The Coalition government is moving on its election commitment to help eligible job seekers get off welfare and into work.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says legislation has been introduced into the Parliament which offers financial assistance through two measures.

Senator Williams said the Job Commitment Bonus. will encourage eligible young, long-term unemployed job seekers aged 18 to 30 by offering them $2,500 if they secure a job and remain in continuous work for 12 months.

He said if they remain in work and off income support for two years they will receive a further $4,000.

“For those happy to relocate there are significant financial advantages.

Farmers in Richmond will benefit from the Federal government’s drought package announced this morning by Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of the Nationals Barnaby Joyce.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says the $320 million package includes an Interim Farm Household Allowance, concessional loans, additional funding for water-related infrastructure rebates, social support and funding for managing pests in drought-affected areas.

Despite the images of flooding rains in some parts of Australia, people should not be fooled into thinking the drought is
over.

Far from it. Because for every farmer now rejoicing that the heavens have finally opened up and given them cause for optimism, there are many more who have either had just a few millimetres or none at all.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams said he hopes the fundraising efforts being held in city and regional communities will not lose impetus, because assistance is still badly needed.

Now is the time for people in the Richmond electorate who are interested in agriculture to have their say on how Australia can build a sector that grows and delivers a greater return to our nation and the farm gate.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams has welcomed the release of the Agricultural Competitiveness Issues Paper  which will lead to the development of the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.

Farmers and rural groups have been given more time to lodge a submission to a Senate inquiry into the levies paid for the sale of grass-fed cattle.

The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams says the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee had originally set the 30^th of January as the deadline for the receipt of submissions, but that has now been extended until the 1^st of March.

Six organisations in the Hunter electorate will receive funding in the 2013 Commonwealth Home and Community Care round.

The program provides funding for older Australians to receive basic maintenance, support and care services in their own homes.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says $1.168 million has been allocated for the electorate.