Media Releases, March 2009
For previous releases, click here
2009 Banksia Awards To Recognize Environmental Excellence
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Local State MP, Peter Draper, believes there are many individuals, groups, organisations and government agencies throughout the Electorate of Tamworth who would be eligible to nominate for Banksia Awards which celebrate environmental leadership and innovation.
“Considering the world wide debate on climate change it has never been more important to pursue these goals,” Mr Draper said.
“We need to encourage leadership and innovation to enable Australians to break new ground in the pursuit of environmental solutions,” he said.
Mr Draper said that over the past couple of years he had been impressed by environmental programmes carried out through local schools, the work of individual farmers, land care programmes, council projects and the work of government agencies and was aware of a number that would certainly qualify for recognition.
“Entering such an award’s process provides an invaluable opportunity for recognition and presents others with the inspiration to follow,” he said.
Mr Draper said categories include:
- Origin Gold Banksia Award - Celebrating the best of the Banksia Awards Categories.
- Prime Minister's Environmentalist of the Year Award - Acknowledges the outstanding contribution of an individual, organization or community to the environment.
- Mercedes-Benz Australian Environmental Research Award - $30,000 awarded for innovative sustainable solutions
- Brian Robinson Fellowship - Entries open to people under the age of 35 looking for funding assistance in the field of sustainability. Up to $30,000 can be awarded.
- Banksia International Award - Awarded by the Banksia Foundation Board for an internationally significant contribution to sustainability
- Environment Minister's Young Environmentalist of the Year Award - Recognising the valuable contributions young Australians make to protecting and caring for our environment
Mr Draper said there were also categories covering Education, Water, Land and Biodiversity, Indigenous - 'Caring for Country', Built Environment, Eco Innovation, Large Business Sustainability, Small and Medium Enterprises Business Sustainability, Agriculture and Food - "Paddock to Plate" and Environmental Services.
“Entries close on Monday 11 May 2009 with winners presented at the Banksia Gala Event on Friday 24 July,” he said.
“Entry details are available from www.banksiafdn.com,” he continued.
“We have dedicated individuals and organizations working on environmental issues and I encourage them to seal their achievements with a Banksia Environmental Award,” Mr Draper concluded.
Funding Provided For New Cancer Social Worker In Tamworth With Outreach Service To Moree
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today announced that funding has been secured for a fulltime social worker position to support cancer patients in Tamworth.
Mr Draper said the Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Jodi McKay secured the funding through the Cancer Institute NSW following her visit to Tamworth Hospital earlier this year.
“Recruitment has begun for the full-time position, which will be based in Tamworth and will provide an outreach service to Moree,” Mr Draper said.
“This announcement recognises the need for a holistic approach in caring for cancer patients.”
“Social workers are incredibly important in helping cancer patients and their families through their diagnosis, treatment and recovery,” he said.
Mr Draper said that currently only a part-time position supports patients and their families in Tamworth and Moree.
Ms McKay said Mr Draper had delivered a strong message from the Tamworth community that there needs to be a full time position devoted to supporting cancer patients in the city.
“I am very pleased we have been able to secure the funding to ensure we can respond to that need,” she said.
Mr Draper said Ms McKay had told him that cancer deaths have fallen by 14% in men and 8% in women over the past decade.
“Better biological drugs, new surgical techniques, more effective early detection, falling smoking rates and record health budgets have improved survival rates and continue to reduce cancer deaths,” Ms McKay said.
Mr Draper said that despite the progress made, cancer remains the biggest single cause of premature death in NSW, with one in two men and one in three women likely to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
“Each year more than 12,000 families in NSW lose a loved one to cancer and around 220,000 people in NSW are currently cancer survivors, hence the very strong support for the Relay for Life initiative across NSW,” he said.
“I welcome the funding that underpins this full time position, and I will continue to advocate for further improvements to services for cancer patients at Tamworth Hospital,” Mr Draper concluded.
Boggabri Relay For Life Epitomises Community Spirit
Friday, March 30, 2009
Following last Saturday’s official opening of the Boggabri Relay for Life, Independent State MP Peter Draper said that the community spirit on display over the weekend demonstrated how Boggabri has the ability to punch above its weight and achieve outcomes such as the redevelopment of the Grantham Street rail overpass.
