Your Federal Member's Community Update

September 17, 2026

WE DID IT!! NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDAL EXTENDED TO OUR CENTRAL WEST HEROES!

For years, I’ve been fighting to get our local heroes the recognition they so richly deserve for their bravery during the November 2022 floods.

From pressure in Parliament to lobbying the PM, calling out the red tape, and even waiting on King Charles to sign off on the regulations - I promised our community I wouldn’t give up on this, and now the fight has been won.

After King Charles agreed to the necessary rule changes, the Prime Minister has now formally recommended that the Governor-General declare the 2022 Central West flood disaster nationally significant, making our first responders, volunteers, and community workers eligible for the National Emergency Medal.

This is a massive win for our region and a win for fairness and justice.

When those devastating storm and floodwaters hit Eugowra, Molong, Cudal, Canowindra, Manildra, Forbes, Cowra, Parkes and many places in between - our communities stepped up. We saw over 120 chopper rescues in Eugowra alone. It was the biggest helicopter rescue in Australian history, with neighbours risking everything to save neighbours.

Our local heroes didn't hesitate when the waters rose, and it was plain wrong that they were locked out of this medal while other regions were recognised.

To everyone who did so much to help so many in the face of such loss and tragedy: this medal is for you.

Your courage, kindness, and compassion were extraordinary, and our entire region is so proud and grateful.

Once the Governor-General completes the formal process, applications will open online. I’ll keep everyone updated on how to apply.

REPEAL THESE FLAWED GUN LAWS NOW!

Recently in Parliament, I moved a motion for an immediate repeal of these flawed and unfair gun laws and pathetic buyback scheme!

I managed to unite 47 MPs to vote with me to stand up for law-abiding Australians, but the Government used its numbers to shut it down.

This buyback scheme is nothing more than legalised theft paying cents on the dollar, driving regional small businesses to the wall while doing zero to target actual criminals and terrorists. It’s pure political scapegoating!

This buyback scheme is open for 12 months, and with the NSW State Election coming up in March, country communities can send a powerful message - before handing in their guns! You never know, people power and the ballot box may just force change.

It’s time to bin this junk policy, defend our local businesses, and bring common sense back to Parliament!

HANDS OFF OUR SENIORS HEALTH REBATE

In Parliament recently, I gave voice to thousands of seniors across Calare who are rightly outraged by the government's proposal to slash the private health insurance rebate for Australians over 65.

Nobody voted for higher health costs in their retirement. For decades, our senior Australians did the right thing.

They worked hard, sacrificed, and paid their premiums year after year.

Now, when cost-of-living pressures are already crushing retirees on fixed incomes, what's their reward?

More pain for our seniors. More pain for our pensioners.

In regional Australia, our local hospitals across the Central West are already strained by workforce shortages and bed block.

Pushing thousands off private cover will push our regional public health system towards collapse.

This policy is short-sighted, unfair to our seniors, and needs to be binned immediately!

TRIBUTE TO A BROADCASTING LEGEND!

I rose in Parliament recently, to pay tribute to a true icon of the Central West - my good friend Kerry Peck, better known to us all as "Pecky"!

For over 6 decades, Pecky has been the warm and unmistakable voice of Bathurst.

From Brekky with Pecky to spearheading appeals for Daffodil Cottage and raising funds for flood and bushfire relief, his heart beats strongly for our region and always has.

It was wonderful to celebrate his 80th birthday earlier this year, and over the weekend, he and his lovely wife Dixie were alongside his 2BS / B-Rock crew to see him named as an inaugural inductee into the Carillon Business Hall of Fame!

Pecky, on behalf of a grateful community, congratulations to you and Dixie on this richly deserved honour and thank you for a lifetime dedicated to regional radio!

GRANTS

Dobell Exhibition Grant

$40,000 | Closes 13 October 2026

Supports regional galleries and cultural centres across NSW to develop and present new curated visual arts exhibitions, helping showcase artistic talent and enrich local communities.

MORE INFORMATION: https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/funding/grants-we-administer/dobell-exhibition-grant/

Early Childhood Development Grants

From $100,000 | Closes 8 April 2027

Supports innovative programs that improve learning, development and wellbeing outcomes for children aged 0–8 years, helping young Australians build strong foundations for the future.

MORE INFORMATION: https://www.ianpotter.org.au/what-we-support/program-areas/early-childhood-development

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