Local Government News

Justine Elliot
National News

Dental petition launched

Shadow Health Minister, Julia Gillard, visited Richmond to launch my fight for better public dental care. In 1997 the Howard Government slashed the Commonwealth Dental Program and has never restored the funding. Local people I speak to tell me that it's harder than ever for them to get to see a public dentist.

Our local elderly should be able to get their teeth fixed when they need to - it's as simple as that. The Federal Government has grown so complacent that they no longer think they need to provide proper dental care for elderly people and families on the North Coast. I will always fight for better services for local families - as far as I'm concerned their needs come first. In an area where a quarter of local people are aged over 65 there is always going to be more pressure on the health system - and the Howard Government has neglected the needs of the local community. I will keep raising this issue at the highest levels of government until something is done to fix the problems in our local health system.

Address to Byron Council

I had the pleasure of addressing Byron Shire Council at their last meeting. We discussed funding for infrastructure, problems with Telstra and the Federal Government's complacency on problems in the health system. I look forward to working closely with councillors and mayor Jan Barham for local families.

Visit to Bangalow

Last week I visited Bangalow to address the local Chamber of Commerce and to look at the refurbishments of the A&I Hall. I spoke to local business people about the Federal Government's upcoming changes to superannuation, which will lead to more red tape and paperwork. I always enjoy visiting Bangalow and will continue to fight for the needs of local families and businesses. I will be visiting the area regularly to make myself available to anyone who wishes to discuss issues with me, or if I can be of assistance call my office.

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

Utilities allowance for aged pensioners

I am pleased to confirm that pensioners will benefit following the delivery of yet another Federal Government election commitment.

By now, more than two million older Australians of age pension or veteran pension age, or those receiving income support payment, will have received the first payment of the new Utilities Allowance.

This new payment will be paid twice per year on or around March 21 and September 21, with the first installment being received a week or so ago.

Under the Utilities Allowance, singles will receive $100 per year and members of an eligible couple will each receive $50 per year, also totalling $100.

The Coalition values the contribution that older Australians have made and continue to make to the community, and it is fitting that the first installment of this new allowance coincided with Seniors Week in NSW.

The allowance is intended to be used to help with household bills such as electricity and gas, and it is hoped that this twice-yearly payment will lighten the load a little.

Free vaccination program extended

From older Australians to younger Australians now, and I would like to advise parents that later this year the Federal Government will be providing two free vaccinations for children and babies.

From November 1 this year, the Australian Government will provide chickenpox (varicella) vaccine for all babies and at-risk teenagers, and replace oral polio vaccine (OPV) with injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).

These two new vaccinations will be funded under the National Immunisation Programme and are a response to recommendations made in January this year by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which has been reviewing the latest evidence on the effectiveness of these vaccines.

The chickenpox vaccine will be offered to all children turning 18 months of age. As well, children aged 10-13 who have not had the vaccine will be also be eligible for the free vaccine as part of a catch-up programme.

Office contacts

Address: PO Box 1119, Lismore, NSW, 2480
Phone: 6621 9909
Fax: 6621 9959
Email: ian.causley.mp@aph.gov.au