Reminder to get your flu jab

With the 2020 flu season not far away, Federal Nationals Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton is encouraging people to book in for a vaccination against seasonal influenza during April – particularly those in vulnerable groups or age brackets. The vaccination, which can be arranged by a GP, pharmacist or aged care provider, is recommended by…

Pat Conaghan

Respect our frontline health workers

Mid-north coast Nationals MPs have appealed to the public to respect and be kind to our frontline health workers. Federal Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said health workers were a lifeline for the community during the current coronavirus pandemic and their actions deserve our thanks, not abuse. “I want to thank all of our…

We need our farmers more than ever says Nats MP

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has praised the hard work being done by farmers and food processors across NSW to continue to put food on supermarket shelves for Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Farraway said farmers have continued to provide Australians with three meals a day the while battling their own crisis…

Supporting the agriculture workforce during COVID-19

The Federal Nationals in Government are making temporary changes to visa arrangements to help farmers access the workforce they need to secure Australia’s food and produce supply during COVID-19. The changes allow those within the Pacific Labour Scheme, Seasonal Worker Program and working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until…

Congratulations to Shane Fitzsimmons

The NSW Nationals are thanking outgoing NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons for his decades of service to the state, including 12 years as RFS leader, as he prepares to head up the newly-created agency Resilience NSW. Wagga Wagga-based Nationals Upper House MP Wes Fang congratulated the Commissioner on his new appointment. “I can…

New Macksville hospital to open early

The new $73 million Macksville Hospital is expected to be open and operating months ahead of schedule and without any disruptions to normal service delivery. NSW Nationals Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said the opening will help put the Mid North Coast Local Health District in a strong position to manage the operational impacts of…

Next stage of Snowy 2.0 gets green light

More than 150 new jobs will be created and $55 million injected into regional NSW, as the NSW Government gives the go-ahead for construction of the Snowy Hydro Segment Factory – the next crucial stage of the Snowy 2.0 expansion. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the approval of the…

Fee-free TAFE courses during pandemic

A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job…

Local businesses join the fight against COVID-19

Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is among the many regional businesses answering the call to produce supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family-owned business has repurposed its distillery at Corowa to make hospital grade hand sanitiser that meets World Health Organisation standards. NSW Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated them for their ingenuity and…