Andrew GEE MP INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE Your Country Your Voice BUDGET WRAP UP FOR THE REGIONS thought this year's federal budget was another mixed bag for the Central West. On the positive side, the budget is again back in black for the second year, with a further surplus of $9.3 billion. There were also some positives around cost-of-living measures with a $300 energy rebate, tax cuts, cheaper medicines, and www.www.ww help ease some hip The extension of the Regional Airports Program has assisted a number of our local airports, so I welcome the funding extension of this program, as I do the extension of funding for the Clontarf Foundation to support young Indigenous men in our schools. ORANGE SENIORS VILLAGE HUB FUNDING CUT One of the glaring omissions of the Budget was a lack of funding for the Orange Seniors Village Hub which supports hundreds of local seniors in Orange. I was hoping for alternative funding to keep our Village Hub going but it hasn't been forthcoming. This is a disgrace and a real blow to the seniors of our area. GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY STILL OWED $1.91 BILLION The Budget allocated $116 million to realign and widen the Great Western Highway for approximately 2.4 kilometres and include a new interchange at the Coxs River Road intersection By my calculation the Federal Government still owes the Great Western Highway project $1.91 billion that was cruelly snatched away in one of the biggest government money heists in history, so there won't be too many people turning cartwheels or popping champagne corks over this announcement. Our communities demand nothing less than the full restoration of the $2.03 billion the government shockingly looted from the Great Western Highway last year. RURAL DOCTOR SHORTAGE NOT ADDRESSED Regional Australia is experiencing a drastic shortage of doctors. and this shortage has not been adequately addressed in the Budget Increasing bulk billing numbers will not solve this. EARLY EDUCATION SHORTAGE NOT ADDRESSED Another glaring omission was the lack of funding for more preschool and childcare/early education places. This shortage also continues to hit country communities hard. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING MUST FLOW TO REGIONS I was pleased to see $1 billion put towards crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence. With our nation in a domestic violence crisis, we need to ensure that this funding flows to communities in regional NSW that have significantly higher rates of reported violence than other locations. LACK OF FURTHER DISASTER FUNDING Unfortunately, further funding for disaster recovery in the Central West has not been delivered. There was no additional funding on top of the $50 million already committed by the federal While the $47.5 million over four years to expand national and the 2022 storms and floods. This state-based virtual health services is positive, it's simply not a substitute for having more doctors in the regions. The rural doctor shortage becomes more acute by the day. While the government gets credit on the positives, there's a lot of missing funding in this Budget that will leave many across our region feeling very let down. INQUIRY INTO STORM AND FLOOD INSURANCE VISITS OUR REGION ecently, the Parliamentary Rinquiry into insurers responses to 2022 major floods claims visited our region. In November 2022, the communities of Eugowra, Molong, Manilldra, Canowindra. Cudal Wellington, and many places in between were devastated by storms and floods the Prime WHY WAS AN INQUIRY NEEDED? In the aftermath of the tragedy, disaster-hit communities were left reeling by callous insurance companies, which forced struggling policyholders to jump through hoop after hoop -only to knock back claim after claim That's why I fiercely advocated for the establishment of the probe, and asked Minister in Question Time in May 2023 for his support to get an inquiry up and running The inquiry was announced by me and the Assistant Treasurer at the wrecked home of Brian and Lesley Smith in Eugowra last year. It then kicked off in late January, and at each public hearing I have pushed insurance companies to not only acknowledge the cruel and callous way they handled claims, but to apologise for their gross mistreatment of their loyal policyholders - who were just trying to pick up the pieces of their lives and move forward BATHURST ELECTORATE OFFICE 107 George Street PO Box 54 Bathurst NSW 2795 INQUIRY VISITS MOLONG AND EUGOWRA Two weeks ago, when the Inquiry visited our region, policyholders in the Central West had their turn to fight back On Tuesday 7 May and Wednesday 8 May the go Brave residents, organisations and business owners spoke up about the cold-hearted and shocking way insurers treated them in the days. weeks and months following the disaster. BRIAN AND LESLEY SMITH'S STORY Local residents of Eugowra, Brian and Lesley Smith spoke passionately about how, despite having flood insurance, they were put through the wringer by their insurer. The couple were initially offered a very low-ball cash settlement less than half of what was in their policy. On top of that, the insurance company refused to cover damage to the support plers under the house which had shifted because of the force of the water and being smashed up by a floating og due to the age of the building and wouldn't pay out for damage to the roof sustained when a helicopter (which saved their lives) hovered above the house to rescue them and their dogs As the months went by, the t being heartbroken and traumatised from the disaster, determinedly fought for what was owed to them. They obtained a thorough and independent building report which proved that the insurers didn't have a leg to stand on. That report, coupled with intense pressure from Andrew with Eugowra's Central Hotel owner Jeanette Norris at a site visit during the