The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams has congratulated Thomas Smart of Scone and Mikaela Carter of Aberdeen for receiving the Australian Vocational Student Prize (AVSP)

Senator Williams said Thomas from Scone Grammar School and Mikaela from St. Josephs High School at Aberdeen were among 500 students nationwide to be recognised.

The prize recognises Year 12 students from 2013 who excelled while undertaking a Vocational Education and Training in School (VETiS) programme or an Australian school-based apprenticeship.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams has applauded Australia Post for continuing to shore up the viability of Licensed Post Offices (LPO’s).

Senator Williams is Chair of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee which is conducting an inquiry into the relationship between Australia Post and the LPO’s

He today attended the announcement by Australia Post of further financial initiatives which will be welcomed by the LPO’s, many of whom have been struggling to survive as Australians move away from traditional mail streams.

Schools in Hunter will be able to apply for funding from next year to encourage their students to take part in sporting activities.

The Federal Government has set aside $100 million in its Sporting Schools initiative which will provide opportunities for children to participate in sport before, during and after school.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says the Sporting Schools initiative will directly link schools with sporting clubs, and training guides and coaching courses will be available to teachers.

Senator Williams said it will benefit around 850,000 children across more than 5,000 primary schools and 80 secondary schools across Australia.

The Member for Richmond Justine Elliott needs to be upfront with pensioners and tell the truth.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says Ms Elliott is using scare tactics to upset elderly people for her own political purpose.

He said the first thing she should explain to the rally planned for tomorrow is why Labor continues to block the Coalition government’s attempt to abolish the carbon tax.

Ms. Elliott knows, but won’t admit, abolishing the carbon tax will save the average family $550 next financial year compared to what they would have been had Labor still been in power.

Two road projects in Byron Shire will receive funding under the Federal Government’s Black Spot programme.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams has announced Byron Shire Council will receive $285,000 as part of an overall allocation of $20.1 million to NSW councils next financial year.

$250,000 will be provided for work on Coolamon Scenic Drive near Vallances Road at Mullumbimby where a shoulder and guideposts will be installed as well as curve alignment markers.

$35,000 is allocated for work on Bangalow Road at Byron Bay.

The treatment includes a separate right turn

Muswellbrook Shire Council will receive $250,000 as part of the Federal Government’s Black Spot funding programme.

This was announced today by the Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams.

Senator Williams said the $250,000 will be used to install a wire rope barrier on the median strip along the New England Highway near Muscle Creek Road.

“The funding for Muswellbrook Shire Council is part of $20.1 million allocated to NSW councils for next financial year.

A recent evaluation of the Black Spot programme found that fatal and casualty crashes are reduced at treated sites by 30%, equalling one life per year for every 84 projects.