Local Government News

Don Page
State Matters

Regional Train Services

Further to my last column regarding the threat to Countrylink services and in particular the Casino to Murwillumbah branch-line, I will be approaching the NSW Premier, Queensland Premier, the Prime Minister and Federal Transport Minister to support the extension of the Casino to Murwillumbah line to South East Queensland.

A technical feasibility study was done on extending the Casino to Murwillumbah branch line to connect with the Queensland system in 1994 and it is feasible. In such a rapidly expanding community a good rail service linking northern NSW with South East Queensland is highly desirable for both communities.

I am also circulating a petition in support of retaining train services on the Casino to Murwillumbah rail line, which will be presented to Parliament. The community strongly supports this service, and doesn't want the State Government to shut it down. By signing a petition local residents can demonstrate their support for regional transport services such as the Casino to Murwillumbah line. I will also be raising this issue in State Parliament.

Petitions can be signed at my office in Ballina, Garrard's Butchery in Brunswick Heads, Bangalow Newsagency and Phillip Davis Mullumbimby Chemworld Pharmacy.

Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Applications are now being taken for the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. The Trust through Churchill Fellowships gives Australians the opportunity to travel overseas to investigate topics that will benefit Australia and add to Australia's knowledge base.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and will be assessed according to the merit of their proposal and their desire to share the results of the fellowship with the community.

Applications forms are available from the Churchill Trust, Freecall 1800 777 231 or by Email churchilltrust@bigpond.com

Taxing Small Business

A recent report by Trowbridge Deloitte shows state taxes on insurance are the highest in the world. State Governments, including NSW place taxes and charges on insurance premiums at a rate of 55% of the base premium. Unfortunately, this means many small businesses choose to operate without insurance.

Small businesses are also heavily taxed through the payroll tax system with the State Government reaping $4.4 billion from payroll tax this year, an increase of $2.7 billion in the last decade. During that time the payroll tax bill of an average business has increased by 180 per cent.

If the State Government wants to support small business in this State, it should be examining the burden of these taxes and working to remove them.

Daylight saving

Its that time of the year again when the clocks are put forward one hour. Daylight saving starts on Sunday, October 26 at 2am and finishes on Sunday March 28, 2004 at 3am, when clocks are put back one hour.

It is interesting to note, that the regulation of time is a State Government responsibility and in NSW, standard time and daylight saving are determined by the Standard Time Act 1987. To change NSW's time, amendments to the Act are made by the Parliament of NSW and need a majority vote in both the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.

I can be contacted by writing to PO Box 1018, Ballina 2478 or by telephoning my Electorate Office on 6686 7522 or faxing 6686 7470. For those on-line my e-mail address is Don.Page@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Thomas George
Canberra Connection

International Day Of People With A DisAbility

The aim of International Day of People with a Disability is to promote, educate and raise awareness within the community about people with a disability.

I fully support this celebration in recognising those who strive to achieve regardless of their disability. This is a day to unite the community by linking people with disabilities, community organisations, businesses, State and Federal Government and the wider community.

Campbell's Concerns

Last week I called on the NSW Minister for Regional Development, David Campbell, to save the jobs of 17 administration workers from the Wollongbar Agricultural Institute.

I welcomed Mr Campbell's criticism on the Federal issue of Telstra slashing jobs in the northern NSW, but said the Minister had been strangely silent on the subject of regional job losses from his own State Government departments.

Furthermore, I ask the Minster to show his support for the positions under threat at the Department of Education and Training in Lismore due to the restructuring changes. Corporate Services Personnel, Office Managers, Clerical, Properties and Information Technology staff are all waiting on tenterhooks to know if their jobs will still exist. These people need the backing of the Minister to ensure their livelihoods are protected.

Electorate Functions

Our Kids Calendar 2004 Launch - Partaking in this launch was a special opportunity and the proceeds from the sale of this wonderful calendar assists the Our Kids program. Copies of the calendar are available for purchase from my office.

NSW Country Racing Council 2002/03 Awards for Excellence - I was pleased to attend this presentation night and be present when Anzac Commings received the prestigious Simon Nivison Special Achievement Award in recognition of outstanding results which have led to the betterment of country racing.

Workers Compensation 'Last Court' Sitting - the ceremonial last sittings of the Compensation Court of NSW on the Northern Rivers was presided by Judge Neilson with barristers, solicitors and others associated with this Court in attendance.

Urbenville/Woodenbong Senior Day Care 21st Anniversary - It was my honour to be the special guest at these special 21st Birthday celebrations. Representatives came from Casino, Kyogle, Bonalbo, Woodenbong, Urbenville and Killarney.

10th Annual University Service - This event was to celebrate the 10th Annual Interdenominational Unversity Service and was conducted by Chaplin John Kidson, with music by Luke Vassella and the Unichurch Band, and special guest was Stuart Maze, a former U/21 Rugby International.

NSW Sport & Recreation Grants

Applications have opened for NSW Sport & Recreation Country Athletes Scheme and the Country Coaches & Officials Scheme. The closing date for both schemes is December 31. Guidelines and application forms are available from my office or the department website – www.dsr.nsw.gov.au.

Churchill Memorial Trust

Applications have opened for the 2004 Churchill Fellowship program. Each year the Trust awards about 100 Fellowships, on average about $20,000 each. These awards are available to Australians 18 years and over for study travel overseas. No prescribed qualifications are required, however merit is the primary test, as is the desire to share the results of the Fellowship with the community.

The closing date for applications is February 29, 2004. Australians striving for excellence, with an opportunity to investigate a project overseas, are encouraged to apply. Further information and application forms are available on the website www.churchilltrust.com.au or from my office.

WorkCover Discussion Paper

WorkCover have released their findings of their review into the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme. To view the discussion paper go to www.workcover.nsw.gov.au, find the 'What's New' section and click on the Review of the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme link.

Mobility Parking Scheme

From September 2003 the RTA will issue new style cards to all approved applicants. Changes have been made to the scheme to protect the interests of legitimate users. The most significant change is the introduction of a licence-style card that includes a photograph. The card includes security features similar to a driver's licence. It will play a key role in tackling the fraud that was associated with the previous system of paper permits.

Save rail petition

The Coalition has launched a petition to save the Countrylink Rail services. The petition highlights concerns that existing passenger services may be abolished and replaced with buses in rural and regional NSW. It calls on the Government to ensure these services are maintained and improved.

I welcome and invite your feedback in relation to any of the above matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office regarding any matters on (ph) 6621 3624, (f) 6622 1403, by writing to PO Box 52 Lismore, e-mail; thomas.george@parliament.nsw.gov.au or www.thomasgeorge.com.au