Your Federal Member's Community Update

August 13, 2026

SOUND OF SILENCE ON GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY CLOSURE CONTINUES

We see billions and billions of state and federal funding being showered on projects on the other side of the sandstone curtain. Yet when we need them most, all we get from government is empty words and small change.

It's been weeks since the state government announced its fix for this closed nationally significant road corridor. Yet since then, it's been the sound of silence.

NO word on how much this fix will cost.
NO word on whether we're going to get more than one lane of traffic each way.
And NO word of any federal contribution for anything. And it's not just government silence.

We've now got the sound of silence from shuttered and closed businesses that have broke because of government negligence:

The Triple 8 Café, Gone
R & A Chainsaws and Mowers, Gone.
ICF haulage, Gone.
A Lithgow motorbike shop is being smashed.

I was at a local Hotel in Lithgow recently where business is down by 60%.

These inadequate one-off business support grants from the NSW government aren't cutting it. It's just a tokenistic political gesture.

We need federal and state funding for the roadworks and an ongoing business support package like we had with Job Keeper during Covid - before more businesses are lost!

This government neglect is disgraceful. And it has to end now!

Enough Is Enough: Ban Gambling Advertising

Gambling addiction destroys lives and takes lives.

You're going to be hearing a lot about it in Parliament this week, but the bottom line is that we need to ban gambling advertising. I am not against gambling. I like the odd punt now and again myself, but we shouldn't be allowing gambling companies to brainwash our kids into thinking this is an acceptable part of life in order to get them hooked on gambling.

The only reason that we don't have a ban on gambling advertising is that gaming companies are big donors to the major political parties.

BATHURST'S RAIL MANUFACTURING IS ON-TRACK

Recently, I had the privilege of being in Bathurst to mark the commissioning of a new 28-metre CNC milling machine, a significant milestone for advanced manufacturing in our region.

This remarkable piece of technology, the largest of its kind in Australia, represents years of planning, investment, and hard work. Its installation took 12 months to complete and highlights the growing capability of regional manufacturing.

Most importantly, it is a strong vote of confidence in our local workforce. It demonstrates the skills, dedication, and expertise that exist right here in Bathurst and reinforces the important role regional communities play in Australia's manufacturing future.

This is great news for Bathurst, creating opportunities to strengthen local industry, support skilled jobs, and showcase the innovation that continues to thrive in our region.

Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone and helping to further establish Bathurst as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

Authorised by Andrew Gee, MP, Suite 1/179A Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800