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Politics

Coulton’s Catch-Up

Oct 13, 2024

I’m pleased that applications are now open for Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, with up to $7.5 million in funding available for regional airports to undertake essential works to improve aviation safety, access and transition to net zero emissions.

This is the first time this program has been made available under the Labor Government, with Round 3 funded by the former Coalition Government but announced by Labor in early 2023. The former Coalition Government established the Regional Airports Program to ensure our regions are better and more safely connected.

The Dubbo, Broken Hill, Narrabri, Narromine and Gilgandra airports have each received funding under the first three rounds of this program, so I’m hopeful that the Parkes electorate will also be successful in this latest round.

Further information, including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process, is available at: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-airports-program-round-4

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured paying tribute to Ian and Wanda Dunnet from Narrabri in Parliament last week.

Have a say on proposed aged care reforms

Last month the Labor Government put forward their Aged Care Bill which is currently before a Senate Inquiry.

As part of the inquiry, submissions are being sought from aged care providers and anyone who wishes to have a say about these proposed reforms. Although submissions were due to close on 30 September, the Community Affairs Legislation Committee is seeking further input from the community and is still accepting submissions.

Hearings are scheduled up to 16 October and it is recommended to provide the Committee with submissions by this date to ensure their inclusion in the final report which is due by 31 October 2024.

I strongly encourage all aged care providers, family members and elderly people in the Parkes electorate to make a submission to this inquiry, voicing your concerns with the issues surrounding these reforms which effect regional services. It’s so important that our regional providers are considered as part of these reforms.

For more information, visit: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/AgedCareBill2024 or email [email protected]

3G shutdown reminder

It’s only two weeks until the 3G network is shutdown on 28 October, so I’m providing everyone in the Parkes electorate with a final reminder to check if your devices are impacted.

It’s so important that you act now to update or replace any impacted devices so that you and your family can stay safe and connected once the 3G network is closed. Devices which may be impacted include phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

You can check if your mobile phone will be impacted by texting ‘3’ to the number ‘3498’. For all other devices, contact your service provider. For more information about the 3G closure, visit: https://www.3gclosure.com.au

Local newspapers alive and thriving

Last week in Parliament I paid tribute to Narrabri’s Ian and Wanda Dunnet who have recently retired after selling the Narrabri Courier, and its associated newspapers, which has been in the Dunnet family for three generations. It’s the first time in 104 years that The Courier has had a change in ownership which is an incredible achievement in this day and age.

Rural newspapers have been dealt a shocking blow by corporate takeovers, but our locally owned papers are in safe hands. It’s people like the Dunnets, Lucie Peart from the Gilgandra Weekly and Lee O’Connor from the Coonamble Times who understand the importance of local journalism and are committed to their communities.

I thank the Dunnets for what they’ve done in 104 years, and I wish the new owners, Mark and Susie Slack-Smith, all the best with their endeavours to keep local journalism alive and thriving.

Commentary by Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton

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