There is great potential in Australia for developing the production and marketing of industrial hemp. Traditionally there has been resistance to growing hemp because of its association with the cannabis plant. Hemp is similar in appearance to the Cannabis plant but does not possess the same characteristics which have caused Cannabis to be banned. Hemp…
DetailsLast week the guidelines for the National Stronger Regions Fund were released by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss. The National Stronger Regions Fund will invest $1 billion over 5 years in economic development projects and small scale community infrastructure across Australia. The Fund will provide up to 50…
DetailsSix local engagement officers, chosen from over 100 applicants, have been selected and will be located within communities in the Murray Darling Basin to assist with participation in decision making around Commonwealth environmental water. The local engagement officers will be based in Dubbo, Deniliquin, Leeton (NSW), Mildura (VIC), Berri (SA) and Goondiwindi (QLD). I welcome…
DetailsOn the advice of the relevant security and intelligence agencies the National Terrorism Public Alert level has been increased from medium to high. This means that the current situation in Australia has changed from medium – “terrorist attack could occur” to high- “terrorist attack is likely”. This system is designed to guide national preparation and…
DetailsAccusations that the Coalition does not support the renewable energy sector are simply not factual. It was the Howard Government that initially introduced the Renewable Energy Target (RET) back in 2001. Since then a lot of changes have occurred in the energy sector. In 2010 the RET target was increased to 45,000 gigawatt hours by…
DetailsWhile parts of NSW are experiencing an exceptional season there are areas in the North West of New South Wales which are still in the grips of severe drought. Areas in Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett are experiencing a one in one hundred year drought. There is assistance available to farmers and households who are suffering…
DetailsThe Clontarf Foundation is making a difference in communities right across the Parkes Electorate. The Foundation operates through Academies which are associated with local schools and engages young aboriginal boys to keep them in school. Academies have been operating in Moree, Bourke, Coonamble and Brewarrina for the past couple of years and this year a…
DetailsThe safety of regional and rural students will receive a boost of $1.1 million through the Federal Government’s Regional School Busses programme. This programme will upgrade over 61 buses across the country to enable kids to buckle up on their way to and from school. Sadly around 25 people are killed in bus crashes each…
DetailsThe annual Pollie Pedal has succeeded in raising over $700,000 for Carers Australia. This is a great achievement and I am pleased to have been involved in the ride. Tony Abbott founded the Pollie Pedal in 1998 with a group of enthusiastic riders and since then the event has grown to be a significant charity…
DetailsIt is important for Australia to be united if we are to deal with the challenges that we will inevitably face in the future. Australia is a country which shows a remarkable ability to pull together in times of crises and the sense of community is especially strong in country areas. Tragedies like the loss…
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