Get the latest news and see what our Members have been up to in their electorates.

Targeted support for the arts

To help the Arts sector deal with the devastating impact of COVID-19, which has seen performances cancelled, venues closed and many performers and crew hit by the loss of gigs, the Federal Nationals in Government are committing $27 million in targeted support across three particularly vulnerable areas of specific need. In regional Australia, many artists…

Hearing the voice of regional youth

NSW Nationals Regional Youth Minister Bronnie Taylor has joined those working remotely with a Regional Youth Taskforce (RYT) teleconference focusing on how young people in regional and rural communities connect digitally and physically to individuals and services. Established in 2019, the RYT advises the Minister and NSW Government agencies on policy decisions and issues affecting…

North coast closed for Easter says local MP

NSW Nationals Member for Tweed Geoff Provest has issued a stern warning to Queenslanders looking to head south for Easter. “There is growing concern in regional NSW that people from the cities are planning Easter holidays in places like the Tweed in the mistaken belief that regional areas are safer and that there are fewer…

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…