I was delighted to share with the House my pleasure in meeting with young people from Northampton District High School, Carnarvon School of the Air and Port Hedland School of the Air.
Cashless Debit Card Abolition
Yesterday in Parliament I spoke about the Labor Government's removal of the successful Cashless Debit Card in the East Kimberley and the detrimental effects this has had on vulnerable communities in our North.
Labor Looking After Their Own Once Again With Mobile Black Spot Program, Round 6
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price MP, welcomes a review into Labor’s evident pork barrelling in Round 6 of the Mobile Black Spot Program. The review has been ordered by the Australian Information Commissioner, into Communications Minister Michelle Rowland’s hand-picking of Labor seats in the latest Mobile Black Spot Program and her refusal to hand over the relevant documents.
“I was extremely disappointed, shocked even, that in Labor’s new round of Mobile Black Spot funding, 74% of selected locations are in Labor electorates,” said Ms Price. “Whilst Labor has once again looked after their own, our regional communities have been ignored and they are suffering as a result. In fact, in my electorate of Durack, which encompasses some 1.4 million square kilometres, taking up a massive 18% of our whole country, only ONE site was selected”.
“It is regional, rural and remote Australians who experience the worst connectivity in our nation. These are the people who need improved mobile coverage the most, some of whom cannot even get a signal on their phone, yet Labor have deliberately chosen to funnel the money into their own electorates. Where does this intentional oversight leave our vital emergency services, who desperately require improved coverage? Our very lives can depend on these services having connectivity,” said Ms Price.
The Coalition Government has a proven track record of delivering the NBN and the Mobile Black Spot program to all Australians, including those in remote and regional areas who always miss out under Labor. We invested wisely in these critical infrastructure programs, ensuring that taxpayers' money is spent responsibly and that all Australians have access to the digital services they need. Minister Rowland needs to comply with the law and fully explain her role in personally selecting this list of sites that have so clearly been chosen for political reasons.
Australians deserve full answers regarding Labor’s underhanded Round 6 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.
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Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
The Growing Regions Fund
Expressions of Interest for the Growing Regions Program – Round 1 (the Program), opened today, 5 July 2023, said the Hon Melissa Price MP, Federal Member for Durack.
After an extended wait of 14 months, this long anticipated funding round is the Labor Government’s replacement of the Coalition’s highly successful Building Better Regions Fund. The Growing Regions Program provides grants of between $500,000 and $15 million to First Nations Community Controlled Organisations, incorporated non-profit organisations and local government agencies or bodies in regional areas for capital works projects that deliver community and economic infrastructure projects across regional and rural Australia.
The Hon Melissa Price said “The importance of infrastructure funding in my electorate of Durack cannot be understated. Hopefully this new funding round will help deliver the essential infrastructure that contributes to the vibrancy and viability of local communities. I have seen fantastic results in Durack from the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund commitment of $1.38 billion across nearly 1,300 projects and I look forward to seeing the successful outcome for more Durack communities with the new Growing Regions Program”.
The objectives of the Program are:
• to construct or upgrade community infrastructure that fills an identified gap or need
• to contribute to achieving a wide range of community socio-economic outcomes
• to be strategically aligned with regional priorities.
Growing Regions Program Round 1 will be delivered through a two-stage selection process.
An Expression of Interest must be submitted at Stage 1 and if successful, applicants will be invited to submit a full application for Stage 2.
For more information on eligibility criteria, how to apply and program guidelines, visit the business.gov.au website at Growing Regions Round 1
Expressions of Interest close Tuesday 1 August 2023.
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Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
The House of Representatives My First Speech Competition
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, encourages all Durack students in Years 10-12 to enter the annual ‘My First Speech’ competition, organised by the House of Representatives.
This national competition challenges students in years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as newly elected Members of the House of Representatives and record a 90-second speech on video, highlighting issues they are passionate about.
The winners, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will be flown to Canberra to deliver their speeches live at Parliament House and participate in an engaging program tailored to deepen their understanding of the legislative process.
Melissa Price MP said “This is an exciting opportunity for our local Durack students to shine a national spotlight on the issues that matter most to them. I believe the students participating in this competition are our leaders of tomorrow. I am especially excited to give our regional, rural and remote students the opportunity to represent their community by participating in this program”.
To learn more about the competition and to submit their entries, students can visit the competition website: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech, or for any general inquiries please contact my office at melissa.price.mp@aph.gov.au
The submission deadline for the competition is set for 5pm AEST on 11 August 2023.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Federal and State Labor Governments attack on our WA Farmers
Yesterday in Parliament I held the Federal and State Labor Governments to account regarding their apparent mission to destroy WA farmers and the wider agricultural sector.
