Country North Province Newsletter

– April 2025 –

From the Chamber to the Community

April Highlights from Aileen MacDonald MLC

I hope you had the chance to enjoy a peaceful and restorative Easter break with family and loved ones. Such moments of connection and reflection are more important than ever as we navigate challenging times — both close to home and across the world.

Like many, I was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Pope Francis.

His leadership, humility, and unwavering focus on justice and compassion made an indelible mark on people of all faiths. His death will be felt by millions globally, and his legacy of dignity and service will endure.

Here in New South Wales, our work continues with energy and purpose. The Health Services Amendment (splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025 is currently before the House. This legislation proposes to split the current Hunter New England Local Health District into two distinct entities.

It has significant implications for regional healthcare delivery, governance, and community access. I am actively seeking feedback from residents, local councils, health workers, and service users across the affected areas. If you have views or concerns, I would be very grateful to hear from you.

Thank you again for your ongoing support and engagement. Whether it's through campaigns, committee inquiries, or community conversations, I’m proud to stand with you and for you in Parliament.

Warm regards

Aileen MacDonald MLC
Shadow Minister for Youth Justice
Province Representative for Country North NSW

What's in this Newsletter

Budget Estimates & Committee Inquiries
In the Community
Events and Engagements
ANZAC Day in Guyra
Supporting Federal Liberal Campaigns
Happening in May

Budget Estimates & Committee Inquiries

Stronger scrutiny for a safer and fairer NSW

This month I participated in the Budget Estimates with Minister Jihad Dib MP, raising key issues in Youth Justice, Customer Service, and Emergency Services. I also continued my work on two important inquiries:

Public Toilets Inquiry – Ensuring regional communities have access to safe, clean and inclusive public facilities.

☣️ PFAS Contamination Inquiry – Wagga Wagga site visit

As part of our PFAS Inquiry, I joined the Committee in Wagga Wagga to hear directly from impacted communities. The evidence presented was compelling, and it is clear that more must be done to ensure water safety and environmental integrity in affected regions.

🚻 Public Toilets Inquiry

The Committee continues to investigate access to public toilet facilities, which is a surprisingly pressing issue — especially for families, older residents, and people with disability. I have emphasised the importance of improving access and cleanliness in regional towns, where services can be sparse or outdated.

Questions on Notice – Regional accountability matters

As part of my role holding the government to account, I’ve submitted targeted Questions on Notice this month across several portfolios:

Youth Justice: I’ve asked about risk assessments and staffing levels in detention centres following serious concerns from frontline workers.
Transport & cost of living: I raised concerns about changes to TrainLink Discovery passes and how they are impacting regional travellers — 0(?8.¶ particularly students and older people.
Digital Government & Services: Questions were submitted about delays and digital equity across regional NSW.
Local Government & regional development:
- I asked about the New England Weeds Authority and how its work is being supported across jurisdictions.
- I also raised questions regarding the resourcing and role of Joint Organisations (JOs), which play a key role in coordinating local government advocacy and service delivery in our regions.

I will continue to ensure that the voices of regional NSW are not only heard but answered. To access please click here - Ms MacDonald's questions published in the Question & Answer Paper

Quiridi Silo Art – my visit to Liverpool Plains Shire Council

In the Community

April has taken me across the Northern Tablelands and beyond:

I met with Centacare in New England, North West to discuss their targeted early intervention programs for young people. Their work in Youth on Track and Keep on Track is helping reduce reoffending whilst providing young people with genuine alternatives.
Visited BackTrack Youthworks in Armidale and discussed the new youth patrol initiative with Marcus Watson. These practical, community-led solutions are exactly what we need more of in regional justice.
Travelled to Quirindi and met with staff from Liverpool Plains Shire Council. Our discussions touched on infrastructure, service access, and the pressures faced by smaller councils.
Met with Mayors from Moree Plains, Glen Innes, and Inverell, all focused on solutions in the youth justice space and broader community safety.

The Centacare Team at Armidale

Aileen with Mayor of Moree Plains Shire Council – Cr Susanne Pearse

Aileen with Mayor of Inverell Shire Council – Cr Kate Dight

Aileen with Mayor of Glen Innes Severn Council, Cr Margot Davis and Deputy Mayor Carol Sparkes

Events and engagements

Proud to have joined the Zonta Club of Armidale at their Bunnings BBQ, supporting their incredible advocacy for women and girls both locally and globally.
Raised the need for a Community and Justice Precinct in Campbelltown, replacing the outdated Children’s Court which is no longer fit for purpose.

At the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle with Zonta Club of Armidale

Port Macquarie By-election – A special moment

I also visited Port Macquarie to attend an event hosted by the newly elected Member, Robert Dwyer, who warmly thanked the many volunteers and supporters who worked tirelessly throughout the campaign.

I was honoured to be personally acknowledged by the Port Macquarie Liberal Branch, which passed a motion thanking me for the support I provided during the on-the-ground campaign.

A huge thank you to Campaign Manager Todd Lynch for his dedication and leadership — it was a team effort, and I am proud to have played a part.

I would like to thank and recognise The Hon Mark Speakman SC MP for his leadership in the campaign and for leading by example – thank you.

Newly elected Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, thanking volunteers and members for their huge effort during the Port Macquarie By-election

Aileen with Ken Dodds

Aileen with Branch President, Terry McDermott

ANZAC Day in Guyra

Attending the ANZAC Day service in Guyra was a powerful moment of reflection and remembrance. The Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan MP, delivered a moving speech honouring those who served. It was a privilege to stand with our community in tribute to those who gave so much.

Supporting Federal Liberal Campaigns

With election mode switched on, it has been terrific to support our Federal Liberal candidates:
- I joined Laurence Antcliff, Liberal Candidate for Paterson at his campaign launch — officially opened by Andrew Hastie MP, whose message of national security and local strength resonated strongly.
- In Campbelltown, I stood with Binod Paudel, Candidate for Macarthur, and Senator Andrew Bragg, backing their efforts to deliver real representation for Western Sydney families and small businesses.

Happening in May

May will be a full month both in Parliament and across the regions:

Parliament will sit in the first and final weeks of May — and I will continue to raise issues that matter the most to our communities in the Chamber.
Inquiry into Modern Slavery Risks for Temporary Migrant Workers in Rural & Regional NSW – I will be visiting regional communities to hear directly from those affected and ensure their voices shape the Committee’s recommendations.
Inquiry into Renewable Energy Zones – We will be examining how energy transition impacts rural communities, infrastructure, and land use ⚡
Finalising public hearings for the Public Toilets Inquiry.
Wrapping up evidence gathering for the PFAS Contamination Inquiry.
Through it all, I will continue to consult extensively, speak up for Country North, champion youth justice and regional fairness at every opportunity.

Warmest regards,

The Hon Aileen MacDonald OAM MLC