Federal Member Michael McCormack has called out the Albanese Labor Government for its plans to jack up prices of Australia’s most popular cars and utes as part of its proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards and push towards electric vehicles.

“Despite Australians facing a cost-of-living crisis, Labor has taken it upon itself to recklessly pursue its New Vehicle Efficiency Standards which will hike the cost of brand-new cars and utes,” Mr McCormack said.

“Labor’s car taxes will disincentivise Australians from upgrading to newer and safer models — instead encouraging us to keep our older models, which will be worse for the environment and road safety in the long run.

“Since coming to Government, Labor has cost a worker earning $85,0000 per year more than $7,600 in lost purchasing power.

“There is no doubt fossil fuels cause harm, let’s not forget how resource intensive the manufacturing of car batteries is, as well as the significant ethical issues, including modern slavery, involved in the mining of rare earth minerals required to manufacture them.

“The Government needs to come to its senses and start delivering practical solutions for everyday Australians, not just those in big cities who can better afford Labor’s reckless revenue-raising.”

Partners and managers from the Life Pharmacy Group (LPG) recently gathered in regional New South Wales to look back on the year that was and focus on the opportunities of the future. The three-day workshop was held in the Central West town of Forbes, the home of the very first LPG store.

This year’s theme was New Frontiers, with more than 30 LPG staff focusing on professional programs and services, as well as new concepts to explore and develop for patients across LPG.

There was also a heavy focus on community with a staff and family breakfast barbeque, hosted by the Forbes CanAssist team. CanAssist is a grass roots, not-for-profit organisation that operates in 55 towns across regional and remote NSW. The Forbes CanAssist volunteers work tirelessly to provide support for patients during cancer treatment and care.

Pharmacist and owner Sarah Hazell said ‘we are very happy to support our local Can Assist. We see first hand the wonderful work they do in our community helping individuals and families through cancer diagnosis and treatment’. A cheque for $2500 was handed over to the Forbes CanAssist branch members on the day.

John Schrader of Forbes CanAssist commented “We have been doing the breakfast BBQ for the Life Pharmacy group for approximately 4 years. Flannery’s and Life pharmacies are very supportive of CanAssist Forbes and of those in our community needing assistance to deal with a cancer diagnosis.

CanAssist Forbes are extremely grateful for the support of the local community and business houses. We are a 100% volunteer organisation that receives no government assistance. So for us to support the residents of Forbes and district living with and/or being treated for cancer we rely on what we can raise ourselves and the donations from the good people and businesses of Forbes.”

After a successful worldwide release that included Paramount Plus and Showtime in the US, locally written feature film thriller, Avarice, is finally available on Australian shores after nearly 500,000 people watched it premiere on Channel 9 on February 9.

Avarice, the birth child of local screenwriter/ journalist/ producer, Dane Millerd, has also performed well worldwide so far. Its success shows no signs of abating either which is great news for Millerd and the producers.

Shot in WA during COVID in mid 2022, Avarice follows champion archer (Gillian Alexy) and her husband, Ash (Luke Ford), who go on vacation with their daughter to a remote holiday home. One night they are subjected to a terrifying home invasion by a team of mercenaries and Kate must use her specialist archery skills to defeat their captors and save her family. The talented cast includes Ryan Panizza, Alexandra Nell, Alexi Fleri, Tom O’Sullivan, Soa Palelei and Victoria Fleri.

International sales agent Epic Pictures has sold the film extensively to distributors worldwide, including the key territories Germany, UK, Japan, Middle East and South Korea. In March 2023 Showtime acquired the USA Broadcast TV and streaming rights to Avarice where the film was warmly received. Avarice has proven to be popular around the world including Canada where it won Best Thriller at the Montreal Independent Film Festival.

I”Im still in shock but very pleased with how this has performed as I never expected it,” said Millerd.

“All I can put it down to is having better people around me who believe in me and what I’m doing and that’s a big reason why this film worked. I can’t thank director John V. Soto enough for his faith in my story and for following through. He’s an amazing filmmaker and one to watch in the future!”

The Parkes Regional Airport is a major gateway to the Central West region and is located a short five kilometres east of the Parkes town centre, off the Henry Parkes Way.

The airport is serviced by Regional Express (REX), which provides daily return passenger services between Parkes and Sydney. We recommend you contact REX directly for further information about passenger services, including flight schedule, bookings and luggage requirements.

Joint Statement

The Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Mayors – Neil Westcott, Phyllis Miller OAM, and Paul Phillips acknowledge the recent announcement by Rex Airlines regarding adjustments to their regional flight network, including services affecting their communities.

Rex Airlines stated the need to “prolong the regional network reductions implemented in various stages in 2023 due to continuing dislocated supply chains post COVID that are heavily impacting the provision of aircraft spare parts, especially aircraft engine parts.”

The regions Councils recognise these ongoing challenges faced by airlines globally, and also understand Rex is further impacted by pilot shortages, despite their ongoing pilot training and development programs.

We have always worked very cooperatively with Rex to establish workable flight schedules for the Lachlan, Forbes and Parkes region, and we are very appreciative of the partnership approach during this difficult period.

We appreciate the constraints facing the airline and we understand that the three (3) return services each weekday cannot be maintained. We are however grateful for the introduction of two (2) return flights each weekday, and a total of twelve weekly return services. This includes an early morning and middle of the day service from Parkes to Sydney and a middle of the day and evening service from Sydney to Parkes. This revised flight schedule is set to commence at the start of April and will allow day-return travel to Sydney for the region, which is particularly important for those travelling for health and business reasons.

Rex airlines has been servicing Parkes since the commencement of the airline and we are very appreciative of their continued support as it is important to the region.

I have informed NSW National Party Leader Dugald Saunders that I’ve made the decision to step down as the Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads to dedicate my energy, experience and passion to the Central West.

Serving as the Minister for Regional Transport & Roads in the former Coalition Government was an honour and a privilege. Despite stepping down, I remain dedicated to holding the Minns Labor government accountable through my role as an upper house MP in portfolio committees, inquiries and the Budget Estimates process.

This decision isn’t about stepping away; it’s about stepping closer to the issues that impact our community, closer to the very reason of why I entered politics.

The Central West is not just where I work; it is my home, my heart and my purpose. By stepping down from my shadow portfolio, I can fully focus on the pressing issues facing our communities, such as water security, flood recovery, infrastructure improvements (like upgrading the Great Western Highway), support for small businesses and housing solutions.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to my parliamentary colleagues, the NSW Nationals leadership team and all those who have supported me in my role as Shadow Minister.

I look forward to working alongside all our Central West communities to build a stronger, more prosperous region for us all.