While 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…
DetailsRenewable energy was on the agenda again in Parliament last week, with the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Amendment Bill up for debate. The proposed legislative amendments contained in the bill restore some balance in the Renewable Energy Target (RET) Scheme. They also bring the RET back to a more achievable level. Renewable energy plays an…
DetailsNational Heritage places are of outstanding heritage value to the nation and reveal the richness and diversity of Australia’s extraordinarily natural environment. The Parkes Electorate is no exception and is home to many of these iconic places. The Australian Government is now calling for nominations for new places to be included on the National Heritage…
DetailsLast week marked the first parliamentary sitting week of 2016 and what better way to end the week than with the signing of the agreed text for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP is a landmark regional trade agreement covering some of the world’s largest economies including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico,…
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…
DetailsI was honoured to host my colleague and friend, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development the Hon Warren Truss MP in Dubbo and Narromine last week. We firstly attended the Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets with the Mayor of Dubbo Councillor Mathew Dickerson viewing plans for the upgrade of the cattle…
DetailsAn alarming study commissioned by Woolworths earlier this year showed some shocking statistics when it comes to knowing where our food comes from. According to the study of over 1600 children aged between six and 17 year olds more than 60% did not know that mint grows from the ground and 92% didn’t know that…
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,…
DetailsThe Rudd/Gillard/Rudd Labor Governments did the Australian a great disservice by claiming over and over that they achieved a Budget surplus. The truth is the last time a Federal Labor Government delivered a surplus was back in the 1989-1990 Budget. The elected representative for the Federal Seat of Longman, 23 year old Wyatt Roy, has…
DetailsGiving our local youth a go I am very proud to be part of a Federal Government that is getting young Australians ready and able to join the workforce through the Coalition Government’s innovative Youth Jobs PaTH programme. Youth Jobs PaTH (Prepare-Trial-Hire) will help increase young people’s job prospects by ensuring they are better prepared…
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