Author name: Dugald Saunders

Wine grape growers have a new line of defence against serious pests and diseases with 65 biosecurity billboards installed across the state thanks to an investment from the former NSW Liberal and Nationals Government. The new high visibility signs remind visitors to do their part to keep vineyards free of threats like phylloxera. Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders said further investment is needed in biosecurity to protect our primary industries. “If you are travelling through one of our wine regions you won’t be able to miss these biosecurity billboards, that alert all visitors not to bring in any […]

Seniors across regional NSW are coming out in force, to take a stand against Labor’s plan to axe the Regional Seniors Travel Card. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said thousands of people have already signed an online petition to stop the move, despite new applications being suspended by the Minns Government. “The Labor Government has completely underestimated how valuable the Regional Seniors Travel Card is to seniors living in regional NSW,” Mr Saunders said. “This is a major issue for seniors across the state from Tuncurry to Tottenham and Tweed Heads. As I travel across the state seniors are worried

The NSW Labor Government today celebrated 100 days in government while families in regional NSW face a more uncertain future headlined by mounting cost of living pressures. Member for the Dubbo electorate and Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders said Labor ended its first 100 days by breaking election promises and cutting spending to regional NSW. “If you start how you intend to finish then this government is heading for disaster,” Mr Saunders said. “The biggest disappointments are the broken promises to the people of NSW. “Before the election Chris Minns said he would “roll over” the $250 Active

Regional Liberal and Nationals members of parliament have joined seniors living in regional NSW to launch a petition to save the popular $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said he hopes the petition will save the seniors travel card from being cut in the upcoming NSW Budget. “The Regional Seniors Travel Card has become a local lifeline for seniors in our community,” Mr Saunders said. “Holding a $250 regional travel card allows seniors to take a trip to visit friends and family, travel for a doctor’s appointment, or visit the shops to pick up

The Labor Government has once again shown its lack of support for regional NSW, refusing to commit to the continuation of the popular Resources for Regions Program. The Resources for Regions program, set up by the Coalition in 2012, has reinvested over $560 million into mining communities in recognition of the important contribution they make to our state. Leader of the Nationals and Shadow Minister for Natural Resources Dugald Saunders said Labor has a lot to answer for after voting to “consider” instead of “commit to” the vital program in Parliament. “Labor’s indecisiveness regarding future funding for the Resources for

Leader of the NSW Nationals Dugald Saunders and Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke will introduce a Bill to protect Water NSW and local water utilities from privatisation. “Access to drinking water for people in regional NSW should be the same as for people living in Sydney,” Mr Saunders said. “The Premier had an opportunity to show he will govern for all of NSW, not just for Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong – he has failed, so we are now taking action to right that wrong.” Ms Cooke has lodged a Notice of Motion to introduce the Constitution Amendment (Water NSW

Member for Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has condemned the Labor Government’s decision to slash the value of Active Kids and First Lap vouchers, cease the standalone Creative Kids voucher, and massively restrict the eligibility of NSW families. Mr Saunders said thousands of families in the Dubbo electorate and regional NSW rely on the annual vouchers to enrol their children in sporting and creative activities. “All families in our community could receive $300 per child per year in Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers under the Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr Saunders said. “Under Labor’s cuts, the number of eligible families