I was very pleased to see the results of the independent evaluation of the Work for the Dole pilot, which ran from 1 July 2014, released to the public last week. The Evaluation of Work for the Dole 2014-15 showed how the programme is enabling more Australians to get work-ready by helping programme participants…
Businesses, councils and not-for-profit organisations in Parkes have an opportunity to secure funding from the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Programme to help create more jobs and to strengthen and diversify the local economy. This follows the announcement by the Australian and NSW governments that $14.1 million of funding would soon be available to…
Last week marked one month since the commencement of the Government’s new National Work Experience Programme which aims to help job seekers gain valuable experience in workplaces around the country. I am a big supporter of this programme as it gives job seekers the opportunity to experience a placement in a work-like role so…
I welcome last week’s announcement by the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP of a $20 million Volunteer Grant funding round. This Commonwealth Government funding provides a fantastic opportunity for community organisations to apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to assist their volunteers by helping to make their work…
Exporters and producers throughout rural and regional New South Wales are now one step closer to experiencing the range of benefits from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). The enabling legislation for this landmark agreement passed through the House of Representatives last week after the Coalition Government secured bipartisan support for the agreement. …
Ahead of the 2016 federal election, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) last week released details of its proposal for changes to the federal electoral boundaries in New South Wales (NSW). Under the proposed changes, the Parkes electorate would see a rather significant increase in its geographic size. Currently this electorate covers almost one third…
Last week marked three months since the release of the Coalition Government’s $4 billion Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. This Paper contains a range of initiatives designed to deliver practical support to the agricultural sector. I am very pleased to report that implementation of programmes and policies under this Paper is progressing well with farmers…
In light of the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of its $100 million Women’s Safety package to respond to family and domestic violence, there has been a lot of discussion happening on this issue right across my electorate. On the one hand, I am very disappointed that many parts of my electorate have been identified as…
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s new look ministry was sworn in by Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove last week. Following this I have been busy speaking with many of my constituents about how their matters will be dealt with under the new Coalition Government. One particular matter being raised with me is the implementation of…
I was very disappointed to learn that as part of the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) current review of voter services for the next Federal election, it is proposed that almost 20% of polling places in the Parkes Electorate will be abolished. The AEC have proposed the abolition of polling places at Albert, Baan Baa,…