My support for net-zero emissions can't be bought : Hunter Nationals MP

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Hunter's only federal Nationals MP says he won't be bribed to abandon his principles, as discussions continue for an agreement on net-zero emissions.

Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie has been involved with the discussions currently taking place within the Liberal-Nationals coalition.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is heading to the United Nations Climate Summit in Glasgow next week, and is eager to reach an agreement with the junior coalition partner so he can present Australia's plan for net-zero.

On Thursday, Mr Morrison will depart for a G20 meeting in Rome and then head to the climate summit in Glasgow, alongside leaders from advanced economies who have already pledged to meet the net-zero target by 2050.

Dr Gillespie says he doesn't want other countries dictating our industries and our people.

"People wont know what they've got until its gone. As the old song goes. 

"We don't want to go along, in an attempt to improve the environment around the globe, we sign up and then we have all these rules being forced on us to shut down our industries.

"There is a global push coming out of the United Nations, through the major capital and financial markets and in the boardrooms to force penalties against industries and livelihoods that have fed, clothed and powered our regions, our state and the nation. We have to put some ring fencing around that because we don't want our cities to grind to a halt because we shut down these industries," Dr Gillespie said.

When asked whether he was pushing for something from the government in return for his support, Dr Gillespie says he can't be bought.

"I can't be any more specific than saying we are not asking for 40 pieces of silver to abandon our principles. We stand for strong regions who require employment and protection of our industries," Dr Gillespie said.

It's understood the Prime Minister is considering a regional economic package in an effort to sway the Nationals, which they will meet to discuss on Sunday. 

Paul Toole elected as Deputy Premier of NSW

BY JARROD MELMETH

Bathurst MP Paul Toole has been elected NSW Deputy Premier and leader of the state's National Party.

He defeated Oxley MP Melinda Pavey 15 votes to 3 at a party room meeting on Wednesday morning.

Upper House MLC Bronnie Taylor was elected as the Deputy Leader of the party unopposed. 

It follows the resignation of Gladys Berejiklian on Friday over an upcoming investigation from the Independent Commission Against Corruption into her conduct in allocating grants, including to former disgraced Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.

On Tuesday, former Treasurer Dominic Perrottet was elected as the 46th Premier of NSW, defeating Planning Minister Rob Stokes 39 to 5 votes. Tourism Minister Stuart Ayers was elected Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party unopposed. 

Pictured: NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole
Image: Narooma News

Funding To Support Communities Impacted By Black Summer Bushfires

BY LAURA RUMBEL 

Like many other communities across New South Wales, Dungog and the Hunter felt the impact of the Black Summer bushfires. 

With almost $5 million available through Stage Two of the Bushfire Recovery fund, Dungog, Cessnock, Singleton and Upper Hunter Council areas will all receive funding to support bushfire recovery across their impacted communities. 

$900,000 dollars of the funding will contribute towards the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Recovery and Resilience program. 

The tourism project aims to improve destination perception, increase consumer demand, raise sales value, and boost domestic tourism across the Hunter. 

Nationals' Candidate for the Hunter James Thomson says he is happy see some funding allocate locally.

"There is a diversity of projects but it's all about supporting the Cessnock community and making sure that our communities get back up on their feet after the bushfires," Mr Thomson said

Member for Upper Hunter David Layzell said, it's fantastic to see these vital community projects receive this funding as people continue to rebuild their lives following the black summer bushfires that destroyed homes in our region and damaged many more.

Source: Newcastle Weekly 

Muswellbrook Mayor confirmed as Upper Hunter candidate

BY JARROD MELMETH

Labor has announced Muswellbrook Mayor, Martin Rush will run as the Country Labor candidate for the Upper Hunter in the March 2019 State Election.

State Opposition Leader, Luke Foley made the announcement during a visit to the region this morning - describing the new candidate as having conviction and commitment to the local community.

In the Upper Hunter seat in the last election, Country Labor recorded one of the largest swings against the National Party of 20.8%.

Martin Rush said he believes that margin has narrowed even further since 2015.

"We had over $650 million dollars of commitment from all sides during the last campaign," he said, "because as the margin narrowed (and that became obvious to both major parties that the seat was up for grabs) there was some interest in the seat - and that was really refreshing."

Mr Rush believes this renewed interest will make for a hotly contested seat but promises it will be a fair campaign.

"From my perspective, we just want to get out and tell a positive story," he said, "we want it to be a solution-based campaign.

"So you won't see our side engaging in any confrontational or negative politics with the other side - that's just not us."

Mayor of Muswellbrook, Martin Rush. 

Hunter Seat Retained by Fitzgibbon

The Federal Seat of the Hunter has been retained by incumbent Joel Fitzgibbon.
 
The Former Agriculture Minister experienced a swing of 8.6% against him, the largest against Labor in New South Wales.
 
Mr Ftizgibbon believes he will remain at the forefront of the party.
 
"I think it's important that I play a leadership role in the new government,” said Mr Fitzgibbon, “we’ve got a rebuilding process ahead of us.”
 
Mr Fitzgibbon has held the Hunter seat since 1996, and says he will fight for Hunter residents to restore the trust Labor lost while in power.
 
He claims his opponent used dirty tactics to try and win votes.
 
Mr Fitzgibbon’s opponent, Nationals candidate Michael Johnsen, refutes Mr Fitzgibbon’s claim auguring that Labor.
 
“Have a history of trying to blame others for their own failings,” said Mr Johnsen.
 
Mr Johnsen said the new government will deliver lower living costs to Hunter residents, “the promises around getting rid of the carbon tax and mining tax will have a have a significant impact when that occurs.”