Local Government News

Larry Anthony
National News

Pacific Highway upgrades

The increased volumes of traffic along the Pacific and Bruxner Highways over the Easter holiday period will once again witness extra pressure placed on the communities of Ballina and Alstonville.

The proposed Alstonville Bypass has consistently been deferred by the Carr Labor Government despite ongoing pressure from both me and the community. This bypass is well overdue and with traffic volumes continuing to increase this is a safety issue that must be addressed immediately.

In relation to the Ballina Bypass, under the ten-year agreement for the Pacific Highway upgrade, the NSW Government agreed to fund the project in its entirety. But after eight years they are only just into the planning stage and it looks more likely that the Carr Government will renege on its commitment to build this road.

It seems that unless the Australian Coalition Government becomes involved in highway funding in NSW, nothing happens.

I am fed up with Labor's recalcitrance towards highway upgrades and I am determined to continue the fight to see action taken to address the growing danger for local and interstate motorists.

Tax Break for Families

Many local families could be eligible for an average payment of more than $800 after the Senate passed legislation giving families a 12-month extension to receive a top-up payment for their Family Tax Benefit payments last week.

The legislation will give people a top-up payment for 2001-02 if they lodge their relevant tax return by June 30, 2004. Top-up payments are given to families who overestimate their income to ensure families receive their correct entitlement.

Unfortunately, Labor refused to support the legislation and the Coalition Government needed the support of the independent Senators to ensure families could access the extra benefit.

Easter Wishes

I would like to wish residents across the North Coast and Northern Rivers a very happy and safe Easter break. Easter is an important Christian celebration and a time for family and friends to come together. I urge all those people travelling over the holiday to be extra careful on our roads, slow down and to exercise patience at all times. With Easter only being a short break it is common for people to rush to their destination, taking risks that they normally wouldn't take. I appeal to everyone to take their time, with regular rest stops, and make sure they reach their destination safely - even if that means getting there a little later.

Larry Anthony MP
Federal Member for Richmond
Minister for Children & Youth Affairs
PO Box 6996 Tweed Heads South 2486 ph: 07 5524 2466 fax: 07 5524 9366
www.larry.com.au Toll Free: 1800 812 125 larry.anthony.mp@aph.gov.au

Ian Causley
Canberra Connection

Funding for community-based child care services

I urge all Northern Rivers not-for-profit, community-operated long day care services, occasional care services and multifunctional Aboriginal children's services to apply for capital grants to carry out work to meet health, safety or licensing standards.

The funding is for individual projects costing between $5000 and $30,000 to enable as many services as possible to benefit from these grants.

Applications close Wednesday, April 14. If you would like further information, please contact my electorate office on 1300 301 735.

Labor to reintroduce payroll tax after 34 years

The ALP's baby care policy is another example of their lack of understanding for the economy, for business and for Australian workers.

The policy is under funded by a massive $350 million. On top of that, the Labor Party plans to introduce a new payroll tax on any business with 20 or more employees, to pay for the baby bonus.

This is a disincentive to employment. This will damage our strong economy and it will damage the labour market. Some 50,000 small businesses are on the threshold of employing 20 workers or more. This new tax will be a deterrent for them in particular. Payroll tax is a tax on jobs and a tax on employment which Australian businesses and workers just do not need.

New round of women's funding grants announced

Non-government organisations are now invited to apply for up to $50,000 in funding under the Australian Government's 2004-05 Women's Development Program.

Last year, more than $500,000 was distributed to develop projects such as a communication skills workshop for health professionals who treat cancer patients from multicultural, Indigenous and geographically-isolated communities.

I strongly encourage eligible organisations to seek funding for projects which improve the status of women in the Northern Rivers.

In addition, organisations that want to strengthen their operational effectiveness and increase their ability to contribute to the development of public policy can apply for capacity building grants of up to $25,000.

Application details are available on the Office of the Status of Women website at www.osw.dpmc.gov.au. Applications close at the end of May.

Centenary House rort continues

In the past 48 hours, the Centenary House fleece metre has grown by more then $13, 442.

Since the Leader of the Opposition took over in December 2003, this rent rort rip off has contributed more than $800,000 to help fund his election campaign.

Australian taxpayers are now paying one of the highest rents in the world with proceeds going directly to the Australian Labor Party.

The Centenary House rort is the mother of all rip off's and if the Leader of the Opposition wants to match his rhetoric with action to raise ethical standards, he'd end the rent rort now.

Carr's propaganda

I'm getting increasingly annoyed by hearing, seeing and reading Bob Carr's blatant propaganda messages regarding the Commonwealth Grants Commission funding allocations.

What he is saying is wrong and he, in fact, agreed to the formula several years ago as it then advantaged NSW.

For further information please contact my electorate office on 1300 301 735, or send me an email: ian.causley.mp@aph.gov.au.