Roy Butler MP | Politician
Roy Butler MP
Phone: +61 2 6792 1422
Reviews
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21.01.2022 Following the string of bomb threats made across Sydney schools yesterday, I have been contacted by the office of Education Minister Sarah Mitchell in regards to a bomb threat received by Narrabri High School this morning. Students have been evacuated including Year 12 students sitting their HSC Biology exam. Minister Mitchell’s office has confirmed that these students will not have to re-sit this exam as the school will lodge a joint misadventure form on behalf of the studen...ts. Any students or parents who are concerned with this process, please reach out to my Narrabri office on 6792 1422
20.01.2022 Coal Seam Gas Concerns. People opposing Coal Seam Gas are not people on the fringe. They are multi generation farmers, custodians of land. They wear the risk of a commercial project - but don't see any benefit. The concerns shared by myself and many others, are from those who need groundwater to survive, especially in times of drought. Water is our most precious resource, I can't support a short term project that places future generations and whole communities at risk. ... The "guarantee" that groundwater wont be compromised can be viewed in the same light as the commitment that the 16 Recommendations of the NSW Chief Scientist would be implemented as agreed by NSW Government and by the proponent. They both set, and then walked away from their own standard.
20.01.2022 -:RESTRICTIONS UPDATE SOUTH AUSTRALIA:- Stay at home orders will be eased in South Australia from 12.01 AM Sunday 22 November. South Australian Police will provide further details in relation to reverting back to similar restrictions that were in place on Monday 16 November 2020. Please check the South Australian Police Facebook page for further information and updates or the SAPOL website: www.police.sa.gov.au
20.01.2022 Drought Assistance - St Vincent de Paul Society The Drought Community Support Initiative (DCSI) Round 2 is a Federal Government funded grant that provides immediate financial assistance of up to $3000 to farmers, farm workers, or farm suppliers/contractors including sale yard and abattoir workers who have been financially impacted by drought. To be eligible you must be:... 18 years old or older An Australian citizen or permanent resident Living and/or working in an eligible Local Government Area. The benefit is limited to one per household up to a maximum cash payment of $3000. For more information, contact the Drought Relief team on 1300 846 643. To apply online, please visit: https://drought.svdp.org.au/apply
19.01.2022 Community Recognition Statement - Police Superintendent Andrew Hurst This week I was honoured to congratulate Police Superintendent Andrew Hurst of Bourke for being awarded the Churchill Fellowship 2020. I’m fortunate to personally know Superintendent Hurst and I'm very pleased for him. ... His fellowship will focus on addressing domestic violence issues, a much needed area of attention. I wish to thank Superintendent Hurst for his service and continued fight for the victims of domestic violence and wish him all the best in his fellowship.
18.01.2022 This week I visited local businesses in Narrabri with Robert Borsak, SFF MLC. It was encouraging to hear that trade had picked up for some businesses in recent months. Tourism and travel within NSW have resulted in new customers, however roadworks on the main street are still hampering easy access to some businesses. It’s important that we support local businesses leading to Christmas. Lisa Dee's Boutique Narrabri, MJ's Newsagency, Nuyu Day Spa & Beauty
18.01.2022 Warning signs will be removed from mobile speed cameras across the State and their hours of operation tripled to support the ‘Towards Zero’ initiative. The Government made this change, without the oversight of the Parliament, to reduce the number of road fatalities. They’re hoping that the changes will help crack down on speeding drivers by not giving people warnings 250m and 50m ahead of mobile speed cameras. This announcement comes in the same week that their Budget stat...ed that revenue from fines is forecast to be $651.1 million in 2020-21 and $3.2 billion over the four years to 2023-24. The additional fines revenue is due to the roll out of red-light speed cameras and optimising mobile speed cameras. Whilst I support measures to reduce road fatalities and accidents, I think there is a deterrent in the signs being on the roadside. I know I see them, and look at my speedo. So, what do you think? Is it about saving lives or raising revenue?
18.01.2022 It has been confirmed that the requirement for businesses to have a QR code for venue check-in has been relaxed. The Government has seen reason that not everyone has a smart phone, and some businesses (especially in Barwon) can’t reliably connect to the internet. I raised the issue of businesses in Barwon not being able to adhere to this directive given our often poor internet coverage through a question to Parliament - I didn’t want to see businesses slogged with a fine f...or something they couldn’t possibly comply with. For businesses that can’t connect, or for people without smart phones recording details in a word document or excel spreadsheet is ok. Having a hand written list isn’t. These requirements come into force on 23 November. If you’re a business in Barwon and you don’t have a digital system in place you can download the free NSW Government QR code and get customers to use the COVID Safe Check In through the Service NSW app. For more information: www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe Inspectors will be making checks on businesses to ensure they have an adequate system after the 23 November deadline and may issue fines if you don’t have one.
