The Australian Rail Track Corporation has committed to investigating what can be done to make life more peaceful for residents of South Singleton who have to live with constant train noise.

In Senate estimates, the Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams took up the cause of the residents around the Glenridding area following an approach by the Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen.  

Senator Williams said he was made aware that no-one seems to be accepting responsbility for shielding the residents from the noise caused by the coal trains as they rumble through Singleton day and night.

I respect today’s decision by Barnaby Joyce to step down as Leader of the Federal National Party and from his Ministerial duties.

None of us could comprehend the intense pressure that Barnaby, his new partner and his family have been under for the past three weeks. In public life we accept our actions are always under scrutiny, but our families who sacrifice so much should not have to endure the same media and public interest.

As Agriculture Minister Barnaby was a champion for the rural sector and in my travels people told me how much they appreciated someone who was fearless in representing them, building markets and working with industry groups to make agriculture such a vital part of our

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams has called on all financial institutions including banks, superannuation and insurance companies to publicly state they will waive legal action if customers and former employees wish to reveal details of confidential agreements to the banking Royal Commission.

Senator Williams has commended the National Australia Bank which was the first to give its customers the green light to reveal all to the Commission.

In a statement the bank said it will waive any confidentiality obligations agreed to between customers and the bank, because it is important they are supported in their evidence to the Commission.

John McVeigh              John Barilaro

Minister for Regl Devpt  DP Premier of NSW

and Local Govt

John Williams              Thomas George

Senator for NSW             Member for Lismore

.Successful projects in Richmond electorate announced under the Regional Jobs and Investment Packages

.$220 million initiative is designed to stimulate job creation and investment in regional Australia

·Six projects, totalling $7.7 million, will be delivered in the Richmond electorate

The Tweed in Northern New South Wales has started the New Year with a bang, following the announcement of $7.7 million in funding for six local projects under the Coalition Government’s $220 million Regional Jobs and Investment Packages.

Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Turnbull-Joyce Government is committed to stimulating job creation and investment in regional Australia by investing in key projects that support the region’s economic future.

Dear Sir,

I write in response to the headline “Shark net myth has been well and truly busted”. This follows the tabling of the Senate committee report into shark mitigation measures.

The inquiry was chaired by a Greens Senator so it is not surprising that the key recommendation was that shark nets be phased out. I would prefer to heed the advice of the Coalition Senators who served on the inquiry and in their comments they pointed out that in New South Wales and Queensland at the approximately 85 protected beaches only one death has resulted in the last 50 years. Yet the Greens and their supporters maintain that nets and drum lines don’t make beaches safe! As indicated in my comments in the report, I was staggered to hear two witnesses at the hearing in Byron Bay put the same value on an animal’s life as that of a human. These are the type of incomprehensible views that authorities have to combat as they seek to make the North Coast beaches safer by using tried and proven methods.      

Senator John Williams

Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond.

Lifesaving clubs in the Richmond electorate will each receive a $5,000 boost from the Australian government to help reduce drownings and near-deaths.

In making the announcement, the Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams said it is part of an additional $3 million the government is providing to lifesaving clubs and other water safety organisations.

He said a large part of the funding will go to the beach equipment program which will assist the nation’s 310 surf lifesaving clubs to buy new rescue equipment as well as first aid and medical supplies.

Senator Williams said some clubs may use it to invest in new technology such as drones for remote monitoring of unpatrolled beaches.