Aussie grown is best Demand for Aussie grown produce both domestically and in international markets is on the rise. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resources Economics recently released its Food demand in Australia report to outline key trends. Australia’s food exports have increased by 6.5 per cent a year since 2009-10 to $39 billion…
More sustainable higher education The Coalition Government’s plan for a more sustainable higher education student loans scheme has passed the Parliament. This means future generations will have access to study opportunities at Australia’s world-class institutions, which is good news for the student community right across the Parkes electorate. Under the changes, a student loan will…
STEM grants open for inspiring students From creating robots to attending space camps and events like the International Science and Engineering Fair, students across the Parkes electorate now have the chance to live their science dreams. The latest round of the Australian Government’s Sponsorship Grants is now open to primary and high school students to…
On the road I have been on the road again travelling throughout my electorate, this time with my colleague Dr John McVeigh, Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government. Last week Dr McVeigh and I met with Moree Plains Shire Council to discuss further opportunities to build upon the economic and social benefits of…
Grants for sporting infrastructure I encourage local sporting groups in the Parkes electorate to apply for funding available through a national grant program that will boost community sporting infrastructure. The $29.7 million Community Sport Infrastructure grant program was recently launched by Federal Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie. This grant program enables sport and community organisations to…
Federal Government drought assistance Most of the Parkes electorate is experiencing the ongoing challenges of the current drought. Dry conditions continue across almost all of New South Wales, and I can see the devastation many communities are facing as a result of this. I recently travelled west through my electorate to places like Narromine, Warren,…
Funding for financially vulnerable I am calling on local community organisations to apply for funding to support financially vulnerable Australians access critical services in the Parkes electorate. The Federal Government is providing $328 million in grant funding for community organisations to administer financial crisis assistance and education programs, through the Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity…
On the road across the Parkes electorate I spent last week on the road, travelling from Moree to Narrabri, Dubbo to Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Cobar, Wilcannia and Menindee to Broken Hill, and everywhere in between. The Parkes electorate is just shy of 400,000 square kilometres, and often the best way to serve its many and…
Country of Origin Labelling Country of Origin Labelling became law on 1 July 2018. From 1 July 2016, they were optional and have now become mandatory. Food produced or manufactured from 1 July 2018 and sold in retail stores in Australia must display Country of Origin labels, meaning customers can now easily choose Aussie produce. …
Australian Aid: Friendship Grants As the Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, as well as Member for the Parkes electorate, I am pleased to share the news about Australian Aid Friendship Grants. These grants will bring a new and diverse group of community partners from across Australia into the aid program by awarding grants…