Infection control training fast-tracked

The Australian Government, in conjunction with all State and Territory governments, have agreed to jointly invest in a new $80 million infection control training fund. The fund will support customer-facing businesses to train workers in how to minimise the risk of spread of COVID-19 and support them to re-open safely. The fund will enable the…

Coronavirus testing

Gunnedah COVID-19 testing clinic opens

NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has urged residents of Gunnedah and surrounding areas to make the most of the new COVID-19 testing clinic that opened on Monday, May 18. This comes off the back of the recent testing blitz in the fight against COVID-19 with over 3000 people tested in the region. Mr…

Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan

NSW Nationals Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor has welcomed moves to help Australians whose mental health and wellbeing is being affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Mrs Taylor said the $48.1 million Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan presented to the National Cabinet was a positive step forward and looked forward to working with…

Transforming streets and public spaces

NOTE: Image taken prior to social distancing restrictions Communities are encouraged to come up with ideas to transform local streets into shared public spaces as part of a program to increase places for people to safely walk, cycle or exercise. NSW Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the new $15 million Streets as…

Mark Coulton

Rural Aussies urged to seek medical care during COVID-19

Federal Nationals Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton is urging Australians to keep their health in check during the COVID-19 pandemic by continuing to seek medical treatment and care. Chairing the fifth special rural health COVID-19 roundtable with key rural and indigenous health stakeholders, Mr Coulton heard reports of people delaying accessing essential health care and…

Regional Express restarts local flights

Regional Express (Rex) has announced it will restart regional services in Grafton, Lismore and Ballina with the help of the Federal Nationals in Government. Federal Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the Regional Airline Network Support (RANS) program provided assistance to maintain a minimal weekly schedule to regional areas. “Rex was eligible to receive…

Additional support for flying doctors

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) can now expand its work in protecting our regional communities thanks to an additional $810,000 from the NSW Nationals in Government. NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the RFDS South Eastern Section was receiving $750,000 for two additional fully equipped Mobile Service Vehicles with full time staff…

Nationals branch takes meetings online

The NSW Nationals are adapting to life during social distancing, with the Bathurst Branch holding an online eMeeting via a teleconference on Tuesday evening. The eMeeting was organised by Bathurst Branch secretary/treasurer Lachlan Sullivan, and members were emailed an invitation to participate. “We had an excellent response with around 20 attendees,” Mr Sullivan said. “The…

New app to help slow spread of COVID-19

The Australian Government has launched the new voluntary coronavirus app, COVIDSafe, an important public health initiative to help keep you, your family and your community safe from further spread of coronavirus through early notification of possible exposure. Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said the app was crucial in Australians getting to the…