Last week in State Parliament, Mr Draper highlighted the spirit and never-say-die attitude on display in Boggabri, which had resulted in a win for the community regarding the Grantham St Bridge redevelopment.
“The Grantham Street rail overpass in Boggabri is a tale of bureaucratic intransigence, community anger, and a Minister who listened to community representations and reached a sensible outcome,” Mr Draper told Parliament.
“The saga shows that greater consultation is needed between communities and authorities when planning redevelopments, but also how small communities can achieve positive outcomes if they get active,” he said.
“Community consultation with the Rail Infrastructure Corporation was promised but not delivered. Had local input been allowed, much of the angst that followed could have been avoided,” he said.
Mr Draper said many locals were disgusted that their views were not considered when planning a major redevelopment that had many potential impacts on their community.
“Narrabri Shire Council had a preferred option; however, it was not until a meeting with the Minister for Transport, David Campbell, that any progress was made in delivering an acceptable outcome to improve the dangerous alignment. Unfortunately, this has cost many extra man-hours of work for council and also the time of many residents who rallied behind the cause,” he said.
“Thankfully, at a meeting in the Boggabri CBD on Wednesday 11 March, Narrabri shire Mayor Robyn Faber was able to announce that the new bridge would be realigned from Grantham Street to the Kamilaroi Highway, removing the dangerous "S" bend that is adjacent to the local hospital's emergency entrance,” Mr Draper told the Legislative Assembly.
Mr Draper acknowledged the role played by Narrabri Shire Council Mayor Robyn Faber, Councillor Ken Bates, and all the council staff. He also thanked the Boggabri community for driving the agenda for common sense.
In the same address Mr Draper told Parliament:
“A vital part of the Boggabri community is its Home and Community Care [HACC] centre. The Service operates from premises leased from Narrabri Shire Council at approximately $329 per quarter. The Service has maintained and improved those facilities significantly.”
“Sadly, the former Narrabri Council General Manager was behind a push to sell the building that the Service occupies to the organization for $180,000. The Service cannot pay $180,000, but it is in a position to pay $50,000 for the premises. This is a much more realistic price, considering the need to invest at least twice that amount in renovations, plus provide facilities for the disabled.”
“Following Narrabri Council's experience with bureaucracy over the rail overpass, I ask Council to reconsider its offer to the Service, and negotiate a realistic price that reflects the true value of the facility to the Boggabri community.”
“I also ask the Government to assist in the process so that Boggabri Home and Community Care can continue delivering its vital services to local people,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Support For Homeless Must Be More Focused
Friday, March 30, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, has called on the Government to continue providing sufficient financial resources for the Tamworth Homeless Men's Support Group to deliver their services, and also to deal with increasing incidence of homelessness both in the local region and around the state.
“It is most disturbing that the average age of those looking for a bed is dropping rapidly, with most of the men approaching the organization in Tamworth now aged in their early twenties,” Mr Draper said.
“Homelessness is a complex condition that affects a range of people, including those experiencing financial distress, family breakdown, mental illness and substance abuse, so organisations dealing with the problem require carefully structured support,” he said.
Mr Draper raised the issue in the NSW Parliament as a member of the Public Accounts Committee examining Government agencies responses to the Auditor General’s performance audit report: “Responding to Homelessness”.
“In his examination of the issue, the Auditor-General asked whether the Government was achieving its desired results for the homeless, and whether the homeless were receiving appropriate help to access health care and legal assistance,” he said.
Mr Draper said the Auditor-General had put forward 12 recommendations that support a more strategic, collaborative and comprehensive approach to homelessness, plus he recommended an increased effort to help homeless people access health and legal services.
“The draft strategic framework on homelessness draws heavily on the Auditor-General's recommendations, and it is envisaged that his suggestions will be incorporated into the framework's three strategic directions, which are prevention and early intervention, assessment and crisis response, and longer-term accommodation and support,” he said.
“Recommendations include improving referral pathways for homeless people to mental health, and drug and alcohol services, and also developing a data collection strategy so that services can capture information on homeless people.”
“Further action includes trialling a common data linkage key to monitor the pathways of homeless people through the service system, and developing mechanisms to ensure continuity of support from mental health, and drug and alcohol services,” he continued.
