Your Local MPs
 Ian Causley
Member for Page
Canberra Connection
ICC Treaty not for us
Liberal and National Members of Parliament have been undergoing a healthy debate on whether Australia should ratify the statute for the International Criminal Court (ICC).
I, along with most of my National Party colleagues, am opposed to the signing because I don't believe it is in the national interest. I believe Australians should be subject to Australian law and Australian courts.
The ICC has the power to override decisions made in Australia concerning investigation and prosecution of any of those three genocide war crimes or crimes against humanity. The court would have the power to override action taken here and demand the arrest and surrender of that Australian national to that court.
Nationals promise RACAC change
It was pleasing to hear NSW National Party Leader George Souris say a NSW Coalition Government would restructure the Resource and Conservation Assessment Council (RACAC) to make it relevant to local communities and representative of people affected by conservation policies.
RACAC was established in 1995 by the Sydney Labor Government to oversee forest policies and it has had a major impact on the future of land use in NSW through its role in regional assessments of natural resources. However, its membership does not represent the people directly affected by policy decisions.
RACAC presently has 18 members, including at least eight State Government departments, two representatives of the Nature Conservation Council and only one representative each from the timber industry, mining industry and farmers.
Under a NSW Coalition Government, bureaucrats would be co-opted to provide advice to natural resource committees such as RACAC, but would not have voting rights.
Labor buckles
It is disappointing to learn the Labor Party has again flip-flopped on the issue of border protection.
The National-Liberal Coalition implemented a strong policy which has resulted in no illegal boats reaching Australian territory for the past six months. Labor claimed it supported this policy, however, Simon Crean has bowed to internal pressure and is seeking to "rollback" our border security legislation.
 Larry Anthony
Member for Richmond
National News
North Coast Nationals at Broken Hill
The National Party's annual conference was held in Broken Hill over the weekend and although having the furthest to travel, National Party representatives from the north coast were there in force. I was joined by my Federal colleague Ian Causley and State counterparts Don Page and Thomas George along with a number of local party members who made the long trip south-west. A strong mood of optimism prevailed ahead of the NSW State Election due in March when the National Party will again be contesting all seats on the north coast.
Alstonville Misses Out
Along with all residents and road users in Alstonville, I was very disappointed to note that the Alstonville Bypass has again been ignored in the NSW Budget. Although Minister Scully raised hopes during his visit to the area, not one dollar was allocated to the planning or construction of the bypass, even though $12 million of Federal money has been allocated to this desperately needed project.
Updated Guides Available
The new Seniors Guide, Veterans Affairs Guide, Deeming Guide and Child Care Guide are now available. If you live in the electorate of Richmond, you can contact my office on Freecall 1800 812 125 for your free copy of these informative and interesting publications.
New Web Site
My updated website is now on line. If you are one of the 39% of local residents who, according to the Census, regularly use a computer and the internet, why not log on to www.larry.com.au
Census Information Released
Information from the 2001 Census has been released. Interestingly, it shows that the average age for residents in Alstonville and the Ballina Shire has increased from 38 in 1996 to 41 in 2001. This supports our arguments for greater funding for aged and community care facilities in this region. Other data shows that almost half of local residents were born in Australia with the majority of migrants coming from England and Ireland.
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