Matters of State: Phil Donato

Our community has a lot to benefit from securing the express passenger train (XPT) manufacturing project.

As your local Member of Parliament, my main concern is how we can improve unemployment in our area. Projects like this will bring much-needed jobs.

I made sure Transport Minister Andrew Constance was well aware of these issues when I met with him last week.

I won’t let this issue go away and will continue to fight for it until it's a reality.

Please email the Minister to let him know you support the project without any further delays: bega@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Land Titles Office privatisation

The Government rushed-through a bill last year to privatise the Land and Property Information (LPI) office.  This is the registry that holds information on property ownership statewide.

The bill for the land titles registry sell-off was quietly passed despite opposition from the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party in the Upper House.

If this goes ahead, I’m concerned that we may end up like other jurisdictions in the United States where people have to purchase ‘titles insurance’ to safeguard against inaccurate titles information when purchasing a house.

So much appears wrong with this deal at face value. Given that the registry generates $130 million annually, and the expected price is $2 billion for a 35-year sale, the windfall for the successful bidder will be enormous.

Reports yesterday that one of the leading bidders is an entity registered in the Cayman Islands are also worrying.

It’s no wonder that I’ve been approached by so many in our community who are concerned about the LPI privatisation, including the Central West Group of the Institution of Surveyors and the New South Wales Law Society – and these are the people who deal with land titles matters every day.

Make no mistake; if this bad deal goes ahead it will affect all of us.

Giving locals the recognition they deserve

There are so many unsung heroes in our community and I want to make sure they get the recognition they deserve in Parliament. I have this opportunity each week through Community Recognition Statements and Private Member Statements.

Last week, I was fortunate to acknowledge the instrumental role Mr Bob Steele OAM and Mrs Anne Steele OAM of Parkes played in establishing the Parkes Elvis Festival.

Glenda Gibson’s inclusion in the 2016 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll also warranted a mention.

Their efforts are now part of the Parliamentary record which is kept forever.

If you know of an unsung hero from our electorate who deserves recognition, please contact my office at orange@parliament.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 6362 5199.

uring the orange by-election without proper scrutiny and people are only just finding out about it.

Rural Development Australia Central West – Grant Assistance

In a recent meeting with Peter McMillan, Executive Officer, and Alan McCormack,

Committee Chairman, at Rural Development Australia (RDA) Central West I was made aware of ways in which this not-for-profit organisation can help those seeking assistance with grant applications.

One grant, in particular, the RDA Central West is able to assist with is the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund (RGETF).

Expressions of Interest are currently being invited with applications for this funding closing on 20th April 2017.

For information on help the RDA Central West can provide, please phone (02) 6369 1600.

Phil Donato is the Member for the state electorate of Orange which includes Forbes and a member of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party. His office is at 123 Byng Street, Orange.