Past few weeks come with shock of fuel price rises

The past few weeks have come with the shock of fuel price rises – again.

We’ve all had enough of the constantly escalating cost of living. We are dealing with a crisis that I hear about daily across the electorate of Parkes – seniors who are going without everything but the basics, families where even two full-time jobs is not paying the bills.

In the past two weeks alone, I have heard from small businesses doing it tough in Dubbo during a visit with the Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson and struggles with regional aged care during a forum in Mildura where Broken Hill was represented.

I’ve talked to people about the devastating impact of the new gun laws and the Labor government’s decision not to progress with the Inland Rail north of Parkes.

Our country can’t continue to go in the same direction in the years ahead.

Over the past few weeks, the Coalition has announced plans for lower taxes, cheaper power, more sensible migration that takes into account housing stock, and a practical way to address spending.

I’ve also talked to people throughout the electorate this week about the Coalition’s plan to introduce the Fuel Price Shield that will safeguard us against the major shocks being passed on by the change in major global oil prices.

Under the Fuel Price Shield, fuel excise would automatically be halved when the two-week average closing price of Brent crude is above US$100 a barrel. When triggered, the measure is estimated to reduce the tax on fuel by around 27 cents a litre, equivalent to around $15 on a typical tank of fuel.

But the past weeks have not all been doom and gloom.

Forty-two organisations from communities across the Parkes electorate – including Dubbo, Narrabri, Baradine, Broken Hill, Boggabri, Forbes, Gilgandra, Parkes, Moree, Tottenham, Gunnedah, Walgett, Wee Waa and many other towns – have been successful in their applications for Volunteer grants funding.

These grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 can be used to buy communication or insurance items or to support volunteer organisations and activities.

Congratulations to all those organisations.

It was great to visit one of the recipients, Emmanuel Care Inc, at their Emergency Relief hub in Dubbo last week to hear about the difference this funding can make.

Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme grants has just opened for expressions of interest.

These grants support community groups and councils with up to $20,000 in funding for small infrastructure projects.

A total of $150,000 is available across the electorate, and I urge eligible groups to visit my website at jamiechaffey.com.au to take a look. Expressions of interest will close on 2 November.

Finally, I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the year 12 students across the electorate who are finishing their final year of school.

There are so many different ways to chase your dreams, and I wish you well with whatever path you choose.

My website includes a 2026 School Leavers’ Guide to help students with a whole range of areas, including career development, further education and training, financial assistance available, and mental health support services.

You can find this at jamiechaffey.com.au/school-leavers-guide/