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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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This is without a doubt one of the strangest times any of us has ever lived in. I know many of you are wondering what the future will hold, but I also know that we will get through this pandemic together. As Nationals we’re used to working hard under a lot of pressure – whether…
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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…
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Nationals Leader Michael McCormack has strongly criticised petrol companies for failing to pass on price drops to regional customers. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the Australian economy and every motorist in regional Australia deserves price relief, Mr McCormack said. As not only Deputy Prime Minister but also Minister for Transport, Infrastructure…
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A dedicated Department of Regional NSW has been established to better coordinate support for communities, businesses and farmers in the bush that have endured drought, bushfire and flood and now face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Premier, NSW Nationals Leader and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the department will bring together…
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A suite of safety measures are being rolled out along the Mitchell Highway with construction of wider road shoulders, improvements to drainage and installation of new roadside barriers now underway at Cooba Road, west of Dubbo. NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the $1.25 million project was being delivered through the Safer Roads…
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