FEDERAL Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, says there are currently worrying times for Australians with the cost of living a constant challenge and the recent very real concerns about fuel availability and cost.

Mr Chaffey thanked those who sent him their views and experiences, and reported fuel shortages at No Fuel Here.

“I continue to meet with stakeholders in this space to look at solutions we can fight for at a national level,” he said.

“This situation is causing significant concern in the electorate of Parkes where planting, harvesting, food production, fibre production and mining relies on a reliable and affordable fuel supply.

“It is critical that we work towards a more self-sustaining nation so that we are much better placed in the future when global crises occur,” Mr Chaffey said.

He said recent data shows affordability concerns are not imaginary.

“The data shows the impact the Albanese Labor Government’s disastrous energy policies are having on local families,” Mr Chaffey said.

“According to the Australian Energy Regulator, more than 70,000 families in New South Wales were unable to pay their power bills over October to December, 2025.

“Nationally, 230,000 households are in energy distress – up by nearly 70 per cent in just three-and-a-half years, the highest level of hardship on record.

“I’ll keep fighting for a more stable, reliable energy grid that puts the needs of Australians first, not one-size-fits-all mandates and targets that we can’t practically achieve,” he said.

Catching up in Mungindi

Mr Chaffey caught up with a few groups during a recent visit to Mungindi.

“I met with community members at Flock Café to discuss aged care concerns, before visiting Mungindi Daycare & Preschool,” he said.

“I also spoke with members of the Mungindi Progress Association about a number of local issues.

“It’s always good to catch up people and organisations as I travel around the electorate and anyone wanting to set up a meeting can contact my office.”

Mungindi is a finalist in the NSW Tourism Association Tourism Towns awards, along with Moree. Voting is now open, and Mr Chaffey encourages everyone to support these great local towns.

Votes for Mungindi and Moree can be lodged HERE.

Congratulations to the Moree Show

It is show time in many areas of the electorate of Parkes, and Mr Chaffey attended a beautiful day at the Moree Show, which was officially opened by Moree local and Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan.

“Congratulations to Elly Byriell, who was awarded Moree Show Young Women of the Year and to Felicity Whibley, who was awarded the 2026 Volunteer of the Year,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Congratulations to the Moree Show Society and to all the volunteers in show societies across the electorate who work tirelessly to make these events a  success for the community.”

Meeting great people in Dubbo

Mr Chaffey recently spent a few days in Dubbo, including a Community Consultation Day at the Dubbo Farmers Markets with State Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders.

“These events are really important to be able to talk to people face-to-face about the issues that matter to them,” Mr Chaffey said.

“I was also honoured to have been visited by angels – the Pink Angels Inc.

“The Pink Angels told me about the incredible work they do to support Breast Cancer patients and their families in the Parkes Electorate.

“These ladies volunteer their time and raise their own funds to service a huge area of western New South Wales from their base in Dubbo, travelling out as far as Cobar and Lightning Ridge.

“This remarkable team of volunteers make such a difference in the lives of people fighting this horrific disease,” he said.

Mr Chaffey said he is continually “blown away” by the power and generosity of volunteers in not-for-profit organisations.

“Another example is the National Association for Loss & Grief, which has been supporting people across the country for nearly 50 years, much of this from out of their centre in Dubbo,” he said.

NALAG offers counselling support for many different kinds of grief affecting all ages, both in-person and through Telehealth.

“I was privileged to learn about Sand Tray Therapy as well as viewing a very moving rock garden dedicated to infant loss,” Mr Chaffey said.

“These are only a few of the services and initiatives NALAG uses to help those experiencing grief to move through this in a healthy way.”

Mr Chaffey also spoke at the recent What Were You Wearing NO MORE 2026 event in Dubbo to speak out on the issue of domestic violence.

“There are thousands of reported assaults across the central west each year, and 32 people were killed due to domestic violence in 2025,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Our society needs to do better, and my thanks to the organisers of events like these which raise awareness and push for change.”

On the road with NSW Farmers’

Recently, Mr Chaffey joined the NSW Farmers’ Association as they held meetings in some of the western towns of the Parkes electorate such as Weilmoringle, Bourke and Cumborah near the opal fields of Lightning Ridge.

“I had the opportunity to address their members and hear their concerns,” Mr Chaffey said.

“It was clear they are feeling the neglect of Labor governments at both the federal and state level.

“Major concerns at the federal level were the accessibility of fuel and firearms, which I will continue to raise in Parliament as their Federal Member.

“Many other issues were also raised including healthcare, roads, national parks, water buybacks and animal control,” he said.

Migration Plan looks to Australia’s future

Mr Chaffey said migration has brought amazing benefits to Australia.

“But we must put our values back at the heart of our immigration policy,” he said.

“The Coalition’s Australian Values Migration Plan addresses the very real concern with the level of migration in Australia, with further measures that will be developed and announced in line with this plan in future.

“A key factor in the electorate of Parkes and beyond is the importance of skilled migrant labour.

“In this vast electorate, people who have migrated from other countries bring much-needed skills with them in a variety of areas, including agriculture, mining, aged care, childcare,” he said.

“We need to match skill sets with the postcode that needs and can accommodate them. This is a critical part of this conversation.

“Migration has always brought skills and talent to Australia, and that’s how we need to look at the future.

“Making Australia your home means contributing to our economy and our way of life, and it can bring great benefits to all of us, but we need to put Australian values first.

More about the Coalition’s Australian Values Migration Plan can be found HERE.

Happy 100th!

“My wife Judy and I would like to congratulate and wish a very happy 100th birthday to Rene Britt, of Parkes, and Myra Smith, of Narrabri,” Mr Chaffey said.

“Congratulations also to Barbara Browne, of Lake Cargelligo, and Rita Edwards of Dubbo, who are both turning 90.

“There are also a number of significant anniversaries across the electorate, including 60th wedding anniversary of John and Florence Negfeldt, of Cobar, Lawrence and Margaret Scott, of Cobar, and Alex and Caroline Mitchell, of Narromine.

“Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries are Ray and Joy Darcey, of Gunnedah, and Allan and Rosie Lobsey, of Moree.

“Congratulations to you all,” Mr Chaffey said.