Media Releases, February 2009
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State Government Must Act Decisively To Fix Health System
Friday, February 27, 2009
The NSW Government has an obligation to tackle the many issues raised and recommendations made in recent reports focussing on provision of health services, according to Independent State MP, Peter Draper.
“From the Garling Special Commission of Inquiry into Acute Care Services Report, to recommendations from the NSW Auditor-General, Peter Achterstraat’s Report to Parliament 2009 Volume One, and the Federal Interim Report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) – A Healthier Future for all Australians, there are millions of dollars of reports that to date are yet to be acted upon,” Mr Draper said.
“The dedicated efforts of our doctors, nurses and other health professionals are greatly appreciated by NSW residents, however people are demanding that those working within the system be given the necessary support to maintain and further build this state’s health services.”
“The only way to achieve this is to actually act upon the recommendations. There needs to be tough decisions made along with a commitment to properly finance the reforms, or the proposition that by 2030 the entire NSW budget will be consumed just to fund health service provision will become a reality,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the Garling Report highlighted the paradox that NSW still has one of the better public health care systems in the developed world, yet the system is on the brink.
“The Garling Report made 139 recommendations to address issues associated with Acute Care Services, and Premier Rees has committed to a Government response in March. It is critical if there is to be lasting reform, all changes must be made in consultation with the health workforce and wider community,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Auditor General’s Report to Parliament had seven key recommendations regarding financial management, including that the Health Department significantly improve its budget monitoring processes to ensure potentially large overruns are identified sooner, so appropriate corrective action can be taken.
He said that in relation to Hunter New England Health (HNEH), the Auditor-General had found average length of stay in acute hospitals was 3.8 days (State average 3.7days), and the Service’s bed occupancy rate had reduced from 81.9% to 75.8% (State Average 85.1%).
At the same time, HNEH either met or exceeded the Department’s benchmarks for timelines in treating emergency patients in all five triage categories, and the Service’s emergency admission performance of 85% bettered the Department’s benchmark of 80%, resulting in it being among the highest in the State.
“While HNEH is performing better than most other Service’s around the State it is still part of NSW Health, so it is important the recommendations are acted upon to allow further service provision improvements,” Mr Draper said.
“The Federal report A Healthier Future for all Australians may yet see the Federal Government move to take control of hospitals should the State’s fail to improve their service performance,” he said.
“It appears that the NSW Government has more than enough information to bring about reform in health provision and management, however the question remains - does it have the will or ability to act decisively?” Mr Draper concluded.
$26,400 to Improve Local Boating Facilities
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Independent Tamworth MP Peter Draper, today announced that $26,400 has been provided by the State Government to improve local boating facilities. He said that $16,400 had been allocated to the Bowling Alley Point Recreation Reserve Trust, while Lake Keepit Trust was to receive $10,000.
Mr Draper said that the Bowling Alley Point Trust would use the funds to extend a boat ramp at Chaffey Dam, while a new boat wash-down facility would be constructed at Lake Keepit near Gunnedah.
“While we all appreciate that Chaffey Dam is currently near full capacity at present, an extension of the boat ramp will provide improved access to the water when the level drops, as it inevitably will in the future,” Mr Draper said.
“The Lake Keepit Trust will construct a public vessel wash-down facility, and I am certain that this news will be greeted enthusiastically by local boat users, plus the many visitors to Lake Keepit.”
“Safe and convenient access to our local waterways will benefit local boating communities, and most importantly help to support local businesses and tourism,” Mr Draper said.
“It is important to make it as easy as possible for families to use and enjoy our state’s magnificent waterways, and these grants are about planning for the future and making sure the community has an opportunity to use these natural resources in a safe and convenient manner,” he said.
Mr Draper said that since the inception of the Maritime Infrastructure Program in 1998, over $19 million in grants have been provided by the State Government to support more than 400 projects across NSW.
He said that NSW Maritime Infrastructure Program grants are generally offered in a 50:50 funding agreement with local councils or community groups, and are part of a $3.55 million package to encourage the construction and upgrade of boating facilities across the State.
Completed projects have ranged from dinghy storage racks and boat ramps, to jetties, pontoons and vessel sewage pump-out facilities. Further details on the grants, and how to apply for future allocations, are available at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au.
Photo: Local State MP, Peter Draper and Richard Bieman, Chair Lake Keepit State Park Trust, inspect facilities at the Lake Keepit boat ramp. A public vessel wash-down facility will be a most welcome addition to Lake Keepit's infrastructure.
$400,000 Worth of Extra Maintenance Works at Tamworth High
Monday, February 23, 2009
State MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed an investment of $400,000 by the NSW Government for extra maintenance works at Tamworth High School.
Mr Draper said the works would commence next month (March) and the funding would be used for repairs to the school buildings and external painting works.
“Tamworth High School is in need of these important improvement works and I welcome this investment,” Mr Draper said.
“This funding is in addition to the $240,000 announced by NSW Education Minister Verity Firth last week to upgrade the school’s stormwater outlets and stormwater run-off under the Principals Priority Building Programme.”
“These are the type of maintenance works that principals say are the most needed.”
“It is important students and teachers have well-maintained facilities available to them so they can concentrate on teaching and learning,” he said.
Mr Draper said last year the school had repairs to guttering and flooring, and external painting at a cost of more than $123,000.
The $400,000 in funding from the NSW Government comes at a time when the Federal Government is also stepping up its investment in school infrastructure.
“The Rudd Government’s stimulus package offers every school in NSW up to $200,000 for maintenance works, plus further funding for major new facilities,” Mr Draper said.
“This programme provides an enormous opportunity for our schools.”
“I will be corresponding with the NSW and Federal Education Ministers to make sure our area’s schools get the maximum amount available under these programmes,” he said.
“This combined investment will not only benefit the schools and students in Tamworth, but also the local economy, providing much needed jobs for our local tradespeople,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Wayne Chaffey (Principal THS) and Ruythe Dufty (School Education Director/New England South) with local MP, Peter Draper, inspecting areas earmarked for work through the $400,000 maintenance programme announced today. In the background painters are at work completing projects that received $123,000 funding last year. Along with an additional $240,000 announced last week to upgrade the school's stormwater outlets there has been over three quarters of a million dollars invested at Tamworth High School in the last twelve months.
Major Parties Must Turn Rhetoric Into Action
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed today’s visit from Liberal Treasury spokesperson Mike Baird, saying that he is pleased the Opposition are willing to listen to community expectations, however Mr Draper says that only policies and plans will allow people to judge if the rhetoric is more than lip service.
“Earlier this month, Premier Rees said that surpluses and deficits were mere ‘economic definitions’, before committing his Government to ‘investing in the future of NSW’,” Mr Draper said.
“Some economic forecasters suggest that NSW is positioned to emerge from the current world economic crisis ahead of the rest of Australia, so the Premier’s rhetoric must urgently turn into action to drive the State economy. They need to assist small business with tax relief and reduced red tape, invest in infrastructure, while also taking steps to maximise employment prospects,” he continued.
“Locally, there is anecdotal evidence that despite the crisis biting in some sectors, our regional economy is doing a lot better than many other areas, so it is important to see positive government investment that will encourage this situation to continue,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was also pleased to see the Opposition holding community forums to help them develop policies ahead of the 2011 State election, as their lack of policies was causing concern.
“It is important to consult the community, however judgements will be made on the quality of the subsequent policies that are developed, and also on the ability of a new Government to deliver positive outcomes within the State’s Budgetary constraints,” he said.
“People are looking for long-term vision that will deliver an improved outlook for NSW because they are tired of rhetoric and want action,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that Shadow Health Minister, Jillian Skinner through her consistent criticism of the local health service often undermines the morale of hard working staff, but to date she has offered no alternative solutions to fix what is acknowledged as a much larger national problem.
Mr Draper said while Mrs Skinner regularly criticises health services in Tamworth, The Mosman Daily, a newspaper in her North Sydney electorate ran an editorial earlier this month saying in part: Where, oh where, is our State Opposition? Mrs Skinner has so far not returned calls from the Daily to discuss the State’s health funding woes. And where is Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell? Isn’t now the perfect time for Mrs Skinner and Mr O’Farrell to come out all guns blazing to demonstrate that we should vote them in as our next State Government?
“I know the people of this electorate, like the remainder of NSW, are sick and tired of rhetoric from all the major parties, and want to see policies and solutions,” Mr Draper said.
“With the Federal Government saying they want to address areas that have fallen victim to the Federal/State blame game, there is an opportunity right now to reduce duplication and waste, and deliver much needed investment in infrastructure to benefit the nation in the long-term,” he said.
“It is essential that country communities are an integral part of any such investment,” he concluded.
Her Excellency the Governor of NSW, Prof Marie Bashir AC CVO, Visiting Tamworth On Saturday
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Independent State Member, Peter Draper, is again looking forward to welcoming Her Excellency the Governor of NSW, Prof Marie Bashir AC CVO, to Tamworth.
The Governor and her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, will be visiting Tamworth on Saturday 21st February to officially open the Australian Equine Livestock Events Centre.
“The Australian Equine Livestock Events Centre is a magnificent addition to Tamworth’s infrastructure, and will provide many benefits to the local economy. It is great news that the Governor has agreed to officially open this impressive complex,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that while in Tamworth, Her Excellency would also visit the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music (TRCM).
“The Governor will be meeting with the Friends of TRCM and will be entertained by the Junior String Orchestra plus the Tamworth Youth Strings Orchestra during her visit.”
“Tamworth Conservatorium provides many opportunities for the regions musicians to develop their talent, so I am very pleased the Governor will be able to personally experience the skills and enthusiasm of younger members from the organisation,” he said.
Mr Draper said originally it had been planned that the Governor would attend the local Scouts Founders Day Celebration Activities on Sunday 22nd, where Scouts, leaders and parents from the district will participate in activities for kids to celebrate the birth of founder Robert Baden-Powell.
“The Governor has recently accepted an invitation to attend the National Memorial Service for Victims of the Victorian Bushfires in Melbourne on Sunday, so she now has had to leave Tamworth early Sunday morning, however I am looking forward to representing her at this celebration,” he said.
Mr Draper said following previous visits to the region, Governor Bashir had endeared herself to the local community, and she had truly proven to be The People’s Governor.
“I know the Governor and Sir Nicholas will be made very welcome during their visit to Tamworth,” Mr Draper concluded.
Interim Health Report Deserves Widespread Debate
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed the release of the Interim Report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) – A Healthier Future for all Australians, and expressed hope that it will lead to a robust debate that can deliver improvements across the sector.
“I welcomed the Prime Minister’s promise last year to end the blame game over health care, and his commitment that if the states have not lifted their game by June this year, he would put the idea of a Federal takeover to a referendum,” Mr Draper said.
“There are reports that if the current rate of growth in the NSW health budget continues it will consume the entire state budget by 2030, so decisions are needed now to ensure the highest standards of health provision can be maintained into the future,” he said.
Mr Draper said the interim Bennett commission report had made 116 proposals for reform aimed at boosting health care in rural and remote areas with a special focus on improving Indigenous health.
“Two of the options suggest a national takeover of health, while another includes a 'Denticare' system to provide universal access to preventative and restorative dental care for every Australian, funded through increasing the Medicare levy. It also proposes preventative strategies to stop people from becoming ill in the first place,” he said.
Other recommendations in the report include the use of nurse practitioners in rural areas to fill gaps created by doctor shortages, plus electronic health records for every Australian.
“Considering the difficulties every State Government has in funding health services, all of these proposals deserve serious consideration,” Mr Draper said.
“I have already received a number of positive comments from GP’s regarding the proposal for the Commonwealth to take responsibility for policy and funding for all primary health care.”
“Such a move could have very positive implications for the proposed Rural Health Centre that the Gunnedah community has proactively pursued,’ he said.
Mr Draper said Gunnedah Rural Health Limited had already undertaken scoping studies, and now has engineering plans ready to go. He said that the group had done the groundwork and now required Federal and State financial support to make the dream a reality.
“The process would be much simpler if only one Government body was involved in such negotiations,” he said.
Mr Draper said the report also put forward several options for reform of governance, including one where regional health authorities would take responsibility for state health services including public hospitals.
“Considering the difficulties facing hospitals in NSW, indeed Australia wide, the suggestion is worthy of further debate,” he said.
Mr Draper said A Healthier Future for all Australians is available on the NHHRC website at www.nhhrc.org.au.
“I welcome comment from the community on these proposals, by email tamworth@parliament.nsw.gov.au through the post to PO Box 1740 Tamworth 2340, or fax 6766 6765,” Mr Draper concluded.
Membership and Process For Peel Valley Water Plan Advisory Group Announced – Water Minister Costa To Attend First Meeting
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has finalised arrangements with the NSW Minister for Water, Phil Costa, regarding the membership and procedural process of the Peel Valley Water Plan Advisory Group.
The Water Plan Advisory Group will have its first meeting in Tamworth on Monday 16th March with the Minister in attendance.
Minister Costa appointed Mr Draper to chair the Advisory Group during his recent visit to Tamworth to meet with representatives of the various interest groups where a water-sharing plan for the Peel and Cockburn Valleys was discussed.
“The implementation of a water sharing plan for the Peel Valley is a necessary step if we are to secure Federal Government support to augment Chaffey Dam,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper announced that the following representatives have agreed to participate in the Advisory Group:
Chair - Peter Draper, Peel Valley Water Users - Laurie Pengelly, Cockburn Valley Water Users - Ian Coxhead, Namoi Water - John Clements, Namoi CMA - Bruce Brown, Tamworth Regional Council - James Treloar, Indigenous Representative - Bob Faulkner, Tamworth Chamber of Commerce - Helen Tickle, Resident representative - Phil Betts, Federal Representative - Tony Windsor and Environmental Representative, Tim Scrace. The Minister’s Office and the Department of Water and Energy (DWE) will also be represented on the Advisory Group.
“This group of representatives from the different interest groups brings a great deal of experience and expertise to the process,” he said.
Mr Draper said agreement had been reached on the process for the group to assist in developing the Peel Valley Water Sharing Plan. The Advisory Group will have the opportunity to meet on several occasions before, during and after the public consultation period. The Group will provide crucial input into the planning process.
“This is a vital process towards augmenting Chaffey Dam and securing long term water security for the Peel Valley irrigators plus Tamworth businesses and residents,” Mr Draper said.
“It is important that local irrigators gain some certainty as to the long term availability of water so they can plan the future direction of their enterprises,” he said.
“I thank Minister Costa for expediting the process,” Mr Draper concluded.
Welcome Progress Towards Namoi Valley Water Study
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
State MP, Peter Draper, has welcomed the appointment of consultants to develop the terms of reference for the study of groundwater resources in the Namoi Valley Catchment Area and the possible impacts of mining on the districts valuable agricultural resources.
Consultancy firm Manidis Roberts have been chosen by the Namoi Working Party Group to develop the terms of reference, and they will meet with the Working Party in Tamworth next Monday to further the process. Mr Draper will also attend the Tamworth meeting.
Mr Draper congratulated the working group facilitator, Pam Allan, and the group’s members for reaching this important goal.
“The Caroona Coal Action Group has passionately pursued this study. They have done an incredible job alerting the wider community of their concerns, and have never given up on delivering this study,” Mr Draper said.
“Most importantly, they have been able to work through this process along with other interested parties, including the mining companies, Namoi Water, plus representatives of the Farmer’s Association to reach this objective,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was important that the terms of reference ensured a transparent, independent study.
“It is imperative that the workshops proposed for March give all interested parties an opportunity to participate in this process, and to have their say.”
“The local knowledge regarding ground water resources must be properly utilised, areas of concern must to be clearly enunciated, and the community’s views on mining in the region need to be canvassed and considered,” Mr Draper said.
‘I know the working party are pushing for tough terms of reference, so I am confident that the process can deliver a very thorough study,” he said.
Mr Draper said members of the community who were interested in finding out more about the consultants, Manidis Roberts, could visit their web site www.manidisroberts.com.au
“Following further discussions, I look forward to the terms of reference being released and approved by Minister for Primary Industries, Energy and Mineral Resources, Ian Macdonald, so that the actual study can begin.”
“The study itself is likely to take several years, but if carried out in a transparent fashion it should answer a lot of the important questions that have been raised about the impact of mining on a local ground water system that could affect the entire Murray-Darling system,” Mr Draper concluded.
E-TAG Nightmare For Country Residents Must Be Fixed Quickly
Monday, February 16, 2009
“Due to ongoing flaws in the current E-tag system for country motorists, rural and regional residents are being inconvenienced, if not ripped-off, when driving on Sydney toll roads,” according to Independent State MP, Peter Draper.
“I find it almost incomprehensible that something that should be so simple is in reality a nightmare for country motorists, despite Government protestations that everything is working well,” he said.
“I have received complaints from people who have been billed when they have not been anywhere near Sydney at the time. Others have complained about the inconvenience of having to attend a Motor Registry to obtain an E-tag, while many are confused about where E-tags can actually be used. There have been some amazing stories, but I think the following case clearly details the problems,” Mr Draper continued.
“On December 22 last year my family and I drove from Tamworth to Sydney in order for my children to catch a plane to see their grandparents. The day before, I accessed the RTA website to purchase an E-Toll pass to cover our trip. My plan was to use the Harbour Tunnel, the Eastern Distributor, and the Cross City Tunnel (as we planned on visiting Darling Harbour). After purchasing the E-Toll pass, I still had major concerns as to which tollway this pass allowed me to use, so I searched a little more until I came to this page on the RTA's website http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/usingroads/motorwaysandtolling/. This page clearly marks all tollways on a map and goes on to state the following:
"'If you are visiting Sydney for a short time or only use a motorway occasionally and don’t have a tag, you can register for a pass. A pass is an arrangement between you and a toll provider to travel on selected motorways. If you plan to travel on more than one toll road in Sydney, you will only need one pass to cover you for all toll ways.'
"Surely this means that the E-Toll pass that I purchased covered me for the use of the above roads? However, still cautious, I decided to call the RTA on their help line (131-865) and although I called after hours on the 22nd, I left a message querying the E-Toll pass coverage. I was worried that somewhere down the track I would receive a toll notice. A gentleman returned my call the following day (after our journey) and confirmed that the pass would cover ALL tollways in NSW.
"What has happened since has completely contradicted everything the above web page states, and what the RTA representative told me. I have received a statement ONLY for the use of the Cross City Tunnel (both ways). No statement for either the use of the Harbour Tunnel or the Eastern Distributor.
"On Friday (6/2/09) I received a Toll Notice from Airport Motorway Limited saying that I did not pay the toll for use of the Eastern Distributor! They had added an administration charge to the toll ($10), meaning that I was now ordered to pay $15, not the original $5 for the toll that I thought my pass covered. Does this mean that I am still waiting for a Toll Notice for dodging the toll for the Harbour Tunnel? I hope not, as this could mean that my use of the tolls could end up exceeding $50.
"A relation, who lives in Newcastle, has recently faced a similar problem.
“This resident's letter succinctly highlights the utter confusion that seems to engulf the E-tag system in NSW, and the penalties that country motorists are facing as a result,” Mr Draper said.
“Every country motorist views the ‘administration’ fee, as nothing more than a ‘punishment’ fee, and that is a totally unsatisfactory situation,” he continued.
Mr Draper said it was time for the authorities to fix the fiasco.
“E-tags must be easy to access for country motorists, it must be clearly understood where they can be used, and the billing system must be cleaned up so it doesn’t disadvantage country people,” he said.
“This is such a mess for country residents, that it begs the question whether regular Sydney users of the system are getting a fair go,” Mr Draper said.
“Yet again I am calling on the Government and the RTA to not only immediately fix the obvious problems, but to introduce a system similar to that used in Victoria, where motorists can obtain E-tags at outlets like service stations, post offices and convenience stores.”
“It is time that country motorists were given a fair go when using city motorways, without the inconvenience and disadvantage they are currently experiencing,” Mr Draper concluded.
Opportunity For Local Residents To Sign the NSW Parliament’s Condolence Book for Victorian Bushfire Victims
Friday, February 13, 2009
State MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is inviting local residents to sign a page from the NSW Parliament’s condolence book for victims of the Victorian Bushfires.
When the book is closed it will be sent on behalf of the people of NSW to the Victorian Parliament.
Mr Draper has arranged for pages from the condolence book to be available to community members to sign at:
- His Electorate Office – 13 Fitzroy St Tamworth
- Gunnedah Council Administration Office – 63 Elgin St Gunnedah
- Barraba Tourist Information Centre
- Manilla Tourist Information Centre
- Nundle Tourist Information Centre
- Werris Creek – NECU – 63 Single St
- Kootingal – Summers IGA – 5 Denman Ave
- Bendemeer – Community Co-op
Community members will have until Friday February 27 to sign the condolence book, so the pages can be sent to Parliament House for the official closure on Friday 6th March.
Mr Draper said he realized many local people would like to sign the book but were unable to get to Sydney to do so, so this provides an opportunity for local residents to show their respect for the victims of this national disaster.
He said that the condolence pages would be available at all locations by Tuesday 17 February.
Keith Currell Recognised With Commonwealth Sport Achievement Award – at 80 'Not out'
Friday, February 13, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, today had great pleasure in presenting a Commonwealth Sport Achievement Award to Mr Keith Currell. Mr Draper made the presentation on behalf of Federal MP, Tony Windsor, who was attending Parliament, in Canberra.
The Australian Government Sport Achievement Award was introduced to recognize outstanding sporting performances, achievements and contributions by community members, and Keith Currell was presented the award for his community contribution, particularly as a cricketing umpire.
“Keith has been umpiring cricket in the Tamworth district for 22 years, and before that he played the game for many years,” Mr Draper said.
“Keith played cricket virtually all his life in Barraba, Bingara, Narrabri, Moree and Warialda, then after selling the family farm at Gravesend, he moved to Tamworth and took up umpiring.”
“He has spent every weekend in the cricket season umpiring matches as well as mid week school competitions, and it is not uncommon for Keith to be umpiring five days straight,” Mr Draper continued.
During the presentation, Mr Draper also congratulated Keith on recently reaching his eightieth birthday.
“An amazing man, Keith once thought he would like to be umpiring at 75, but now he has reached 80, he has no intention of retiring any time soon,” he said.
“Keith is clearly a most deserving recipient of the Commonwealth Sport Achievement Award with over 22 years of contribution to the cricket community in this region,” he continued.
Also attending today’s presentation were Keith’s wife Robyn, Tamworth Cricket Association President, Terry Psarakis, Vice President of the Tamworth Umpires Association, Wayne Solomons, Mr Currell’s daughter, Steph Devlin, (who made a surprise trip from Sydney to attend the presentation) and Mrs Currell’s daughter, Cheree Marshall.
“On behalf of Tony Windsor, myself and the regional cricketing community, we all congratulate Keith on a fantastic innings,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: State MP, Peter Draper, presenting Keith Currell with his Commonwealth Sport Achievement Award.
Entire Gunnedah Community Asked To Support the Campaign For a New High School Gymnasium
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Local State Member, Peter Draper, is urging the entire community in the Gunnedah region to lend their support to a campaign for a new gymnasium at the local High School.
Mr Draper launched the community campaign for the new gymnasium at Gunnedah High this week
“Along with Gunnedah Mayor, Adam Marshall, I addressed the school assembly and received a commitment that every student from Gunnedah High will write to me supporting a campaign that will hopefully convince the Minister for Education, Verity Firth, to fund this project,” Mr Draper said.
“I have offered to provide a prize for the best letter, and have tasked Principal Rod Jones with deciding exactly what would be an appropriate reward for the winning student,” he said.
“Mayor Marshall is also introducing a Mayoral Minute at next weeks Council meeting supporting the campaign,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the assembly was well attended by local media, and he has been overwhelmed by local community support at this early stage of the campaign.
“This is obviously a project that the local community can see great value in,” he said.
“Support is also being sought from each of the feeder primary schools in the district asking that they encourage their students to write to me as well,’ he continued.
Mr Draper said he would shortly be sending a letter to every resident in the district asking for his or her support.
“The proposed gymnasium is needed to give Gunnedah High School more flexibility, and to allow the entire school body to be indoors at the same time, plus it will be an important infrastructure addition for the district,” he said.
“Strong vocal communities do win many battles, so I am urging every local resident to write me a letter of support, as so many residents did when we were campaigning for the hall at Gunnedah South Public School and the new Ambulance Station. I intend personally presenting the letters to Education Minister Verity Firth, and show her that the Gunnedah community is serious about continually improving education facilities for local students,” Mr Draper concluded.
State Must Assist Seniors & Self-Funded Retirees When Framing 2009/10 Budget
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
According to Independent State MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, the global financial crisis has had a devastating impact on seniors and particularly self-funded retirees who have invested their superannuation in the share market and/or relied on the interest from their investments. He is calling on the NSW Government to take urgent steps that will ensure these people are not overlooked when the 2009/10 budget is being planned.
“Older Australians have worked hard to make Australia what it is today, yet they are the ones suffering most from the fallout of a worldwide economic crisis not of their making. There is a perception from Government that self funded retirees are wealthy – but that is clearly not the case,” Mr Draper told the inaugural meeting of the National Seniors Australia Tamworth Branch held today.
Mr Draper said the need for such a group in Tamworth had been highlighted at the Pensioners Rally, organized by Federal MP, Tony Windsor, last year, and he was pleased to see the formation of the branch to provide a voice for the seniors and self-funded retirees of the north-west, who like their peers around the nation seemed to be overlooked in many recent economic announcements.
Mr Draper said the plight of seniors was highlighted in the report released in September 2008 by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs showing that 50,000 self funded retirees had applied for the Aged Pension from September 2007 to September 2008, a staggering 40% increase above the previous year. He said that this increase was, in part, due to changes to the eligibility for the Age Pension, however it also occurred prior to the financial crisis and the subsequent freezing of assets later in 2008 that saw a 50% surge in aged pension applications.
Mr Draper said The Council On The Ageing in NSW has developed a pre budget submission with the current economic climate in mind, designed to encourages the NSW Government to direct its budget towards support services and programmes that will meet the key objectives of prevention and early intervention in health, environment and financial security.
Mr Draper pointed out that The Council on the Ageing recognized that the State Government could not solve all the problems, nor could it fund every initiative, however they had put forward thirteen recommendations on how the State Government could respond to the needs of the ageing population.
- That any concessions and/or rebates presently awarded to Age Pensioners and Self Funded Retirees be retained.
- That the NSW Treasury develops a Seniors’ Impact Statement to identify and communicate the positive and negative implications of the Budget on the cost of living of older people in NSW.
- That the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care budget an additional $4.54m to fund positive ageing initiatives.
- That the NSW Government increases the HACC budget by 20%.
- That all funding allocated to the Community Sector be fully indexed against the CPI to ensure increasing costs do not erode funding increases.
- That the NSW Government makes funds available to Local Government for the specific purpose of making their public spaces more age-friendly.
- That the NSW Government makes funds available to reimburse 65% of the rate rebate offered to Pensioners by Local Governments, under Section 575 of the Local Government Act 1993. This 10% increasemust be earmarked for the development and/or implementation of their Ageing Plans.
- That the funding of the You’re Welcome project (facilitating accessible design) be increased to allow Councils across the State to access this service free of charge.
- That Universal Design principles be utilised in all new NSW Department of Housing stock through the application of adaptable housing standard AS 4299 and/or accessibility standard AS1428.
- That the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care fund the establishment of a 1800 telephone information service as a one-stop-shop initial point of contact for grandparents facing complex circumstances.
- That TAFE and private education providers be given financial support and incentives to attract mature aged students into lifelong learning and retraining courses that match the skills needed in the NSW workforce.
- That the NSW Government fund partnerships between the Community Sector, the Office of Fair Trading and NSW Legal Aid Commission to deliver information and education sessions to the 50+ age group specifically focusing on;
- Financial literacy (including savings); - Retirement planning; - Reverse mortgages; - and other home equity release products.
The Council on the Aging also requested that the NSW Government continues to support public legal services that caters to the needs of older people through the continued promotion of LawAccess NSW as a key pathway for older people to obtain legal information, advice and assistance, and also Recurrent funding of the Older Persons’ Legal Service post June 2009.
Mr Draper said the initiatives deserved thorough debate, as they were affordable and could provide long-term policy direction in dealing with the needs of our ageing population.
“Individual pensioners find it difficult to put together a summary of their circumstances and submit a contribution to the various inquiries into Australia's tax and welfare system, yet they have by far the strongest moral case for additional public support,” he said.
“I will be discussing these proposals with seniors groups around the electorate in coming weeks, and would also appreciate feedback to the electorate office so that we can present a loud clear voice on the best ways the State Government can assist our seniors into the years to come,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Local State MP, Peter Draper, addressing the inaugural meeting of the National Seniors Australia Tamworth Branch.
Anne Jacob Named Tamworth Electorate Woman Of The Year
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today announced that Anne Jacob has been named as the electorate of Tamworth’s Woman of the Year.
He said that Anne has joined an inspirational group of women including former Gunnedah Mayor Gae Swain, Billabong Clubhouse President Joan Wakeford, local Preschool Directors Julia Cameron (Werris Creek) and Michelle Cherniayeff (Kootingal) plus former Barraba Mayor and retired TRC Councillor Shirley Close.
“Anne Jacob is also an inspiration to our community, and highly deserving of this award,” Mr Draper said.
“As a teacher, Principal and advocate for public education, Anne has been a motivator and leader par excellence, and she has also played an active role in the community through Rotary and the Zonta Club, plus she is an Alumni of the Rural Leadership Programme,” he said.
Mr Draper said that Anne Jacob had been active within the Police Accountability Team (PACT), the New England North West Council of Education, the Chamber of Commerce, the Tamworth Development Corporation, Friends of Challenge and chaired the Tamworth Relay For Life raising money for the Cancer Council.
“Most recently, Anne has chaired the Fundraising Committee North West Cancer Care Unit Redevelopment project raising $460,000 to redevelop the Oncology unit, so people living in the New England/North West region will be forever grateful to Anne for her vision and leadership in driving this project,” he said.
Mr Draper said that given Anne’s contribution over many years, it is fitting that the theme for the 2009 NSW Woman of the Year is ‘Women and Education’.
“Honouring women such as Anne for their contribution to our community, is an important way of recognising their dedication and community pride, while providing the young women who will be our future leaders with an inspirational role model,” he said.
The NSW Woman of the Year will be announced at a reception hosted by the Premier on 5th March 2009 to celebrate International Women’s Day.
“International Women’s Day is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper pointed out that the first International Women’s Day was celebrated in 1911, and in another two years there will be a celebration honouring the centenary of this important event.
“In some countries like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women’s Day is celebrated as a national holiday, so perhaps further progress is needed to fully recognise the important roles that women play in our society,” he said.
“Personally, and on behalf of the broader community, I would like to congratulate Anne Jacob on being named the electorate of Tamworth’s Women of the Year, as it is a well deserved recognition of her many efforts to make our community a better place to live,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Local State MP, Peter Draper, congratulates Anne Jacob on being named the electorate of Tamworth's Woman of the Year.
Gunnedah the Venue for Free Workplace Safety Advice for Businesses
Thursday, February 5, 2009
WorkCover NSW will hold a free workshop this month to assist businesses in the electorate of Tamworth to improve occupational health and safety and reduce the risk of injuries.
The free workshop will be held at Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club, (331 Conadilly Street, Gunnedah) on Tuesday February 10 from 9am to 11.30am.
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, said the workshop was designed to provide practical advice to help employers to identify workplace safety risks, understand their workers compensation obligations and manage a situation where a worker is injured.
Mr Draper said WorkCover’s occupational health and safety experts, who recognise the difficulties many small businesses face in addressing safety and injury management issues, run the workshops.
“The interactive workshop aims to provide employers with a direct link to WorkCover and businesses can find out about a range of free services such as arranging for a business advisory officer to visit their workplace,” he said.
“The workshops help business operators identify and prioritise key safety and injury management areas and develop alternative solutions to risks that are tailored to individual business needs,” Mr Draper continued.
WorkCover CEO, Jon Blackwell, pointed out the increased focus on providing practical advice has helped reduce workplace injuries to their lowest levels in 20 years.
“We all want our family members to arrive home safely at the end of the day and should not underestimate the importance of workplace safety,” Mr Blackwell said.
“In the long term a safe workplace is a win-win situation for employers and employees so I encourage interested parties to attend this workshop,” Mr Draper concluded.
Bookings for the workshop are essential. Visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/safebusiness or call 1800 624 097.
To meet with your local guide to safety, contact your local WorkCover office or
call 13 10 50.
From Richard Torbay, Member for Northern Tablelands,
and Peter Draper, Member for Tamworth
Politicians set to turn Black Friday 'Pink'
Monday, February 2, 2009
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, and Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, have today launched a Twenty20 Cricket match between Mr Torbay’s Northern Tablelands XI and Mr Draper’s Tamworth XI to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
The match will be held at Inverell’s Varley Oval commencing at 6pm on Friday 13th February and is being hosted by the Inverell Sports Council.
The match will feature talented representative Cricketers from the Northern Inland region with Mr Torbay’s Northern Tablelands XI players being selected from Glen Innes, Armidale and Inverell. Mr Draper’s Tamworth team will include players from the strong Tamworth representative team fresh from its weekend victory in the inaugural Northern Inland Cup Twenty20 competition in Gunnedah.
“Varley Oval provides a wonderful venue for day night cricket, with its fantastic lighting providing the region’s best cricketers with a rare opportunity to play under lights” said Mr Torbay
“The match provides me with an opportunity to invite talented young representative players from throughout my electorate to play against the strong Tamworth representative team which has won numerous competitions over the past few seasons”.
“I am confident that Peter Draper’s team will be over-confident as defending title holders and my Northern Tablelands team will be ‘fired up’ to regain the Torbay Cup and ‘bragging rights’ for the next 12 months” added Mr Torbay.
“My Tamworth players and I are very confident that the Torbay Cup will not be returning North for some time” countered Mr Draper.
“We are looking forward to a competitive game and I hope the community will support this good cause and come to cheer on both teams as we raise funds to assist the wonderful work of the McGrath Foundation and its breast care nurses throughout the region” added Mr Draper.
The event is aiming to raise up to $10,000 with Cricketers from both teams being sponsored by local businesses.
Half time entertainment will feature Richard Torbay and Peter Draper ‘out in the middle’ supported by local junior players in the field.
Photo: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, and Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, at the launch of the Twenty20 Cricket match between Mr Torbay’s Northern Tablelands XI and Mr Draper’s Tamworth XI to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Further information
Richard Torbay 6772 5552 / 0427 635 029
Peter Draper 67661422 / 0417 290376
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