I am absolutely honoured to have been re-elected by the people of the Parkes electorate for a fourth term and I am very much looking forward to representing the electorate in the new Government.

I certainly appreciate all the support that has been given to me from right across the electorate. I consider it a great honour to represent our region in the Nation’s Parliament. 

The most important thing to do now is to get on with the job. I would like to thank the AEC for their diligent and conscientious work throughout the whole election.

The Parkes electorate was one of the first divisions secured by The Nationals to be formally declared.  Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals Barnaby Joyce’s seat of New England as well as the seats of Mallee and Gippsland have also been formally declared by the AEC.

Last week Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced his new Ministry which includes greater representation by the Nationals. Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Nationals, Barnaby Joyce will continue as Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources which is excellent news for local producers and exporters. 

Deputy Leader of the Nationals, Fiona Nash has retained her roles as Minister for Regional Development and Minister for Regional Communications and has picked up extra responsibility as Minister for Local Government and Territories.

My good friend and Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack has been promoted with a new role for the Nationals as Minister for Small Business.

Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker has taken on the position of Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Member for Lyne, David Gillespie will take his first position within the Ministry as Assistant Minister for Rural Health.

In addition, Senator Nigel Scullion will remain as Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Darren Chester will continue as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Queensland National Keith Pitt has a new portfolio as Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment while Senator Matthew Canavan has been promoted into Cabinet with the role of Minister for Resources and Northern Australia. I congratulate all of my colleagues on securing their relevant positions within the Turnbull Ministry.  

Applications can now be submitted for Round 2 of the Local Sporting Champions program through the Australian Sports Commission.

The Local Sporting Champions program is an Australian Government initiative designed to provide financial assistance for young people aged 12-18 towards the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms and equipment when competing, coaching or officiating at an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state, national or international sporting championships or a School Sport Australia state or national championships.

Further information about the Local Sporting Champions program can be found athttp://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/local_sporting_champions 

The Salvation Army’s ‘Be a Souperhero’ campaign is giving everyone the chance to help make a difference in the lives of those in difficult times. By taking a Soup Challenge from July 25-31, you will help make a difference in the lives of people struggling to get by. To find out visit https://souperhero.org.au/