Author Archives: Paul Christenson

“It is time to put an end to the lines on a map that are tormenting people’s lives” – Nationals to scrap 500kv transmission lines

An elected Nationals Government will scrap the Minns Labor Government’s proposed construction of 500kv transmission lines from Walcha to Bayswater. The Nationals will cap the over-budget and delayed New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) at its current level and prioritise upgrades to existing infrastructure if necessary. Nationals Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the…

Nationals unveil plan for more affordable, reliable, and resilient energy

The NSW Nationals have a plan to support families, back jobs, and get NSW back to the top of the pack. A key part of that plan is delivering a more affordable, reliable, and resilient energy system that puts downward pressure on power bills and supports economic growth. Under Labor families and businesses are struggling,…

Labor’s budget confirms NSW is going backwards

The NSW Nationals have slammed the Minns Labor Government’s Budget, saying it confirms that NSW is going backwards and Labor has no plan to grow the economy, support families or back business and jobs. Labor’s fourth Budget reveals: • NSW is entering a per capita recession, with economic growth forecast at 1% while population increase…

Four Corners one-sided on timber

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester has slammed the ABC for its ‘one-sided coverage’ of the Australian timber industry. Mr Chester said the Four Corners program, which aired on Monday night, was another example of biased reporting focused on environmental activism. “From the first sentence of the program, it was obvious the…

Decades of community advocacy earns State Heritage Listing for MV Beardmore

State Nationals Member for Clarence Richie, Williamson, has welcomed the formal listing of the historic MV Beardmore on the NSW State Heritage Register. The Minister for Heritage has accepted a recommendation of the Heritage Council, with the listing officially published in the NSW Government Gazette on June 19. Mr Williamson said this marks a significant…

NSW Farmers need urgent action on China beef tariffs

The NSW Nationals stand with farmers in opposing China’s additional 55 per cent tariff on Australian beef imports. NSW Nationals Leader and Shadow Minister for Regional NSW and Trade Gurmesh Singh said Chris Minns needs to pick up the phone to his good mate Anthony Albanese to ensure Canberra are fighting hard for our beef…

$100 rego rebate for drivers

A Nationals Government will deliver a $100 registration rebate for NSW drivers as part of a broader plan to ease the cost of living and reduce the cost of driving. Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said under our plan, individuals will be able to claim a $100 rebate on the registration of a private-use vehicle, with…

“Abandonment dressed up in government spin” – 38 months later, Wee Waa health service still ‘temporarily reduced’

The NSW Nationals are calling for the Minns Labor Government to properly fund and restore hours for Wee Waa Health Service as part of the upcoming Budget. Since May 2023, Wee Waa Hospital has been operating on so-called “temporarily reduced” hours from 8am to 5:30pm. Shadow Minister for Health and Regional Health, Sarah Mitchell, said…

Federal Leader’s address to NSW Nationals Annual General Conference

Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen, delegates. It’s wonderful to join you again at the New South Wales Nationals Conference. I’ll save some thanks for Rick a bit later on. Just apologize to start off with, I was here a little late because I did the Park Run this morning, and Gurmesh is pretty…

Nats announce record investment to back farmers and target feral pigs

An elected Nationals Government will fund a $300 million biosecurity and control program for the coordination and management of feral animals to protect our critical primary industries sector and conserve our environment. Agriculture contributes approximately $25.5 billion per year to the NSW economy. The sector is one of NSW’s most productive and important industries, yet…