Monthly Archives: October 2026

“Clean drinking water should not be a discussion that we are having in rural and regional NSW in 2026″ – Steph Cooke

Pressure is mounting on the Minns Labor Government to address the state’s estimated $5 billion water infrastructure backlog, with regional communities warning that years of underinvestment is putting increasing strain on essential water assets. Last month, Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke announced a $5 billion infrastructure package, supported by mining royalties, to tackle the…

Payroll tax relief from Labor’s “year of hell”

The NSW Nationals will introduce legislation to deliver payroll tax relief, challenging the Minns Labor Government to back small and family businesses struggling with rising costs and taxes. The legislation will put The Nationals’ signature payroll tax policy before the Parliament, giving Labor the opportunity to support reforms that reduce the cost of doing business,…

Local and state leaders double down on key advocacy areas

Mayors, general managers, and council staff from the nine local government areas across the Cootamundra electorate gathered in Harden on Friday for the ninth Mayoral Summit, hosted by Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke. The summit gave local leaders a valuable opportunity to discuss the major challenges facing their communities and engage directly with state…

Nationals reiterate pledge to end net zero and stop activists destroying coal industry

Nationals Leader Matt Canavan has visited a mining business directly linked to Mount Pleasant, pledging a future Nationals Government will support the coal industry and its workers. Senator Canavan had reiterated The Nationals’ pledge to dump net zero and to ensure activities cannot and will not destroy the nation’s prosperity. “The High Court’s decision to…

“Women across regional NSW should not have to worry about giving birth on the side of a road”

“I’ve always said that there’s no point in delivering shiny new buildings if you don’t have the staff to adequately run them,” – Ryan Park, June 2024. The Nationals have again joined with families across the Gunnedah region to demand the Minns Labor Government fully staff maternity services at Gunnedah Hospital. After unveiling the facility…

Labor must act on High Court Mount Pleasant coal mine decision

Today’s High Court decision on the Mount Pleasant coal mine is a direct threat to the Hunter, to thousands of future mining jobs, and to Australia’s standing as a reliable energy exporter. The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments must act immediately to fix the law. The ruling means local planning authorities must now consider the…

Immigration policy to give a fair go to regional Australians

The Nationals’ immigration plan will give a fair go to regional Australians, by restoring the regional workforce and sending jobs where they are needed most. Nationals Leader Matt Canavan said the plan will; • scrap Labor’s backpacker lottery, • incentivise more regional backpackers, with lower fees for regional areas; • reintroduce the Agriculture Visa. “Australia…

Petition demands 24-hour policing for Gunnedah

Photo – Mr Anderson meets the Police Association’s Richard Budd in Gunnedah The push for 24-hour policing for Gunnedah is continuing with a petition ready to the lodged in the NSW Parliament. Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson will be taking the voice of the Gunnedah community to the parliament via an online and a…

Labor must fix its immigration and backpacker mess in the Riverina

Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will urge Labor to fix the immigration and backpacker visa mess it has created for the Riverina this week. Senator Canavan will speak to Cootamundra and Temora locals, about The Nationals’ immigration plan and the clarity needed for local businesses. “The Coalition has announced an immigration plan which is sensible and…

“Superannuation is your money. It’s not Labor’s piggy bank”

Labor is coming after your super, just weeks after Labor claimed it would protect it. Federal Nationals Leader, Matt Canavan, said Labor’s desperation to spend other people’s money was now reaching new heights, with Trade Minister Don Farrell pitching to the US that Australia’s $4.8 trillion superannuation sector could invest in America’s lamb industry to…