Victoria’s farmers, education and other industries to benefit from China FTA

“This is truly a free trade agreement. Australian dairy has been a leading commodity in the negotiations with China; we have campaigned long and hard for a positive outcome and are thrilled to see this come to fruition.” “The ADIC (Australian Dairy Industry Council) thanked Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Robb, the Australian government,…

China trade deal secured, now focus is on India

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie said regional Victoria could potentially benefit further from a trade deal with India, following discussions between Prime Minister Tony Abbott and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Canberra today.  It follows the good outcome for Victorian farmers in Australia’s free trade agreement with China (ChAFTA). Senator McKenzie today during Question…

Bendigo students will benefit from reforms

Nationals Senator, Bridget McKenzie, said it was disappointing students who attended her office unannounced today are falling for a Labor/union led scare-campaign.  “I would have welcomed the opportunity to talk to these students about the government’s proposed higher education reforms had they requested an appointment,” Senator McKenzie said.  “It is a shame this didn’t happen…

Local MP briefs Canberra on ice impact in regions

Nationals Member for Murray Valley, Tim McCurdy, recently briefed his federal colleagues on the devastating impact the methamphetamine drug, ice, is having on regional Victorian communities.  Mr McCurdy is a member of the Victorian Government’s Law Reform, Drugs and Crime Prevention committee which held an inquiry into the supply and use of methamphetamines, particularly ice,…

Senate committee endorses higher education reforms

The Chair of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee, Senator Bridget McKenzie, has presented to parliament a report supporting the Coalition Government’s proposed higher education reforms.  The committee’s report is the result of extensive consultation and hearings involving a wide range of mostly higher education stakeholders including students. It focuses on the impact on…

CFMEU culture of intimidation goes right to the top, Senate estimates told

The Federal Parliament on Thursday heard shocking evidence of intimidating and threatening behaviour by Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) officials, according to testimony given by Fair Work Building Commission (FWBC) to the Senate Education and Employment Committee. “The evidence provided by the building watchdog’s director Nigel Hadgkiss stunned the committee,” chair Senator McKenzie…

National Stronger Regions Fund open to Ballarat communities

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie is encouraging communities in the Ballarat electorate to apply for funding under the Abbott-Truss Government’s $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund which is now open to applications. The new Fund will target projects that deliver priority economic development and small scale community infrastructure at the local level. “This is a huge…

National Stronger Regions Fund open to Bendigo communities

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie is encouraging communities in the Bendigo electorate to apply for funding under the Abbott-Truss Government’s $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund which is now open to applications. The new Fund will target projects that deliver priority economic development and small scale community infrastructure at the local level. “This is a huge…

National Stronger Regions Fund open to Indi communities

Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie is encouraging communities in the Indi electorate to apply for funding under the Abbott-Truss Government’s $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund which is now open to applications. The new Fund will target projects that deliver priority economic development and small scale community infrastructure at the local level. “This is a huge…