Christmas is fast approaching and with more than 2,200 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed overseas on operations Australians are being asked to spare a thought for our troops who won’t be able to spend Christmas with their families and friends. The best and most effective way to show support is to send an email…
DetailsAnzac Day always prompts us to take a moment to remember those who have served our country and the price they have paid, sometimes with their health and wellbeing, and in many cases with their lives. I attended the Kokoda Barracks in Dubbo a couple of weeks ago to look at the refurbishment of war…
DetailsAustralia Day has become a day of great national significance which is embraced by Australians regardless of where they have come from or how long they have been here. No matter where you live in Western New South Wales (NSW), you won’t have to look very far to find a community or family event…
DetailsAEC Declaration The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has formally declared the result for the division of Parkes for the 45th Parliament, confirming my re-election as the Federal Member for Parkes. I am absolutely honoured to have been re-elected by the people of the Parkes electorate for a fourth term and I am very much looking…
DetailsThe safety of regional and rural students will receive a boost of $1.1 million through the Federal Government’s Regional School Busses programme. This programme will upgrade over 61 buses across the country to enable kids to buckle up on their way to and from school. Sadly around 25 people are killed in bus crashes each…
DetailsThere has been a significant amount of discussion in the community of late around the growing use of crystal methamphetamine, known as ‘ice’. Last week, Assistant Minister for Health, Senator The Hon Fiona Nash, visited Dubbo where she undertook a community consultation with local professionals and organisations involved with tackling drug and alcohol issues across…
DetailsAustralian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare Last week the Coalition Government announced the first stage in a new approach aiming to revolutionise the welfare system by focusing on improving the individual lives of people trapped in it. This is an issue that is very close to my heart as I represent an area that has…
DetailsBusinesses in the Parkes Electorate are able to apply for support to boost the skills in their workforce with applications now open for the new $476 million Industry Skills Fund. The fund will provide up to 200,000 training places and skills advice for businesses over the next four years. The Industry Skills Fund is a…
DetailsFor the first time in Australian history the Federal Government will be offering a mechanism, similar to the HECS scheme, to young people taking up a trade. The Trade Support Loans will begin from 1July 2014 and this is great news for the regions. The Trade Support Loans will consist of a loan up to…
DetailsExporters and producers throughout rural and regional New South Wales are now one step closer to experiencing the range of benefits from the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). The enabling legislation for this landmark agreement passed through the House of Representatives last week after the Coalition Government secured bipartisan support for the agreement. …
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