Katrina's Monthly Report
23/06/2009
Parliamentary duties have required my presence in Macquarie Street for half of the past month. Some light relief was the chance to celebrate my tenth year in Parliament with constituents at a community morning tea in Yass and also at a cocktail party. The Henry Lawson Festival in Grenfell was once again a great success and very enjoyable. My congratulations to the Festival committee. Constituent interviews were held at various locations and I was pleased to attend the public meeting at Fish River Crossing to hear the community’s concerns over the decision to close the road across the Lachlan River. During Education Week it was a pleasure to host the US Consul-General, Mrs Judith Fergin during a visit to Yass. Together we met with 27 school principals at Yass High. Education Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the achievements and traditions of the NSW Public Education System. I believe in a strong public education system and will continue to fight for maintenance, infrastructure and high quality teaching staff in our schools.
Parliament
There was very little of substance for regional NSW in State Labor’s Budget announced last week. Once again anywhere west of the Great Divide was left out in the cold. The Treasurer failed to mention disabilities at all, yet the future of schools such as Bellhaven Special School in Young hang in the balance because of State government funding cuts. There is no other public or private facility in Young able to meet the complex care and educational needs of the Bellhaven students consequently I am doing everything I possibly can to secure the future of this unique school. The chance to create jobs through infrastructure projects was missed in the State budget. There was no commitment for increased policing in regional NSW and again Labor has failed to introduce 24 hour policing in Cowra or provide much needed new Police Stations in Young, Cowra, Gundagai or Yass. Although over half of NSW remains drought affected a figure for drought assistance did not even rate a mention in the Treasurer’s Budget. Roads only rated four mentions and then trailing on the Federal Government’s coat tails with major funding in Burrinjuck being $35.5million of Federal money for the Barton Highway, the Sheehan Bridge duplication and the Coolac Bypass on the Hume. I am concerned about the financial viability of Greater Southern Area Health Service and questioned the Labor government in Parliament about their plans to close hospital kitchens in Burrinjuck electorate. I question the logic of serving nutritionally inadequate pre-packaged meals to patients.
Budget bright spot
I am pleased that community groups and Councils in the Burrinjuck electorate can apply for funding under the new $35million NSW Community Building Partnership fund. The fund is intended to support local jobs, stimulate growth and improve community facilities and will invest $300,000 into building important community projects in each of the 93 NSW electoral districts. Local councils and incorporated not-for-profit bodies such as charities, sporting social and environmental groups are eligible to apply. I invite all interested groups to contact my electorate office on 6226 3311, email Burrinjuck@parliament.nsw.gov.au or freecall 1800 00 2580 for an application pack.
CountryLink Fee gone
The scrapping of the Pensioner Booking Fee on CountryLink fares is good news. I have fought long and hard, with the support of the Young Branch of the Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW together with Country Women’s Association members, to scrap the tax. I am glad State Labor has done a back-flip on the tax, disguised as a fee, which they first introduced in 2006.
Local Heritage Grants
Applications are now open for the 2009-2010 Local Heritage Grants Program. I encourage anyone faced with what can be the daunting task of conserving an old building to contact their local council for application forms and guidelines. Local Heritage Grants cover half the cost of the proposed conservation works.
2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award
I encourage local not-for-profit organisations to nominate their most dedicated workers for the 2009 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award. The awards are a wonderful opportunity for one of our own region’s volunteers to receive well-deserved, statewide recognition and to be thanked for their generous contribution. Entries close on 30 September 2009. Nomination forms and detailed information about the awards can be obtained from the website: www.volunteering.com.au/nsw_volunteer_awards or contact my office on 02 6226 3311.
Working With Children
I have been advised that a new Certificate for Self-Employed People is now obtainable as part of the Working With Children Check. This Certificate lets self-employed people show they are not banned from child-related employment. On application for a Certificate, the Commission for Children and Young People undertakes a criminal record check. The service puts into effect the Commission for Children and Young People Regulation 2009. Self-employed people will have a year from 1 May 2009 to obtain a Certificate. After 1 May 2010 it will be against the law for them to work without a Certificate for Self-Employed People. Information about who should apply for the Certificate and how to apply can be found at the Commission’s website www.kids.nsw.gov.au
Beware of scammers
The global financial crisis has spawned yet more unsolicited email messages from scammers pretending to be the victim’s bank saying they have experienced a computer error or data breach. I note that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission warns consumers to be on guard against scammers asking the victim to confirm their personal details or click on a link. Remember a genuine financial institution will never ask you to reveal your PIN or other sensitive information over the phone or via an email. When accessing internet banking it is safer to type the web address of your institution directly into your browser.
Capital Country Truffle Season
Trufferies were established in the region almost a decade ago and now the Capital Country Truffle Festival is bringing the winter magic to everyone. The Festival, now in full swing, began on 20 June with the season’s fresh truffles appearing on menus at restaurants and wineries throughout the southern tablelands. For the full list of participating venues visit www.trufflefestival.com.au
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