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NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders has vowed to make the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) its own separate business unit again if the Coalition is re-elected in 2027. He made the remarks during an address at the NSW Farmers Conference today, warning DPI is being watered down, after it was completely absorbed by the Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW). Mr Saunders labelled the changes made under Labor’s functional review as unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary.“DPI needs autonomy, and we have shown that’s what works best as we go through the cycle of droughts, floods, fires and major biosecurity outbreaks,” Mr Saunders …

COALITION PROMISES REGIONAL REVIVAL Read More »

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to reverse a decision to replace hardwood power poles with composite poles. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders visited Coffs Harbour Hardwoods in Glenreagh today, alongside Shadow Minister for the North Coast Gurmesh Singh, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp and industry representatives. They called on Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to intervene, to prevent a further increase in power prices, and to provide certainty to the timber industry.“Hardwood has been hard done by here. Not only will this untested product be worse for the household budget by …

COMPOSITE POLES TO INCREASE POWER PRICES Read More »

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to come clean on itsbiosecurity announcement that showed no new money across several key areas. The majority of the funding provided to respond to major agricultural threats in the2024/25 budget is leftovers from the 2023/24 allocation. Last year’s budget papers for example included $80m for the Red Imported Fire Antsresponse, but after just $25m was spent, the Agriculture Minister has re-announcedthe remaining $55.3m today. The same goes for supporting industries affected by varroa mite which had $36.2m ofthe initial $77.2m left over, while $6.2m of the $10.2m in white spot …

PRIMARY PRODUCERS BLINDSIDED ON
BIOSECURITY Read More »

16 May 2024 The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to take strong and urgentaction on domestic violence, after it delayed strengthening the state’s bail laws.Liberal and Nationals MPs were prepared to push the Government’s new bail bill throughParliament this week, in order to increase protections for women and children as soon aspossible.But Labor and the Greens refused to back the move, which means the changes won’t belooked at for at least another month.NSW Nationals Leader and Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said weneed swift and decisive action when it comes to addressing the scourge …

MINNS DELAYS PROTECTIONS FOR WOMEN AND
CHILDREN IN DUBBO Read More »

Today’s announcement of a restructure to the Department of Regional NSW is yetanother example of Chris Minns treating people from the regions as second-classcitizens. What is clear is the new ‘NSW Department of Primary Industries and RegionalDevelopment’ will be coordinated from Sydney by the city-centric Premier, which ishard to believe given during the election campaign he said “I don’t pretend to have anyexpertise about regional New South Wales”. We need to see some clarity around how these changes are going to help our farmers,fishers or foresters do what they do, each and every day. Instead of providing any funding for …

MINNS PUTS THE REGIONS TO RUIN Read More »

The Dubbo electorate Woman of the Year 2024 has been awarded to Mudgee local, MyffClarke, in recognition of her significant work to actively support the community. Member for the Dubbo electorate, Dugald Saunders, commended Myff on the honour,recognising her passion and the positive impact she has made in the Mudgee area. “This is a well-deserved honour for Myff. Her commitment and ongoing contribution tocommunity groups and the Children’s Medical Research Institute through the Mudgeecommittee is significant and I am pleased to be able to recognise her with this award.” “Myff is an inspiration and highlights that the Dubbo electorate is …

MUDGEE LOCAL NAMED 2024 DUBBO ELECTORATE WOMAN OF THE YEAR Read More »

THE BRAND NEW PCYC FOOD VAN IS READY TO COOK UP A STORM. 9th February 2024 Whether it’s a recent local show you’ve attended, a local market day or even a swap meet, chances are you’ve lined up for a steak sanga and a bucket of chips from a PCYC food van at least once or twice before! Thanks to funding from the previous Liberal/National Government’s Community Building Partnerships program, the Dubbo PCYC has a brand-new food van ready to hit the road. As a charity that supports young people in our community, the PCYC and its dedicated volunteers will …

READY, SET, COOK! Read More »

Residents of the Dubbo electorate are encouraged to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the community by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards. Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders said the festival and the awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of seniors. “If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring, and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for acknowledgement of their contribution. “This annual festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society,” Mr Saunders said. Nominations are now open for the awards …

DUBBO ELECTORATE ENCOURAGED TO CELEBRATE LOCAL SENIORS Read More »