17.01.2022 Today we say thank you for the love, care and support that Grandparents (both biological and adopted) provide to our families. It's been tough this year on our Grandparents, isolating to keep COVID -19 safe, but still wanting to fulfil all the vital support roles they offer to our families. Across the Barwon electorate we acknowledge and cherish these special people.
16.01.2022 Barwon has some amazing buildings and Heritage sites. These grants open today, if you have a site that is eligible, please click on the link and make an application.
16.01.2022 The sealing of the final 61km of the Pooncarrie Road. Great news for Menindee and the residents of Broken Hill. The sealing of this road will mean more tourism and traffic flow through Menindee. It also provides a sealed road option for people from Broken Hill to travel south east. Importantly, it provides a second sealed road access for Menindee residents. There are also major benefits for agriculture in the area. Well done Menindee and Central Darling Shire Council.
15.01.2022 While my team was in Lightning Ridge, they caught up with Janette at the Neighbourhood Centre. The centre is a community organisation that provides services to people of all ages within the local area through Food For Families, emergency relief, electricity vouchers, art workshops, community computers and a community library. This is a volunteer organisation and they continue a great tradition of Australian’s helping each other. ... These organisations play an important role in supporting residents in rural and remote communities, providing them with social connections and helping with daily necessities
15.01.2022 Dine and Discover NSW has been launched by the NSW Government to support dining, arts and tourism businesses, encouraging the community to get out and about. From March, NSW residents aged 18 years and over will be eligible for four $25 vouchers. Vouchers can be used at participating NSW businesses that are registered as COVID Safe. Whilst I welcome the incentive program for Barwon, smaller COVID safe businesses who don't meet the threshold for GST will not be able to partic...ipate under the current eligibility requirements. I've written to Minister Dominello to ask for the eligibility to be expanded, so that our local museums, and art galleries can successfully register. In the Far West of the electorate Broken Hill has been chosen as an early test site. I'll provide an update when we receive the Minster's response. For more information go to: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/dine-discover-nsw
15.01.2022 My Team will be visiting Nyngan on Tuesday 24th November. Whilst I can't be there in person due to other commitments, my team will be there to help with any issues you wish to raise with them. Please contact the Cobar office on 02 6836 3722 to make an appointment.
14.01.2022 Please sign the petition and share the post if possible. Get behind the campaign for minimum nurse to patient ratio's in our health facilities.
12.01.2022 Happy AG Day NSW! I found the closest thing to a paddock near parliament. No livestock, just Ibis’s (Bin Chickens) and people. Today is a day we celebrate the amazing people and produce that are the NSW Agriculture sector. ... Support our Agriculture sector by buying Australian produce, after a tough few years we hope we are heading into better times. It can be made better with support from us when making purchasing decisions.
11.01.2022 BORDER NEWS UPDATE New South Wales Border Conditions NSW/ VIC Border: As from 12.01am 23 November 2020, permits to enter NSW from Victoria are no longer required. NSW/ SA Border: Travellers wishing to enter NSW from SA need to complete a NSW Entry Declaration Form. www.service.nsw.gov.au//complete-nsw-entry-declaration-form... Queensland Border Conditions QLD /NSW/ VIC : As from 1am 1 December 2020, QLD Border Declaration Passes are no longer required if you are a traveller from NSW or VIC. QLD /SA: As from 1am 1 December 2020, you will need to complete a Queensland Border Declaration Pass if, in the last 14 days you have been in a hotspot. Specific parts of South Australia are considered by the Qld Government as COVID-19 Hotspots. Approximately 20 South Australian LGA’s are listed as COVID-19 hotspots. For more information on hotspot locations please visit the QLD Government’s Website https://www.qld.gov.au//public-health-/border-restrictions South Australia Border Conditions SA/NSW: As from 30 November 2020 travellers from NSW wanting to enter SA will need to complete a Cross Border Travel Form. www.police.sa.gov.au/online/cross-border-travel-application SA/ VIC: As from 12.01am 1 December 2020, SA have opened its borders to VIC. Travellers wishing to enter SA will need to complete a Cross Border Travel Form.
