Media Releases, January 2008
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Ongoing School Maintenance Welcome
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed ongoing school maintenance programmes undertaken over the recent holiday period and into Term One.
“Education is an investment in our children and also in Australia’s future, and while there are never enough dollars available for all projects, planned maintenance programmes at local schools allows for essential infrastructure needs to receive priority,” Mr Draper said.
“The Christmas / New Year break gives tradespeople a free run without disrupting students or teachers, and I am pleased to see a number of important projects completed or close to completion as the 2008 school year commences,” he said.
Mr Draper today inspected a project that has improved pathways and parking access at Nemingha Public School during his first school visit for 2008.
“I travel to schools around the electorate on a regular basis, and I welcome input from parents, teachers, and students on education matters or issues that are important to individual school communities,” he said.
Mr Draper commended Mrs Aurora Riley, the Principal of Nemingha Public School, on the welcoming atmosphere of the school, and the dedication and commitment of staff in providing the best possible opportunities for their young charges.
Mrs Riley told Mr Draper that the quality of school grounds can affect staff morale, and said teachers and parents are very pleased with new works, particularly the provision of access from the car park through a new pathway to allow greater mobility for a newly enrolled wheel chair bound student.
Mr Draper also praised the efforts of the Nemingha P & C whose fundraising success will shortly see the school’s exposed quadrangle protected by shade cloth, providing greater sun protection for the students.
“From our smallest schools to the largest campuses, it is the dedication and commitment by teachers and parent groups that shines through in our public education system, enhancing each school’s vital role in their community. An ongoing program of providing improvements to school amenities also enhances the educational experience for students and teachers,” he said.
Mr Draper said other projects completed during the school holidays included provision of access ramps plus a toilet, shower and change table at Barraba Central School, external repairs and painting to Blocks A and B at Maul Creek’s Fairfax Public School, integration works for students at Oxley Vale Public School, provision of a disabled access toilet, shower and change table with retreat space plus new security gates at Peel High School, new fencing and gates to the support unit at Quirindi High School, a canteen upgrade at Tamworth Public School, and an upgrade of canteen bench tops at Westdale Public School. He said that plans are also in place for an upgrade of air-cooling at Manilla Central School’s hall that will commence shortly.
“I will continue to advocate for our local schools, and lobby Government for further investment so that students and teachers can enjoy the best possible learning environments,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Nemingha Principal Aurora Riley and Peter Draper MP in the middle of the exposed quadrangle that will soon be covered with shade cloth thanks to the efforts of Nemingha P & C.
More Funding For Health Transport Is Vital
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Calls by the Cancer Council of NSW, the Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) and the NSW Community Transport Organization to see $7 million in additional funding provided for community transport per year have received support from Independent State MP, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper also indicated his support for the Rudd Government to standardize state transport assistance schemes and reform health services for people in country communities.
“Country people have to travel more often for health services due to declining numbers of general practitioners, a concentration of services in fewer hospitals, an increasing trend of early discharges and increasing use of day surgery,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that a report presented by the three organizations – No Transport, No Treatment: Community Transport to Health Services in NSW – found that community transport providers refuse an estimated 90,000 requests for transport to health treatment each year due to a lack of capacity.
“Community transport providers have almost tripled the number of trips they provide to health services over the last ten years, (from 240,000 in 1996 to 680,000 trips in 2006), with visits to health facilities growing from 16% to 28% of total trips,” Mr Draper said.
“The report also shows that Indigenous people plus cancer and dialysis patients are especially disadvantaged in accessing health related community transport,” he said.
With a relatively low number of people having driving licences or cars, a general lack of public transport, low socio-economic status and a reduced ability to purchase transport services, the report stated that the poor health status of many Indigenous people could be linked to inappropriate transport services. Mr Draper said the report explained some of the factors that influenced the life expectancy gap between Indigenous people and the general population.
