Local Government News
 Ian
Causley
Canberra Connection
Flying the flag
 Page
MP Ian Causley visited Lismore Heights Primary and met with principal Kim Witchard,
P&C president Darren Butcher, school captains Nicholas Currie and Nicky Meade,
plus vice captains Connor Henderson and Rhiannon Brown.
I have spoken in The Echo before about the Australian Government working to
ensure that every Australian school has a flagpole. The Australian Government
continues to offer schools up to $1500 to either purchase or repair a flagpole.
By taking pride in and flying the flag each day, schools are helping to support
parents' expectations that our schools will foster values such as tolerance, respect,
compassion, courtesy and pride.
About a fortnight ago, I was invited to visit one of the many schools that
have taken up the Government's flagpole funding offer. Lismore Heights Primary
School had a flag raising ceremony to celebrate their new flag and flagpole.
There was a great deal of pride and excitement exhibited by the students when
the flag was raised. It is always terrific to see such a wonderful display of
pride in being Australian. These kids are our future, which I know will be in
good hands.
Aged pension boost
Age pensioners will receive up to $83 extra in their pension this month. The
second installment of the new Utilities Allowance and the Telephone Allowance
will be paid in addition to an ongoing increase in the pension.
The September installment of $50.60 is part of the Australian Government's
commitment to provide additional assistance to senior Australians. Pensioners
eligible for Telephone Allowance will also receive $20.40.
As well, the increase to pensions and allowances of up to $12.60 per fortnight
will benefit around 3.9 million pensioners and adults on income support with increases
to be paid from September 20, 2005.
The maximum single rate of age pension will rise to $488.90 a fortnight, while
the maximum partnered pension will increase to $408.20 a fortnight for each member
of a couple.
The Coalition Government has guaranteed through legislation that the maximum
single rate of pension will be set to at least 25 per cent of Male Total Average
Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
This means that single pensions have increased by over $50 per fortnight and
partnered pensions by over $43 per fortnight.
Apprentice support
As part of the Government's effort to expand and strengthen the nation's skilled
workforce, new apprentices are now eligible to receive even more support.
New apprentices from July 1 this year are eligible to claim tool kits valued
at up to $800 if employed in a skills-shortage trade.
The Living Away From Home Allowance has been extended and is now being paid
to new apprentices in their third year of their apprenticeship. This will benefit
many young people as they work their way toward a trade qualification.
Also from July 2005, a $1000 tax exempt scholarship is now being offered to
new apprentices in trades experiencing skills shortages.
Office contacts
Address: PO Box 1119, Lismore, NSW, 2480
Phone: 6621 9909
Fax: 6621 9959
Email: ian.causley.mp@aph.gov.au
|
