Many miles are done in order for me to hear from, and assist those in my electorate, and this week is no different. I am heading to Dubbo, Warren, Trangie, Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge and back to Coonamble.

I was pleased to meet with, and make a personal contribution to, blind Paralympian Sue-Ellen Lovett’s 800 kilometre ride recently. This ride will raise funds for the Western Cancer Centre - an amazing effort which will result in over $60,000. Sue-Ellen has represented Australia as a successful dressage rider, and is already an accomplished fundraiser, reinforcing to us all that being blind does not stop you from making a difference.

While in the central west, I was also pre-selected by the National Party for the Seat of Parkes for the fifth time. I have found it a privilege to represent the interests of the people of the Parkes electorate and its diverse communities. Eleven years as the Member for Parkes has given me a strong foundation and a keen knowledge of the rural and regional communities I represent.

In Parliament this week I met with Year 5/6 students of Nyngan Public School, as well as Year 6 of St Ignatius Parish School, Bourke, and I was very impressed with their interest in the workings of Parliament. It is always a pleasure to catch up with the wonderful students of my electorate, and in my opinion, kids from the bush are among the best. I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with representatives from DANII Foundation as part of their advocacy day in Parliament House. DANII Foundation supports all people living with diabetes by raising awareness of what Type 1 Diabetes is.

I attended the National Drought Summit on Friday, which was an excellent opportunity for me to keep my eyes and ears out for the Government’s next steps, as the drought evolves. Updates on the Drought Summit will be made available in due course.

The Australian Government, on behalf of all Australians, unreservedly apologised to the victims and survivors of institutional child sexual abuse last Monday. I sat in the House of Representatives as the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader both made their contributions to this important apology. Child sexual abuse is a serious criminal act, and a violation of Australian law. Perpetrators must and will be held to account for the atrocities they have inflicted on children. The National Apology is about reckoning with the past and committing to protecting children now and into the future.

Together, as a Government, a Parliament and a community it is essential we play a role in the protection of children from abuse. We can do our bit by keeping our eyes and ears open and speaking out to keep children safe. The National Apology committed to take action, to build awareness in our community and strengthen our systems to promote children’s safety across Australia and indeed in the Parkes electorate. We must also do all we can to ensure that all of our institutions are child-safe. The actions to follow will give true meaning to this apology.

Families and small businesses in my electorate will benefit from savings under the Coalition Government’s new plan for affordable and reliable energy. I know many families and small businesses in my electorate are struggling with rising power prices. Negotiating with energy companies can be time-consuming and challenging.

This plan aims to take the pressure off families and small businesses, and put customers back in charge by cracking down on dodgy practices, supporting investment in new generation and guaranteeing reliable supply.