“The report identifies cancer as one of the most common causes of morbidity in our society, with 1 in 3 people affected in their lifetime. Access to transport, a need for specialized vehicles, plus concerns about the side effects of cancer treatments, were all raised as issues of concern for staff and volunteer drivers,” Mr Draper said.
“With NSW Health only partially funding the 680,000 annual trips provided by community transport providers to health services, the ongoing rationalization of services over recent years emphasises a need for the government to ensure country people can access appropriate transport,” Mr Draper said.
“Transport should be an essential element of health planning, including planning for transport to treatment centres. These issues, plus the IPTAAS formula and claim processing times for country patients must all be addressed by the Government as a matter of urgency,” Mr Draper concluded.
Wishing Students and Teachers Success in 2008 School Year
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is wishing students and teachers a happy and successful 2008 as they return for the school year.
“The provision of a quality education is one of the most important services the state provides to its young citizens, as it helps equip our children to face the competition of a global economy,” Mr Draper said.
“It has become clearly obvious over several decades that there has been insufficient opportunities provided for our youth to fill a range of skilled roles, so it is vital that the current generation of students are given every opportunity to find a fulfilling job that meets their goals,” he said.
Mr Draper said the establishment of a Trades School in Tamworth will provide students a wider choice of subjects, and allow them to select courses that will help them towards desired career paths.
“From our smallest one teacher schools to our largest school campuses, we are fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated teachers to help mould the educational experiences and success of students, each with very different individual needs,” he said.
“Our local schools enjoy very strong support from the community, and it is vital that this support is ongoing, so teachers can continue to provide the best possible educational outcomes for all students,” he continued.
“It is also vital that parents offer encouragement and guidance throughout their children’s school careers,” Mr Draper said.
“Students have their ups and downs like everyone else, but thankfully there are many mechanisms within the education system to address any problems, and in parallel with family love and support we can help our kids through any difficult patches,” he said.
Mr Draper said he was very concerned that around 40% of teachers are expected to retire within the next six years, reinforcing fears that NSW may face a serious teacher shortage in years to come.
“It is critical that governments provide sufficient opportunities and incentives to ensure continuity of teacher numbers, and they must offer appropriate packages to both attract young people to the profession, and also to retain those already employed,” he said.
“We have all the ingredients needed to give students the best possible education, so we must ensure teachers are given all the support and encouragement needed so they can deliver the outcomes our children deserve,” Mr Draper concluded.
Premier Visits Festival and Brings Chequebook
Saturday, January 26, 2008
While welcoming a $900,000 investment in the cardio catheterisation laboratory at the Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital announced by Premier Morris Iemma during his visit to the city, the independent local MP Peter Draper said that the Premier’s trip had also provided an opportunity for the state leader to experience the energy of the world famous Country Music Festival.
“I know the Premier was impressed by the vitality of Tamworth, and while he was here I took the opportunity to highlight some other health needs of importance to residents from across the district,” Mr Draper said.
“Cardiac patients from throughout the New England and North West will benefit greatly from this investment, as it will allow local residents to undertake interventional cardiac procedures that were formerly only available at Newcastle or Sydney, further enhancing Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital’s deserved reputation for innovation and excellence,” Mr Draper said.
“This is not only an investment in infrastructure, it is also an investment in human resources, with doctors and nurses being trained to provide the expanded services,” he said.
“At a time when health service delivery across the nation is stressed to breaking point, the provision of life-saving interventional services at a regional hospital is very welcome, but at the same the need for further investment in other areas like oncology and mental health services remains a priority,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the Premier’s visit had allowed Mr Iemma to experience the pressures facing staff at the already busy Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department, and witness the dedication of these staff that work in one of the state’s major non-metropolitan facilities.
“Rather than listening to advice from the bureaucracy, this personal visit not only allowed the Premier to meet people delivering the essential services, but gave them an opportunity to detail the importance of the hospital to residents of both Tamworth City and for rural residents from hundreds of kilometres around,” he said.
