The Coalition is carrying through on our commitment to reduce red tape and compliance burden for business and industry. The issue of red tape is one that I have dealt with myself as a farmer and it is a subject that is frequently brought to my attention throughout the Electorate. The Federal Government has committed…
DetailsRecently we have seen Australian sporting teams on the world stage in various codes with varying success. Our national interest in sport is something to be celebrated at the local level. Sport can foster a healthy and active lifestyle which is to the benefit of all communities. The Federal Government announced as a part of…
DetailsThe importance of biosecurity has been highlighted over the last week following the linking of consumption of frozen berries with several cases of Hepatitis A across the country. The Australian Department of Health is coordinating a national health response to this issue after cases were reported in Victoria, News South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.…
DetailsIf you’ve been following the Federal election campaign, you’ve probably heard Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull referring to the Government’s national economic plan for jobs and growth. With last week’s announcement of a review of the non-permanent resident tax rate to backpackers, I found myself reflecting on not just the economic but also social issues that…
DetailsChanges to Coalition Ministerial Arrangements Last week, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced changes to the Coalition Ministry that he will be recommending to His Excellency the Governor General. I take this opportunity to congratulate Greg Hunt who will become the Minister for Health and Minister for Sport. I also congratulate Ken Wyatt, who will become…
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…
DetailsThe 21st National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) was held in Canberra last week. At the NGA, the Australian Rural Road Group (ARRG) held its Annual General Meeting. I was pleased to be invited by the ARRG to speak at their meeting. The ARRG is a non-political organisation of over 100 rural…
DetailsAt the end of 2014 I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. There have been many tragedies over the last 12 months both at home and abroad. The recent Sydney siege has shown that the world can indeed be a dangerous place. Christmas is a time when we…
DetailsFollowing Warren Truss’ retirement as Leader of The Nationals and other movements in the Coalition Government over the past few weeks, the Turnbull Government Ministry has now been sworn in at Government House in Canberra. These changes have resulted in some significant milestones for The Nationals including a brand new leadership team which, for…
DetailsI was very disappointed to learn that as part of the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC) current review of voter services for the next Federal election, it is proposed that almost 20% of polling places in the Parkes Electorate will be abolished. The AEC have proposed the abolition of polling places at Albert, Baan Baa,…
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