In April last year I invited the then Shadow Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, Senator Michael Ronaldson to the Electorate to meet with Veterans to discuss the fair indexation of the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits (DFRB) and Defence force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) military superannuation pensions. Senator Ronaldson and I both publicly pledged to deliver…
DetailsWhen I was growing up, and even when my children were in their formative years, cyber safety was not really something that I had to worry about. In current times cyber safety is crucial not only for children but people of all ages. The internet is an incredible tool which has evolved remarkably over the…
DetailsThe future of freight in Australia will be key to our productivity. This is why I am so passionate about the future of the Inland Rail. Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss came to Moree on Friday 7th March to attend the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Symposium. The Symposium was a great success and I…
DetailsLast week the Australian Government completed an intergovernmental agreement between all jurisdictions on the Murray Darling Basin Plan. This Agreement included a commitment to cap water purchases at 1500 gigalitres and prioritise water infrastructure programmes. Both are key to binging balance back to the Murray Darling Basin discussion. Many of the valleys in the Parkes…
DetailsThis week is DonateLife week and provides us with a great chance to have a conversation with our loved ones about organ and tissue donation. This is the most important step in ensuring that your wishes are followed in the unfortunate event that organ or tissue donation becomes a possibility. As well as ensuring that…
DetailsThe drought continues to be the biggest ongoing issue in the Electorate with some areas being affected for two years now. I call on community members to support each other in these times of stress. I would also encourage farmers who are drought affected to resist the urge to “self-assess” when it comes to accessing…
DetailsThis week marks the return to Parliament for 2014 and the new Government is determined to continue the return of sensible and stable governance. One of the key issues in the coming sitting weeks will be the carbon tax. Whilst the Coalition has acted quickly to get rid of the Carbon Tax, it is…
DetailsI have been a supporter of “work for the dole” for a long time. When I was Mayor of Gwydir Shire Council I had significant exposure to work for the dole programs that were successfully implemented under the Howard Government. The people that took part in work for the dole often expressed to me their…
DetailsAustralia Day is a day for celebration and community. Australians come together in appreciation of the great country that we live in, and the opportunities that are available to us. Many choose to mark the day with close friends and family in a truly laid back and Australian style. Congratulations to all who…
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