I joined thousands of farmers from across the country outside Parliament House last week for the National Farmer Rally.

Our farmers have had a gutful of being constantly attacked by this Labor Government and they’re calling for a fair go to keep feeding and clothing the nation.

The sensible changes farmers want to see include scrapping the truckie tax, scrapping new taxes for biosecurity and superannuation, scrapping water buybacks, scrapping unnecessary red tape, scrapping reckless renewables, protecting the 88-day backpacker visa and overturning the decision to ban live sheep exports by sea.

The Prime Minister and the Agriculture Minister didn’t even have the decency to face the farmers who came all the way to Canberra to send the Government a message. It just goes to show that Labor doesn’t care about our agriculture industry and isn’t interested in listening to what our farmers have to say.

I’m proud to stand with our farmers and The Nationals will always back them.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton (fourth from right) pictured with his Nationals colleagues at the National Farmer Rally.

School Leavers’ Guide

My 2024 School Leavers’ Guide is now available for all graduating students in the Parkes electorate.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding what to do after school and this guide is a great resource, helping students to explore all their options so they can make the best choice for them.

It contains valuable information about further education and training opportunities, financial assistance, finding employment, mental health support services, obtaining a Medicare card, applying for a Tax File Number, and enrolling to vote.

To receive a copy of the guide, contact one of my offices on (02) 6882 0999 (Dubbo), (02) 6751 1251 (Moree) or (08) 8087 7649 (Broken Hill), or send me an email at [email protected]

Road survey extended

The National Road Survey has been extended to the end of this month, ensuring more road users have the opportunity to have their say on some of Australia’s worst roads.

Launched in June, the survey has garnered thousands of responses from across the country as concerned road users nominate locations that pose serious safety and productivity issues.

With $27.9 billion worth of infrastructure projects cancelled, cut and delayed within the first two years of the Labor Government, this survey provides an opportunity to highlight the impact these cuts and delays are having at a local level.

As someone who drives across half of New South Wales on a regular basis, I know there are many roads in the Parkes electorate that are not up-to-scratch. If you know of a road that needs fixing, I encourage you to submit it at https://www.research.net/r/2HRHBV9. The national road survey will now be open until 5pm, 30 September 2024.

Uni hub opportunity

Applications are now open for eligible organisations in the Parkes electorate to establish a Regional University Study Hub in their area.

Hubs are facilities that provide campus-style study spaces, as well as in-person administrative and general academic skills support to students who wish to undertake higher educational studies in their local community.

Community organisations, local councils and, as part of a trial for this round, universities are eligible to apply for funding to assist with the establishment and operation of a Hub. Eligible costs include small to medium scale capital works, the purchase of ICT equipment and operational costs such as human resources and general administrative expenses.

Applicants interested in establishing a Hub should visit the Regional University Study Hubs webpage at www.education.gov.au/regional-university-study-hubs and apply via the online application portal. Applications close at 5pm on Friday, October 18.

Commentary by Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton