Beef producers in the Hunter electorate are being given the chance to comment on the cattle levies they pay.

The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee will conduct an inquiry into the industry structures and systems governing the collection and disbursement of marketing and research and development levies relating to the sale of grass-fed cattle.

School leavers who are planning to undertake tertiary study or an apprenticeship next year have been urged to apply for Youth Allowance now.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says an estimated 340,000 Youth Allowance claims will be made to the Department of Human Services early next year but students in the Hunter electorate can beat the rush and apply now.

The Federal government will press ahead with funding for the Scone Level Crossing.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says the government will provide $45 million for the level crossing improvements and will be matched dollar for dollar by the NSW government.

Senator Williams said it was one of several projects that Labor had promised to fund out of its failed mining tax.

The interim report into the performance and role of Australia Post has been tabled in the Senate.

The inquiry is being conducted by the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee chaired by Nationals Senator John Williams and conducted a public hearing in Canberra last Friday.

Giving evidence at the hearing were representatives of Australia Post, the Department of Finance and members of Licensed Post Office groups.

Applications are now open for the 2014 NSW Regional Dentistry Scholarship which is sponsored by the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

Senator Williams has committed to assist a student from regional NSW who is enrolled in the first year of their dentistry degree in 2014.

The Federal government has announced funding for three projects in Richmond.

A total of $935,000 has been allocated under the Coalition’s new Community Development Grants Program.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams said the successful projects are –