Ministerial appointment I am deeply honoured to continue as the Minister responsible for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government, having been officially sworn-in on 6 February. I thank Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for asking me to undertake these important roles. Having carriage of these portfolios since May 2019,…
DetailsExciting future for our region We have many opportunities and much to be proud of in the Central West region – that was my main message in my address last week at the Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana Inland Growth Summit. The Government has an important role to play in helping to boost our regions.…
DetailsRural health, NDIS discussions During the week I met with representatives of Marathon Health in Dubbo to discuss some of the important programs they are rolling out to deliver quality health and wellbeing services. I was also able to congratulate the organisation on receiving a $20,000 Federal Government grant under the second round of Transition…
DetailsFunding to combat pests and weeds Another $10 million will be delivered to drought-affected farmers and land managers to fight feral animals and weeds, with every local council in my electorate eligible to apply for the Communities Combating Pest and Weed Impacts During Drought Program. Applications to fund projects are now open, and will close…
DetailsDevastating bushfires My heart is with those who have been affected by the devastating fires in affected areas of New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania. These fires are unprecedented and while we are prepared, well organised and well resourced, the rapidly escalating damage and the heart-breaking human cost calls for nothing less than…
DetailsChristmas wishes With this being my last column for 2019, I’d like to wish all of my constituents a happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous 2020. I hope that many of you will be able to enjoy some time with loved ones throughout the festive season. I’ll be back with my weekly column in…
DetailsBacking local schools with infrastructure grants There were plenty of energetic, smiling faces at St Pius X Primary in Dubbo during my visit to the school last week. I was delighted to announce funding of more than $1 million for the school to upgrade its facilities for students and staff. The grant has been committed…
DetailsMore drought funds for local councils All 18 local councils in my electorate, and the Unincorporated Far West, can now apply for up to $1 million each under the Drought Communities Programme (DCP) to help stimulate local jobs and business. This is on top of the $1 million per council which was delivered for local…
DetailsTrade creating a stronger economy I was pleased to address the important topic of trade during Question Time in Parliament last week. Our ag and mineral exports make an important contribution to Australia’s economic prosperity, and to the vitality of our regional and rural communities. Trade creates more jobs and increases our capacity to pay…
DetailsShaded saleyards ahead of summer Last week I was joined by Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Ben Shields as we proudly unveiled the new shade sails at the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets, made possible with $195,000 in funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme (DCP). The DCP is all about creating projects that provide local…
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