Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has warned that the ongoing fuel crisis could severely compromise access to essential health and community services in rural and remote communities unless a temporary fuel subsidy is introduced.

Mr Butler’s office has been contacted by numerous organisations that provide transport for rural and remote patients to attend health and specialist appointments, as well as organisations delivering health services directly into people’s homes.

“These services are a lifeline for people who have no other means of transport,” Mr Butler said. “Any disruption caused by increased fuel prices would have serious consequences for health and wellbeing outcomes in our communities.”

Rising concern about the impact of the fuel crisis on local tourism has prompted the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, to urge city residents to continue with their plans to visit regional NSW over the Easter holiday.  

Local tourism operators are reporting a bump in Easter cancellations against a backdrop of lower overall bookings in March this year compared to the same time last year. 

“It’s a tough time for many people who work in tourism,” said Mr Butler.  

“Caravan parks in Broken Hill are reporting a drop in revenue of more than 25%, with management and staff discussing reduced hours. 

“Fewer shifts are available for motel workers around Narrabri too. 

Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, has tried to amend and delay the NSW government’s rushed laws in the wake of the Bondi terror attack, saying they don’t address the circumstances behind the attack while unfairly penalising regional people.  

The NSW government recalled parliament to rush through laws that can prevent protests, restrict firearm ownership and move firearms licence appeal hearings to the Supreme Court. 

A NSW parliament e-petition opposing the laws that was sponsored by Mr Butler has broken records for becoming the fastest to ever gather so many signatures. 

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has declined to investigate concerns raised by the Member for Barwon, Roy Butler MP, and the Australian Floodplain
Association regarding the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s (CEWH) unmetered water diversions and new water entitlements on the Warrego River at Toorale
Station.
ICAC advised that: