BY PHIL DONATO
As we move through 2025, I remain committed to advocating for the needs of our region and fighting for the issues that matter most to our communities. In my recent sittings in Parliament, I have raised critical concerns affecting the Central West—from improving road safety and strengthening regional health services to pushing for vital reforms in mental health legislation and advocating for life-saving measures in schools and aged care facilities.
The tragic loss of lives on our roads, particularly on Lake Canobolas Road, highlights the urgent need for greater investment in road infrastructure and safety measures to prevent further heartbreak in our community. I have called for a comprehensive review of road conditions and increased state funding to upgrade critical road networks in the region.
FORENSIC PATIENT SECURITY
The security and wellbeing of regional communities remain a top priority. Minister Rose Jackson introduced a bill to parliament which substantially addressed the management of forensic mental health patients and access to social media. I strongly supported this legislative reform, and I am pleased to advise that this bill passed the NSW Legislative Assembly, unopposed. This now means that forensic patients are better managed, and the community is afforded greater protection - which better aligns with community expectations.
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I also called for additional protections for the community through amendments to the Mental Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2024, ensuring that forensic patients granted leave from mental health facilities are electronically monitored to prevent situations like those we have recently witnessed. While my amendment to mandate ankle bracelets was voted down, I will not give up on pushing for common-sense reforms that prioritise community safety over flawed administrative processes.
LIFEVAC
Our community has also faced devastating losses due to child choking incidents, and I have been working to push for the introduction of LifeVac airway clearance devices in schools, childcare centres, and aged care facilities. Simple, affordable measures like this could prevent future tragedies and give our children and vulnerable people a greater chance of survival in an emergency.
NSW FARMERS BEING LEFT IN THE DUST
I once again called on the NSW Government to act on my virtual fencing reform initiative. This ag technology is already advancing in QLD, WA, and Victoria. NSW farmers are at a competitive disadvantage while outdated legislation stalls access to this innovative livestock management tool. Last week, I asked the Minister for Agriculture what steps her department has taken following the 2024 parliamentary report on virtual fencing, and whether work has yet commenced on developing a code of practice. Like many frustrated farmers, I await her response.
FREE GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
Have you been frustrated when applying for grants, and disappointed to be told you've been unsuccessful after you’ve done all of the hard yakka putting a submission together? You're definitely not on your own! I hear this routinely from many frustrated grant applicants.
To help remedy this I will be hosting my second annual Grant Writing Workshop. Expert tuition will be delivered by the guru - professional grant writer Keith Whelan, aka The Grants Guy, to help you achieve increased chances of success on your next grant application.
The comprehensive 3-hour grant writing workshop will be held in Orange Ex-Services Club's Greenhouse Function Room, 231-243 Anson Street Orange, commencing 6pm sharp on Wednesday 9th April 2025, bump-in from 5.30pm.
This event is completely free-of-charge. Positions for this workshop are limited to organisations based in the Orange electorate. There will be limited spots, so get in quick to reserve your place - BOOKINGS are ESSENTIAL. Light refreshments will be served for participants during an intermission.
To avoid disappointment, book your place at this unique and informative event by contacting my office by email orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au
RSVP by COB Monday 24th March 2025
