Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare Last week the Coalition Government announced the first stage in a new approach aiming to revolutionise the welfare system by focusing on improving the individual lives of people trapped in it. This is an issue that is very close to my heart as I represent an area that has…
DetailsBudget Savings measures pass through Parliament It was another busy week in the Federal Parliament in Canberra last week. I was pleased that the Coalition Government was able to make tangible headway towards balancing the Budget with the passage of the Budget Savings (Omnibus) Bill. The amended Bill passed through the Senate late on Thursday…
DetailsTackling pests and weeds in NSW Landholders throughout the Federal electorate of Parkes will soon be better-equipped to tackle the scourge of pests and weeds thanks to a share in $3 million of federal funding for 23 projects across New South Wales. This is a very welcome announcement particularly for parts of New South Wales…
DetailsOpening of the 45th Parliament Last week I was in Canberra for the first sitting week of the 45th Parliament which began with a Welcome to Country ceremony in the Great Hall at Parliament House. On the opening day of the House of Representatives, Member for Casey, the Hon Tony Smith, was re-elected as Speaker…
DetailsWestern NSW Cancer Centre update Last week I officially received a petition containing well over 45,000 signatures in support of an integrated cancer centre based at Dubbo Hospital. Receiving this petition is certainly one of those special moments in my parliamentary career to date. I could not have predicted the magnitude of the number of…
DetailsWith the opening of the 45th Parliament approaching, I was fortunate to be in Canberra last week to meet with newly elected MPs as they undertook a two day seminar outlining their roles and responsibilities. Thirty-nine newly elected Coalition, Labor and Independent MPs will take their seats in the House of Representatives when the House…
DetailsThe announcement by Murray-Darling Basin Authority chief executive Phillip Glyde that the agency will investigate opportunities to decentralise is welcome news. I agree with the Minister for Agriculture the Hon Barnaby Joyce who said the ability of the MDBA to successfully deliver its functions is underpinned by its ability to engage with Basin communities and…
DetailsOn the road My wife Robyn and I had a busy week on the road last week attending meetings and events in Dubbo, Gunnedah and Moree. In Dubbo, I was very pleased to join the residents and staff members of Kintyre Living to officially turn the first sod for construction of an 80-bed residential aged…
DetailsABS Census Over the past week my offices have received enquiries about the upcoming 2016 Census. It is compulsory for everyone to complete the Census as it provides important information about Australia’s people and their housing as well as helping to estimate Australia’s population. This information is then used to distribute government funds and plan…
DetailsAEC Declaration The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has formally declared the result for the division of Parkes for the 45th Parliament, confirming my re-election as the Federal Member for Parkes. I am absolutely honoured to have been re-elected by the people of the Parkes electorate for a fourth term and I am very much looking…
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