Ahead of the 2016 federal election, the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) last week released details of its proposal for changes to the federal electoral boundaries in New South Wales (NSW). Under the proposed changes, the Parkes electorate would see a rather significant increase in its geographic size. Currently this electorate covers almost one third…
DetailsExporters and producers throughout rural and regional New South Wales are now one step closer to experiencing the range of benefits from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). The enabling legislation for this landmark agreement passed through the House of Representatives last week after the Coalition Government secured bipartisan support for the agreement. …
DetailsI welcome last week’s announcement by the Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter MP of a $20 million Volunteer Grant funding round. This Commonwealth Government funding provides a fantastic opportunity for community organisations to apply for grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 to assist their volunteers by helping to make their work…
DetailsLast week marked one month since the commencement of the Government’s new National Work Experience Programme which aims to help job seekers gain valuable experience in workplaces around the country. I am a big supporter of this programme as it gives job seekers the opportunity to experience a placement in a work-like role so…
DetailsBusinesses, councils and not-for-profit organisations in Parkes have an opportunity to secure funding from the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Programme to help create more jobs and to strengthen and diversify the local economy. This follows the announcement by the Australian and NSW governments that $14.1 million of funding would soon be available to…
DetailsI was very pleased to see the results of the independent evaluation of the Work for the Dole pilot, which ran from 1 July 2014, released to the public last week. The Evaluation of Work for the Dole 2014-15 showed how the programme is enabling more Australians to get work-ready by helping programme participants…
DetailsWith only one parliamentary sitting week left for 2015, the Coalition Government is working very hard to address some of the key issues facing our communities. One of these is mental health. Last week the Coalition Government released its response to the National Mental Health Commission’s Review of Mental Health Programme and Services. The…
DetailsFollowing the Paris climate talks last week, local governments throughout the electorate of Parkes now have the opportunity to cut their energy bills and reduce emissions as part of a new a $250 million loan package under the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC). Local councils could invest in clean technology across their operations,…
DetailsI am very pleased to confirm that the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) will enter into force on Sunday, 20 December 2015 opening up fantastic opportunities for our local exporters. This announcement by the Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon Andrew Robb AO MP follows the ‘exchange of notes’ between both countries in…
DetailsThe Federal Government has released the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). The purpose of the MYEFO is to provide an update on the economic and fiscal outlook for Australia. It also provides an update on the Federal Government’s budgetary position. It doesn’t come as any real surprise that the Government’s budgetary position…
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