10.01.2022 The Australian Government Department of Health, National Shed Development Programme administered by the Australian Men’s Shed Association - round 21 is now open. The programme provides direct financial assistance to: Assist to address the health and wellbeing of Shed members Support health improvements through a focus on the social determinants of health through national activities in relation to key population groups ... Deliver appropriate activities and programmes Improve facilities and the sustainability of Men’s Sheds across Australia Round 21 will specifically prioritise applications requesting events, Shed improvements and equipment with a strong health, well-being or safety emphasis, in acknowledgement of the impact of COVID-19 and the needs of Sheds in the recovery period (and beyond). Individual Men’s Sheds in Australia can apply for a range of financial support across three funding categories: Category 1: Health & Well being Events (max $8,000) Category 2: Shed Improvements (max $8,000) Category 3: Equipment (max $5,000) The Programme is open to both developing and established Men’s Sheds and also to Members and Non-Members of the Australian Men’s Shed Association. Applications close 27 November 2020. For more information and how to apply please visit: https://mensshed.org/development-grants/ See more
10.01.2022 Will be around Corner Country for the next couple of days. If you spot me, say G’day. I think we are headed for a hot one, stay cool and hydrated. I always have cold water on offer.
10.01.2022 My Team will be visiting Bourke on Friday 13th November. Whilst I can't be there in person due to other commitments, my team will be there to help with any issues you wish to raise with them. Please contact the Cobar office on 02 6836 3722 to make an appointment.
09.01.2022 My Team will be visiting Brewarrina on Thursday 12th November. Whilst I can't be there in person due to other commitments, my team will be there to help with any issues you wish to raise with them. Please contact the Cobar office on 02 6836 3722 to make an appointment.
08.01.2022 From November 3, the QLD Border will be open to NSW excluding Greater Sydney. This is welcome news for communities in Barwon, especially those that have never seen a case of Caronavirus. A countless number of people have been affected by the border closure including parents of Boarding school students and those who need to travel into QLD for medical treatment, along with those who have had to endure months separated from loved ones.... Details regarding the border crossing will be shared in the coming weeks.
07.01.2022 I know that a good start for kids increases their chances of having a good life. Good engagement with education and good health are two essential building blocks for success. We have work to do to improve the outlook for kids in Barwon and broader Regional NSW. Listen to what I had to say about it in Parliament this week.
07.01.2022 Notice Of Motion (NOM) Notices of Motion are given at the beginning of the sitting day for 15 minutes. Members have 30 seconds to bring a matter to the Houses attention, or seek that the NSW Government take action on an issue. Its a signal (pardon the pun for this NOM) to Government that there is something that needs to be addressed. In this case, its about digital connectivity for business, education and safety. It forms a permanent record that shows the matter has been raised, and action requested.
06.01.2022 Whilst I didn’t get the memo, I welcome Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Adam Marshall MP and Matt Kean MP coming to Cobar today. I was there yesterday!. I am told it was an oversight, time will tell. I understand it was a flying visit, and we are on track for a more ministerial attendance that ever before. We continue to measure the new interest in Barwon. They attended the Mt Grenfell Historic site to hand over the the Ngiyampaa rock art to the first nation people of Cobar.... It is only a short, easy walk to view three galleries of the spectacular Aboriginal rock art which have been layered upon each other over time. The site holds a particular significance for Ngilampaa People, who are the traditional owners of this land. This is a great tourist destination for Cobar as Federal funding has been announced from the Fixing Local Roads program for Pulpulla Road to be sealed for easy access to Mt Grenfell. Don’t forget the promise register. If you ask a visiting Minister to do something, let me know about it and I will follow them up for you. https://www.roybutler.com.au/promise_register
06.01.2022 A "Hidden Treasure" a day. The Hidden treasure honour roll celebrates rural women who selflessly volunteer their time to make their community a better place. The sixth in the Barwon series for today is Virginia Beard of Emmdale.
06.01.2022 ICAC have today released their report into concerns over the making of NSW Water Sharing Plans. The link to the full report is here, it includes 15 far reaching recommendations. The findings may be useful to a future Federal Royal Commission. Full report at the link: https://www.icac.nsw.gov.au//Investigation-into-complaints
06.01.2022 Unfortunately, despite best efforts the Wee Waa High School has seen an escalation in what is understood to be allergic reaction after rainfall several weeks ago. There are currently ongoing investigations into the cause of illness in students and staff at Wee Waa High School. I have kept in regular contact with the Department and the Minister regarding the situation.... The decision has been made to move all students, teaching and administrative staff to the Wee Waa Public school site and joint locate until the situation at the high school is fully resolved . A working group of staff and parents will be meeting for the first time on Monday to oversee the transfer and establish the most effective and efficient way to ensure that students and staff can return to face-to-face learning while remaining safe from harm. I will be in communication with parent representatives after Monday’s meeting.
06.01.2022 My teams at Narrabri, Cobar and Broken Hill have had hundreds of contacts each month regarding border closures in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia. Barwon is unique to be directly affected by three border closures. Defining border communities by distance only is city centric thinking. It does not account for the communities that function as border communities, despite being outside the defined distance. Broken Hill to Mildura, Narrabri to Queensland are examples. Po...litical decision making and inconsistency has caused heartache and frustration. Its hard to see how restricting people from communities that have never seen a Coronavirus case ever made sense. If our State Leaders want to restrict borders, they need to coordinate border restrictions to provide much clearer and simpler information to people who need to travel.
04.01.2022 Sarah Donnelley, a music teacher from Wilcannia Central School, is one of four finalists for the 2020 Telstra ARIA Music Teacher Award. I congratulate Sarah on being selected as a finalist for this prestigious award and admire her initiative and passion to use music as a vehicle to improve the lives of students in a remote community. Please vote for Sarah Donnelley under the 'Best International Artist' category by visiting:... https://www.aria.com.au//meet-the-four-2020-telstra-aria-m
04.01.2022 The Warren NSW Youth Foundation have started something big. This project provides great amenity for kids in Warren, it also aims to ensure better engagement with education and employment for young people in Warren. All of that helps to keep young people in our communities. Tony and Kelly plus many other people have done a great job here, and it was pleasure to be able to attend the official opening.
04.01.2022 My Team will be visiting Ivanhoe on Friday 27th November. Whilst I can't be there in person due to other commitments, my team will be there to help with any issues you wish to raise with them. Please contact the Cobar office on 02 6836 3722 to make an appointment.
02.01.2022 Recently I was able to visit the Castlereagh Fire Control Centre in Coonabarabran, we’re really fortunate to have this fantastic facility in Barwon. As part of our firefighting arsenal the centre is equipped with interactive weather update technology and an incident map showcasing bushfires and other fire hazards. This technology means we are well equipped to take immediate steps in eliminating or reducing the risk of fires, and providing better fire warnings to the community.... As someone that lives within the centres’ monitoring areas, it’s reassuring that they’re watching and ready to launch into action in the event of a bushfire. Thanks to Corey and Shelley from the Castlereagh Fire Control Centre for taking the time out to show me around. As we head into bushfire season, it’s timely to remind everyone to review their bushfire plan, check their pumps and equipment - and be on the ready. Make sure you’ve got the Fires Near Me NSW app on your phone. For Apple: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/fires-near-me-nsw/id370891827 For Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details
01.01.2022 Last week saw the Grand Opening of the new IGA store in Walgett after the previous building burnt to the ground 18 months ago due to an electrical fault. The Walgett community have rallied together organising food drops and shopping trips for the elderly and people without transport to neighbouring towns for food and necessary supplies. The Vinnies building was converted into a mini supermarket with the basics and while it’s been a long, arduous 18 months, the town is now bustling with excitement with the opening of a beautiful new store.
01.01.2022 Barwon is large, my office staff will come to you, please ring 67921422 for an appointment
01.01.2022 It’s not often that we hear about problems with too much vegetation in the Far West of Barwon, but after the very welcome rain last year, we had some constituents contact us. They were worried about driver safety and the visibility of kangaroos, emus and goats along some of our remote roads. I raised this with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads and Transport NSW and can confirm that roadside slashing will commence today 20 January on the Broken Hill to Menindee Road. Other roads prioritised for roadside slashing are the Barrier Highway to Cockburn and the Silver City Highway to Wentworth.
01.01.2022 GOVERNMENT'S REGIONAL SPEND IMPROVES BUT LET'S AIM HIGHER You'll frequently hear me talking about the importance of bringing new money into our towns through business, tourism and importantly government investment. Government's are great at announcing big investments, but what they haven't been great with for a long time is spending money in the bush through our local businesses preferring to go with the big guys from Sydney (or even interstate) on everything from road worke...rs to boxes of pens. In 2019 the NSW Government announced a new Regional Procurement policy - to encourage agencies to buy regionally. I spoke on that policy in Parliament calling on the NSW Government to go further and mandate buying locally and regionally. As has been the trend on a number of issues I talk about - government takes action. A policy that would have sat on the shelf gathering dust was actually enacted properly. The government have pulled up their socks and increased their spend with regional suppliers by 19.6 per cent or $255 million. Millions more has been spent with small businesses like local bakeries and newsagents. I make a point of buying local and employing locals, I play my small part. I'm calling on the NSW Government to play their part - 38% of the population of NSW lives in the regions let's aim for 38% of government spending to occur with our businesses and suppliers. Add to your post
