It has been good to get out and about in the great electorate of Parkes in the two weeks between the last Parliamentary sitting weeks.

I have spent time in Broken Hill, Menindee, Wilcannia, Gunnedah, Walgett, Nyngan, Tottenham, Dubbo and Forbes before returning to Canberra this week for Parliament.

There are a number of critical issues impacting the people and organisations I have met with, and all are feeling the pinch of rising interest rates, costs and inflation.

The Albanese Labor Government is making decisions that are not only hitting people’s wallets, but are actively sidelining regional Australians.

It’s time they listened to the voice of the electorate of Parkes.

Gun laws backfire in Parkes electorate

The gun law reforms brought in at break-neck speed by the Labor State and Federal governments is already having consequences across the electorate of Parkes.

I have heard story after story about the problems this is causing on the land, the damaging impact it is having for sporting shooters, and the devastating blow it has caused to gun shop owners.

I listened to law-abiding gun owners in Broken Hill, and their concerns are the same as I am hearing right across the electorate.

I will continue to bring this to the Labor Government’s attention. They have penalised gun owners across the country for the hateful acts of two men at Bondi Beach.

Watch my speech to Parliament about gun laws HERE.

Volunteer Grants 2025-2026

Expressions of interest are now open for grants of between $1000 and $5000 for eligible not-for-profit organisations to support and increase participation in volunteering.

Volunteers contribute so much to the Parkes electorate across every aspect of our lives, from sports to emergency services, and events to health support.

These grants can help make a difference to organisations who in turn make a difference in their communities.

I encourage eligible organisations to reach out to my office for an expression of interest form.

Funding can be used for the purchase of communication and insurance items that will benefit any of a community organisation’s volunteers, such as phones, computers, software etcetera or the purchase of items to support eligible cohorts and volunteer-run activities, such as accessibility equipment, first aid, grounds maintenance, tools, office equipment and a variety of other items.

Twenty-one organisations in the Parkes electorate benefitted from a total of about $60,000 through the 2024-2025 Volunteer Grants Round for organisations as diverse as the Broken Hill Military Museum, Baradine Sub-Branch RSL and the Garah Boomi Pony Club.

Applications close 5pm, Friday March 27, 2026, and the expression of interest form can be found at www.jamiechaffey.com.au or contact my Broken Hill office on (08) 8087 7649 to find out more. Forms should be returned to Jamie Chaffey MP, PO Box 443, Broken Hill NSW 2880 or email [email protected]

Find out more about Volunteer Grants HERE.

Discover more NSW grant opportunities HERE.

Discover more federal grant opportunities HERE.

Out and about in the Parkes electorate

Sports facilities are so important in making our rural towns great places to live and it was great to be at the opening of the new Tottenham Community Gym.

Congratulations to Tash and her mighty team for their dedication in fund-raising to make this dream a reality.

Gyms and sport facilities are important  not just for people already living in our towns but can also attract visitors and potential newcomers so it’s wonderful to see this happening in Tottenham.

We held a Network Connectivity Roundtable in Walgett in February to bring together some of the stakeholders in telecommunications – including the people who are struggling to even get a signal on their phone.

There are many areas of poor or no connectivity across the electorate of Parkes, and it’s important to get people together to ensure we are all on the same page.

Unfortunately, the Albanese Labor Government’s new Telecommunications Bill does not appear to have the answer.

I have concerns which I spoke about in Parliament this month.

Watch my speech about telecommunications HERE.

For remote communities across New South Wales, access to specialists can be a difficulty, which is why I was so glad to be part of celebrating the commencement of monthly paediatric clinics at Nyngan under Dr Nicholas Wood.

It’s wonderful that the children of Bogan Shire will now be able to access paediatric appointments without having to travel hundreds of kilometres.

This would not have been possible without Little Wings and the support of Bogan Shire Council and I want to commend those who brought this about.

It is important to hold Pollies in the Pub events to have an informal chat with local people.

Recently, I have been to White Cliffs, and then on to Lake Cargelligo and Condobolin where NSW Shadow Minister for Water and Crown Lands Steph Cooke joined me to meet with people and listen to their concerns.

Everyone is welcome to come along to a Pollies in the Pub event. Keep an eye on my Facebook page for the next one.

Have your say on the 2026 Basin Plan

Managing our water resources and keeping our rivers healthy is critical.

Consultation for the 2026 Basin Plan review has opened and will allow you to have your say on the future of the Murray Darling Basin.

The review is looking at how the Basin is managed, what change is needed and how to achieve it.

I urge you to make a submission – it is the only way to ensure you have a say on potential water buybacks.

The Menindee Review, a detailed review of the Menindee Lakes System to address long running operational and water management challenges, is also under way by the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

The Murray Darling Basin Authority website includes a discussion paper, modelling and reviews of the 109 Sustainable Diversion Limits.

Consultation is open until 1 May 2026.

Make a submission to the 2026 Basin Plan HERE.

Make a submission about the Menindee Review HERE.

Fighting for White Cliffs

In February, I met with the White Cliffs Miners’ Association regarding the difficulties the miners and the broader community have faced due to the delay in receiving a determination under Section 26C of the Native Title Act to mine for opal in the White Cliffs Mineral Claims District.

I want to thank the community members and miners for meeting with me and Troy Karkoe, President of the White Cliffs Miners’ Association for taking me along the tourist trail in this amazing, unique part of our country.

Birthdays

Wishing a happy birthday to all those who have celebrated recently, and the people who are celebrating their anniversaries.

A very happy 100th birthday to Melva Job of Parkes, Mick Lemon of Ungarie and Frank Taylor of Dubbo.

My wife Judy and I would also like to congratulate Brian and Nathalie Ashwood of Broken Hill on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Commentary by Jamie Chaffey, Member for Parkes