Earlier this year I joined with other members of parliament in forming a parliamentary committee, the Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development, initiating a drought inquiry to gather vital information to support drought affected communities in NSW.
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The committee will inquire into and report on the impacts of drought on regional NSW and identify potential Government action with particular reference to regional businesses, economies and communities.
These include: population loss and loss of key trades, skills and businesses, and community services such as schools and medical services; business debt finance and responses of financial companies to the impact of drought; direct and indirect impacts of drought on businesses and industries; transition and recovery from drought when drought conditions begin to improve; preparedness for future drought events; assessment of current Government programs, temporary relief from state taxes, charges and levies for drought affected businesses; capacity and coordination of town water supplies and further recycling opportunities; and any other related matter.
If you would like the opportunity to raise specific issues or provide information or suggestions on any of the above please go to the parliamentary website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries.
In the list of inquiries, click on 'Support for drought affected communities' which is dated September 25, 2019.
Click on the submissions tabs and follow the prompts to lodge your comments.
I urge our drought affected community to take part in this inquiry as it is important regional voices are taken to account with Government decisions.
Ultimately, regional areas which are most affected and also most knowledgeable when it comes to the impact of the drought. Note that submissions close November 29.
Nats use QLD contractors
It was very disappointing, although not surprising, to be informed the Nationals decided to use interstate contractors to construct in excess of 30 overtaking lanes along the Newell Highway, rather than using local contractors and thereby helping support our economy at a time when we need it most.
Recently, I joined council representatives from Forbes and Gilgandra Shires in a meeting with Paul Toole, Deputy Leader of the Nationals, to discuss this outcome and the impacts such a decision has on our regional communities and to pressure him to ensure such a decision is not repeated.
In the meeting Minister Toole acknowledged the contracts were indeed awarded to a Queensland company rather than the local councils, who are fully equipped, capable and certified to perform such constructions, as they have done in the past.
I made Minister Toole aware of my position on this matter; local commercial entities must be given opportunity to tender and should be given priority.
This is also the view of the councils, who I support wholeheartedly on this matter. I will continue to pressure the Government to make decisions that 'walk their talk'.
If they say they support regional communities, this needs to be backed up with initiatives that insure the flow of funds is not shifted interstate, but stay where they're needed.
Taxpayer's outrage at this Government is certainly justified.
Good Luck HSC Students
Soon year 12 student's written exams will commence, and I wish all the best of luck.
Please remember while it's important to give your best, it's also important to take some time out to care for your mental and physical wellbeing.
You have an exciting future ahead, outside of this one result.
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