“A hero who gave everything to keep us safe” – a statement from Tanya Thompson MP on the passing of volunteer firefighter Leo Fransen

Captain Leonardus Fransen, a life member of the Diamond Beach Rural Fire Brigade, tragically lost his life yesterday while fighting the Hudson bushfire in north-western New South Wales. With great sadness, I extend my condolences to Leo’s family; his wife Margaret and children Julia and Paul, as well as his friends, and his entire RFS…

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A callous stitch-up on regional, rural, and remote Australia – ALP wields axe on key regional projects

Nationals Leader David Littleproud said the Albanese Labor government doesn’t understand what’s happening in regional Australia, following its decision to scrap more than 50 infrastructure projects. “In May last year, the Prime Minister said that he would govern for every Australian. That’s unless you live in regional, rural and remote Australia,” Mr Littleproud said. “Minister…

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Perinatal Mental Health Week

This is Perinatal Mental Health Week. It is a national week to raise awareness, inform and support those experiencing anxiety, depression and confusion that can come during and shortly after pregnancy. The organisation PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – created Perinatal Mental Health Week in 2005 to help the community and health professionals…

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No modelling as Labor destroys 3000 jobs

It’s been revealed Labor failed to undertake modelling on the impact of banning live sheep exports, before announcing the shutdown of the live sheep export trade. The revelations came during Question Time in Parliament, when Nationals Leader and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud asked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese if Labor had undertaken any economic modelling…

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$5 million boost for gateway to Wingham

Federal Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie has announced a $5-million funding boost for the Cedar Party Creek Bridge Replacement project at Wingham. The project, worth more than $20-million, is being undertaken by Transport for NSW in collaboration with MidCoast Council. Dr Gillespie said the Cedar Party Creek Bridge replacement project would see the…

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On Farm Connectivity Program

Federal Nationals Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has welcomed the opening of applications for Round 1 of the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) The program is a new one which is intended to boost productivity, growth, and sustainability through connected technology in the agriculture sector. “This new program is an opportunity for primary producers to…

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ACCC must investigate supermarket meat prices

Nationals Leader and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is calling on Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Agriculture Minister Murray Watt to investigate supermarket meat sale prices. Mr Littleproud said Treasurer Chalmers and Minister Watt must urgently direct the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to hold a price inquiry. “According to Meat and Livestock Australia, some…

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Optus outage proves need for mandated mobile roaming

Nationals Leader David Littleproud is calling for mandated domestic mobile roaming in regional, rural and remote Australia in the wake of the Optus outage. Mr Littleproud said the outage, which impacted 10 million Australians, underlined the need to introduce mandated mobile roaming, initially through a pilot program in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia,…

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Remembering the fallen

Tomorrow, November 11, we commemorate the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the fighting in the First World War. Every year, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we mark the time and date in 1918 when the guns fell silent on the Western Front after more than four years…

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Further flood recovery support welcomed

Federal Nationals Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed further funding for flood recovery in the Central West under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Mr McCormack said the recovery efforts were far from over, particularly in the Forbes and Parkes Shires in his electorate, as well as neighbouring Cabonne and Lachlan Shires. “The Forbes…

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Cowra CWA – 100 not out!

Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has expressed her appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Cowra CWA Branch during recent celebrations marking its 100th birthday. The CWA is the largest women’s organisation in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children. It has around 8000 thousand members in hundreds of branches,…

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Surf clubs encouraged to apply for cash splash

NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs are being encouraged to apply for their share of $5.25 million in funding for the upgrade, restoration, or construction of facilities. Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh, said applications are now open for the Surf Club Facility Program with grants of up to $1 million up for grabs. “We…

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No more delays for Muswellbrook bypass

Upper Hunter Nationals MP Dave Layzell is calling on federal minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, to end the delays and fund construction of the Muswellbrook Bypass. Mr Layzell said Transport for NSW officials have told Budget Estimates the New England Highway project is on hold awaiting the outcome of…

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Bushfire disaster assistance for Clarence Valley

Disaster assistance is now available for the Clarence Valley local government area (LGA) following severe bushfires. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). NSW Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson has welcomed the support following what he described as “a hellish time” on the fire grounds. “Firefighting crews…

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