Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton last week announced 15 projects in the Parkes electorate will share in more than $8 million in funding under the third round of the Federal Government’s Economic Development Program, including a $974,215 upgrade of the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre.

Committed to the Parkes electorate

You’d be aware by now that as a result of the recent Cabinet reshuffle, I am no longer the Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government.

I am proud of all the programs and changes I was able to deliver during my time as Minister, such as the introduction of the Regional Connectivity Program which will improve broadband access to many small towns and villages, and the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program which is assisting councils in every corner of the country to deliver priority local road and infrastructure projects to support jobs and boost the resilience of local economies and to help communities bounce back from the pandemic.

I’m particularly proud and pleased with the progress we’ve collectively made over the past two years in regional health, in the areas of workforce distribution, changes to GP and allied health training and positive improvements to how bush doctors are remunerated.

While I am disappointed to lose my ministerial role, I remain as committed as ever to delivering for the Parkes electorate. I will continue to turn up each and every day for the wonderful people of this electorate. You are the people who have put me in Parliament for the past 14 years, and to you I am very grateful.

$8 million boost for Basin communities

Last week I was thrilled to announce that Murray-Darling Basin communities across the Parkes electorate will share in more than $8 million in funding under the third round of the Coalition Government’s Economic Development Program.

This significant cash injection will fund 15 innovative and practical projects that will have an enduring positive impact on their local communities. These include:

• Wee Waa Medical Professional Housing – $304,000
• Mungindi Business Revitalisation – $450,000
• River Repair Bus for Barwon Regional Area – $250,000
• Narromine Revitalisation and Activation Project – $600,000
• Warren Showground Racecourse Improvement Program – $250,000
• Victory Caravan Park Amenity Block Upgrade at Wilcannia – $489,665
• Narrabri Business Improvement Program – $300,000
• Menindee Film Hub – $192,357
• Warren Water Reservoirs and Grain Silos Murals – $250,000
• Warren Carter Oval Sports Lighting Project – $500,000
• Brewarrina Aboriginal Fishtraps Lookout and River Walk – $920,000
• Collarenebri Community Health Hub – $945,000
• Monkeygar Creek Macquarie Marshes Bird Viewing Project at Warren – $500,000
• Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre Upgrade – $974,215
• Collarenebri Bore Bath – $920,124

These projects will create new jobs as they are delivered as well as enduring employment opportunities, while increasing the capacity of these communities to diversify and strengthen their local economies.

Key measures now in place

The Coalition Government is continuing to secure Australia’s recovery from COVID-19 with a number of key measures in effect as of 1 July.

More than 10 million low-and-middle income earners will be eligible to receive tax cuts worth up to $1,080 for individuals or up to $2,160 for couples.

Small and medium sized businesses will benefit from a tax rate drop of 25 per cent, the extension of the instant asset write-off and the temporary loss carry-back regime, and an increase in wage subsidies so hiring an eligible job seeker is supported by up to $10,000.

First home buyers and single parents now have the opportunity to enter the housing market, with an additional 30,000 places available to eligible applicants under the Coalition Government’s First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, the temporary New Home Guarantee program, and the Family Home Guarantee.

The YourSuper comparison tool is now online, giving Australians access to a single, trusted and independent source of information to compare fees and returns.

The Government is also slashing red tape for skilled workers who’ll now have an easier time working across states and territories.

Together, these comprehensive measures will put more money in the pockets of hard-working Australians and help support the creation of jobs.

NAIDOC Week a chance to heal

This week is NAIDOC Week – a time to celebrate our rich Indigenous cultures, honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, and recognise the significant contribution Indigenous people make to our lucky country.

This year’s theme, Heal Country!, is not only a call for us to better protect and preserve our lands, waters, sacred and historically significant sites, but is also an opportunity to reflect on past injustices and the ways we can all support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to thrive.

The Parkes electorate boasts one of the largest Aboriginal populations in Australia and I am proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners across the region, including the Kamilaroi, Muruwari, Ngiyampaa, Paakantyi, Mulyanguppa, Wilyakali, Tubba-Gah and Wiradjuri people.

NAIDOC Week is a particularly special time for communities across the Parkes electorate and there’s plenty happening over the next week to celebrate. I encourage everyone to get involved in a COVID-Safe event in your community, being sure to adhere to current health advice. To find an event near you, visit naidoc.org.au.