“Although a lot of good work has been done in this area in recent years, there is still a long way to go to appropriately integrate service planning and policy development and develop a cross-agency commitment to providing a ‘flexible, holistic and integrated system of support for people who are homeless’,” Mr Draper said.
He said the Auditor-General found that there was an imbalance between the need of homeless people regarding health and legal services, and the provision of those services by health care and legal assistance agencies.
“This was largely because service delivery agencies had not incorporated the specific needs of the homeless into their delivery plans, so this urgently needs to be addressed particularly by Area Health Services and the Local Courts,” Mr Draper continued.
Mr Draper complimented Terry McBride and his team of dedicated people at the Tamworth Homeless Men’s Support group who do such a wonderful job in delivering services to homeless people in the district.
“This is a growing problem, often difficult to deal with and likely to be exacerbated by the current economic crisis. Homelessness must be addressed urgently, both for the sake of those affected, and also the wider public amenity,” he concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Biofuel (Ethanol Content) Amendment Bill 2009 Has Much To Offer Electorate of Tamworth
Friday, March 27, 2009
Independent State Member for the Electorate of Tamworth, Peter Draper has spoken in support of the Biofuel (Ethanol Content) Amendment Bill 2009 in the NSW Parliament, saying it is an important step forward in promoting renewable biofuels in New South Wales, and offers great potential for the local region.
“The Bill sees the Biofuels (Ethanol Content) Act 2007 amended to increase the volumetric ethanol mandate 4% by the end of 2009, and 6% by the end of 2010,” Mr Draper said.
“Additionally, it requires all regular grade unleaded petrol to be blended with 10% ethanol by 1 July 2011, and introduces a volumetric biodiesel mandate, commencing at 2% and rising to 5% as supply becomes available,” he continued.
Mr Draper said The Biofuel (Ethanol Content) Act 2007 had seen a 2 per cent mandate successfully implemented, despite the campaign by vested interests alleging that ethanol would cause massive damage to people's vehicles, and he expressed hope that the community has seen the last of those scare tactics.
“I do not apologise for having a strong view supporting the development of a biofuels industry and encouraging its development within the electorate of Tamworth, as I can see many benefits for the region that I believe far outweigh the concerns I have heard raised against it.”
“There have been many arguments for and against a biofuels industry in Australia over the years, yet we appear to be a long way behind much of the rest of the world in developing a renewable biofuels industry that has many environmental pluses, and can help reduce our dependence on foreign energy resources,” he said.
Mr Draper acknowledged that even within the farming community across the electorate of Tamworth there are differing opinions, with feedlot operators expressing concerns about creating a market where they have to compete for feed grain.
“There are also implications involving the world food chain in the development of a biofuels industry, so these issues should be addressed from both a local and world perspective, however they should not prevent Australia from being realistic in looking after our national interests,” he said.
Mr Draper said he agreed with the New South Wales Farmers Federation that the development of biodiesel products should be encouraged by way of tax concessions and other incentives, and he urged State and Federal authorities to ensure they work in partnership towards those objectives.
“There is also a lot of merit in the suggestion by NSW Farmers to establish a biofuels co-operative research centre to research the development of biofuel-specific crops that maximises yield potential and fuel production efficiency. Research and development are essential if we are to be world leaders rather than followers, and this initiative is an opportunity to proactively address some of the world food chain concerns,” he said.
Mr Draper said there was also a lot of sense in the proposal to rationalise the legislation so that biodiesel produced for individuals' off-road use is exempt from the payment, and introduce a rebate of excise to encourage the development of such cottage industries while also addressing environmental concerns.
Mr Draper also said the legislation would assist Primary Energy develop a plant in Gunnedah with the potential to create about 50 permanent jobs, with scope for 180 indirect jobs plus 450 jobs during construction, which for a town like Gunnedah was a very attractive proposition.
This initiative has the potential to provide economic, environmental and public health outcomes, so it is a direction we should pursue vigorously,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
Experts Confirm: Tamworth Among The Top 100 Towns In Australia
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper said Australian Traveller Magazine has officially confirmed something locals have known for years: Tamworth is among the top 100 towns in Australia. Mr Draper said the top selling magazine’s March 25 edition has identified the nation’s top towns as determined by a specially commissioned panel of travel and tourism experts.
