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Media Releases

Operation Christmas New Year Begins

December 23, 2025

Motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads this holiday season as Operation Christmas New Year begins and double demerits come into effect from Wednesday 24th December 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.

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Duty MLC condemns “reckless” claims by State Member for Maitland on Maitland Gaol

December 11, 2025

Duty MLC for Maitland, The Hon Aileen MacDonald MLC, has today criticised the extraordinary comments made by the State Member for Maitland regarding Maitland City Council’s handling of the Maitland Gaol precinct.

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NSW Legislative Council Backs Motion Celebrating 80 Years of ABC’S Country Hour

December 2, 2025

Ms Aileen MacDonald MLC has welcomed the support of the NSW Legislative Council for her Notice of Motion recognising the 80th anniversary of the ABC’s Country Hour, Australia’s longestrunning radio program.

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Labor Closes Business Connect on Eve of Small Business Month

September 29, 2025

Local hit for The Entrance retailers, trades and start-ups. The Minns Labor Government has doubled down on shutting the successful Business Connect program tomorrow, one day before Small Business Month begins.

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Victory for Regional Travellers as Discovery Pass pause ends.

July 17, 2025

The Hon. Aileen MacDonald MLC has welcomed the quiet return of the 3 and 6-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes to the booking system, describing it as a win for regional communities and proof of the power of people speaking up.

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Minns Labor Government shuts down lifeline for small business owners.

July 14, 2025

The Minns Labor Government has delivered a blow to small businesses in Country North in its recent Budget by axing funding for the highly successful Business Connect program.

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NSW Liberals and Nationals move to criminalise sexually explicit deepfakes.

July 9, 2025

The NSW Coalition will introduce a Bill in Parliament to criminalise the production and/or distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes, following disturbing reports of female students, teachers and workers being digitally targeted across the state.

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MacDonald Sponsors Petition Calling for Return of Discovery Train Passes

July 7, 2025

The Hon. Aileen MacDonald MLC has announced she will sponsor a petition to the NSW Legislative Council demanding the reinstatement of the popular 3 and 6-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, which the Government recently removed without consultation.

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“Labor’s Quiet Cut to Country Rail Sparks Backlash”: MacDonald Calls for Return of Discovery Train Pass

June 16, 2025

The Hon. Aileen MacDonald MLC, has today renewed calls for the NSW Labor Government to immediately reinstate the 3- and 6-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities.

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Aileen is an experienced regional small business operator and community advocate.