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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job…
This is without a doubt one of the strangest times any of us has ever lived in. I know many of you are wondering what the future will hold, but I also know that we will get through this pandemic together. As Nationals we’re used to working hard under a lot of pressure – whether…
Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is among the many regional businesses answering the call to produce supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family-owned business has repurposed its distillery at Corowa to make hospital grade hand sanitiser that meets World Health Organisation standards. NSW Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated them for their ingenuity and…
Nationals Leader Michael McCormack has strongly criticised petrol companies for failing to pass on price drops to regional customers. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the Australian economy and every motorist in regional Australia deserves price relief, Mr McCormack said. As not only Deputy Prime Minister but also Minister for Transport, Infrastructure…
A dedicated Department of Regional NSW has been established to better coordinate support for communities, businesses and farmers in the bush that have endured drought, bushfire and flood and now face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Premier, NSW Nationals Leader and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the department will bring together…