“Tamworth was named the 57th top town in Australia by the experts, who looked at towns they would recommend to a friend,” Mr Draper said.
“It is no surprise to me. Tamworth is best known for its annual Country Music festival in January, and the new Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre will attract even more visitors, giving Tamworth an even stronger claim to being Australia’s Equine Capital.”
“It is also home to excellent museums and Tamworth Regional Gallery, plus buildings dating back to the 1800’s and has enviable accommodation and conference facilities.”
“Tamworth is also blessed with attractions such as the Fossickers Way through Manilla to Barraba, The Hills of Gold around Nundle, the Rail Journeys Museum and Australian Railway Monument at Werris Creek and Australia’s Koala Capital Gunnedah, all being within an easy day return drive,” he said.
“To be recognised in the premier holiday publication Australian Traveller is a real coup for this area, and will help raise our profile as a desirable destination for travellers and holiday makers.”
Mr Draper said Minister for Tourism Jodi McKay had congratulated him this morning at Parliament House on Tamworth’s listing, pointing out that NSW had 29 towns featured in the magazine’s top 100 list, with Victoria and Queensland tying for second place with 16 towns each.
“The results confirm Regional NSW has the most outstanding range of holiday experiences in Australia,” Ms McKay told Mr Draper.
“Tourism plays a vital role in Tamworth and surrounding areas, and also in regional NSW generally.”
“Almost half of the State’s 158,000 industry jobs are based in regional NSW. Last financial year Regional NSW earned $8.3 billion from domestic and international tourism expenditure,” she said.
The Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Towns in Australia list appear in the magazine’s March 25 edition and is also available at www.australiantraveller.com
Mr Draper commended the efforts of Tourism Tamworth in promoting the region and also commended the long-standing vision of farsighted people who had helped develop the many local attractions.
“The Tamworth region is doing extremely well, and I expect that success to increase in coming years,” Mr Draper concluded.
If you’re telling friends around Australia or the world about what Tamworth has to offer point them to Tourism Tamworth (02) 6767 5300 or www.visittamworth.com
For more information on tourism in Country NSW go to www.visitnsw.com
Mr Khan Should Stop Wasting Resources In Attempt To Become Relevant To Political Process
(25-03-09)
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today urged National Party MLC Trevor Khan to stop wasting taxpayers resources on frivolous investigations, and start developing policies that could benefit the local area should the Coalition win office in 2011.
Mr Draper said that Mr Khan was again trying to turn good news into bad by criticising the funding in a negative media statement about the Gunnedah communities endeavours to obtain money for a new hall, instead of congratulating the school and the community on its success in securing the commitment.
“Instead of wasting time and effort on this sort of activity which will have absolutely no impact on the final outcome of the project, Mr Khan could have rung me and I would have happily advised him that the campaign had been a success,” Mr Draper said.
“I actually sat opposite Mr Khan and his Leader during the flight to Sydney on Monday, but neither of them mentioned the project.”
“In fact they never attempt to work positively with me on achieving anything for the electorate, preferring to continually paint pictures of doom and gloom without revealing any policies to address issues of concern to the community,” he continued.
“When I was advised that the NSW Government would fund the hall recently, I immediately contacted Gunnedah High School and conveyed the good news to the Principal,” he said.
Mr Draper pointed out that he had been asked by the Ministers office not to make any public comments on the Government’s decision to provide funding for a hall until the Minister had announced her approval of the construction.
“It appears that Mr Khan is now trying to gazump the Ministers announcement in a rather transparent attempt to claim credit for a project that he has had nothing to do with,” Mr Draper said.
“All Mr Khan is doing is publicly demonstrating his irrelevance, while highlighting ‘how far out of the loop’ he and his colleagues are, in the process of achieving outcomes for the people of NSW.”
“Sadly, he is yet again attempting to turn a very positive result, achieved through overwhelming public support in Gunnedah, into a negative.”
“I would suggest Mr Khan needs to adapt to the reality of being a Member of Parliament, and realise his job is to develop and debate policy, not to waste the Parliaments time and resources on unnecessary investigations that he used to undertake when practicing as a lawyer,” he said.
