Your Federal Member's Community Update

October 22, 2026

BURRAGA SHEEP SHOW & COUNTRY FAIR HONOURED!

In Parliament last week I paid tribute to the legendary volunteers and community members who made the 66th annual Burraga Sheep Show and Country Fair such a success!

A massive congratulations to President Ann Millbank and the entire team on putting such a wonderful event.

From top-notch shearing and sheepdog trials to the grand return of the ute show after 25 years - what an absolute cracker of an event!

You simply cannot beat a country show. Thank you to everyone who made it such an unforgettable celebration of our local spirit!

FIGHTING TO SAVE COUNTRY POST OFFICES

In parliament, I called out the federal government and Australia Post to demand immediate action. They do not get a free pass on this.

Alarm bells are ringing across the Central West and regional Australia!

Dozens of post offices have already closed, and our communities are deeply concerned Australia Post has a secret plan to drive even more out of business.

We’ve seen the banks leave town, and now we could lose our post offices too. Replacing them with just parcel lockers is not good enough!

Country post offices are vital to the survival of our communities, and we simply cannot do without them!

Any attempt to mess with our post offices will be met with white-hot fury across country Australia!

It’s time for the government to bring Australia Post under control, support our local posties, and be quick about it.

FEDERAL COURT DECISION - A WIN FOR COMMON SENSE

The Federal Court has handed down a decision declaring the Section 10 heritage protection order over the McPhillamy’s Gold Project, near Blayney to be invalid.

This decision is a win for Regis, it’s a win for common sense and it’s a shocking debacle for the federal government.

The Federal Court has struck down the declaration, confirming what many in our local community knew from day one: that the assessment process was deeply flawed, secretive, and completely mishandled by Canberra.

The Court found that the government made key procedural errors, including failing to refer crucial information back to a government reporter for consideration and consultation before making the section 10 order.

This judgment is a damning indictment of government decision making. We now need a full explanation from the government about what went on here and why proper processes weren’t followed. Governments should not be above the law or accountability.

It’s an absolute disgrace that it took a Federal Court judge and tens of millions of dollars in legal fees to point out the glaringly obvious lack of transparency that has plagued this entire process from the very beginning.

I have long called for urgent law reform to this area to make decisions faster, more open and transparent and with proper accountability.

How can dragging parties through an unbelievably expensive and lengthy court battle benefit anyone?

This ruling breathes fresh life back into the McPhillamy’s project which would be a massive boost to the economic life of the region and bring a whole lot of jobs and investment. It would be huge for Blayney and the Central West.

The ball is now firmly back in the court of Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt who has to start the whole process all over again.

All I can say is that there had better not be a repeat of this complete and utter shambles.

SLASH THE TOBACCO TAX & CRACK DOWN ON THE CROOKS!

The explosion of illegal tobacco and vapes is a massive policy failure!

Repeatedly hiking taxes hasn’t stopped demand.

It’s just created a booming multibillion-dollar market for crooks and organised crime syndicates.

Last year I called for the slashing of the excise on tobacco to pull the rug out from under these criminal gangs.

I’m pleased to see my policy position has now been plagiarised by One Nation, the Liberals and the Nationals. They say it’s the sincerest form of flattery!

What the Government has done so far, has not been good enough.

We are handing a flourishing business to criminal networks while up to $11 BILLION in lost excise goes up in smoke!

Imagine how many Great Western Highways, roads, bridges, hospitals and schools we could build!

From firebombings in our streets to small businesses losing trade, this cannot go on!

We need to back this policy up with genuine enforcement and support legitimate businesses NOW!

BACK BATHURST - BACK THE TRACK!

In parliament last week, I gave a massive shoutout to Bathurst Regional Council, Supercars and all the local businesses and volunteers who made the Great Race such an incredible success.

But amidst the high-octane excitement, one thing became crystal clear on live TV: our track surface is showing its age and cracking under the pressure.

The message I gave to Parliament was that if we want to keep Mount Panorama as the physical and spiritual home of Australian motorsport, we can’t wait.

State and Federal Governments need to open their wallets and chequebooks for badly needed upgrades!

The drivers love it.

The fans love it.

Now our Governments need to show some love for it, too.

Make it happen!

REGIONAL EVENT FUNDING NOW OPEN!

Do you run an established regional event that brings visitors to your community?

The Regional Event Fund - Event Development Stream is offering grants of up to $50,000 to help grow regional events, increase overnight visitation, and support local tourism.

Funding up to $50,000
Support for established regional events
Boost overnight stays and visitor spending
Strengthen local economies and tourism

From food and wine festivals to agricultural shows, arts events and community celebrations , this funding can help take your event to the next level.

Don't miss this opportunity to showcase your region and attract more visitors!/p>

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