Politics coverage
Economy
THE Albanese Labor Government will deliver the 2026-27 Federal Budget tonight, with bad news for regional Australia – including the electorate of Parkes – already making headlines. The government’s announcement this week that it will axe the Inland Rail project north of Parkes has been labelled a “disaster” by businesses, “devastating” by regional mayors, and [...]
Inland Rail Update
THE Coalition has launched a Rescue our Rail petition, to fight for Australia’s critical Inland Rail project. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said Labor’s decision to scrap the Inland Rail project halfway through was devastating for regional communities and must be overturned. “The Inland Rail project is nation-changing project, spanning 1600 kilometres from Melbourne [...]
Northern Tablelands
THE Australian Celtic Festival was again held in Glen Innes from last Friday through to Monday. It was the year of Scotland at this year’s festival and it was another superb event with singing, dancing, food, reenactments and more. Congratulations to all the organisers and volunteers who pulled together this fantastic festival. The 2027 Australian [...]
Parkes
It has now been a year since the people of the Parkes electorate elected me as their federal representative, and what a year it has been. In my maiden speech at Parliament House, I voiced my thanks to the wonderful people of this vast electorate for putting their trust in me to represent them at [...]
Opinion
IF you want a quick read on the Government’s priorities, don’t wait for the Budget, just watch the rugby league transfer market. Right now, Canberra is happy to back tax-free deals that see players like Jarome Luai head to Papua New Guinea on about $1.2 million a year. And, fair enough, most of us would [...]
Northern Tablelands
A total of $298,600 was secured to extend BackTrack’s successful Night Crew program. The program sees youth workers on Armidale streets three nights per week to engage with vulnerable young people. It was first trialled for 12 weeks in 2025 with fantastic results, including a significant reduction in break-ins and reported stolen vehicles. Armidale Regional [...]
Fuel Crisis
THE Coalition has proposed a plan to double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves to 60 days and deliver at least 1 billion litres of new storage through an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility. The plan will build long-term resilience against future supply shocks in the Parkes electorate. Under the plan, the threshold amount of fuel [...]
Northern Tablelands
A $300,000 grant was secured for Macintyre High School’s outdoor multi-purpose sports courts to be redeveloped. The courts are used seven days a week by the school, and the wider community, for outdoor activities so the rebuild is a much needed one. A few years ago, the school’s P&C recognised the need for an overhaul [...]
Parkes Electorate
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 [...]
Northern Tablelands
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 [...]
