Sworn-in to Coalition Ministry
It’s been a memorable week, having been sworn-in to the Coalition Government Ministry on Wednesday 29 May as the Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, in addition to my existing role as Assistant Trade and Investment Minister. The ceremony was held at Government House in Canberra and marked a very special milestone for me as an incoming Minister.
The portfolio areas in my new Ministerial appointment are vital to helping regional communities grow through creating local jobs and backing our farmers, regional small businesses and families. I am pleased that the last 11 years as Member for Parkes have equipped me well to oversee these portfolio areas, and I’m looking forward to bringing my own experience, skills and passion to the job ahead. I have identified key priorities including bringing more doctors to the bush and improving digital connectivity in regional areas. There is plenty of work to be done, and I’ll be making a start immediately.
A great couple of weeks in politics was made all the better with the safe arrival of my second grandchild, William. His parents Claire and Dan are thrilled, and Robyn and I thank everyone for their well wishes.
A committed Coalition Government
Australians have re-elected our Government to get straight back to work. We’ll get on with the job of delivering for all Australians as they go about their own lives, pursuing their goals and aspirations for themselves, their families and their communities, delivering on our commitments to:
• Create 1.25 million more jobs over the next five years
• Maintain budget surpluses and pay down debt
• Deliver tax relief for families and small businesses
• Guarantee increased funding for schools, hospitals, medicines and roads
• Keep Australians safe, including online, and keep our borders secure
I’m looking forward to continuing my work in delivering the infrastructure, services and representation that the people of the Parkes electorate deserve.
Community wellbeing grants on offer
Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has been supported by the Coalition Government to offer more funding for communities affected by drought.
Under the Australian Government’s Empowering our Communities Program, WNSW PHN is now offering a second round of the Community Wellbeing and Drought Support grants. Grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available to facilitate community-led projects to support mental health, social and emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention initiatives.
I have seen the positive outcomes delivered through the first round of this program and I encourage all eligible organisations to consider how they could use a grant to help communities in need.
Community organisations (including sporting clubs and local governments) can apply – to be eligible they must be based in the WNSW PHN region. Applications close 10 June 2019 – for more information, visit www.wnswphn.org.au/drought or call 1300 699 167.
Photo: The Hon Mark Coulton (Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government, and Assistant Trade and Investment Minister) and Sir Peter Cosgrove (Governor-General of Australia) at the swearing-in ceremony on 29 May.
