Loud SA voice needed in Basin Plan inquiry
South Australian stakeholders should make sure their voices are "loud and clear" about the future of the River Murray following the establishment of a new inquiry into the Murray Darling Basin Plan last week.
The Senate last week voted to establish the Select Committee on the Murray Darling Basin Plan to inquire into the impacts of the Plan and associated Commonwealth programs on regional communities.
Senate inquiry sorts through hodgepodge agricultural levies system
Agricultural levy payers want more of a say in how their levies are determined and spent but current systems deny many of them adequate representation according to a report tabled in the Senate today.
Senator for South Australian Anne Ruston said the Senate inquiry into Australia’s agricultural levies found a hodgepodge of systems which in some cases raised questions about whether levy payers were getting value for money.
Research blueprint to tackle fruit fly
The launch of a research, development and extension plan aimed at enhancing Australia’s capability to manage fruit fly is a significant step in the ongoing battle against the world’s worst horticultural pest.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston today welcomed the launch of the plan, developed by the Plant Biosecurity CRC.
Australia Post payment boost for LPOs and CPAs
Licenced Post Offices and Community Postal Agencies will receive a $51.4 million boost in payments from Australia Post in line with recommendations from a recent Senate inquiry into postal network performance.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston, who chaired last year’s inquiry by the Senate Environment and Communications Committee, said the payment boost signalled an improved relationship between Australia Post and the national network of LPOs and CPAs.
Funding boost for older residents in Adelaide
Two projects in the Federal electorate of Adelaide working to improve the lives of older Australians have received almost $1 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants fund.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said the Australian Government was committed to a strong aged care system to support older Australians.
New breast cancer campaign - an invitation that could save your life
Australian women aged 50-74 will be invited to have free screenings for breast cancer as part of a $55 million campaign by the Australian Government.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston urged all women to ensure they made regular appointments for breast screenings.
Funding extended for alcohol, drug treatment
Almost $4 million has been committed to alcohol and drug treatment projects based in the Federal electorate of Adelaide.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said the commitment provided 14 local alcohol and drug treatment services with funding certainty to 30 June 2016.
SA country towns wired up for fast broadband
More than 110,000 premises in regional South Australian towns feature in the National Broadband Network (NBN) fixed line rollout plan released today.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said regional Australians were a priority for NBN connections under the Coalition Government.
Wine industry under Senate microscope
Opportunities offered by new trade agreements and more favourable exchange rates will go begging if the Australian wine industry doesn’t address some key issues.
Senator for South Australia Anne Ruston said that with wine grape growers receiving prices barely covering their costs of production this year, the industry needed to re-focus on exports.