Next week, from May 8, is National Volunteer Week, when we acknowledge the important work of our volunteers and their organisations in building stronger communities. The energy, expertise and time our volunteers give to our community supporters those most in need and represents what Australian communities are all about – giving a helping hand.

I would like to remind Local Government organisations in the Parkes Electorate to act quickly as the deadline for submissions to the latest round of the $360 million Bridges Renewal Programme looms.

Our councils can get on board by nominating local bridges that need upgrading or replacement. Residents who might like to put forward their ideas should get in touch with their council to find out about any plans they have to nominate local bridges, or put forward suggestions.

Better bridges improve safety and access for communities, and keep businesses and the road freight sector powering on – delivering dollars into the pockets of local businesses and supporting jobs.

Round Three is open for applications until May 15. Guidelines and proposal forms are now available on the Bridges Renewal Programme website at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges

The Coalition Government will provide a further $55.7 million over the next three years to community legal centres ($39 million) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services ($16.7 million).

$1.73 billion is now going to Legal Aid Commissions, Community Legal Centres and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services over five years to 2020, which is more than ever before.

This is the latest in a series of commitments made by this Government to support the work of the legal assistance sector and women and children affected by family violence.” As the national conversation on domestic and family violence continues, more people are coming forward to seek a range of assistance measures and the Coalition Government has listened and responded.

The Federal Government’s country of origin labelling for food campaign was launched recently. The campaign will appear on TV, radio, in newspapers, digitally and on social media over the coming five weeks. The new food labelling system will provide Australian consumers with the clarity they deserve, without imposing an excessive burden on businesses. The broader country of origin labelling reforms came into effect from 1 July 2016 and a two-year transition period is now in place.

Since the introduction of the reforms, many foods found on Australian retail shelves have started to include the familiar kangaroo in a triangle logo to show that the food is made, produced or grown in Australia. Imported foods that only undergo minor processing or packaging here cannot claim to be made here or carry the logo. The new labels also include a bar chart indicating the proportion of Australian ingredients.

For more information go to foodlabels.industry.gov.au or search ‘clearer food labels’.