The pensioner concessions were slashed in the last federal budget and the NSW Government then agreed to cover the shortfall for 12 months. 

If the Liberals and Nationals are re-elected on March 28, the concessions will be protected for another three years at a cost of $343 million.

The pensioner cuts announced by the federal government included cuts to transport concessions, energy and water bill concessions, council rates and vehicle rego.

I’m pleased the NSW Government will step into the breach to cover what was going to be a real hit for pensioners.

The NSW Government has been able to step in because of the state’s newly-found financial strength. We’ve got the budget back in the black.

This announcement at least gives our pensioners and senior citizens some certainty that they won’t have to find extra money to make up for the cuts. They have enough financial issues to worry about.

In the meantime, we’re asking the Feds to restore the funding.

THE surf was up last week for the opening of the first surfboard/art exhibition in regional Australia.

The surfers of Orange have united to display their boards and tell their stories!

It’s a unique way for the Orange Regional Gallery to connect with the community, and what you see will surprise you! The exhibition is open until the 1st of March. Entry is free, so don’t miss out. 

AFTER years as the economic laughing economic stock of Australia, the latest CommSec report has confirmed that NSW is now propping up the rest of the country, with the fastest rate of economic growth in the nation.

Unemployment rates in NSW are the lowest in Australia, while housing construction is at the highest level for a decade.

NSW also leads the way with the highest retail spending.

NSW has finally emerged from the doldrums and that’s great news for everyone, particularly job seekers.

Long may we keep powering forward!