The heritage-listed Gwalia Settlement, recognised as the most significant historic miner’s settlement in Western Australia, is set for a tourism boom thanks to a major revitalisation.   Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson, who attended today’s opening of the restored settlement, said the living ghost town will now have more sites for people to visit…

Local emergency relief provider Esperance Care Services Inc (ECS) will benefit from an increase in funding over the next four years, according to Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson. ECS provides emergency relief, advocacy and referral services and supports those experiencing poverty, hardship or suffering. The organisation is set to receive $308,250 over four and a…

Farmers in regional areas will now get more support to resolve labour shortages with new changes to two visa programs. Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said changes to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program will target genuine workforce shortages in regional areas, such as the Southern Forests region. The changes include an increase to…

GST reform has been a priority of mine and fellow WA Parliamentary colleagues for some time.   Thankfully, this Government recognised that the current GST distribution system is not working, with WA recently receiving just 30 cents in the dollar, while other states and territories with far smaller populations received more.   That’s why its…

WA sheep exports are set to resume next month after Rural Export and Trading WA (RETWA) received approval from the Federal regulator for its export licence.   Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson welcomed the news as a win for the livelihood of families in regional Western Australia.   “Many sheep producers have felt uncertain about…

RAINBOW Coast Neighbourhood Centre has received a $864,000 Federal Government grant to support newly arrived migrants and refugees in the Great Southern. Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson welcomed the funding, which he said would have a positive impact on communities in the Great Southern.   “People settling in regional areas have a lot to contribute…

The finest produce from regional WA was on display in Canberra on Monday as part of the inaugural “Showcase WA” event organised by Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson and Member for Burt Matt Keogh.   More than 50 Canberra-based Ambassadors and High Commissioners joined MP’s and representatives from WA at the Parliament House Mural Hall…

Australian farmers, businesses and investors will get access to new markets across the Americas and Asia, with the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP-11) Agreement passing Parliament today. The Agreement means more market access for our farmers, greater opportunities for our businesses, more jobs and increased investment for Australia. This landmark agreement is one of the most comprehensive…

The fourth round of submissions for the Mobile Blackspot Program closed a few weeks ago, and I hope people who have blackspots in their area nominated that location for funding consideration. There are still areas of real concern throughout the electorate, and there are certainly some sites that I will be pushing for, but we…

The refurbishment of a major rest stop on the Albany Highway in the town of Williams will increase driver safety and bring more visitors to the Wheatbelt town.   Federal Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson, who attended the opening event today, said the new rest stop will be easy to see from the Highway, making…