arance Inquiry hearing resently financial commitments on the extensive gym equipment-which had all been destroyed. This had a huge impact on her. For four months after the storms and floods hit, she couldn't move on Next came weeks of toing and froing with the loss adjuster over reasonably minor items on the inventory list which Ms Ekurdi prepared-even though they ended up being paid in fu There were issues like asking Ms Elkurdi to confirm that the computer hard drive and the hard drive podium was on the floor and not on the desk. In the middle of this, the loss adjuster downed tools and go and work on a job in New Zealand Ms Elkurdi's story shows how devastating it is justice. They're still living in a pod but their house will now be properly re-built IM HOPEFUL FOR LASTING INDUSTRY CHANGE Having the inquiry travel to our region has provided local communities with a real chance to shine a spotlight on their experiences following the storms and floods. Thank you to everyone who presented at the hearing participated in the community panels, gave a community statement, or who the media, and representation from my office for customers to not only survive a trauma by listening to their fellow meant that they received what they were due- 12 long months after the disaster. HEBA ELKURDI'S STORY Another story voiced during the hearings was the case of Molong local Heba Elkurdi, who owns and runs Downtown Fitness in Molong After the disaster, it took her insurers a whole month to get a hydrologist to visit the premises After the assessment, it took a further three months for a 1.5 page report to be produced During this four-month delay. Ms Elkurdi's business was closed, but she still had to meet (02) 6331 0524 andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au event, but then battle their insurers to simply be listened to and have their claim dealt with in a timely way. PHIL AND ANN-MAREE DAVIS' STORY Phil and Ann-maree Davis of Molong had their home destroyed and were then put under disgraceful pressure by the insurance company to accept a low-ball offer over $200,000 less than the claim was actually worth. This reprehensible carry-on went on for a year. It was only after we launched this inquiry and we called the insurer out on Facebook that Phil and Ann-maree got With the inquiry now wrapped up, I'm hopeful that it will be a real burning point in the way that insurers deal with disaster-hit policy from the had to endure, and that lasting change can be brought to this industry The submissions portal and the online survey remain open to share insurance experiences following the November 2022 storms and floods. To complete the survey, head to: www. aph.gov.au/floodinsurance For regular updates and news, follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare Authorised by Andrew Gee MP, Suite 1/179A Anson Street, Orange, NSW 2800 f Andrew GEE MP INDEPENDENT FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CALARE Your Country Your Voice BUDGET WRAP UP FOR THE REGIONS thought this year's federal budget was another mixed bag for the Central West . On the positive side , the budget is again back in black for the second year , with a further surplus of $ 9.3 billion . There were also some positives around cost - of - living measures with a $ 300 energy rebate , tax cuts , cheaper medicines , and www.www.ww help ease some hip The extension of the Regional Airports Program has assisted a number of our local airports , so I welcome the funding extension of this program , as I do the extension of funding for the Clontarf Foundation to support young Indigenous men in our schools . ORANGE SENIORS VILLAGE HUB FUNDING CUT One of the glaring omissions of the Budget was a lack of funding for the Orange Seniors Village Hub which supports hundreds of local seniors in Orange . I was hoping for alternative funding to keep our Village Hub going but it hasn't been forthcoming . This is a disgrace and a real blow to the seniors of our area . GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY STILL OWED $ 1.91 BILLION The Budget allocated $ 116 million to realign and widen the Great Western Highway for approximately 2.4 kilometres and include a new interchange at the Coxs River Road intersection By my calculation the Federal Government still owes the Great Western Highway project $ 1.91 billion that was cruelly snatched away in one of the biggest government money heists in history , so there won't be too many people turning cartwheels or popping champagne corks over this announcement . Our communities demand nothing less than the full restoration of the $ 2.03 billion the government shockingly looted from the Great Western Highway last year . RURAL DOCTOR SHORTAGE NOT ADDRESSED Regional Australia is experiencing a drastic shortage of doctors . and this shortage has not been adequately addressed in the Budget Increasing bulk billing numbers will not solve this . EARLY EDUCATION SHORTAGE NOT ADDRESSED Another glaring omission was the lack of funding for more preschool and childcare / early education places . This shortage also continues to hit country communities hard . DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FUNDING MUST FLOW TO REGIONS I was pleased to see $ 1 billion put towards crisis and transitional accommodation for women and children fleeing domestic violence . With our nation in a domestic violence crisis , we need to ensure that this funding flows to communities in regional NSW that have significantly higher rates of reported violence than other locations . LACK OF FURTHER DISASTER FUNDING Unfortunately , further funding for disaster recovery in the Central West has not been delivered . There was no additional funding on top of the $ 50 million already committed by the federal While the $ 47.5 million over four years to expand national and the 2022 storms and floods . This state - based virtual health services is positive , it's simply not a substitute for having more doctors in the regions . The rural doctor shortage becomes more acute by the day . While the government gets credit on the positives , there's a lot of missing funding in this Budget that will leave many across our region feeling very let down . INQUIRY INTO STORM AND FLOOD INSURANCE VISITS OUR REGION ecently , the Parliamentary Rinquiry into insurers responses to 2022 major floods claims visited our region . In November 2022 , the communities of Eugowra , Molong , Manilldra , Canowindra . Cudal Wellington , and many places in between were devastated by storms and floods the Prime WHY WAS AN INQUIRY NEEDED ? In the aftermath of the tragedy , disaster - hit communities were left reeling by callous insurance companies , which forced struggling policyholders to jump through hoop after hoop -only to knock back claim after claim That's why I fiercely advocated for the establishment of the probe , and asked Minister in Question Time in May 2023 for his support to get an inquiry up and running The inquiry was announced by me and the Assistant Treasurer at the wrecked home of Brian and Lesley Smith in Eugowra last year . It then kicked off in late January , and at each public hearing I have pushed insurance companies to not only acknowledge the cruel and callous way they handled claims , but to apologise for their gross mistreatment of their loyal policyholders - who were just trying to pick up the pieces of their lives and move forward BATHURST ELECTORATE OFFICE 107 George Street PO Box 54 Bathurst NSW 2795 INQUIRY VISITS MOLONG AND EUGOWRA Two weeks ago , when the Inquiry visited our region , policyholders in the Central West had their turn to fight back On Tuesday 7 May and Wednesday 8 May the go Brave residents , organisations and business owners spoke up about the cold - hearted and shocking way insurers treated them in the days . weeks and months following the disaster . BRIAN AND LESLEY SMITH'S STORY Local residents of Eugowra , Brian and Lesley Smith spoke passionately about how , despite having flood insurance , they were put through the wringer by their insurer . The couple were initially offered a very low - ball cash settlement less than half of what was in their policy . On top of that , the insurance company refused to cover damage to the support plers under the house which had shifted because of the force of the water and being smashed up by a floating og due to the age of the building and wouldn't pay out for damage to the roof sustained when a helicopter ( which saved their lives ) hovered above the house to rescue them and their dogs As the months went by , the t being heartbroken and traumatised from the disaster , determinedly fought for what was owed to them . They obtained a thorough and independent building report which proved that the insurers didn't have a leg to stand on . That report , coupled with intense pressure from Andrew with Eugowra's Central Hotel owner Jeanette Norris at a site visit during the arance Inquiry hearing resently financial commitments on the extensive gym equipment - which had all been destroyed . This had a huge impact on her . For four months after the storms and floods hit , she couldn't move on Next came weeks of toing and froing with the loss adjuster over reasonably minor items on the inventory list which Ms Ekurdi prepared - even though they ended up being paid in fu There were issues like asking Ms Elkurdi to confirm that the computer hard drive and the hard drive podium was on the floor and not on the desk . In the middle of this , the loss adjuster downed tools and go and work on a job in New Zealand Ms Elkurdi's story shows how devastating it is justice . They're still living in a pod but their house will now be properly re - built IM HOPEFUL FOR LASTING INDUSTRY CHANGE Having the inquiry travel to our region has provided local communities with a real chance to shine a spotlight on their experiences following the storms and floods . Thank you to everyone who presented at the hearing participated in the community panels , gave a community statement , or who the media , and representation from my office for customers to not only survive a trauma by listening to their fellow meant that they received what they were due- 12 long months after the disaster . HEBA ELKURDI'S STORY Another story voiced during the hearings was the case of Molong local Heba Elkurdi , who owns and runs Downtown Fitness in Molong After the disaster , it took her insurers a whole month to get a hydrologist to visit the premises After the assessment , it took a further three months for a 1.5 page report to be produced During this four - month delay . Ms Elkurdi's business was closed , but she still had to meet ( 02 ) 6331 0524 andrew.gee.mp@aph.gov.au www.andrewgeemp.com.au event , but then battle their insurers to simply be listened to and have their claim dealt with in a timely way . PHIL AND ANN - MAREE DAVIS ' STORY Phil and Ann - maree Davis of Molong had their home destroyed and were then put under disgraceful pressure by the insurance company to accept a low - ball offer over $ 200,000 less than the claim was actually worth . This reprehensible carry - on went on for a year . It was only after we launched this inquiry and we called the insurer out on Facebook that Phil and Ann - maree got With the inquiry now wrapped up , I'm hopeful that it will be a real burning point in the way that insurers deal with disaster - hit policy from the had to endure , and that lasting change can be brought to this industry The submissions portal and the online survey remain open to share insurance experiences following the November 2022 storms and floods . To complete the survey , head to : www . aph.gov.au/floodinsurance For regular updates and news , follow me on Facebook and Instagram @andrewgeecalare Authorised by Andrew Gee MP , Suite 1 / 179A Anson Street , Orange , NSW 2800 f