“With medical students from the Rural Medical School in Armidale about to commence their studies, this visit also gave me an opportunity to lobby the Premier about the need for his Government to provide funding for the promised redevelopment of Tamworth Hospital,” Mr Draper said.
“Similarly, I was able to emphasize the problems many country people face with travel and accommodation expenses associated with accessing medical services, plus the need for a further overhaul of the IPTAAS scheme,” he continued.
“Given that we have to compete with metropolitan and other rural facilities for our share of the funding pie, visits such as this improve our ability to secure a fair deal,” he concluded.
Photo: Premier Morris Iemma & Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper chatting with staff at Tamworth Hospital Emergency Department.
Australian Railway Monument Pays Tribute To Those Who Gave Their Lives In Line Of Duty
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today congratulated all associated with the Australian Railway Monument at Werris Creek, including its wonderful group of volunteers for reaching yet another milestone in its ongoing development.
“Eleven flag poles were commissioned to display the national, state, territory, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island flags, adding to the Monument’s national role, and paying tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the countries railway systems,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper joined Chris Holley from the Australian Railway Monument, Federal Member Tony Windsor, Luke Donnellan, Parliamentary Secretary to Victorian Premier John Brumby, along with volunteers, local residents and other rail enthusiasts, to watch former NSW Transport Minister, Milton Morris, perform the dedication and flag raising ceremony at the historic Werris Creek station. In his speech remembering those who payed the supreme sacrifice, Mr Draper shared the stories of two local rail employees who both died in accidents at the Ardglen tunnel.
“Fireman John Smith is buried in Werris Creek cemetery. He was scalded to death at the age of 26 when the engine he was working (T727 – later 5097) primed (boiling water foams through the steam engines funnel), while passing through the tunnel on 27th November 1909,” Mr Draper said.
“In 1926, fireman Herbert Heffernan and his driver Thomas Holt were overcome by fumes, heat and gases in the tunnel and passed out on the footplate of a 53 class engine. The train raced out of control downhill towards Willow Tree and the tender on the engine derailed near milepost 227, overturning and killing fireman Heffernan in the process,” he said.
“It is fitting that these men will be remembered, along with many others from around Australia, at this wonderful monument here in Werris Creek,” Mr Draper said.
“Following my representations to Premier Iemma to enlist the support of Queensland Premier Anna Blight and Victorian Premier John Brumby in providing the names of deceased railway workers for inclusion in the memorial, I was very encouraged that Luke Donnellan MP travelled from Victoria to represent Premier Brumby at the ceremony,” he said.
“It is also important that we encourage local people and our friends outside the region to visit the monument, as there are many Australians who have forbears who worked on the railways plus rail enthusiasts who will be interested in visiting Werris Creek to pay their respects,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo - Luke Donnellan MP (Member for Narre Warren North in Victoria and Parliamentary Secretary to John Brumby, Victorian Premier), Hon Milton Morris (Special Guest - Former NSW Minister for Transport & Chair Hunter Valley Training Co), Chris Holley (Australian Rail Monument), David Screen (Rail Heritage Office), Marianne Hammerton (Chief Executive Officer - Rail Heritage NSW), Tony Windsor MP, Ian Lobsey (Mayor, Liverpool Plains Shire Council) and Peter Draper MP. Photo by courtesy Don Porter, Quirindi Advocate.
More Reasons To Rethink Electricity Sell Off
Tuesday, January 22, 2007
“The State Government’s proposal to sell off the state’s electricity retailers and to lease the generators is becoming a greater fiasco day by day,” according to Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
“They continue to rush down this privatisation road despite more than 80% of the community being opposed to the plan while planning to spend millions of our taxpayers dollars on a one sided ‘education’ campaign. Now a new report suggests that an alleged $15 billion revenue boost from the sale could be nullified through costs associated with the proposed national emissions trading scheme,” he said.
Mr Draper’s comments follow a report issued by the independent think tank the Australia Institute, and authored by economist and institute director Dr Clive Hamilton.
“Dr Hamilton’s analysis claims the carbon trading scheme the Federal Government intends to introduce to combat global warming would dramatically reduce the value of coal-fired generators,” Mr Draper said.
“The report suggests NSW taxpayers may be forced to pay more than $15 billion to indemnify potential buyers for the state’s power assets against losses that privatised coal-fired power stations would face under the proposed national carbon trading scheme,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that Dr Hamilton had suggested that the Government would come under pressure from potential buyers to offer them indemnities. Dr Hamilton has been quoted as saying: “there is nothing to say the Government could not, and would not, do this in secret, using all sorts of commercial-in-confidence provisions, and the public may know nothing about it for 20 years.”
“Even if the Government do not indemnify the purchaser, it is almost certain that this additional cost will be added to the tariff that we all pay to make up the shortfall,” Mr Draper said.
“There are more and more questions being raised about this proposal and the answers don’t tell us what costs to households and business will result. It really is time for the Government to come clean on this issue,” he concluded.
Library Funding Must Be Addressed
Tuesday, January 22, 2007
“State Government cuts to library funding were an inditement on the NSW Government, and the sector is in need of an immediate boost to funds so country communities in particular could avoid cutbacks to this vital community service,” according to Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper today received petitions containing over 1,200 signatures from Tamworth, Nundle, Kootingal and Werris Creek residents that call on the State Government to address the shortfall in library funding. Councillor Robert Schofield, Chair of Central Northern Regional Library, and Kay Delahunt, Library Services Manager with Tamworth Regional Council presented the petitions to Mr Draper, and he will present them to the New South Wales Parliament when it resumes in February.
“This is a critical issue for rural and regional communities. There are 363 library service points in NSW, consisting of 97 central libraries and 266 branch libraries. Of these 240 or 66% are country libraries,” Mr Draper said.
“It is scandalous that in the period 1980 – 2005/05 State Government contribution reduced from 23.6% to 7.8% of total public library costs. At the same time total library expenditure increased from $36 million to $287.4 million, with State Government expenditure increasing from $8.5 million to $22.4 million, approximately a 3 fold increase, while Local Government expenditure increased from $27.5 million to $265 million, a 10 fold increase,” he said.
“It is obvious that it is unsustainable for Local Government to carry this burden into the future, and cuts to services will be inevitable unless the State Government comes to their rescue,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the NSW Government would be foolish to forget that one in two people are public library members. He said that libraries are used some 32 million times every year, yet the Government provides the lowest per capita funding to public libraries in Australia.
“In a democratic society free public libraries are everybody’s right and the young, old, culturally diverse and disadvantaged have the most to lose unless adequate funding is provided,” Mr Draper said.
“Story times, home delivery, learning English, internet access, study and meeting places, opening hours, new books and branch libraries are vital parts of the library service and are all at risk,” he continued.
“I fully appreciate the importance of our libraries, and joined with Librarians from across the State when they took to the streets in Sydney last November for their day of action,” he said.
“I will continue to fight for our public libraries, and will ensure the Government is well and truly aware of the feelings of the people of our region on this vital issue,” Mr Draper concluded.
Use of Taxpayer Funds To SPIN Electricity Sell Off A Disgrace
Monday, January 21, 2008
“The NSW Government are insulting the people of NSW by spending large amounts of tax payers money to “spin” its controversial plans to sell off the states electricity industry,” according to Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Mr Draper was commenting on media reports the government has hired private spin-doctors to talk up the sale indicating the spin-doctors were likely to be paid up to $500 an hour.
“Opinion polls indicate that more than 80% of the population oppose the proposed sale,” Mr Draper said.
“Additionally there is strong opposition from rank and file Labor members and within the union movement, with the Government facing being rolled on the issue at the upcoming State Labor Conference,” he said.
“It is a totally inappropriate use of the taxpayers money to try and pull the wool over peoples eyes,” he continued.
“This is reminiscent of the former Federal Government’s Work Choices advertising campaign, as we face the prospect of seeing millions of dollars of our money wasted on telling only one side of the story,” Mr Draper said.
“For the Treasurer to argue that the cost will eventually be borne by whoever buys the utilities is an insult to us all,” he said.
“This insult is compounded by veiled threats that the Government’s human services agenda will suffer should the sale fail to proceed,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the announcement that former Labor premier Barrie Unsworth would Chair a reference committee to consider the effect of the sale of the state’s electricity industry was very cynical.
“I’m sure that an independent Chair would have had much more credibility with the community than a former Labor Premier with such close links to the current government,” Mr Draper said.
“Along with Mr Unsworth, the panel includes two senior Government bureaucrats, two serving ALP MP’s and three Union representatives, so it seems pretty clear what the outcome will be,” he said.
“It seems clear the Government intends disregarding public opinion to force this sale at any cost, including wasting millions of dollars of taxpayers funds on propaganda,” he continued.
“It is more important than ever that the community maintains their rage over this proposal and continues to strongly express their opposition,” Mr Draper concluded.
Inquiry Into Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage In NSW - Submissions Close Thursday 31st January
Monday, January 21, 2008
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is reminding interested parties that submissions close on Thursday 31 January for the Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Inquiry.
“The Legislative Council’s Standing Committee on Social Issues is examining the policies and programmes aimed at addressing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Mr Draper said.
“Available data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that estimated Indigenous life expectancy is 59 years for males and 65 years for females, which is about 17 years below life expectancy for all males and females respectively,” he said.
“The committee is considering the impact of health, education, employment and housing on Indigenous disadvantage,” he continued.
“In addition they are investigating opportunities to strengthen cultural resilience within Indigenous communities, focusing on language, cultural identity and self determination, while also examining existing policies in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions aimed at closing the life expectancy gap, plus successful programmes in New Zealand, Canada and North and South America,” he said.
Mr Draper said that interested parties can gain further information, including how to make a submission, by phoning the committee secretariat on 02 9230 3078 or via email to socialissues@parliament.nsw.gov.au.
It is also possible to lodge a submission via the NSW Parliament website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/socialissues.
“The life expectancy gap between indigenous Australians and the broader population is a matter that will dismay most people, and I would urge interested people and organisations to contribute to this very important inquiry,” Mr Draper concluded.
Premier Goes In To Bat For Werris Creek Australian Railway Monument
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is encouraging Werris Creek residents and northern rail enthusiasts to attend the town’s historic station from 10.30am next Wednesday (23rd January), for a dedication and flag raising ceremony as part of the ongoing development of the Australian Railway Monument.
“Eleven flag poles have been erected to fly the Australian flag, the flags of the eight states and territories, plus the Aboriginal flag and that of the Torres Strait Islanders, highlighting the truly national nature of the Australian Railway Monument,” Mr Draper said.
“This ceremony will be performed by former New South Wales Transport Minister, Milton Morris,” he said
Mr Draper paid tribute to the New England North-West Training Group, a division of the Hunter Valley Training Company Pty Ltd, for providing the flag poles.
“The Australian Railway Monument was designed to pay tribute to the men and women who built, operated and maintained the nation’s railways and particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that unfortunately there had been some reluctance on the part of Victorian and Queensland rail authorities to provide the names for the memorial.
“I approached NSW Premier, Morris Iemma, during the Rural Cabinet meeting held last year at Armidale, asking him to assist in obtaining this information,” Mr Draper said.
“I recently received a letter from Premier Iemma recognising the value of this important memorial and advising that he has written to Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, and Victorian Premier, John Brumby, seeking their assistance in obtaining the names of their state’s rail workers who were killed in the course of their duties,” he said.
“At the peak of New South Wales Government Railways operation, there were up to 120 train movements through Werris Creek each day, including over 20 passenger connections with services from as far a field as Mungindi, Boggabilla, Inverell, Moree, Walgett, Pokataroo, Narrabri and Gunnedah on the north-west line. Trains also came from Binnaway on the western cross country line, Wallangarra, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Armidale and the Barraba / Manilla branch to Tamworth on the main north, plus of course trains from Sydney and Newcastle were all utilizing “The Creek’s” facilities,” he continued.
“Werris Creek’s history as a railway town makes it the perfect location for this national rail memorial, and importantly marks it as destination for rail buffs from around Australia and the world, plus of course relatives of those who were part of the great railway family of workers,” he said.
“I look forward to attending Wednesday’s ceremony and encourage all interested parties to join the proceedings,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo - Peter Draper MP at the historic Werris Creek Station, home of the Australian Railway Monument.
State Government to Fund Country Music Bus Services
Monday, January 14, 2008
The NSW Ministry of Transport will provide up to $10,000 to Tamworth Regional Council that will allow for an extension of bus services during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the independent MP for Tamworth Peter Draper said today.
Mr Draper took Council’s request for increased bus services during the 2008 Festival to the Minister for Transport and Deputy Premier John Watkins in October last year, and the Minister has confirmed that the State Government will provide up to $10,000 for this purpose.
“Festival visitors greatly appreciate having a reliable and frequent bus service to transport them between venues, plus get them back to their accommodation after a day enjoying the myriad of entertainment on offer,” Mr Draper said.
“With quality entertainment available right across the city the local taxi’s are extremely busy, so many people would miss out seeing some of their favourite artists should such a service not be available,” he said.
Mr Draper said that the Festival bus schedule will allow visitors and locals alike to plan their day in the knowledge that they can rely on this form of transport to arrive at the venue in time to enjoy the entertainment.
He also pointed out that despite an increased Police presence during the annual Festival, a number of people have been caught driving after consuming more than the legal amount of alcohol each year.
“I would urge locals and visitors to leave the car at home and take public transport during this busy and exciting period,” he said.
“Given the frequency of transport available around Tamworth during the Festival there are no excuses for people who drive after consuming alcohol. I congratulate Tamworth Regional Council for providing this service, and the NSW Government for supplying this additional funding package so Festival goers can travel safely and efficiently around the city,” Mr Draper concluded.
Funding Announced For Seniors Week Programme 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed State Government funding for a number of Seniors Week events planned around the electorate of Tamworth.
“Seniors Week 2008 will be held from 6-13 April 2008, and events during this period are greatly appreciated by our senior citizens throughout the region,” Mr Draper said.
“This year is a milestone for NSW Seniors Week as it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the event,” he said.
“The success of NSW Seniors Week relies on the involvement of local communities, and this funding allows many events to be staged that recognise the important contribution our seniors make to our state,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the following grants will be provided:
| Australian Railway Monument & Rail Journeys Museum (Werris Creek) |
Become a volunteer for a day |
$500 |
| Central Northern District Bowling Association |
Annual Veterans Bowls Day |
$500 |
| Gunnedah Shire Council |
Seniors Week in Gunnedah |
$500 |
| Home Care Service of NSW Tamworth Aboriginal |
Elders Get Out & Get Together Day |
$500 |
| Lundie House (Gunnedah) |
Fun at the Fair |
$500 |
| OMNI Tamworth |
Older Men’s Needs Awareness Forum |
$500 |
| Senior Citizen Centre Committee |
Climate Change and helping the Environment |
$500 |
| Tamworth Regional Council |
Seniors Week Opening Concert |
$500 |
“More than 500 applications were received from around the state and an independent assessment panel was convened to consider each application. I congratulate local organizations that have been successful,” Mr Draper concluded.
