It goes without saying that when Federal Parliament returns from its Winter break, there will be many issues on the table for extensive consideration and debate. Before this occurs, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge my colleague, the late Don Randall MP, who sadly passed away last month. Don was…
DetailsLast week in Canberra, I had the pleasure of meeting the students from the current Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) program. During their visit to Parliament House, the students were treated to a special meeting with Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott MP. The students also met with some of my other…
DetailsAs part of my Parliamentary Committee service in Canberra, I am currently a Member of the House of Representatives Indigenous Affairs Committee. With the Federal electorate of Parkes currently spanning one-third of Western New South Wales (NSW), I am proud to represent more Aboriginal people than nearly any other Member of Parliament in Canberra.…
DetailsABS Census Over the past week my offices have received enquiries about the upcoming 2016 Census. It is compulsory for everyone to complete the Census as it provides important information about Australia’s people and their housing as well as helping to estimate Australia’s population. This information is then used to distribute government funds and plan…
DetailsWork begins on New Dubbo Bridge It was wonderful to see construction work has begun on the foundations of the New Dubbo Bridge after years of planning and investment by the former Coalition Government in conjunction with the New South Wales Government. I’ve been actively involved in advocating for this project to proceed and…
DetailsWestern NSW healthcare milestones We’re one step closer to providing patients in Dubbo and Western New South Wales with world-class cancer care. During the week we marked the commencement of demolition works to make way for the Western Cancer Centre to be built. I was joined by Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, Chief Executive of…
DetailsWestern Cancer Centre open to patients Last week marked one of my proudest as the Member for Parkes, when the state-of-the-art Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo opened to patients. The Western Cancer Centre is something I’ve fought passionately for and I’m thrilled to see this critical project become a reality. The $35 million facility at…
DetailsWeek on the road I spent last week on the road travelling from Warialda to Broken Hill via Moree, Walgett, Grawin, Brewarrina, Bourke and Cobar, to catch up with local councils, community groups and constituents. With such a large electorate in geographical terms, it’s never easy getting to every community in Parkes, though I always…
DetailsVisa program changes to benefit farmers The Coalition Government has made changes to two visa programs that will help resolve agricultural labour shortages in the Parkes electorate, assisting farmers to continue to do what they do best. Adjustments to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) subclass 417 and 462 visa program have been designed to target…
DetailsA gem for Lightning Ridge I was thrilled to be able to announce $9.5 million for stage one of the Australian Opal Centre project in Lightning Ridge on Sunday under Round 3 of the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund. This marks an exciting step forward for the economic, cultural and tourism capabilities of the…
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