The 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…
DetailsThere has been a lot of heat in the discussion over funding for public broadcasters over the last week- let’s look at the facts of the situation. 1. The ABC will continue to receive $5.1 billion dollars in funding over the next 5 years. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is a large organisation receiving more than…
DetailsAhead 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…
DetailsLast week the Government reaffirmed its commitment to the Green Army. This is great news for the Parkes Electorate. Not only will the Green Army have a practical, beneficial environmental outcome, it is also a part of the Government’s Economic Action Strategy. Young people will gain hands on experience and valuable training while making a…
DetailsThe benefits stemming from Australia’s Free Trade Agreement with Japan will be felt right across regional Australia with local businesses and consumers set to reap the rewards of the deal. The landmark Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA) entered into force last week. This means more than 97 per cent of Australia’s goods exports to Japan…
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…
DetailsProductivity Commission study into regional economies Last week it was announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake a study into regional economies. With our national economy’s transition away from the resources-led boom towards broader-based growth, we are seeing different challenges and opportunities for Australia’s regions. This study will help to determine how well different regions…
DetailsLast week was a big one in Canberra with the Coalition Government handing down its second Budget. This Budget has been carefully considered, is appropriate for our economic times and has been designed to be a real shot in the arm for rural and regional Australia. The people of the Parkes electorate face a…
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…
DetailsTragedy during Bastille Day in Nice I was extremely saddened to awake to the terrible news last Friday of the attack on innocent people undertaking Bastille Day celebrations in Nice. It is truly disappointing that on France’s National Day, such a tragic event has taken place. I pass on my deepest sympathies to any local…
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