	Mailing List	Issue 1105 - Published 03/02/2005

Local Government News

Justine Elliot
National News

New leader

Since my last column, a new Leader of the Labor Party has been elected.

We are now unified behind a strong and experienced leader in Kim Beazley. Kim has the important mix of experience and fresh ideas to take the party in a positive new direction. We will be concentrating on keeping the Federal Government accountable for their decisions, including promises they made to the families of Richmond. Mr Beazley has the unqualified support of his colleagues and I'm confident that he will provide unity and stability. Under Kim Beazley's leadership, we will be taking the fight to John Howard on behalf of ordinary Australian families.

Disability benefits

I have joined the fight of local veterans to have their disability benefits fairly indexed. Currently, the benefits for Total and Permanent Incapacitation (TPI) are only partly indexed to male average weekly earnings. Every other pension including the aged pension and unemployment benefits are fully-indexed. The Federal Government is treating veterans unfairly by refusing to fully-index the TPI. These men and women served our nation with distinction and the Federal Government's blatant disregard of the needs of veterans is appalling. The partial indexation means that in real terms the TPI payments for veterans are being eroded. The Federal Government's band-aid solution of partial indexation has slowed the erosion - but it won't stop it completely. This is an outrageous situation. I will certainly be taking up with the Government when Federal Parliament resumes next week.

TAFE funding

I'll also be raising the issue of TAFE funding. The Federal Government intends to build technical colleges on the Gold Coast and one further down the coast, while there remains no TAFE college in the Byron Shire. I believe that the funds would be better spent improving existing TAFE colleges on the North Coast and looking at training options for people living in Byron Shire.

I will be holding constituent meetings in Byron Bay on Tuesday, February 22, at the Byron Surf Life Saving Club between 10am and 2pm. Please feel free to come and meet me on the day to raise any issues of concern. If you can't make it and would like to raise an issue with me, please give my office a call.

Office contacts

Phone: 1300 720 675
Fax: (07) 5523 4379
Email: Justine.Elliot.mp@aph.gov.au
Mail: PO Box 6996, South Tweed Heads, 2486.

Ian Causley
Canberra Connection

$1500 grant to help schools fly the flag

Children are now back at school after enjoying the Christmas break and the Federal Government wants to ensure that every Australian school has a flagpole.

To do this, the Australian Government is offering individual schools up to $1500 to either purchase or repair a flagpole.

Our flag represents who we are, where we came from and the history and values of those who have passed on an economic and social legacy to our generation.

By taking pride in the flag and presenting it each day, schools are helping to support parents' expectations that our schools will foster values such as tolerance, respect, compassion, courtesy and pride.

The Howard Government considers the flying of the Australian flag an important part of promoting values education in Australian schools.

Schools seeking funding under this initiative should visit the Department of Education, Science and Training's website at www.dest.gov.au/schools/flagpoles.

Funding volunteers

As part of the Federal Government's commitment to local communities, applications are currently being sought from community organisations wishing to apply for funding under the Federal Government's 2005 Local Answers and Volunteer Small Equipment Grants program.

Under the Volunteer Small Equipment Grants, community groups can apply to receive up to $3000 each to help with the purchase of small equipment items that support the work of volunteers by making their tasks easier and/or safer.

The Local Answers initiative helps strengthen disadvantaged communities by funding small-scale, local projects that allow communities to develop their own solutions to local problems.

Local Answers projects funded under previous grants include programs to help families develop better parenting and relationship skills, and supporting mentoring and leadership programs.

Applications for both the Local Answers and Volunteer Small Equipment Grants initiatives close at 5pm on Friday, March 4. Application forms and guidelines are available from the Department of Family and Community Services website at www.facs.gov.au/sfcs or by calling 1800 050 044.

New directory for senior citizens

Local older residents seeking information on government services and support now have a one-stop-shop directory to assist them to find help that is available.

The Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People was launched recently and includes information on a range of topics of interest to older people, their families, carers and others with an interest in seniors' issues.

The directory contains information on health issues, legal rights, financial advice, and help with finding and keeping work. The directory is user-friendly, making it easier to find out about programs that may help you.

Copies of the directory are being distributed to more than 10,000 organisations where older Australians go for information and assistance, including hospitals, GP's surgeries, aged care homes and Commonwealth Carelink Centres. The directory can also be accessed on the Australian Government's Seniors Portal at www.seniors.gov.au.

Australia Day celebrations

Last Wednesday - January 26 - my wife June and I enjoyed attending a number of wonderful Australia Day celebrations in the Page electorate. The spirit of pride and patriotism is well and truly alive in our region and it was terrific to see so many people attending organised events and enjoying our national day.

A special congratulations to all those who received Australia Day awards and to those who obtained Australian citizenship on the day. And, of course, what a wonderfully deserving Australian of the Year in Perth burns specialist, Dr Fiona Wood.