Local Government News
 Don
Page
State Matters
Services to the regions
The NSW Liberal/Nationals recently committed to decentralising Government departments
out of Sydney if elected in March 2007.
The commitment would see major benefits flowing to country and coastal areas
such as greater economic activity and more opportunities for local residents to
obtain a Government job.
Under the policy departments and agencies would be required to justify why
they should not be relocated to regional areas.
It is envisioned that a number of agencies would be decentralised, including
obvious candidates such as the NSW Forestry Administration at Pennant Hills and
the National Parks and Wildlife Service at Hurstville.
With the advantages of modern technologies such as the Internet and mobile
phones, there is no reason why public sector agencies that predominantly serve
regional areas should not be in regional areas.
Country and coastal NSW would reap the benefits of the policy whilst Sydney
would also see benefits from decentralistion. Sydney is overcrowded, suffering
water shortages and major road congestion, and the decentralisation of various
departments and agencies out of the metropolitan area would assist in easing these
problems. Decentralisation is a win-win situation for country and coastal NSW
and the Sydney metropolitan area.
Payroll tax cut plan
Far North Coast small businesses would also be a winner under the Coalition's
plan to cut payroll tax by up to $15,000.
The plan would assist more than 22,000 businesses statewide and would completely
exempt more than 4,500 NSW businesses from the tax, as well as increasing private
sector employment opportunities in country and coastal NSW.
A Liberal/Nationals Coalition Government will achieve the cuts and exemptions
by increasing the tax-free threshold on annual payrolls from Labor's $600,000
to $850,000
Thousands of small businesses in NSW will benefit significantly from this initiative,
which will provide the incentive for businesses to invest and expand.
Seniors Week Awards
The NSW Seniors Week Achievement Awards program is now open. The program, part
of Seniors Week 2006 (to be celebrated April 2-9) gives recognition to those who
make a significant contribution to their community.
A group or individual can be nominated in one of the following categories:
- Education/Lifelong Learning;
- Health and Well-being;
- Intergenerational Understanding;
- Community Service and Volunteering;
- Environment/Science; and
- Business Mentoring.
Nomination forms are available from my office. Forms must be submitted by Friday,
October 7.
Not-for-profit insurance
I have recently been made aware of affordable insurance for the not-for-profit
sector available through the NSW Meals on Wheels Association.
The Community Related Insurance and Superannuation Program (CRISP) insurance
is available nationally to not-for-profit organisations and for volunteers as
well as employees.
Further information about CRISP insurance is available by calling 1300 652
556.
Office contacts
Address: PO Box 1018, Ballina, NSW, 2478
Phone: 6686 7522
Fax: 6686 7470
Email: Don.Page@parliament.nsw.gov.au
 Thomas
George
Canberra Connection
Health delegation to Sydney
Lismore MP Thomas George (left) and Marshall Fittler with the 19,000 signature
petition that was presented to Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos, during
a visit to Sydney last week.
Last week a delegation consisting of Don Page, Cr John Hampton representing
Lismore City Council, Dr Rob Simon and Dr William James of the Medical Council,
community representatives Marshall Fittler and Marilyn Perkins and myself met
with the Minister for Health, John Hatzistergos. I believe this delegation received
a good hearing from the Minister on the following three issues: the shortfall
in Resource Distribution Funding, the anaesthetists' situation and stage three
of the Lismore Base Hospital redevelopment. We put forward a very strong case
for the Minister to consider, particularly bringing forward the redevelopment.
The Minister was also presented with petitions representing 19,000 community signatures,
which was organised by Marshall Fittler.
New HQ for SES
Minister for Emergency Services, Tony Kelly, recently visited the Lismore electorate
and announced new headquarters would be built for the Lismore SES at cost of up
to $570,000. This will mean the SES headquarters will no longer have to be one
of the first buildings evacuated during major flooding of the Lismore CBD. The
new facilities will provide the local SES volunteers with modern and safe training
and operation conditions, particularly during a flooding emergency. Minister Kelly
made the announcement while handing over a $15,000 subsidy to assist with the
cost of an Isuzu emergency response vehicle for the SES unit and a $2,000 grant
for a DVD/TV unit to assist with members' training.
Pollies for Small Business
As part of the Pollies for Small Business program, I had the opportunity to
visit three local businesses; Hurfords (Lismore), Brown & Hurley (Kyogle)
and Barker Street Newsagency (Casino). I benefited from the chance to work alongside
small business owners and refamiliarise myself with today's pressures faced by
small business operators in the region. I also enjoyed the opportunity of showing
my support for this vital sector of our local economy. Politicians often deal
with the 'big picture' when it comes to regulations and legislation, so working
in a small business for the day can help us gain some valuable insights. This
exercise was an opportunity to get an 'up close and personal' view of the positives
and negatives involved in running a small business. Even though I have run my
own business, the reality is the pressures on small operators are constantly changing,
especially in State border areas where small businesses in NSW are at a disadvantage
to their Queensland counterparts with fuel prices, payroll tax and workers compensation.
My Journey Kit - Breast Cancer
This free kit is available for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer and
is an important resource that has been developed by women who have had breast
cancer. The kit has been endorsed by the Rural Australasian College of Surgeons
as well as other key medical organisations in Australia. The Breast Cancer Network
Australia aims to send the kit to every woman diagnosed with breast cancer within
two weeks of her diagnosis. To obtain a kit contact my office.
National Meals on Wheels Day
I had the pleasure of being involved in National Meals on Wheels Building Stronger
Communities Day last week, during which I joined with Casino Meals on Wheels volunteers
to help deliver meals to residents. This special occasion recognises the contribution
this organisation makes to its community. In Australia 78,750 volunteers deliver
more than 14 million nutritious meals annually. Meals on Wheels provide this service
to the frail aged, people with a disability and their carers, and is not means
tested. The NSW Meals on Wheels Association Inc is now providing access to affordable
insurance to any not-for-profit organisation. Brochures are available from my
office or phone 1300 652 556.
Police fees unfair
Recent revelations that the NSW Government had waived police fees for a conference
of wealthy business leaders in Sydney, while country show societies and organisers
of country community events were forced to pay, were unfair. Labor had one set
of rules for Sydney and another for country NSW. While struggling country show
societies and convenors of community events are forced to pay massive fees for
police under Labor's users pays system, a gathering of the world's richest businessmen
at the Sydney Opera House will pay zilch. Labor's policing fees are threatening
the future of country and coastal shows and important community events. Costs
of up to $15,000 are being demanded and it's forcing some events to be cancelled
and others to be held less frequently. Instead of putting up costly hurdles to
stage country shows and community events, Labor should be fostering and encouraging
the community spirit these events create.
Country Energy apprentices and trainees
Country Energy is recruiting another 75 new apprentices and trainees to work
in 56 communities across NSW. There have been advertisements offering three apprenticeships
in our area, with two in Lismore and one in Bonalbo. Although these positions
have closed, future positions are advertised at www.countryenergy.com.au.
Office contacts
Address: PO Box 52, Lismore, NSW, 2480
Phone: 6621 3624
Fax: 6622 1403
Email: lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au
or www.thomasgeorge.com.au
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