“Metropolitan Disconnect”: Chaffey Warns Gun Reforms and Looming Drought Threaten Parkes Electorate

In Short

• Legislative Pushback: MP Jamie Chaffey has voted against new gun law and hate speech reforms, arguing they unfairly target law-abiding rural owners instead of addressing the root causes of violence.
• Drought Warning: Recent DPI data shows 45% of NSW is currently drought-affected, with conditions expected to intensify in Dubbo, Coonabarabran, and Wanaaring by March.
• Call for Action: Chaffey is criticising state and federal "silence" on the worsening season, demanding immediate acknowledgment and support for shires currently under water restrictions.

NSW regions are facing a dual challenge as federal legislative shifts on firearm ownership collide with a worsening seasonal outlook across the Parkes electorate, according to Jamie Chaffey MP.

The Member for Parkes has reaffirmed his commitment to local constituents following a turbulent period in Canberra, as the National and Liberal Parties grapple with leadership issues Mr Chaffey said with communities across regional NSW feeling the pressure of both regulatory changes and environmental shifts, the MP suggests that the disconnect between metropolitan policy and rural reality is widening.

Standing Firm on Legislative Changes

Recent weeks have seen significant debate regarding hate speech legislation and gun law reforms. Mr Coulton said that the speed at which these amendments were brought to the floor left little room for thorough consultation with the rural communities they impact most.

Explaining his decision to vote against the measures, Mr Coulton said:

"Through many, many personal representations, phone calls, emails and letters, people in the Parkes electorate told me they were deeply concerned about the proposed changes to hate speech legislation and gun laws. I attended Parliament with the intention of making these concerns plain."

He expressed concern that the new reforms could jeopardise the livelihoods of legitimate firearm owners in the region who already adhere to strict regulations. Addressing the broader context of national security and public safety, he added:

"What happened at Bondi Beach was horrendous. But kicking out in haste at legitimate firearms owners and providers who are already following rigid regulations is not the way to deal with Islamic extremists. I will continue to fight these unfair reforms."

Drought Spectres and Water Scarcity

While legislative battles continue in the capital, the immediate threat for many landholders across regional NSW districts is the rapidly drying landscape.

“At home in the Parkes electorate, people are again facing the spectre of drought,” Mr Chaffey said. 

“The last seasonal update for New South Wales released in December by the Department of Primary Industries showed 45% of the state was in a drought category. This included Bourke, White Cliffs, Broken Hill, Menindee and a number of other areas which were listed as ‘drought-affected (intensifying)’.” 

“It also noted the most likely outcome by the end of March this year is for drought conditions to increase in areas including Dubbo, Coonabarabran and Wanaaring.”

“A number of shires across the electorate, such as Gunnedah, Lachlan, Bogan, Liverpool Plains, Cobar, Central Darling, Narrabri, Moree Plains, Narromine, Coonamble, Broken Hill, Parkes, Forbes and Walgett have introduced water restrictions to conserve water.”

“There has been a conspicuous silence from both state and federal Labor Governments in acknowledging the dry conditions facing regional communities, and it is critical that this threat is not only acknowledged, but that action is taken to assist those who are struggling.”

Available Support Services

With the memory of the "Millennial Drought" still fresh for many, residents are encouraged to monitor their wellbeing and seek financial or agricultural advice early.

Drought Hub: droughthub.nsw.gov.au

Rural Financial Counselling Service: Professional planning and support.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP): Mental health assistance for regional areas.

Local Land Services: Support via the Drought Adoption Officer program.

Community Resilience in the Wake of Tragedy

The Member for Parkes also addressed the recent tragedy in Lake Cargelligo, where a violent attack claimed four lives. Mr Coulton joined the community in mourning, while also cautioning against using the event to justify stricter licensing for law-abiding owners.

"The man who allegedly committed this terrible act was not a licensed gun owner and abided by no existing gun laws. Again, the evil is not in the weapon, but in the person who holds it. More must be done to protect communities from domestic violence."