Last 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…
DetailsIn the lead up to this year's Federal election the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has determined that New South Wales (NSW) will lose one federal electoral division while Western Australia (WA) will gain an extra federal electoral division. As part of the AEC’s redistribution of federal boundaries in NSW, the augmented Electoral Commission has…
DetailsIt is very welcome news that when Federal Parliament returns this week, the Coalition Government will introduce two bills to abolish the Gillard Government's Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) and provide certainty to numerous small business owner-drivers across Australia. The RSRT has set a controversial minimum rates order that industry groups, farmers and truck drivers…
DetailsAfter years of neglect under the Labor Government, the Coalition is putting the focus back on agriculture. The Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper will be the basis for the Government’s policy platform for the agricultural sector. This policy will emphasise the important part that agriculture plays in the Australian economy. The final White Paper is due…
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