life Walk, which raises the profile of the importance of registering as an organ donor. As Minister responsible for the Organ and Tissue Authority, I was proud to participate. The lives of 1,683 Australians were…
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…
Training more rural doctors As both Minister for Regional Health and Member for Parkes, I’m focused on addressing the maldistribution of doctors in the bush. That’s why I was proud to announce last week that 100 additional training places have been allocated to the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) to train more…
Ministerial appointment I am deeply honoured to continue as the Minister responsible for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, having been officially sworn-in on 6 February. I thank Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for asking me to undertake these important roles. Having carriage of these portfolios since May 2019,…
Exciting future for our region We have many opportunities and much to be proud of in the Central West region – that was my main message in my address last week at the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana Inland Growth Summit. The Government has an important role to play in helping to boost our regions.…
Rural health, NDIS discussions During the week I met with representatives of Marathon Health in Dubbo to discuss some of the important programs they are rolling out to deliver quality health and wellbeing services. I was also able to congratulate the organisation on receiving a $20,000 Federal Government grant under the second round of Transition…