BILLS – Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013, Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) Amendment (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill 2013, Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas (Import Levy) (Transitional Provisions) Bill

I want to speak briefly on the Clean Energy Legislation (Carbon Tax Repeal) Bill and related bills. I will speak briefly as I want the Senate to deal as quickly as possible with the passage of these bills because the Australian people made it so clear, in their mandate at the federal election sixth months…

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DESAL PLANT STILL CAUSING HEADACHES

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yesterday revealed the Fair Work Building and Construction Commission is re-examining an intervention that was withdrawn from the Victorian Supreme Court in 2012.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…

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MCKENZIE ENCOURAGES STRONG COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

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…

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APPLICATIONS FOR YOUNG LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP NOW OPEN

Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie is encouraging young regional Victorians undertaking tertiary studies to apply for The Nationals Young Leaders scholarship. Senator McKenzie said the Nationals were proud to support regional students to pursue tertiary study and develop leadership qualities, especially those committed to the development of regional Victoria. “I would encourage all school-leavers…

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DISAPPOINTING RESULT FOR SPC

Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said yesterday’s Federal Cabinet decision not to back SPC Ardmona’s request for government support was disappointing for the company, its workers and the community. ‘‘SPC Ardmona’s request was for once-off support, not subsidisation. This would have been an investment in the future of the Goulburn Valley and Australian food…

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AUSTRALIA DAY IN REGIONAL VICTORIA

Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie says Australia Day is an excellent opportunity to reflect on the future of regional Australia. Senator McKenzie said with the mining boom receding, key future growth opportunities could be found in regional Australia. ‘‘Agribusiness, gas and tourism were recently identified by the Deloitte report ‘Positioning for Prosperity: Catching the…

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FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON MOBILE COVERAGE PROGRAM

North east Victorians are being encouraged to provide feedback on the Coalition Government’s $100 million regional mobile coverage program. Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the government had released a discussion paper on how to structure the program, which is aimed at improving mobile coverage in regional areas. Senator McKenzie encouraged those affected by…

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MCKENZIE BACKS CATTLE GRAZING TRIAL

Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie has voiced her support for the Victorian Government’s application for a cattle grazing trial in the Victorian Alpine National Park. Senator McKenzie said the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria Annual Festival being held this weekend near Omeo, would be a celebration of the skills and practices of the high…

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