One of the most rewarding parts of my job as a regional member of parliament, and a minister in the state government is having a seat at the decision making table allowing me to support good policy which has a real and positive impact on people’s lives.
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A few short weeks ago the Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, joined me in Dubbo to speak about the NSW Nationals & Liberals Housing affordability package. This is a great initiative that will make a real difference in the lives of many, positive government policy giving first home buyers in the electorate and across the state a head start on the journey to owning their own home. This is a comprehensive package of measures which will give first home buyers in our communities a fair go by significantly reducing stamp duty. Stamp duty is a hurdle for most first home buyers, so to abolish stamp duty for first home buyers purchasing property up to a value of $650,000, and providing discounts on stamp duty for property up to $800,000, will mean that the dream of being your own landlord will be that little bit easier to realise.
Before and After School care fund
Another good initiative by the Nationals in government is the $20 million ‘Before and After School care fund’. This is a great opportunity for not for profits to apply for grants of up to $30,000 to help expand or establish new services to provide flexible options for working families. Juggling work and other commitments for many families is a real challenge and the government understands that families need help and flexibility in this area, this approach allows not-for-profits, councils and schools to provide more care options. NSW has a diverse early childhood education sector, that is why the NSW Nationals and Liberals have spent more than $1.6 billion on early childhood education since we came to government in 2011.
For more information, visit the Department of Education website at www.dec.nsw.gov.au/our-services/children-and-youth/out-of-hours-school-care-grant.
ROAD SAFETY
Being able to purchase your first home, and get your children into out of school care is important, but so is improving road safety.
Last week I announced that local road safety in the Dubbo electorate could receive a welcome boost with applications soon to open for the NSW Governments Community Road Safety Grants program.
I encourage all community groups to apply for these grants. Local knowledge is vitally important in identifying and addressing local road safety issues.
Applications under this fund open on June 13, and close at 5pm on July 23. Community-based organisations can get more information about the grants, and submit their application, by visiting: roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/aboutthecentre/communitygrants/.
