Latest News

China FTA opens huge opportunities for SA farmers

South Australian agriculture and food industries are poised to reap huge benefits from the historic free trade agreement (FTA) finalised between Australia and China this week.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said key primary industries in the State such as beef, sheep meat, dairy, horticulture, wine, barley and seafood would benefit from the elimination of Chinese tariffs.

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Lake Albert communities at risk from SA Government

The South Australian Government is risking the viability of rural communities at Lake Albert by refusing to consider the economic and social benefits of a connector between the lake and the Coorong.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston, chair of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, said it was revealed in Senate Estimates today the SA Government’s scoping study for managing the lake’s salinity did not factor in the economic and social benefits of the proposed connector.

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Postal network must unite to face challenges

Australia Post must take a more inclusive and consultative leadership role with stakeholders and the community in addressing ongoing challenges in a rapidly changing postal environment according to a report tabled in the Senate today.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston, chair of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, said the inquiry into the performance of Australia Post found that in responding to rapid change, Australia Post’s relationship with key stakeholders needed to be improved.

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NBN fixed wireless rollout for Berri and Cadell

Work has commenced on a National Broadband Network fixed wireless service in the areas around Berri and Cadell.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston, a member of the NBN Select Committee who is also based in the region, welcomed the addition of Berri and Cadell to the NBN rollout in the Riverland.

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Ruston appointed senior deputy government whip

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston has been appointed the Senior Deputy Government Whip in the Senate.

Senator Ruston, who became a senator in October 2012, will take up her new position from 1 July 2014.

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Black spot funding boost for regional Australian roads

The Australian Government will triple its funding commitment to the national Black Spot Program to $160 million per year from 2015-16, with at least 50% of the money to be allocated to regional roads over the first two years.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston today welcomed announcement and urged regional South Australian councils to identify potential projects and apply for the funding when it becomes available.

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NBN fixed wireless build to begin in Riverland

The National Broadband Network (NBN) has arrived in the Riverland, with a 'build commenced' status designated for the Loxton and Glossop areas.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston, a member of the NBN Select Committee who is also based in the region, welcomed the addition of Riverland communities to the latest NBN rollout map.

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$670,000 to fix black spots in Adelaide electorate

More than $670,000 has been allocated to fix road black spots in the Federal electorate of Adelaide as part of the Australian Government's record $500 million investment in the national Black Spot program.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston welcomed the funding for Adelaide black spots announced today by Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Jamie Briggs.

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Government set for biggest-ever investment in Antarctica

A new icebreaker will form the centrepiece of Australia’s largest ever investment in its Antarctic program, it was revealed in Senate Budget Estimates today.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said the overall aim of the investment was to cement Australia’s position as the global gateway to Antarctica.

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Key rural and regional initiatives in Federal Budget

The Australian Government has delivered on its election commitments to the agricultural sector, providing a substantial increase in funding for biosecurity and rural research and development.

Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said the Government would provide an additional $100 million over four years for collaborative projects involving rural research and development corporations.

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