More support for students and regional higher education

 National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie says the Federal Government’s higher education reforms will “drive better outcomes” for both students and taxpayers, according throughout the state. Senator McKenzie said the reforms delivered on the Turnbull/Joyce Government’s commitment to higher education reforms that are fair, drive quality and excellence, were financially sustainable and ensured students had…

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Record Federal Funding for Legal Assistance Sector

Senator Bridget McKenzie, Senator for Victoria, today welcomed the further injection of funding by the Coalition Government to the legal assistance sector as part of the 2017-18 budget.  The Turnbull Government will provide a further $55.7 million over the next three years to community legal centres ($39 million) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services ($16.7 million). “$1.73 billion is now…

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Labor playing politics on decentralisation

 National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said today Labor’s refusal to hold more References Committee hearings into decentralising Commonwealth agencies and offices to regional areas, who are strongly backing the move, is another example of its bloody mindedness on the issue. “The Labor chaired Committee refused my request for more regional hearings including Armidale in…

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Wodonga ideal spot for Murray Darling Relocation

National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said today Wodonga would be the ideal city for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s re-location of some of its city staff. The MDBA today announced that 10 percent of its staff, up to 30 employees is expected to voluntarily relocate to regional offices, including Albury – Wodonga. Senator McKenzie said…

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Regional Taskforce vital to country areas

National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie today welcomed the setting up of a Regional Ministerial Taskforce to address key issues in regional Australia, chaired by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Deputy Leader of the Nationals and Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash will be deputy chair. The Taskforce will bring together relevant portfolio Ministers to address…

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ACCC Cattle and Beef Market Study welcomed

National Party Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie today welcomed the ACCC Study into Australia’s cattle and beef markets which she said goes to the heart of problems in the industry raised with her over many years. ‘For decades, I have been hearing about a culture of fear and intimidation throughout the beef industry and the…

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Review of Regional Education

 National’s Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie today joined with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Education Minister Simon Birmingham to announce a comprehensive review of regional education. Senator McKenzie said the aim of the review to be led by Professor John Halsey of Flinders University is to identify and address key barriers and challenges that…

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