AFTER spending Christmas and New Year at home in Gunnedah with family, Federal Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey was quickly back into it in early January.

“It has been wonderful to spend some time in the electorate and at home on the farm with family. I hope everyone had some quiet time over the Christmas break,” Mr Chaffey said.

“The horrific terrorist attack in Bondi was a stark reminder of the importance of what is most important to us all – the happiness and safety of our loved ones, and of all Australians.

“I will be championing this cause for regional Australians in Canberra,” he said.

Mr Chaffey said there is some important work ahead this year, across the biggest electorate in New South Wales.

“This year looks to be a busy one, and I am looking forward to not only representing the people of Parkes in Parliament, but visiting every corner of the nearly 407,000 square kilometres that makes up the electorate,” he said.

All shook up at the Parkes Elvis Festival

Parkes captures the imagination of Elvis fans around the world each year with the Parkes Elvis Festival.

“It was great to get on board in my best Elvis gear to join the many, many fans, tribute artists, volunteers and other people who bring this festival to life,” Mr Chaffey said.

This was the 33rd Parkes Elvis festival and celebrated what would have been Elvis’s 91st birthday. Mr Chaffey said founders Bob and Anne Steel have come up with an amazing recipe for success, and they have a committee of volunteers that work tirelessly throughout the year.

“Congratulations to Parkes Shire Council on this amazing event. It remains one of Australia’s favourites,” he said.

Member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, caught up with Aussie Hay Runners while they were in Gunnedah recently, loading hay from local producer Brett Waters.

A helping hand in tough times

Mr Chaffey caught up with Aussie Hay Runners while they were in Gunnedah recently, loading hay from local producer Brett Waters.

While farmers in north-west Queensland are dealing with the loss of thousands of livestock in the current floods, others across the country are in the grip of drought.

Organisations like Aussie Hay Runners provide a critical service supporting our primary producers in their time of need.

But they can’t do this without the farmers who produce the feed needed to keep drought-affected livestock fed.

“Our country is grown on the back of agriculture, so it’s important to help our farmers during tough times,” Mr Chaffey said.

Chinese tariffs a blow for Aussie beef

China’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 55 per cent on beef imports is a blow for Australia’s cattle industry, Mr Chaffey said.

“This decision could cost our beef industry up to $1 billion a year, with the Australian Meat Industry Council warning the measures could slash local beef exports to China by about one-third,” he said.

“The consequences of this will be far-reaching, so the Labor Government must act quickly to protect the interests of Australia’s beef producers.”

Vocational Students of the Year

Thirty-two secondary schools across the Parkes electorate have taken up the offer to include the new Member for Parkes Vocational Student of the Year Award in their annual awards.

“While I could not attend all of the presentations, it was great to meet some of the students who received the award,” Mr Chaffey said.

The Vocational Student of the Year award recognises students who are doing an exceptional job of pursuing their vocational dream while at school.

Tradies and young people in other vocations such as hospitality, primary industries and beauty are an integral and important part of our communities.

“Thank you to all the schools and students involved. I hope this encourages students to continue to pursue their vocational dreams,” Mr Chaffey said.