Mark Banasiak went on to discuss the recent works constructing 30 overtaking lanes on the Newell Highway, where water carters were shipped from Melbourne, and other workers brought in from Queensland.

He explained that to make matters worse, when the interstate company who won the tender went to purchase items from local suppliers, they gave the local business a 90-day term of payment.

"What small business in a town that is already struggling with drought can cop a 90 day cash-flow issue?" Mark Banasiak asked.

Mr Barilaro replied, quite simply: "I agree with you."

My colleague Mark Banasiak then asked if Barilaro would accept that how this has been handled has been a "serious missed opportunity for those areas?"; Barilaro responded: "I scratch my head in relation to that particular outcome".

So, on acknowledging the gross negligence that has occurred in supporting our regional community, what will the National Liberal Government do to rectify this and prevent it from occurring again?

The economy of rural and regional NSW is suffering financially as a result of the drought, and very little of the $174 million contract this government awarded to a big interstate company to work on the Newell Highway will stay in our country communities, who desperately need it.

I and my SFF colleagues will keep the pressure on this Government until they start putting their own state's citizens and drought affected-communities first.

Recently I joined with people from the Canowindra community who are justifiably outraged over this Government's inaction on appropriate safety for school children crossing the highway to and from school each day.

Tilga Street is a very busy road, and I've told the Government many times now that it's important to be proactive, rather than reactive.

Particularly when children's lives are at risk.

This NSW National Liberal Government is refusing to install a zebra crossing and employ a part time supervisor to provide safety for these kids.

I'm curious as to why a Government who can so freely splash the cash around in metropolitan areas is refusing to put the safety of these regional kids first.

I've asked the Minister to outline the costs that would be involved in meeting this need and am awaiting a response.

This is a simple solution, give these kids the same protection as other school kids in other communities across NSW.

Recently in Parliament I asked the Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism, Stuart Ayres MP, what measures the Government is implementing to increase tourism and visitation to rural and regional New South Wales.

Tourism brings much needed money to our drought-affected area and helps keep country businesses afloat and country people employed.

I am looking forward to his response on this.

Despite the Government's callousness in choosing interstate contractors over local contractors, let's hope they at least have the good sense to utilise our taxpayer dollars towards implementing some decent tourism initiatives.