Coulton’s Catch Up: Buybacks legislated; Labor rushing to meet renewables target; Events around the Parkes electorate

Buybacks legislated On Thursday 30 November amendments to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan passed the Parliament, legislating uncapped water buybacks into Federal water management policy. While Minister Plibersek and Senator Wong celebrated the development, it was a dark day for agricultural communities in the Murray-Darling Basin, and for Australia as a whole. This legislation cannot and…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Inquiry calls for feedback into flood insurance; Have your say on the Regional Investment Corporation; Work experience student program

Photo caption: Flooding in Condobolin, 2022   Inquiry calls for feedback into flood insurance A Federal Inquiry is currently being conducted into insurers’ responses to 2022 major flood claims, and I’m encouraging affected constituents to participate. I’ve been contacted by many residents from areas as far afield as Gunnedah, Wee Waa and Narrabri who have…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Labor cuts key infrastructure; The Basin comes to Parliament; Threats are not acceptable

Labor cuts key infrastructure I’m appalled by the results of the Labor Government’s Infrastructure Review, part of which was released last Thursday, with more detail expected to be revealed. The Minister for Infrastructure has cut the Moree Intermodal Overpass and the Northern NSW Inland Port at Narrabri which are crucial elements of the Inland Rail.…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Funding for Remote Airstrips; On Farm Connectivity Program opens; Dubbo Regional Sports Awards 2023

Funding for Remote Airstrips Applications are now being sought for Round 10 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program, which will provide up to $12 million in grant funding for airstrips in remote areas nationwide. I’m pleased to see this initiative of the former Coalition Government continued, and anticipate many much-needed improvements to remote airstrips as…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Pink Angels; Thoughts on Palestine; Grants open for CHSP service providers

Pink Angels On a trip to Dubbo recently I had the pleasure of visiting a fundraising BBQ outside the local Bunnings run by Pink Angels Inc. The Pink Angels are an organisation based in Dubbo which was born from the desire to support local breast cancer patients by providing practical assistance such as housekeeping, meals…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Winning photo announced; Rhino Awards highlight business excellence; Cost of living continues to cripple households and businesses

Winning photo announced A striking and iconic photo entitled “Sunrise at Kangaroo Hill” near Lightning Ridge has been chosen as the winner of my 2023 Christmas Card Photo Competition. This image was taken by Naomi Stone and captures the vibrant sunrises and rugged beauty of the Far West. ‘Sunrise at Kangaroo Hill’ was one of a…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Labor Government has passed water amendments; Meetings with Australia Post

Labor Government has passed water amendments I find it appalling that the Labor Government has seen fit to strip the protective mechanisms out of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. The revisions to this plan passed the Lower House this week, and I could not support them in spite of being in support of the original…

Coulton’s Catch Up: After the Referendum; Talking trade and tourism; Get a skin check!

After the Referendum In the wake of the 2023 Referendum on a Voice to Parliament I know there will be many who are pleased with the outcome and also many who are deeply disappointed. At the time of writing the results are yet to be decided, however no matter the outcome I’m encouraging constituents to…

Coulton’s Catch Up: Remote voting issues for Referendum; Coalition consults about water; Strength in our communities

Remote voting issues for Referendum Residents from the Ivanhoe area have contacted my office recently to advise that they weren’t made aware of a Remote Voter Services team visiting the town ahead of the 2023 Referendum on a Voice to Parliament. I reached out to the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) for answers about this, and…

Coulton’s Catch Up: A visit from Coalition colleagues; Senate inquiry into air services; Referendum draws closer

A visit from Coalition colleagues Last week the Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton made time for a visit to Moree and then Dubbo, where we also met with Leader of the Nationals David Littleproud and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. I greatly appreciate that my Coalition colleagues made it a priority…