Regional seniors will benefit from reinforced and prioritised support for Meals on Wheels and similar services as people adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and stay at home. Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said this $59.3 million measure was an important step to ensure some of our most vulnerable residents received the support they…
Key engineering and environmental advisors have been appointed for the raising of the Wyangala Dam wall. NSW Nationals Water Minister Melinda Pavey announced a Stantec-GHD joint venture had been engaged for the project, which aimed to increase Wyangala’s storage capacity by 53 per cent, or an additional 650GL. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she…
The Federal Government will provide an unprecedented wage subsidy to around six million workers, including many throughout regional Australia, says Nationals Leader Michael McCormack. The Deputy Prime Minister and Riverina MP said the $130 billion JobKeeper payment would shield many regional Australians from losing their jobs. “This historic announcement goes to the heart of what…
The NSW Nationals in Government are asking people to put off non-essential travel between regional NSW towns and remote communities, telling them Easter holiday plans should be indefinitely postponed in line with the nationwide effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Leader John Barilaro said he was worried…
The NSW Nationals have welcomed a common-sense exemption to keep freight moving, with restrictions on roadside eateries, truck driver lounges and rest stops eased. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Cabinet approved an exemption for roadhouses, dedicated truck stop facilities and truck driver lounges to remain open so Australia’s heavy vehicle…
Producers, farm workers and farm contractors and suppliers can now apply for a one-off $3000 payment through the Nationals in Government’s Drought Communities Support Initiative. Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the Commonwealth had topped up funding for the program by $82.75 million last month and now the charity dispensing the payments had been…
The NSW Government has released the second stage of its economic package aimed at keeping people in jobs, helping businesses and supporting our most vulnerable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 stage two package include: Keeping people in jobs and helping businesses stay afloat ? The creation of…
Foreign investment review laws will be changed to ensure the interests of regional, rural and remote businesses are protected through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All proposed foreign investments into Australia subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) will require approval, providing a significant protection for agricultural land. By bringing the threshold…
The Federal Nationals in Government will provide additional support to help maintain the regional air network as part of the response to the COVID-19 crisis with a $198 million Regional Air Network Assistance Package, bringing the total aviation commitment to $1 billion. The COVID-19 pandemic is having unforeseen impacts right across Australia and our aviation…
NSW Nationals Leader and Deputy Premier John Barilaro says it’s important to stick together during tough times such as these, in this opinion piece below: This week a number of restrictions were announced. These restrictions are designed to prevent numbers of people gathering together. As we have seen throughout the world, leaders and countries are…
Federal Parliament has passed important coronavirus economic support measures that will cushion the blow of the coronavirus for Australians, including those living in rural and regional areas. Nationals Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton welcomed the news that Bills had passed Parliament on Monday night across two economic support packages…
The Australian Government’s business hotline will now give more support to small and medium businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Operations at the business.gov.au 13 28 46 Contact Centre will increase from five days per week to seven days per week, and provide additional hours of support outside standard operating hours for the first month,…
The Nationals in Government have welcomed more broadband data for Sky Muster satellite customers living in rural and remote Australia. The initiatives include permanent enhancements to NBN Co’s Sky Muster Plus offering, and a temporary increase to data allowances for standard Sky Muster plans to support the increased data needs of rural and regional Australians…
Federal Nationals Member for Parkes Mark Coulton says the way we commemorate ANZAC Day this year will unfortunately need to change, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, governments and officials are working to find ways for Australians to continue to observe this solemn day. “Attending an ANZAC Day service in my electorate every year…
Federal Agriculture Minister and Deputy Nationals Leader David Littleproud has announced a new measure to maintain agricultural production and supply chains through the COVID-19 response. “I’m pleased to announce Mark Tucker will be our Senior Agriculture Industry Engagement Officer,” Mr Littleproud said. “Mr Tucker will be the key liaison between my department and agriculture, fisheries…
