Related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 update – More masks, flu vaccines

Federal Nationals Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton says $52 million for rural COVID-19 aeromedical retrievals will help support our communities. It comes as the Government secures three million additional doses of seasonal influenza vaccines to protect Australians from the flu, in an effort to take the usual load off the health system during the pandemic.…

NBN assistance for regional families and businesses

The Nationals in Government have announced that NBN Co will provide $150 million in financial relief to internet providers so they can assist families and businesses accessing the NBN during COVID-19. Nationals Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said this package was targeted at supporting low-income households that have school-aged children, and provides financial hardship relief…

Councils now able to delay rates and waive fees

The NSW Government has made a series of regulatory changes to ensure council resources continue to be focused on frontline COVID-19 response efforts and allow councils to provide financial relief to businesses and residents. NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the changes acknowledge that MidCoast Council is redirecting resources to ensure the…

Flying doctors bring specialists to the regions

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) and Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) have taken another step in their longstanding partnership to provide quality health care for people in rural and regional NSW. NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the RFDS will facilitate flights three days a week to transport doctors from Sydney…

Bronnie Taylor

It’s OK to not be OK, says Nats Minister

This year has been especially challenging for people in rural and regional areas, says NSW Nationals Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor. In the face of immense adversity, our communities have shown their resilience throughout. Just as people were aware and alert to fires in the region, now they are aware and alert to the importance…

Nationals fight to protect country media

A suite of measures including short term relief and long term support have been announced to help sustain Australian media businesses through to the other side of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The NSW Nationals were disappointed to hear of the closure of regional newsrooms because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with non-daily papers across the state…

Boost for Clarence Valley youth and Aboriginal culture

The NSW Nationals in Government are preparing for the post-coronavirus era with three significant grants that will enhance amenities for younger Clarence Valley residents, artists and develop local Indigenous culture, according to local Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis. “The NSW Nationals in Government are providing Clarence Valley Council around $170,000 for three terrific projects,” Mr Gulaptis…