
The Sydney Institute – The Liberal Party & The 2022 Election
It was a pleasure to be invited by the Sydney Institute to make an address on what the Liberal Party can learn from this year’s election result.




Coalition’s Climate Change Agenda
We need to have a serious conversation about the dangers of arbitrary emissions reduction targets that are pulled from thin air.
I believe that the views of scientists that actually understand emissions reduction technologies should hold more weight than the opinions of bureaucrats and politicians.






Soaring Gas Prices
The Government can't afford to continue in demonising gas companies as they did for the nine years the were in Opposition. Coal and gas are our main sources of energy, and the more that supply falls the more our energy bills will continue to rise.






Ineffective Teal “Independents”
I think that voters in the teal "independent" seats may start to review what their vote has done once they see how ineffective these teal members will be in the new Parliament.






New Liberal Leadership & Indigenous Representation
Discussing the election of new Liberal Party Leader Peter Dutton and the reality of whether an Indigenous voice to Parliament will adequately address the very pressing issues faced by First Nation Australians.






National Autism Strategy
A re-elected Morrison Government will commit $1 million to develop the National Autism Strategy that I recommended as Chair of the Autism Inquiry. The strategy would have clear reporting mechanisms and focus on educating the wider public about autism.






Autism in the Leader’s Debate
To just focus on this one word used by the Prime Minister is entirely missing the point of the substantive issues faced by the autistic community.






Funding to Improve Sporting Facilities in Shortland
This funding will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.






Powering Community Groups in Shortland
The Morrison Government is supporting community groups in Shortland through the Powering Communities Program to enable not-for-profit groups to cut their power bills and carbon emissions and provide support to jobs in the Region.






Faster Broadband in Shortland
Households and businesses in towns like Cardiff South, Charlestown, and Macquarie Hills will be able to access NBN Co’s fastest internet plans of up to 1 gigabit per second on-demand by 2023.






Black Summer Grants for Shortland Projects
There were 524 projects funded under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program, and I’m delighted to announce two very important projects in my Patron Seat of Shortland.






$2.1 Billion Cash Boost for Lake Macquarie City Council
This will provide a vital boost for our local communities, backing local jobs and economic growth while delivering lasting upgrades that will benefit residents for years to come.






Keeping Independent Cinema Doors Open in Shortland
This funding will enable cinemas to recover from the severe disruption that has largely impacted their revenue streams, and work towards restoring normal operations as COVID- 19 restrictions ease.






Hunter Jobs Fair
With skills shortages in key industries across the Hunter Region, this is a great time to be looking for work. These job fairs are a fantastic way of meeting employers face-to-face and getting a foot in the door.






Labor’s Federal Budget Reply
The policies that Labor proposed during the pandemic would have amounted to an additional $81 billion blowout in the Budget’s bottom line.
The Labor Party’s addiction to spending means a higher national debt and higher taxes for working Australians.






Labor & Greens Power Sharing Arrangement
Labor and the Greens getting into bed together means that at least 80,000 jobs across the nation are put at risk and half a trillion dollars worth of local community investments will be abandoned.
We cannot risk the threat that a Labor-Greens alliance poses to our nation.






Establishing a National Autism Strategy for Australia
After over two years of community consultation, the Select Committee on Autism has now released our landmark Report on services, support, and life outcomes for autistic Australians - providing us with a roadmap for a National Autism Strategy and how we can improve the delivery of cross-jurisdictional supports.






20220221 – Cinema Grants & Energy Jobs in the Hunter Region – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live
If you live in the Hunter Region and you’re looking at your ballot paper and thinking,
‘Who is going to support jobs in this region and who is going to keep the lights on?’
It’s certainly not the Labor Party who will line up with the Greens and shut your jobs down and shut the economy down as quickly as possible.






Maitland Reclassified to Help Reduce Doctor Shortage
This change gives local GP practices a larger pool of doctors to recruit from, which should make it easier for clinics to secure more doctors for Maitland and surrounding areas.






20220209 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – The Coalition’s Actual Track Record on Women’s Safety
I’m becoming rather sick and tired of the narrative that when it comes to women’s issues, “Labor good, Liberal bad.” It is both intellectually bereft and quite frankly, insulting.






Newcastle Art Gallery Expansion
The expansion of the Newcastle Art Gallery will be great for locals as well as a timely boost for the tourism sector. This funding is further recognition of the Federal Government’s commitment to working with our state counterparts to deliver for our regions.












Major Airfield Works – A Boost For Hunter Region Economy
The Morrison Government has awarded a leading engineering company a $164.9 million contract with Downer EDI Works Pty Limited to support Australia’s air power capabilities and deliver a major boost to the Hunter region and the wider NSW economy.






Pathetic Leadership from the Greens
The Leader of the Greens Party has exhibited a shameful display of hypocrisy by refusing to accept any responsibility to call out Senator Thorpe's foul remarks while simultaneously demanding that very assumption of responsibility from the Prime Minister.






Offensive Conduct from Lidia Thorpe
I thank Bronwyn Bishop, Paul Murray, Chris Smith, Rita Panahi, and Peter Glesson for their support.






20211202 – Foul Remarks Made in the Senate – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
The comments made to me in the Senate Chamber on the last sitting day for 2021 were not only offensive to my son and I, but also to anyone with disability and their families.






20211202 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Disgraceful Hypocrisy from the ALP on Last Sitting Day
After one of the most vile things ever heard in the Senate Chamber was hurled at me, the Australian Labor Party come back the next day with smears, personal attacks, misinformation, and lies. It's pathetic.






20211202 – Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe Allegedly Tells Senator Hollie Hughes to Shut Her Legs – Clare Armstrong – The Daily Telegraph
“It has no place in public life, and frankly I don’t think it has a place in the wider Australian community.”






20211202 – Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe Apologises for Sexist Comments Directed at Liberal Hollie Hughes – Brett Worthington – ABC News
"Senator Hughes, speaking on Thursday, said she had never been more offended in her life. She said no one in the Greens had contacted her since the incident."






Bullying in the Senate Chamber
The Senate often sees robust debate and I am often an active participant. But at all times we focus on policy and what we think is the right thing to do with regards to legislation. We should not bring peoples family into the debate as a form of slur.






20211202 – Discussing Senator Thorpe’s Revolting Behaviour – Ray Hadley – 2GB
Discussing Lidia Thorpe's disgraceful comments about my son & I with Ray Hadley. For a female to say this to another female - let alone a female Senator to say this to another female Senator - is nothing short of despicable.






20211201 – Discussing Jenkins Review & The Proposed Federal Corruption Body – ABC Capital Hill
Always good to spar with Josh Burns on Capital Hill with Matt Doran.






Panic & Misinformation from the Left
On Chris Smith Tonight, discussing the fact that the development of new strains of COVID-19 are inevitable and there is no need to panic.
We also discussed the misinformation put forward by the left on Government spending in marginal seats. The ALP have criticised the fact that the Coalition invests in regional and rural seats, which is exactly why people in these seats won't vote Labor.






Omicron & Online Safety
We must not overreact to the new Omicron COVID variant. Australian businesses and families have suffered enough. No more lockdowns. No more restrictions. Let’s just get on with it.






2021125 – Have Your Say on Plans to Widen Hexham Straight – Port Stephens News of the Area
The Hexham Straight widening project is being delivered as part of the Australian and New South Wales governments' $2 billion commitment towards the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace.






Religious Discrimination Bill & ABC Senate Inquiry
Talking with Chris Kenny on Sky News Australia about Attorney-General Michaelia Cash's incredible navigation through a very complex Bill during the pandemonium that is the final two sitting weeks of Parliament.






20211124 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Autism: What Next?
Autism: What Next? is a fantastic free resource for anyone who receives an autism diagnosis at whatever age. I am thrilled the Morrison Government has funded this, working with Autism Awareness Australia to provide real, evidence-based information.






New Facilities for Students in the Hunter Region
Three schools in the Hunter Region will be receiving funding as part of the Morrison Government's Capital Grants Program.






20211122 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Returning to Pre-Pandemic Life
We need to learn to live with COVID. It should be something similar to living with the flu. And it's the vaccines that can allow this to occur.






20211122 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Croatian Film Festival
Croatia House has done an outstanding job with their third Croatian Film Festival taking place over the past week.






20211121 – Labor’s Pre-Election Scare Campaign – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
Just as the Labor Party did with 'Mediscare', they are gearing up for the election by out and out lying to scare Australian pensioners into voting for them. The Government has zero plans to put pensioners on the cashless debit card.






20211118 – Religious Discrimination Debate & Women’s Only Sport – Paul Murray Live – Sky News
Back in the studio with Paul Murray, where we discuss the debate on religious discrimination and Senator Claire Chandler's fantastic work in the space of protecting women's sport from ideological identity politics.






20211114 – Cancel Culture and ABC Bias – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
Every single employee of the ABC is paid for by the Australian taxpayer. They are expected to produce a balanced view in their journalism.
Unfortunately, they have been seen to produce misleading and biased programs at considerable expense to the taxpayer. The ABC has lost its way.






20211110 – Renewable Innovation and Abuse Faced by Politicians – Paul Murray – Sky News
It is our best and brightest in science and industry that are going to lead the way in renewable technology innovation because they are in the best position to do so.






NBN Upgrades Across the Hunter Region
Residents in the electorates of Hunter (Bonnells Bay and Muswellbrook), Paterson (Anna Bay), Shortland (Buff Point, Caves Beach, and San Remo), and Newcastle (Merewether) will benefit from being able to access ultrafast broadband.






20211104 – Alan Jones Farewells Sky News – The Kenny Report – Sky News
A momentous night as the Sky News family, and all Australian media, farewells Alan Jones.






20211028 -Kristina Keneally is Caught Selling Products Sourced From CHINA Despite ‘Buy Australian’ Policy – Charlie Moore – Daily Mail Australia
Kristina up to her usual tricks - do as I say not as I do!






20211027 – Estimates – Community Affairs – Labor ignorance of health system
The CMO, CHO’s & Premiers acknowledge vaccinations reduced cases, hospitalisations &deaths.
Labor is back to spreading false information & scaremongering.






20211025 – Morrison Government’s Net Zero Plan Will Ensure ‘Economic Prosperity Continues’ – NT News
'Liberal Senator Hollie says the Morrison government's plan for net zero emissions by 2050 will have a very strong emphasis on "ensuring economic prosperity continues" for Australia.'






20211024 – Nationals Agree to Net Zero – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
The gloves really came off on Sky News whilst discussing Net-Zero by 2050!






20211022 – Liberal Votes in WA and ICAC Inquiry – The Kenny Report – Sky News
Discussing WA votes and ICAC with Chris Kenny.






20211022 – Getting to Net Zero – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live
Net Zero does not mean zero emissions. Coal has a role to play in the Australia's future, but we are looking to innovative new technologies to offset those emissions so that we can protect our environment.






20211021 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Social Security is a Safety Net, Not a Living Wage
We owe it to every single taxpayer to ensure that our social security is treated as a safety net for vulnerable Australians, not a living wage for those who’d rather lie on the beach than contribute to the Australian economy.






20211020 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Climate Change and Emissions Reduction
The Morrison Government will not support the imposition of higher taxes on hard-working Australians to reduce our emissions. Our market-based solutions will see us meet our targets through technology.






20211020 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation
Thank you to the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and their President Kevin Baker for the fantastic work that you do for those suffering from breast cancer in the Hunter Region.






20211019 – Regional Liberals Make Case for Net Zero Emissions – ABC AM – Nour Haydar
The Liberal Party has the largest number of Members representing seats in rural and regional areas compared to any other party.
We are absolutely committed to protecting the interests of rural and regional Australia in all of our efforts.






20211019 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Improving Supports for At Risk NDIS Participants
The tragic death of Ann Marie Smith should never have happened. I commend the National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Improving Supports for At Risk Participants) Bill to the Senate so that we can prevent this type of abuse and neglect from happening again.






20211019 – Zero Emission Target a Must For Security – Clare Armstrong – Daily Telegraph
Achieving net zero by 2050 is not only crucial for our environment and our economy, but also for our national security.






20211019 – Regional Liberals Make Case for Nationals to Back Net Zero Emissions Target – Nour Haydar & Matthew Doran – ABC News
"I think as we go forward, the majority of members of the National Party will probably support net zero towards 2050," Senator Hollie Hughes said.
"I think the conversation has certainly matured over the last couple of years."






20211018 – Net Zero & Protecting Rural Australia – Patricia Karavelas – ABC Afternoon Briefing
We don’t know where emissions reduction technology will be in 30 years time, but we are currently seeing significant advancements in this space.






20211017 – Affordable & Reliable Baseload Power – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
However we reduce our emissions in Australia, we need to ensure we are securing affordable and reliable baseload power so that Australian manufacturers such as the Tomago Aluminium Smelter are able to survive.






Support for the Live Music Industry
The Shoal Bay Country Club has received $32,000 and the Criterion Hotel in Weston has received $26,340 through the Live Music Australia program to help grow a local, sustainable live music culture in the Paterson electorate.






20211010 – COVID Politics from State Leaders Causing Distress – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
When we see State Premiers agree to the National Plan to reopen only to then walk away from it, we're then left with Australian families and friends that are being torn apart and businesses that don't know how they're going to survive.






More Than $4.1M Investment in a Brighter Future for Hunter Region Projects
The Morrison Government is investing in building a better Hunter Region with more than $4.1M for projects being developed by Port Stephens Council, Lake Macquarie Council, and Curious Legends Ltd.






Disability Grant Funding for the Community Disability Alliance Hunter Incorporated (CDAH)
Community Disability Alliance Hunter Incorporated (CDAH) have been awarded $442,377 for their Project to improve local career pathways and boost skills development for people with disability.






$750K Grant for Manufacturing Project in Newcastle
The Morrison Government is supporting one of the most long-standing businesses in Newcastle to take its innovative Recycling and Clean Energy National Manufacturing project to the next level.






20211006 – ICAC Concerns & Changes in Nicotine Vaping Laws – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live
Talking with Tracy McKelligott on Newcastle Live about the benefits of vaping as a smoking cessation tool.






20211005 – NSW Leadership Change & Issues with ICAC – Chris Kenny – Sky News
Discussing ICAC with Chris Kenny.






20211003 – Resignation of Premier Gladys Berejiklian – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
Speaking on Sky News about the resignation of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the need for closed hearings in anti-corruption watchdog investigations, and Andrew Constance's run for Federal Parliament.






20210929 – Political Correctness Gone Mad & Socially Distanced Santa – Paul Murray Late – Sky News
Speaking on Sky News with Paul Murray, Jenna Clarke, and Luke Bona about the absurdity of Australian soccer thinking that gender-neutral language is how we solve sexism. We also spoke about the fact that at some point, life is going to have to get back to normal.






20210926 – PM’s Successful Trip to US & Hunter Hydrogen Hub – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
Speaking with the panel on Chris Smith Tonight about the Prime Minister’s successful visit to Washington DC and the future of Australia's energy policy.






20210920 – Hydrogen Hub in the Hunter
Today, the Morrison Government announced a $464 million grant program to stimulate the development of hydrogen hubs right across Australia. I am working to make the Hunter Region a major player in this sweeping transformation of Australia’s energy and export sector. This is a technology-driven and industry-led plan to invest and develop low emissions industries that create Australian jobs, particularly in our regions, as well as cheaper energy for all Australians.






20210920 – Hydrogen Hub in the Hunter – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live
I spoke with Tracy McKelligott on Newcastle Live about how the Morrison Government has declared the Hunter as one of seven national hydrogen hubs that will supercharge the development of an Australian hydrogen industry.






20210919 – Trial by Media & the AUKUS Nuclear Sub Deal – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
Speaking on Sky News about the consequences of the concerning trend of the media becoming judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to unproven allegations. The panel also discussed the fact that many countries in the Indo-Pacific region are feeling more secure since the Prime Minister's announcement that Australia will be procuring nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS alliance.






20210917 – Research Centre to Unlock Future Mineral Technologies – Henry Ballard – Australian Mining
The official launch of The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals) was also covered by Henry Ballard in the Australian Mining magazine.






Driver Reviver & Safety Boost for Paterson
$118,000 in Federal Government funding will be granted to upgrade the Medowie Road Driver Reviver site in Paterson to deliver Driver Reviver mass action sign upgrades. This forms part of the $7.2 million our Government is providing to upgrade 71 sites across the country to keep people safe on our roads.






$1 M Grant for Whale Tracking Business in Newcastle
Newcastle-based company Industrial Monitoring & Control Pty Ltd received $1 million in funding from the Federal Government for its innovative proposal of automating the detection of whales at sea through thermal imaging. Their proposal has the potential to enhance regulatory compliance and protect our natural environment for future generations.






20210916 – National Research Centre Opens to Secure Minerals for Future – The National Tribune
Read about the official launch the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals) in the National Tribune. This Centre will consist of a collaboration between the University of Newcastle and 7 other Australian universities with links to the CSIRO and several major industry partners including FLSmidth, Amira Global and Jord International.






20210916 – ARC COE for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals – Official Launch Recording
I was honoured to officially launch the Australian Research Council's Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (COEMinerals).
The Australian Government has provided $35 million of funding over 7 years through the Australian Research Council. The Centre will not only work take advantage of the new employment and exporting opportunities in sustainable mining technologies, but also promote sustainability in terms of energy and water use, pollution mitigation, and long-term environmental governance.






20210915 – Ageism & Privacy Concerns over Recording Device Glasses – Paul Murray Later – Sky News
Speaking with Paul Murray about ageism in the workplace and the seriously concerning new 'spy glasses' that have been developed by Facebook and Ray-Ban.






20210912 – Keneally’s Move Into House of Reps & End of NSW’s Daily Pressers – Chris Smith – Sky News
Speaking on Sky News about the special treatment Kristina Keneally receives from the ALP whenever she feels like a change in her role.
We also discussed the political point-scoring when it comes to the ongoing feud among the states regarding vaccine allocations.






20210909 – Funding for Hunter Councils – Port Stephens News of the Area
Local governments have been a crucial delivery partner to the Federal Government when it comes to the implementation of the economic stimulus packages that have been created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read here about the Financial Assistance Grant programs that have been awarded to local councils in the Hunter Region.






20210908 – Important for Australia to put ‘Our Sovereign Interests First’ – Sky News Australia – Paul Murray
Online article on skynews.com.au about how I spoke with Paul Murray regarding the Morrison Government's commitment to putting Australia's national interests first.






20210908 – Protecting Australia’s Interests & the Women’s Summit – Paul Murray Later – Sky News
I spoke with Paul Murray and Jenna Clarke on Sky News about the potential need for increased trade diversification in Australia and how the Morrison Government will continue to prioritise our national interests.
We also discussed the National Women’s Summit and how those on the left have continued to attack and denigrate both conservative women and men in this debate, thereby stifling collaboration and progress when it comes to countering violence and disrespectful behaviour against women.






20210907 – Regal Cinema Handed Funding – Newcastle Herald
Read about Regal Cinema receiving full funding of their grant request as part of the Morrison Government's $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund in the Newcastle Herald.






20210907 – Australian Arts and Entertainment Industry Funding – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live
Tracy McKelligott was speaking with Jo Smith this week on Newcastle Live about how Regal Cinema Building Ltd. has received a Federal Government Grant of $180,491 as part of the Morrison Government’s $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand Fund to assist the arts and entertainment sector.
More than 23,000 employment opportunities are expected to be created across the nation from the latest $20 million funding round alone.






Restarting the Arts Sector in the Hunter Region
Regal Cinema in Birmingham Gardens, Newcastle has received full funding of their grant request as part of the Morrison Government's $200 million Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund to assist the Australian arts and entertainment sector.






20210905 – Chasm Between Opposition Leader and His Shadow Cabinet – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
Speaking on Chris Smith Tonight about about the widespread criticism (including from Senior Labor Shadow Ministers in the Federal Parliament) of the scaremongering that is being perpetuated by the state leaders in Queensland and Western Australia. The Opposition Leader has shamefully backed these state leaders in their undermining of the Australian vaccination rollout and the National Plan to get Australia up and running again.






20210902 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Tailored Financial Supports for Australians in Lockdown
The Morrison Government has ensured that its supports to people suffering financial hardship during lockdown are targeted and that they reach the people that need them the most.






20210831 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Discrimination & Leave for Grieving Parents
The Sex Discrimination and Fair Work (Respect at Work) Amendment Bill 2021 will aim to ensure that there is equality of opportunity between men and women and to clarify that sex-based harassment is prohibited. They will also extend the minimum entitlements for compassionate leave in relation to miscarriage






20210831 – Weir Road Bridge Underway – Max McKinney – Newcastle Herald
The Federal Government has contributed $4.7 million to the Weir Road bridge underway that crosses Cockle Creek to ensure that the critical freight link is able to remain open all year round.






20210831 – Trolling on Social Media – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live Radio
I spoke with Tracy McKelligott on Newcastle Live Radio about the harmful consequences of internet trolling on social media.






20210831 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Achievements of the Morrison Government During COVID-19
Despite the fact that hospitals are a state government responsibility, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has ensured that hospitals across the nation are adequately funded hospitals so that no one falls through the cracks in states that have neglected their responsibilities.






20210830 – Senate Debates Stillborn Paid Leave Bill – Marion Rae – The West Australian
An article in the West Australian covered the Senate's debate about amendments to the Fair Work Act that would see an extension of compassionate leave entitlements for women and their partners who experienced a miscarriage.






20210830 – Senate Debates Stillborn Paid Leave Bill – Marion Rae – The Canberra Times
An article in the Canberra Times covered the Senate's debate about amendments to the Fair Work Act that would see an extension of compassionate leave entitlements for women and their partners who experienced a miscarriage.






20210830 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Paid Parental Leave for Parents of Stillborn Babies
We need to shine a light on the devastation and grief of still births and miscarriages.






20210829 – NSW Gov Vaccine Ad & Unconstitutional Border Closures
Any decision to keep state borders shut after we reach the 80% vaccination target could be unconstitutional.






20210826 – Senate – National Plan & People with Disability
My questions to the Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Senator Reynolds in Question Time today.






20210825 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Covid vaccine for NDIS participants 12+
The jab is officially available for NDIS participants aged over 12, and we've pulled together all the information you need to equip participants and providers with the tools they will need to prepare for the vaccine.












20210824 – Senate – NDIS Early Childhood Pathway Program
We know what best practice Early Intervention looks like. Stop insulting parents and start acknowledging in home continuation of clinic based programs.






20210823 – Thank You to Our Australian Service Men & Women
To our soldiers that served in Afghanistan and the Middle East, too many of you have not received the appreciation that you deserve. Thank you for your service.






20210822 – HSC Exams & Australian Soldiers in the Middle East
On Chris Smith Tonight discussing the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and how proud Australians are of what they have achieved.
We also discussed how the continued uncertainty and persistent moving of the goalposts has damaged the mental health of our young Australians.






Extension to NBN Co’s Business Fibre Zone Initiative
2,347 businesses in the Paterson Electorate are set to benefit from the establishment of the Business Fibre Zone at Nelson Bay. This is one of the 44 zones that are being developed. These new zones will allow local businesses to access fibre with speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second. NBN Co's business fibre investments have a forecasted productivity benefit of up to 12% for businesses.










































20210811 – Senate – QT – Establishment of New Disability Gateway
My questions about the establishment of New Disability Gateway












20210811 – Childcare Australia – Coalition Senators Split Over Government’s Childcare Bill – Paul Karp – The Guardian
Whilst internal debate, a diversity of opinion, and robust discussion may be foreign concepts to some - they are not notions lost on the Coalition. Childcare subsidies are an area in which such discussion arose. In this exchange of ideas, I made my view clear that if Australian parents make the choice to return to work, they should be empowered to make that choice through targeted government support.






20210810 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Child Care Subsidy Bill
The Morrison Government will be increasing targeted child care supports for the Australian families that need it the most.






20210810 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – Climate Change
Senator Hollie Hughes in the Senate explaining to those opposite the real and positive actions taken by the Morrison Government to combat climate change, to reduce emissions, and to increase jobs and industries.






20210810 – Council Scoops Funding for a Recycling Plant – Max McKinney – Newcastle Herald
Read about the Federal Government's investment into the recycling facility at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre in the Newcastle Herald.






Newcastle to Benefit from $24 M Recycling Infrastructure Fund
Newcastle Council will receive $5 million in both Federal and State funding to build a materials recycling facility at the Summerhill Waste Management Centre. This centre in Wallsend will be playing a key role in increasing the Hunter’s waste diversity and recycling capacity. It will ease pressure on our environment, and create both jobs and economic investment.
























20210803 – Questions to Senator McKenzie
Questions to Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator McKenzie






20210803 – Acknowledgement of Australian Olympic Swimming Team, Emma McKeon & Gina Rinehart
Great athletes and great patronage make for Australia's greatest Olympics in the pool!







































































20210729 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Hunter M1 Motorway extension – NBN News Newcastle
The Morrison government funding for this project will significantly ease traffic bottlenecks, create 2,700 jobs, and take 25,000 vehicles per day off that stretch of road.






20210729 – Batt Mobile win $4.5M grant – Marian Sampson – Port Stephens News of the Area
The Morrison Government is supporting the innovative manufacturing company Batt Mobile Equipment Pty Ltd based in the Hunter Region with a $4.5 million grant. The grant will be used by Batt Mobile to build heavy-battery electric vehicles for underground hard rock mines, delivering Australia’s first commercially viable alternative to a diesel fleet.






20210729 – Contractor Appointed to Construct New Bridge at Barnsley – The National Tribune (Lake Macquarie City Council)
The Federal Government has committed $4.7 million in funding for the new Weir Road Bridge, connecting Barnsley and Teralba. This funding has been made available under the Federal Government's Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) - an initiative to fund the upgrade and replacement of bridges to enhance access for local communities.






20210729 – Black Spot Funding – Marian Sampson – Port Stephens News of the Area
The Federal Government has announced that it will invest over $2.1 million towards six important projects in the Hunter Region to reduce serious injuries and deaths on our roads.






20210729 – Tomago Clean Energy Business Gets Funded – Marian Sampson – Port Stephens News of the Area
The Morrison Government has committed to assisting Energy Renaissance in accelerating their research and development so that they may create a domestically developed lithium-ion battery energy storage system for critical energy storage infrastructures in Tomago, NSW. This will be the first battery manufacturing facility of its kind and will not only provide vast exporting opportunities for Australia, but also new local jobs for the Hunter Region.












20210728 – Liberal Senator: Discouraging AstraZeneca Vaccine Totally Irresponsible – Chris Kenny – Sky News
Speaking with Chris Kenny on Sky News about the absurdity of vaccine brand shopping and the hesitancy being perpetuated by some State Premiers and Chief Health Officers.






20210726 – NSW Plea to Bring Back JobKeeper – Yoni Bashan & Tom Dusevic – The Australian
JobKeeper was always a temporary measure, and to restart it would be unsustainable for the Federal Government. What is needed to support people during this pandemic moving forward are adaptable and targeted support payments.












20210724 – Tomago Firm to get $4.5 Million – Newcastle Herald
Congratulations to Batt Mobile Equipment on securing $4.5 million to build heavy battery electric vehicles for underground hard rock mines under the Morrison Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative. This will create enormous opportunities for the Hunter Region’s local economy.






$4.5M Grant to Hunter manufacturer to help charge Australia’s future
The Morrison Government is supporting an innovative local manufacturing company, Batt Mobile Equipment Pty Ltd based in Tomago in the Hunter Region, to grow, expand and employ more Australians.






20210722 – $2.1 million of Blackspot Funding in the Hunter – Tracy McKelligott – Newcastle Live Radio
I spoke with the lovely Tracy McKelligott on Newcastle Live about the confusing and misleading messaging surrounding the safety of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and the $2.1 million in funding that the Hunter Region is receiving under the Australian Government's Black Spot Funding Program.












20210718 – Inside the fight to save the NDIS – Dan Jervis-Bardy – Sunday Canberra Times
A lot of families are feeling relieved to see the back of the awful Independent Assessment process that was being trialled. A big thank you to Senator Linda Reynolds for taking all of the feedback on board.












20210711 – Sydney COVID Cluster, the ADF, and Ash Barty at Wimbledon – Chris Smith, Sky News
Back on Chris Smith Tonight with Smithy, Prue and Richo on Sky News Australia discussing Premier Gladys Berejiklian's management of Sydney's COVID cluster, General Frewen's skills in large-scale logistical exercises, and Australian tennis player Ash Barty's historic victory in Wimbledon.






Dedicated national referral and support service for people with disability
People with disability in the Hunter Region will be encouraged to interact with a new dedicated one-stop shop providing advice and up-to-date information for people with disability as a national campaign rolls out across our screens this week.






20210708 – Australian Government, Canberra – Disability Gateway
The Disability Gateway is able to assist with a range of supports, from locating advocacy services, finding a sporting team that meets the needs of a person’s disability or identifying local disability-related events.
It is available at www.disabilitygateway.gov.au or by calling 1800 643 787 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm AEST.
People with disability who need support in another language can also contact the Gateway on 1800 643 787 and ask for an interpreter.






Government backs manufacturers with $800 million for collaborative projects
The Morrison Government is backing Australian manufacturers with $800 million in funding to encourage collaboration on major job-creating projects as part of the $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy.






$563,094 Government grant to help local manufacturer modernise
The Morrison Government is providing local company Rotacaster in the Paterson electorate with a grant of $563,094 to increase its competitiveness and productivity, while also helping to grow local jobs






20210704 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Chris Smith Tonight – Sky News
On Chris Smith Tonight on Sky News with Smithy, Prue and Richo chatting about mask wearing, the ABC's plan to move out west and most importantly, the necessity of ergonomic footwear.






















$1,000,000 Government grant to help local manufacturer modernise
The Morrison Government is providing local company M O Brewery in the Newcastle electorate with a grant of $1,000,000 to increase its competitiveness and productivity, while also helping to grow local jobs.






20210627 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Chris Smith Tonight – Jacinta Price and Incentivising Vaccines
Last night on Sky, I spoke about how Jacinta Price from the Northern Territory shall be a voice for Indigenous communities in the Senate that promotes agency rather than victimhood and about the importance of incentivising vaccinations.






