Exciting News! The 2024-2025 Volunteers Grants Program is now open!
If you’re a not-for-profit organisation that relies on volunteers, now’s the time to apply! Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and can be used for:
✅ Communication tools or insurance items
✅ Resources to support volunteers or volunteer-run activities
✅ Initiatives that promote the well-being and development of children under 18
I encourage not-for-profit community organisations to submit their expressions of interest now - closing date is 24th January, 2025.
patconaghan.com.au/volunteergrants/
Lisa McPherson
Tina N Mick Birtles
Labor’s Economic Mismanagement: A Blow to Australian Small Businesses
Under the Albanese government, small businesses in Australia are grappling with escalating costs and an overwhelming regulatory environment. This has been exacerbated by Labor’s industrial relations policies, surging energy prices, and persistent inflation, leaving businesses at a competitive disadvantage both domestically and internationally.
Labor’s industrial relations agenda has introduced significant burdens on small businesses:
• Union Access Without Justification: New laws allow union representatives to enter small businesses based on mere suspicion of non-compliance with wage laws. Unlike law enforcement, which requires reasonable grounds and judicial oversight, union representatives face no such constraints. This invasive policy disrupts operations and imposes legal and administrative burdens on small business owners.
• Uncertainty in Casual Employment: The complex redefinition of casual employment adds confusion and risks for businesses relying on flexible labour arrangements. This creates hesitancy in hiring, further limiting economic recovery.
These policies unfairly target small businesses, forcing many to allocate resources to legal defence rather than growth.
Well spoken Pat. I have never really supported the coalition but after this current bunch of oxygen thieves and their pathetic attempts of the last few years of "running the country" which btw they have succeeded in doing, running the country down to a third world or even a forth world level I cannot in good faith support them anymore.
We can only hope for an early election and get rid of them
Well said We need you and all of the opposition telling people People need to be engaged and told , as you eloquently said , Were this bunch of destroyers including the greens , Especially the greens 🥬 What they doing to all of us . People we need to back Pat Conaghan MP Up or we won’t have a country left . Down albanese Down Chris Bowen Down Tanya piblezerk She wants get rid of the salmon farming in Tasmania There is nothing that the greens and labour parties Don’t wreck on what they touch ! And finally and not list They backing to take away Australia Day Never never never U humble follower Peter Lo monte
Go get 'em Pat . I hope they get the biggest shock at the next election & get kicked out BY A LANDSLIDE!!!!
Well said Pat Conaghan MP you are spot on 👋 unionist have more rights to enter then police; never thought I’d see the day: Australia is slowly waking up to Woke Labor and the Useless Independents( I hope) 🤬😡
Hard pass, you lot cannot be trusted with money
NICE TO GET VISITORS IN CANBERRA
It’s always incredibly busy during sitting weeks in Canberra, but I always try and make time to meet up with Cowper locals when they come to our nation’s capital for a visit.
So it was good to catch up with Bob and Virginia from South West Rocks and give them a little behind the scenes tour in parliament this week before they went to question time.
Bob and Virginia, I hope you enjoyed yourselves and made it home safely. See you in the Rocks sometime!
Bob and Virginia are such lovely people, great friends, hope they had a great time in the Capital🤞😊😊
Bummer! But you can’t help the weather.
We’ve decided to cancel going to the Coffs Jetty Markets in the morning. The forecast predicts 15-30mm of rain and there is a marine wind warning. I love my members and volunteers and don't want them blowing away!💨
I’ll still be out and about at my mobile offices and other markets before the Christmas break.
Have a great weekend!
That’s the correct decision Pat, caring and looking after your supporters and volunteers.
It's turned out to be a lovely morning up here in Dorrigo and no doubt down on the coast
The Impact of Rising Electricity Prices on Australian Small Businesses
Small businesses across Australia are being severely impacted by surging electricity prices, driven by government policies that have failed to address underlying energy market issues. These policies have contributed to significant cost increases, threatening the survival of businesses and local communities. Rising electricity prices force small businesses to make difficult choices; either reducing staff, raising prices, or shutting down altogether.
This domino effect hurts employees, local economies, and community stability, particularly in regional areas like Port Macquarie and Dorrigo.
Since the current government came into power, the underlying electricity price has increased by 31%, compounding already steep cost-of-living pressures.
Other essential costs such as gas (+32.2%), food (+11.8%), and housing (+11.7%) have seen similarly dramatic rises, leaving small businesses struggling to balance their budgets.
Wicked Elf Beer : A Port Macquarie brewery that operated for 12 years was forced to close after its electricity costs rose by more than 150%, surpassing its rent. The closure led to job losses and the loss of a beloved community hub.
Dorrigo Hotel : A small-town pub faces an additional $25,000 electricity cost for the next year. This increase may lead to staff layoffs or higher prices, further burdening the local, lower-income community. Farmers and other locals also face skyrocketing utility bills, exacerbating economic challenges.
As a business owner it’s a joke!! Price of products will continue to rise to compensate for the higher price of essential eg power, rates etc. The consumer ultimately pays to keep the businesses doors open
Nsw power bills are a joke period, business and homes
Patrick Conaghan , I'm no rocket scientist, I have AGL account as my provider here in qld , my bill at home is $36.00 a month , including service charges.. how is it possible that the same company in NSW can bill the home owner $100 quartly service charge before you turn a light on ? Somethings not right , especially for the old age pensioners let alone businesses. Love your dedication mate . Poeples person . 💪
Pat, let me assure you that money is not going to the distribution workers who spend all their nights in storms fighting to get the power back on, it’s going to the fat cats and overseas
We all hope to assist in saving the planet. The plan by Government(s) to meet by 2050 is a pipe-dream. Stop the hurry-up and plan strategically with cost of living power suitable for everyday Australians.
That’s lies Pat Conaghan MP. Wicked Elf was a shit beer, and couldn’t make things happen a couple of times over. You should learn a thing or two about industry in general before you make you and your constituents look foolish in federal parliament. You, and your conservative mates have messed up manufacturing in Australia. Prove otherwise?
And they want to charge us for solar input to the grid…..
All businesses who employ people should have government subsidies for their power bills. Especially food and beverage related businesses which use alot of power to operate. The government do not encourage people to be self employed in their own businesses. Shame on them.
An Unforgettable Day!
This week, I welcomed the bright and inquisitive Year 6 students from Boambee Public School to Parliament House! Their enthusiasm and thoughtful questions were contagious.
A big thank you to the incredible teachers and parents who made this visit possible. Your dedication to nurturing a love for learning and understanding of our system is invaluable.
To the Year 6 students: Keep asking those important questions—you are the future of our community, and it’s looking very bright with y#boambeepublicschoolP#parliamenthousevisitn#FutureLeadersutureLeaders
You just voted so they can’t get on social media until they’re 16. You have to send them the message individually. Pat Conaghan MP
