Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has called on federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers to listen to the urgent needs of the 20 local government areas in the Parkes electorate as he considers the 2026-27 federal budget.
Mr Chaffey asked each of the 20 councils for their top priorities for the upcoming budget to put the spotlight on the common challenges across the region.
“Labor has put regional Australians in the corner for too long,” Mr Chaffey said. “I have spoken out against piece after piece of legislation that adds to the burden on the shoulders of regional Australians – new water legislation, the new superannuation bill, questionable wind, solar and battery decisions, gun reforms, road funding decisions, telecommunications shortfalls … the list goes on and on.
“The message councils have sent me is clear – they need support and they need it now.
“One significant way the Albanese Labor government could support regional areas is by getting on with the Inland Rail project.
“This nation-building infrastructure is essential to regional productivity, export competitiveness and long-term freight efficiency.
“There are many communities across the Parkes electorate that are directly affected, and an ongoing commitment to the full project is absolutely critical to ensure the national economic benefits are realised.”
Mr Chaffey has written to Mr Chalmers outlining eight key challenges faced by councils across the Parkes electorate.
First, he highlighted escalating costs and concerns around financial sustainability. Councils are experiencing unprecedented cost increases, which are eroding their ability to meet statutory obligations and community expectations. Mr Chaffey said there is a strong call for reform of the Financial Assistance Grants to better reflect the needs of local government.
Road maintenance, freight efficiency and road safety were also identified as major concerns. The electorate includes some of Australia’s busiest regional freight corridors, placing growing pressure on councils to maintain local roads. Mr Chaffey said councils need greater certainty and increased long-term funding through programs such as the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Natural disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience were also raised as significant issues. Councils are often at the forefront of disaster response and recovery, and Mr Chaffey said improvements to disaster funding arrangements are needed to help local governments rebuild damaged infrastructure and invest in long-term resilience.
Community infrastructure was another key challenge, with councils seeking greater support to develop and maintain facilities such as swimming pools, libraries, sporting facilities and recreation centres.
Mr Chaffey also pointed to the need for investment in airport infrastructure, noting several councils require significant upgrades to ensure the continuity of air services, support medical evacuation capability and accommodate larger aircraft.
Reliable regional telecommunications infrastructure was also highlighted as a pressing issue, with many communities continuing to face challenges with digital connectivity.
Mr Chaffey further emphasised the importance of maintaining the commitment to the full Inland Rail project, describing it as critical for regional communities.
Finally, he noted that reliable water infrastructure remains fundamental to the sustainability of regional towns, as well as supporting agriculture and industry across the electorate.
“I call on the Labor government to listen to our councils,” Mr Chaffey said. “They have the responsibility for absolutely essential services for regional people, often without the financial means to do so.
“This must be recognised in the 2026-27 federal budget.”
