The Liberal-Nationals government’s new Innovation and Science Agenda will deliver exciting opportunities for regional Victoria, Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said. “The Agenda’s range of new initiatives include assistance for local business to innovate and grow, support for entrepreneurs to back their ideas and get access to the capital they need, and closer connections between industry…
Pic source: ABC local radio A senate inquiry will be held into how the Australian Broadcasting Corporation delivers services in regional Australia, Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie, announced today. Senator McKenzie this week introduced a private senator’s bill, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Rural and Regional Advocacy) Bill 2015, following concerns regarding recent regional programming changes and…
Pic source: murrayriver.com.au The Australian Government today introduced the Water Amendment (Review Implementation and Other Measures) Bill 2015 to reduce red tape and ensure the Water Act 2007 more effectively supports the delivery of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan. Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce, and Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said the…
Pic source: Sydney Morning Herald, Justin McManus The ABC board would have to include two members living outside the major cities and the broadcaster's charter would be amended to include a commitment to regional Australia, under sweeping changes being pushed by National Party MPs. The ABC would also be required to broadcast at least five…
Pic source: ABC Radio Australia Senator McKENZIE: The Australian Broadcasting Corporation Amendment (Rural and Regional Advocacy) Bill 2015 seeks to clarify the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) mandate in its role as a public broadcaster. In particular, the Bill implements guiding principles, reporting requirements and practical mechanisms for the Corporation to be able uphold this mandate.…
Pic source: acci.asn.au Senator McKENZIE (Victoria) (13:11): The Education and Employment Legislation Committee, which I chair, yesterday tabled its report on the Higher Education Support Amendment (VET FEE-HELP Reform) Bill 2015. I am incredibly proud of Minister Birmingham's and Minister Hartsuyker's absolute determination to clean up the mess left by the poor regulatory environment that…
Pic source: dss.gov.au Senator McKENZIE (Victoria) (22:26): The digital age was supposed to make our lives easier and, to a large extent, it has. But, as we can plainly see, changing landscapes require new rules because our old rules do not fit the current scene any longer. Wagering is a perfect example of where laws…
Pic source: go8.edu.au Senator McKENZIE (Victoria) (12:03): I rise to speak in support of the government's Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Streamlining Regulation) Bill 2015. We have over 2½ million international students studying in our great country. It is, as Senator Carr said, one of our great export success stories. In my own home…
Pic source: econews.com.au Dear Editor, Victorians will welcome the passage of legislation in parliament this week that will ensure a better oversight of foreign purchases of agricultural land. It formalises a new register of foreign ownership of agricultural land, and lowers the screening thresholds for foreign purchases of agricultural land and agribusiness by private investors…
Pic source: Wangaratta Chronicle BY Jamie Kronborg THE chief of the Northern Victoria Livestock Exchange has told a Senate inquiry into what has become known as the Barnawartha saleyard boycott that it could consider if controls might be imposed on the number of beef processors a commission buyer can represent at auction. Garry Edwards, the…