Between the proposed ‘live sheep export by sea ban’, new and unnecessary biosecurity levies being imposed on primary producers and the impending Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, I fear WA farmers are under fire and I am greatly concerned.
Australian Space Agency funding cuts by Labor
Yesterday in Parliament I spoke on the Coalition Government's funding initiatives for the Australian Space Agency and subsequent funding cuts by the Albanese Labor Government.
Our nation deserves to be at the forefront of space innovation, and it is our duty to ensure that we seize the potential that awaits us in the cosmos.
Please join me in sending best wishes to all Australian students who are participating in the Spaceport America Cup this week in New Mexico, USA. Many Australian universities are very well represented, including from The University of Western Australia, my home state.
headspace Karratha and Hedland
Yesterday in Parliament I spoke about the wonderful headspace centres in Durack, in particular the new headspace’s in Hedland and Karratha. These centres provide invaluable mental health services for youth aged 12-25 years old.
Carbon Farming Outreach Program
Federal Member for Durack, The Hon Melissa Price MP invites farmers and land managers in her electorate of Durack to apply for the Carbon Farming Outreach Program, administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
The purpose of this grant opportunity is to deliver training and advice to empower Australian farmers and land managers, including First Nations peoples, to participate in carbon markets and integrate low emission technologies and practices into their farming operations and land management practices.
“These grants will enable farmer groups, agricultural businesses, and organisations to adapt their practices and enhance their farming systems to assist with low emission technologies and aid their participation in carbon markets” Melissa Price said.
The program has two aspects, a procurement process to develop a training package on behalf of DCCEEW and a grant program to deliver the training package. Successful applicants will receive training developed by DCCEEW (via a train-the-trainer model), information and tools under the program to support their extension activities.
The objectives of the program are:
· support farmers and land managers to make decisions to reduce emissions
· build capacity of trusted advisers to deliver independent advice
· facilitate access to clear, consistent and culturally appropriate information on carbon farming and low-emissions technologies and practices
This program will assist farmers and land managers in making informed decisions to lower emissions, increase their knowledge of greenhouse gas emission management and facilitate connections through trusted advisers who have the information resources, knowledge and skills to continue to provide advice beyond the life of this grant opportunity.
Applications for this funding round close Monday 24 July 2023.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please follow this link – Carbon Farming Outreach Program or visit grants.gov.au – Carbon Farming Outreach Program.
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Industrial Relations reforms - Labor's Same Job Same Pay legislation
Yesterday in Parliament I spoke on the Albanese Labor Government's industrial relations reforms, in particular their extreme and ill defined 'Same Job Same Pay' legislation.
Port Hedland, our nation's economic powerhouse
Yesterday in Parliament I spoke to the House about my most recent visit to our nation’s economic powerhouse, the town of Port Hedland.
The Voice to Parliament referendum.
Recently I addressed the House on the proposed Voice referendum.
Tanami Road Delays
Yesterday in Parliament I held the Albanese and McGowan Labor Governments to account regarding their inexplicable delays in sealing the Tanami Road.
East Kimberley Community Safety
This week in Parliament I spoke on the Ord Valley Muster and also addressed the crime issues in the East Kimberley, acknowledging the recent community safety letter written by key Kununurra leaders and stakeholders.
Budget 2023 - Labor’s economically reckless plan
Today in Parliament I asked the Prime Minister a question about his budget and Labor’s economically reckless plan that risks middle class Australians becoming the new working poor.
Budget 2023 - Question to the Prime Minister
Yesterday in Parliament I asked the Prime Minister about the Labor Government's broken promises. Following the release of the budget last night, we still do not have the answers that Western Australians deserve.
Community child care fund – Establishing child care in limited supply areas
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, encourages Child Care Subsidy approved providers across the Durack electorate to apply for funding as part of the Community Child Care Fund – Establishing Child Care in Limited Supply Areas. This is a federal funding round facilitated by the Department Education.
“I am strongly of the opinion that we need to encourage and promote regional living, which obviously requires having childcare options available for local residents. I believe this funding round will help our regional towns to flourish, socially and economically. Families will enjoy increased childcare options, allowing them to participate in the work, social and physical activities they may have been unable to do because of the lack of childcare in their area” Melissa Price said.
The intended outcomes of the grant opportunity are to:
· establish new early childhood services in communities experiencing disadvantage in regional or remote areas, where there is a gap in the supply of approved services.
· support newly established services in communities experiencing disadvantage in regional and remote areas, to operate sustainably, engage local workforce, and address community level barriers to participation in early childhood education.
