Our hard-working nurses and midwives will receive a well-earned pay rise after the NSW Industrial Relations Commission stepped in on the ongoing dispute and ordered the Minns Labor Government to increase their pay.

This is a move I have been advocating for since joining Parliament in 2024.

Nurses and midwives work incredibly hard under enormous pressure in our regional hospitals and the pay increase is welcomed.

Moree show

The Moree Show was held last Friday and Saturday and, despite what is going on in the world right now, it was a huge success.

There were strong numbers of entries in many of the competitions and there was lots of entertainment.

Well done to the hardworking Moree Show Society committee on another fantastic event.

Better co-ordination needed to support our farmers

Conditions have deteriorated rapidly since the beginning of the year and the impact of drought is being felt across the Northern Tablelands.

There’s no sign of improvement in the near future with the current forecast looking very grim until at least November.

I have been banging on doors and doing everything I can to get the government to realise the seriousness of the problem. I have made more than 30 representations to the Minister for Agriculture but this city-centric government has not responded.

The southern part of the state has been in drought for two years and they have failed to provide any relief in the form of grants and subsidies. All that has been provided are loans and no one wants to take on more debt.

Add in the ongoing fuel crisis and fertiliser shortages and the outlook for the rural sector is ominous.

I will continue to push the government to stand up and support our farmers and regional communities.

It is time for the government to act without delay before the situation escalates into another devastating drought with lasting impacts on farmers, families and regional economies.

They cannot continue to neglect the needs of regional and rural New South Wales.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Munn officially opened this year’s Moree Show alongside Show Society president Brendan Munn, Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey and Young Woman competition winner, Elly Byriell.

Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Scheme

The Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Scheme is a great initiative that enables regional people to be reimbursed a small amount of their travel and accommodation costs when we travel to centres like Brisbane or Sydney for medical services.

It is currently at 40 cents per kilometre but this is no longer keeping pace with the real cost of travel in 2026. The NSW Nationals are calling on the state government to urgently review and increase the kilometre rate to more accurately reflect what it costs us to get either to Sydney or Brisbane.

Nowendoc mobile office

It was great to get to Nowendoc on Wednesday to meet with locals for a mobile office.

There was plenty to take away from the meeting with fantastic insights into issues affecting the community including renewables, roads, healthcare and agriculture.

Thank you to the hall managers and members of the community who made me feel very welcome.

The next mobile will be at Flock in Mungindi from 11.30am until 1pm on Tuesday, 21 April followed by one at the Deepwater Hall from 11am until 1pm on Thursday, 23 April.

Fertiliser

As most people know, the cost of urea has skyrocketed and continues to be difficult to source.

The NSW Minister for Agriculture needs to pick up the phone to farmers, suppliers and industry groups to work out where the shortages are and work with the Federal Government to ensure when fertiliser supplies arrive in Australia, NSW is at the top of the list.

We also need to look at long-term supply for the security of the country’s food chain.

Play Her Way grant program

Sports organisations can apply for a share of $500,000 in NSW Government funding for innovative initiatives to increase participation in sport by women and girls.

The Play Her Way Innovation Program will provide funding to eligible NSW sports organisations for initiatives that enhance career pathways, build cultures of diversity and inclusion, and increase participation.

Grants of $3000-$45,000 are available across the four streams which include Career Activations, Career Offerings, Participation and Capability.

Applications close Thursday, April 30 with further information available at Play Her Way Grant Program.

What’s on

April 18: Gordon Creighton Cup in Glen Innes.

April 18: The Armidale School rugby carnival.

April 19: CanAssist barefoot bowls at Glen Innes Bowling Club, with a 12pm barbecue and 1pm start.

April 21: Brendan Moylan mobile office at Flock, Mungindi from 11am until 1pm.

April 23: Brendan Moylan mobile office at Deepwater Hall from 11am until 1pm.

April 25: Anzac Day, contact your local RSL sub-branch for details of local services.

April 30 to May 3: Australian Celtic Festival at Glen Innes.

May 9: Moree on a Plate at Moree Racecourse.

May7-10: Warialda Show

Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands