Week on the road I spent last week on the road travelling from Warialda to Broken Hill via Moree, Walgett, Grawin, Brewarrina, Bourke and Cobar, to catch up with local councils, community groups and constituents. With such a large electorate in geographical terms, it’s never easy getting to every community in Parkes, though I always…
A win for Indigenous education I’m a keen advocate for the work of Clontarf Academies, which is why I was so pleased to speak at the launch of Narromine Clontarf Academy last week. Already more than 60 young Indigenous boys are benefitting from this academy, with that number expected to grow next year. In my…
AgQuip, Inland Rail, local government I always enjoy my time at AgQuip, and this year was no different. AgQuip is synonymous with primary producers and machinery enthusiasts right around my electorate, and it’s a great day out for locals in the region. I took the opportunity while I was in town to catch up with…
New opportunities for North West students Minister for Education Dan Tehan joined me in the North West last week to officially open the Country University Centres – North West regional study hub. The hub means that students living in the Moree and Narrabri areas will have access to campus-like facilities with modern IT equipment, and…
Week in summary It was fantastic to speak at the Country Mayors Conference in Sydney on Friday, which followed the end of another Parliamentary sitting week in Canberra. The Country Mayors Association of NSW represents rural and regional member councils in NSW, of which there are 68. I was pleased to address attendees in both…
Future Drought Fund passes Parliament I’m thrilled that the Future Drought Fund legislation passed through the Senate last week, meaning a new centrepiece for Australian drought, and a guaranteed investment of $100 million a year towards drought preparedness. I’m proud that this Government delivers for our farmers and rural and regional Australia. Investments from the…
A regional focus for PM’s visit Dubbo was abuzz on 18 July for the Daily Telegraph’s Bush Summit, which helped to shine a light on what makes our regions so strong and vibrant, and how we can build on that into the future. I particularly enjoyed listening to panels consisting of industry, business and government…
Welcoming the PM back to Dubbo Welcoming the Prime Minister Scott Morrison back to my electorate this week – the second time in under three months – will be very exciting for the Dubbo region. I welcome any opportunity to have the Prime Minister visit and get to know the issues that matter most to…
Return of Parliament I returned to the nation’s capital last week with the official opening of the 46th Parliament taking place on 2 July. It was wonderful to be sworn in for the fifth time as the local member, and I thank the people of the Parkes electorate for their ongoing support. I’m excited to…
Australia’s 27th Governor-General and 46th Parliament On Monday 1 July, General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) will be sworn in as the 27thGovernor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. General Hurley’s appointment was approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in December 2018 following a recommendation being made by the Prime Minister. General Hurley…