Regional Australia will lead the country’s post-COVID economic recovery under The Nationals’ ambitious plan to modernise and rejuvenate Australian manufacturing. The Nationals have a strong track record of backing wealth creation, jobs and sustainable industries and manufacturing is key to continuing to do this. The Nationals believe there is an abundance of resources and opportunities…
Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie has called on Victorian communities to apply for funding under Round 5 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), with applications now open. “2020 was a challenging year for our communities, with bushfires, drought and a global pandemic but the BBRF will help to kick-start this new year, bringing support…
CAPTION: Doug Anthony running the country from his caravan during the Christmas break – pic source ‘Ninety Not Out’ by Paul Davey It would be around this time of the year during the 1970s to early 80s when National Party leader Doug Anthony would run the country as acting Prime Minister from a caravan on…
Sally Gall One of the strangest pronouncements to come from the Queensland government as coronavirus lockdown restrictions came into force at the end of March was the direction for legitimate firearm dealers to close immediately, without any explanation. The decision left primary producers, macropod harvesters and dealers stunned and outraged. The directive by Queensland’s Chief Health…
My piece on Country Party giant Sir John “Black Jack” McEwen in The Australian On this day 53 years ago, prime minister Harold Holt went for a swim at Portsea and didn’t return, resulting in the Country Party’s John McEwen becoming our accidental prime minister. But McEwen, whose statue in Canberra’s parliamentary zone was unveiled…
Today I will introduce a Private Senator’s Bill that will bring surety and job security to the almost 200,000 people employed directly and indirectly in Australia’s valuable native hardwood timber industries. My Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Regional Forest Agreements) Bill 2020 to amend the EPBC Act and Regional Forest Agreements Act seeks to…
Pictured here with the Wangaratta Agricultural Show Committee Organisations across Indi will share $98,500 to support their COVID-19 recovery under the Australian Government’s Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program. Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said nine show societies will receive between $2600 and $15,000 each and the Rotary Club of…
Meeting manufacturers and food processors in person and virtually over the months, it’s evident the COVID pandemic has exposed not only our current reliance on other countries but also the need to capitalise on the opportunities we have here in our regions. Here’s a summary of a statement on manufacturing I made to the senate…
Passengers on the North East Line will soon enjoy more reliable and comfortable journeys thanks to a massive program of accelerated works undertaken in recent months, the Deputy Prime Minister and Victorian Minister for Transport announced today. Coaches have been replacing trains on the line since the New South Wales and Victoria border was closed…
In my soon-to-be-released book on John “Black Jack” McEwen, I recall how the political newcomer found himself in the middle of a political sting on the floor of Parliament which cast doubt over the running of the 1934 Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday in November. Thanks to the Herald-Sun for publishing this intriguing story.…