A new collaboration project between business, industry and Deakin University is a huge leap forward for Australia and it is all happening in regional Victoria at the University’s Waurn Ponds campus, according to Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. Senator McKenzie was speaking after the official opening of Deakin University’s new pilot carbon fibre manufacturing line, Carbon…
A Senate Committee inquiry into childcare has heard damning evidence on the disastrous impact which new regulations brought in by the Gillard/Rudd Governments are having on the operation of childcare centres in regional Australia, according to committee member and Victorian Nationals Senator, Bridget McKenzie. “The Labor reforms were intended to raise standards, but it is…
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has welcomed the recommendations made by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee regarding the importation of potatoes from New Zealand. The report recommends that before potatoes are imported from New Zealand an Import Risk Analysis should be conducted, which should consider scientific research into disease…
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has condemned Labor and the Greens for voting against the repeal of Mining Rent Resources Tax in the Senate this week saying the vote highlighted the need for a strong regional Western Australian presence in the Senate. ‘‘This is an anti-Western-Australian tax that has not worked,’’ Senator McKenzie said.…
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has welcomed the support of Labor and the Greens for a notice of motion which asked the Senate to note the importance of high quality teaching to student outcomes. Senator McKenzie said the motion acknowledged that all Australian students deserved quality teachers and teaching to ensure the highest standard…
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has welcomed the decision by Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to allow a cattle grazing trial in the Alpine National Park. Senator McKenzie said Minister Hunt had made a practical and well-informed decision. ‘‘The Victorian Government’s application for approval for a trial of up to 300 cattle required the…
The details of the Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Fund and Plan announced today by the Victorian Coalition Government highlights the importance of research and innovation, according to Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie. Senator McKenzie said the Goulburn Valley Industry and Employment Plan and Fruit Growing Industry Roadmap announced by Victorian Deputy Premier and…
Questioning by Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie in Senate estimates yesterday revealed the Fair Work Building and Construction Commission is re-examining an intervention that was withdrawn from the Victorian Supreme Court in 2012. Senator McKenzie questioned FWBC director Nigel Hadgkiss about the legal action that was initiated in response to illegal work practices by…
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie says community leadership is critical to vibrant and prosperous regional cities and towns. Senator McKenzie will be the keynote speaker at the Gippsland Community Leadership Program’s launch event tonight in Warragul. Senator McKenzie was a 2008 graduate of the program, which has seen 447 people graduate since its inception…
The Victorian Government’s $22m contribution to a $100m assistance package for SPC is a new and smart way for state governments to support jobs, according to Victorian Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie. “While in the past, Governments have written blank cheques to multinationals who often take the money and run, the Napthine-Ryan plan features guarantees both…