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

Small country newspapers get boost from government

The Federal Nationals in Government are giving grants to small country newspapers to support their sustainability. Federal Nationals Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said four small publishers in his electorate would share in more than $440,000, providing a welcome boost to local journalism. “I’m thrilled that the Gilgandra Weekly, Condobolin Argus, Coonabarabran Times and Coonamble…

Parkes Logistics Terminal officially opens

Parkes is set to be the epicentre of regional growth and opportunity with the opening of a $35 million logistics terminal that will connect to The Nationals in Government’s $9.3 billion investment in the Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail. The private sector investment by Pacific National, SCT Logistics and Linfox will enhance productivity from Inland…

Federal Nationals’ Drought Response Plan

The Nationals in Government continues to stand with our drought-affected farmers and regional communities. We’ve committed more than $7 billion to drought. It’s not a set-and-forget response. We continue to listen to farmers and communities affected and will continue to respond. Our National Drought Response Plan has three parts: HELPING THOSE AFFECTED RIGHT NOW First,…

Marshall’s tough talk on food labelling

NSW Nationals Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall has secured support to lobby for urgent action on meat and milk food labelling. The issue of plant-based “milk” and fake meat made from plants has been of major concern to primary producers and consumers for some time, and Mr Marshall is determined to make sure soy, almond and…

Gurmesh Singh

Nationals launch Buy Regional campaign

The NSW Nationals in Government are encouraging retailers to list their details on the new Buy Regional hub, which is connecting metropolitan shoppers with rural and regional small businesses in the lead-up to Christmas. Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the Buy Regional campaign was an online hub showcasing regional shops and sellers together…

Small businesses working hard through drought

NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has congratulated Tamworth City Dance Academy for being named Regional Business of the Year, New England North West. Mr Anderson also paid tribute to a number of businesses and people who were recognised at the awards ceremony as well. “Businesses small, medium or large are facing some pretty…

It’s official: Sam Farraway joins the Upper House

A Bathurst-based small businessman and longtime NSW Nationals Member, Sam Farraway has been selected by a joint sitting of the NSW Parliament to fill a casual vacancy in the Legislative Council. Mr Farraway replaced former MLC and Nationals Deputy Leader, the Hon. Niall Blair, who retired from the Legislative Council on Wednesday. The 33-year-old has…

Labor sells out farmers by opposing trespass laws

The historic Right to Farm Bill has passed the Legislative Assembly, despite Labor’s best efforts to protect vegan vigilantes. Shadow Minister for Primary Industries Jenny Aitchinson and NSW Labor sold out and betrayed rural communities by opposing the Bill, which establishes the toughest penalties in the nation for illegal farm invasions. NSW Nationals Minister for…

Nats in Government boost Farm Household Allowance

The Federal Nationals in Government have introduced improvements to the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) to help more farmers through periods of hardship. It is the next step in responding to the independent review of FHA which will see more than 30,000 farmers able to access this immediate support. Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan…

Nationals To Introduce Bill To Fast-Track Dam Building

NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders has welcomed historic legislation to facilitate declared emergency drought works and fast-track the construction of new dams across drought-stricken regional NSW. Mr Saunders said this legislation would truncate processes to fast track water projects in order to secure short-term water supply. In addition, three new dams will be…