“This is the worst possible time to be adding another cost to businesses already fighting to stay afloat”

The Albanese Government’s card surcharge ban has barely begun, but the Tax Office is already highlighting the problem facing small businesses: you can ban surcharging, but card processing costs don’t magically disappear. Yesterday, the ATO announced they would no longer accept credit card payments following the surcharge ban as they would otherwise need to absorb…

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New innings for Dubbo cricket nets

Competitive and casual cricketers in Dubbo have a brand-new place to practice with the official opening of three upgraded training nets at Lady Cutler Oval today. Joined by representatives of the Dubbo District Cricket Association (DDCA), Cricket NSW and Dubbo Regional Council, Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said it was great to see the…

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Nationals call for release of red tape review

The NSW Nationals are calling for the release of the NSW Productivity and Equality Commission review of red tape in the hospitality sector. The final report and recommendations were handed to the Minns Labor Government in August, but they are still buried under rolls of red tape in the Minister’s bottom drawer. Shadow Minister for…

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Local builder appointed to deliver 36 new health worker homes in Grafton

State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson has welcomed the appointment of local builder Bennett Constructions to deliver 36 new accommodation units for healthcare workers in Grafton. The announcement comes after the official ground-breaking of the $283.8 million Grafton Base Hospital redevelopment earlier this week, marking another important milestone in the transformation of healthcare infrastructure…

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Triple Zero failures demand urgent telco reform

Shadow Emergency Management Minister David Littleproud has welcomed a Senate committee’s report following a year-long inquiry into Triple Zero failures, which exposes major flaws in Australia’s mobile network regulatory framework, but says the Universal Service Obligation (USO) must be reformed and extended to mobile phone infrastructure if mandated roaming is to work. Mr Littleproud said…

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Young celebrates 152nd Show

The Young Showground was the place to be last weekend, as the community came together to celebrate the 152nd Annual SWS Bank Young Show. The much-loved annual event showcased the best of the Young and Hilltops region, with local businesses, industries, producers, exhibitors, and community groups coming together to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage and…

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Landmark day for Clarence Valley healthcare

A major new chapter has begun for Clarence Valley healthcare, with main construction officially getting underway on the $283.8 million redevelopment of Grafton Base Hospital. Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson said today’s sod-turn was a significant milestone and a day for the entire Clarence Valley community to celebrate. “For decades, our community has wanted to…

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Australia exposed by Labor’s debt bomb

Australia is entering a more uncertain global environment with around $1 trillion in Commonwealth debt and the cost of servicing that debt rising. Recently, Australia’s 10-year government bond rate climbed to around 5.4 per cent, levels not seen in 15 years. Shadow Assistant Treasurer and Shadow Minister for Financial Services Kevin Hogan, a former bond…

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