The Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has called for greater support for charities and not-for-profits, as the Government prepares to implement heavy-handed reforms to the sector. The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission Bills establish a new national regulator and regulatory framework, new reporting requirements and new enforcement powers. “The Bills will increase…
DetailsThe Nationals Senator for Victoria and Patron Senator for Bendigo Bridget McKenzie has encouraged central Victorians to complete the Coalition’s nationwide broadband survey. The survey, which was launched this week, can be completed online via Senator McKenzie’s website www.bridgetmckenzie.com.au. “More than 29,000 Bendigo premises have been promised connection to Labor’s NBN by 2015, so it…
DetailsThe Nationals Patron Senator for Bendigo Bridget McKenzie is calling on residents to show their support for local family-run businesses for National Family Business Day. The Federal Coalition will move a notice of motion today, acknowledging the role that family businesses play in shaping the social, economic and cultural fabric of Australia. “Family businesses, much…
DetailsThe Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie, netball patron of the Bendigo Football Netball League, wishes all football and netball teams competing this weekend the best of luck in their respective grand finals. Speaking in the Senate last night, Senator McKenzie said local football and netball clubs often provided the glue that held regional Victorian…
DetailsA Notice of Motion relating to the proposed importation of fresh New Zealand potatoes in Australia was passed in the Senate yesterday, referring an inquiry to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. The Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity is reviewing plans to allow fresh New Zealand potato imports…
DetailsThe Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie and the Member for Western Victoria David O’Brien MLC have met with potato farmers and together slammed the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) Biosecurity Division’s review to allow fresh New Zealand potato imports into Australia. Key industry leaders have said there is a strong probability…
DetailsThe Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has written to the Minister for Mental Health Mark Butler demanding to know why Swan Hill missed out on a headspace centre. Senator McKenzie said it was disappointing Swan Hill’s bid for a headspace centre was ignored when the town’s statistics spoke for themselves. “Swan Hill,…
DetailsAs Australia celebrates National Flag Day today, The Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie is encouraging central Victorians to contact her electorate office for an Australian flag. Part of Senator McKenzie’s role is to promote the Commonwealth and ensure that schools, churches, local councils, and community groups have access to an Australian flag. …
DetailsThe Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has welcomed the release of the Senate Community Affairs committee’s report into the Factors Affecting the Supply of Health Services and Medical Professionals in Rural Areas. Senator McKenzie participated in the inquiry into the future of Australia’s rural health sector over 10 months, which heard from stakeholders in…
DetailsThe Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the Gillard Government’s NBN rollout had again disappointed regional Victorians and failed to meet raised expectations. Senator McKenzie has used a speech in the Senate this week to highlight Labor’s mismanagement of the scheme. “The government’s plan to revolutionise internet delivery is costing more and taking longer…
Details