· increase the number of children from communities experiencing disadvantage in regional and remote areas accessing early childhood education.
· increase the availability of approved ECEC in communities experiencing disadvantage in regional and remote areas, with high unmet demand through capital works projects.
“By investing in child care centres in regional areas, communities can support families, promote child development, and create a brighter future for their children and the broader community.” Ms Price said.
Applications for this funding round close Thursday 1 June 2023.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Grant Connect website
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Black Spot Roads Funding to Save Lives in Durack
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, welcomes the announcement that three recipients from her electorate will benefit from the latest round of funding announced under the Western Australia Black Spot Program 2023-2024 (the program).
The program funding targets road locations with a history of crashes in need of safety upgrades such as lighting, signage, traffic lights and roundabouts. History shows that these upgrades reduce crashes causing injury and death at identified sites by around 30 per cent.
Melissa Price MP said “The Durack community’s input is critical to identifying key black spots in the electorate. These projects would not be delivered without the community’s vital input and I encourage all residents and motorists in the region to nominate projects in the event of future funding rounds,” said Melissa Price.
The successful Durack projects for the Western Australia Black Spot Program 2023-2024 are:
· SOUTH HEDLAND - $275,000 to install speed plateaus on Limpet Crescent and Clam Court between Trumpet Way and Baler Close and formalise pedestrian crossing points.
· KUNUNURRA - $173,340 to clear vegetation, improve sight distance at approach to information bay and install flag lighting on Victoria Highway.
· CHITTERING - $336,600 to seal shoulders, improve clear zone, extend culverts and install audible edge lines, pavement markings and signs on Julimar Road.
According to the WA Road Safety Commission, there were 3,432 people killed or seriously injured, in regional WA alone, between 2017 and 2021. “This is far too many and we must continue the campaign to make our roads safer. Accidents take a huge toll on families, our communities and the economy and I am delighted to see these upgrades approved.” said the Hon Melissa Price MP.
For more information and to nominate a project in your area visit the Department of Infrastructure and Transport’s website at https://bit.ly/3A6EbpZ
Ends.
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Parliament and Civics Education Rebate Available
The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price MP, is encouraging schools across the electorate of Durack who are interested in traveling to Canberra to apply for the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER).
PACER is an Australian Government initiative that provides financial assistance for students in Years 4-12 across the country to travel to Canberra, our nation’s capital. The program aims to bring civics and citizenship education to life for students by providing them with the opportunity to experience our capital first-hand.
“This opportunity is particularly important for regional, rural, and remote students who may not otherwise have the chance to visit our nation’s capital” said Melissa Price MP. “Students’ horizons are broadened when they have the opportunity to see democracy in action and learn about our nation’s government and history”.
The PACER rebate is paid directly to the school, helping to reduce costs for each participant. This funding ensures that pupils who otherwise may not have the finances to cover the trip, are now able to explore our nation’s capital.
Under PACER, students who learn about civics and citizenship in the classroom can visit Parliament House, Old Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and many other cultural and historical sites of interest.
PACER rebates are available to all eligible Australian schools, including home schools. With a recently increased rebate by 50%, this is an opportunity that should not be missed.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit https://www.pacer.org.au/
Ends.
Media Contact:
Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au
Live Music Australia Grant Program now open
Federal Member for Durack, Melissa Price, encourages organisations across the Durack electorate to apply for the Live Music Australia Grant Program (the program). The program is designed to bring more live music to Australian communities and will fund applications that support quality original Australian live music that is professionally staged.
“I recognise the value of live music performances in our communities. Live music brings people together, especially when they attend an event that plays music that can transcend age, race, ethnicity, and gender. It showcases our local talent and helps to create a sense of identity and pride” said Melissa Price.
The program will provide support to the live music sector, with a focus on small to medium venues that support high quality original Australian live music that is professionally staged.
The program will also:
· support the development, growth and innovation of Australian contemporary live music by increasing performance opportunities for original contemporary music by Australian artists.
· support a sustainable venue-based live music industry by building professional capacity within venues, and growing and building audiences.
· support partnerships, collaboration and networks across the Australian live music industry.
It aims to revive business ventures in local suburbs, towns and regions across the country, building capacity for a sustainable live music scene with strong community roots, in all parts of Australia.
Closing date for applications will be Wednesday 26 April 2023.
For more information and eligibility criteria visit the Australian Government’s GrantConnect website at https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=4ce48b7d-84c3-4b69-9195-b9daaf2f0951
Ends
Media Contact: Jackie Perry 0427 587 395, jackie.perry@aph.gov.au