Veteran Health and Wellbeing Supported in Shortland
Programs and activities supporting the health and wellbeing of our veteran community in Shortland will receive a share of more than $2.4 million worth of funding under the Veteran and Community Grants Program, announced today.






20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Barnaby Joyce
When the media ask me questions such as these, I would like to remind them of the democratic values that each and every Australian should and do hold dear to their hearts.
The people of New England have elected Barnaby with increasingly consistent majorities and the Nationals Party Room have made the decision to make him their leader, as is their right. I must respect each and every party in Parliament's right to choose their own leader, a respect that I would hope they would afford my own party.






20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Q&A – NDIS (Independent Assessments)
We need to change the conversation surrounding the NDIS from that of a discussion of deficits to that of how participants can achieve their goals. In order to ensure that this scheme is delivering what it was put in place to do, the focus cannot merely be on how to survive, but how to thrive within the community.






20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Q&A – Advice of CMO and Brendan Murphy
Call me crazy, but I personally like to get health advice on the situation that Australia finds itself in from the Chief Medical Officer.






20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Q&A – Love on the Spectrum
It was so lovely to be on the Q&A panel with Jayden Evans from Love on the Spectrum! It's so important for everyone to become increasingly aware of the sheer diversity amongst the neurodiverse.










20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Q&A – Labor Scaremongering
Given their monumental death rates, it is insulting to hold the UK and the US as the golden bastion of COVID management and claim that our government should look to them as an example. Labor needs to stop the politicisation of this issue and to stop the scaremongering.






20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Q&A – COVID Vaccine Rollout
It’s imperative that Australians are informed of the facts regarding the Government’s vaccine rollout. Plenty of misinformation being spread out there!
























20210624 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Covid-19 vaccinations – Senate
Labor MUST stop the lies and misinformation. The fear and confusion they are creating is causing unnecessary panic to Australians.












20210623 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Party Room child-care subsidies – ABC News Breakfast
Great to chat with Michael Rowland on ABC News Breakfast this (Wednesday!) morning. As much my niece loves Bluey, it's about families being able to make the choices that best work for them, and empowering mothers and fathers to get back into the workforce ... if they choose to.






20210620 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Chris Smith And Friends – Sky News
Always good to speak with a former colleague. Tonight on Chris Smith And Friends, with guest host Cory Bernardi, on Sky News


















20210616 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Senate – EIBI
It has been heartwarming to hear from so many parents and autistic adults over the past few weeks, thanking me for being in their corner.
Surely we can all agree that evidence and research-based best practice intervention is at the very least reasonable and necessary!








As a mother, senator challenges NDIS reforms
The independent assessment trial had caused anguish to participants and focused on people’s deficits rather than their goals. The problem with this proposal is a tick-a-box functionality assessment at the moment, there is absolutely nothing that aligns with people’s goals. The concerns that I held regarding the NDIS independent assessment proposals compelled me to make the very difficult decision of opposing my own government's policy and fighting for these proposals to be rejected. I am incredibly grateful to the Prime Minister Scott Morrison for supporting me in opposing the reforms once I had aired my grave concerns.





















































20210601 – Senator Hollie Hughes – TGA – Community Affairs
As the October deadline approaches, it was useful to get an update from Professor Skerritt.






20210525 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Environment & Communications Committee
Snowy 2.0 is the largest energy storage project in the southern hemisphere. When I spoke to the CEO of Snowy 2.0 Paul Broad, he could not contain his excitement about the boost to the Hunter Region that this investment will create in terms of jobs, economic activity, and energy security.





















































20210415 – Senator Hollie Hughes – The Kenny Report – Sky News
Great to chat about the day's news with Chris Kenny on Sky News Australia.





















































20210413 – Senator Hollie Hughes – Paul Murray Live – Sky News
Hypocrisy is rife in the feminist "sisterhood". My interview with Paul Murray on Sky News Australia














20210325 – Liberal women line up to back quotas – Lewis, Ferguson, Ore – SMH
A record number of federal Liberal MPs say the party must consider quotas to boost female representation, after weeks of sexual assault allegations and misbehaviour against women forced the party's leadership to publicly declare its support.






20210325 – Energy Renaissance to Deliver Defence-Grade Cybersecure Battery Management System with CSIRO and IMCRC
The collaboration between Energy Renaissance, CSIRO, and IMCRC will promote an Australian Battery Management System instead of relying on an overseas technology platform.




















