“Mr Khan received just 33 primary votes from residents in the electorate of Tamworth in the 2007 NSW election. That followed his unsuccessful Federal campaign for New England in 2004, when he took the National Party vote from 39% to an all time low of 19%, yet he was parachuted into Parliament by the National Party,” Mr Draper said.
“Instead of continually carping, criticising and campaigning for his masters, Mr Khan should actually start representing the community by developing policies and nailing down commitments that would benefit local residents should the Coalition succeed in winning the Treasury benches in 2011,” he said.
“I call on Trevor Khan to publicly release a list of Coalition promises for the electorate of Tamworth instead of continually denigrating any good outcomes the community achieves,” he concluded
Local State MP has great night at St Michael's Manilla"Infants" Debutante Ball
Photo (left): The cake is cut by Grace Barnes, Alex MacDonald, Father Bernie Melville (Parish Priest St Michael’s), Mrs Sarah Jane Hoy (Teacher of Honour) & Peter Draper MP.
Photo (right): Debutantes and their partners with Mrs Sarah Jane Hoy (Teacher of Honour) & Peter Draper MP – Keira Good, Hamish Sparke, Grace Purtle, James Gallagher, Eliza Jones ,Christopher Macpherson, Ashley Cornthwaite, Codie Murison, Grace Spires, Cameron Simon, Millie Sutherland , Thomas Macpherson, Grace Barnes , Alex MacDonald, Samantha Deep ,Deegan Geddes, Paquita Glanville , Thomas Ferguson, Paige Adams , Seth Brand, Heath Heron , Chelsea Todd, Joseph Thompson, Rosie Ferguson, Murlie Ison, Joshua Turner , Maddison Simon , Michael Purtle, Isabelle Dankers , Calvin Farmilo, Sarah Atkins, Jacob Barnes, Jada-Lee Sing , Declan Attenborough, Arora Attenborough & Angus Capel
"I had a wonderful night," Mr Draper said. "The children danced beautifully, looked fantastic, and were an inspiration to everybody in attendance. I congratulate the students, their teachers, parents and everybody associated with St Michaels for organizing such a successful event."
Parliament Told Introduction Of Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Nothing Short Of A Public Relations Disaster
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
“The establishment of the new Livestock Health and Pest Authorities in New South Wales under the Rural Lands Protection Amendment Bill 2008, which reduced the number of rural protection land boards from 47 to 14, can be described as nothing short of a public relations disaster,” Independent State Member for the Electorate of Tamworth, Peter Draper, told the NSW State Parliament in a blistering attack on the process.
“Sadly, it seems clear that the Government will not back away from these ill-advised changes to what was formerly a very well run RLPB system in the Tamworth district. We had good management, excellent people with very strong local knowledge and it was a financially sound organization. I think that the anger coming from local farming communities is both understandable and fully justified,” Mr Draper said.
“Every country representative, Labor, Liberal, National or Independent, would be well aware of the anger generated by the changes to the board system. My office is receiving daily complaints regarding rate increases of up to 100 per cent,” he said.
Mr Draper said he felt extremely sorry for the staff in Livestock Health and Pest Authority offices, as they have to wear the anger engendered by these changes.
“During the alleged consultation period, my office received over 1,100 letters objecting to the forced Rural Lands Protection Amendment Bill 2008 amalgamations and many other country MPs were similarly inundated,” he said.
Mr Draper used several examples of correspondence he has received on the issue to highlight the anger landholders expressed on the issue.
Mr Draper said one landholder had summed up the feeling saying, “I am sure that if I, as a local business operator, increased my prices, by 94% in one year, I would be laughed out of town, and would soon be out of business. A change of name from Rural Lands Protection Board, to the Livestock Health and Pest Authorities, and a glossy brochure that was enclosed with the rate notice, certainly don't justify a 94% increase in fees, for one year”.
He said one of the saddest stories was from a 70-year-old aged pensioner, whose husband is in hospital, leaving her to live on her own on her 40-hectare hobby farm. Her rates were $66.75 last year and this year she is being charged $137.45.
“She is not happy that the Government continually changes things to save money, to allegedly make things more efficient, and said that most changes have a negative affect on her ability to continue living on her property. She has been trying to sell because she is now on her own, but it is not the right climate at present and she is truly struggling to make ends meet,” Mr Draper said.
He also highlighted anomalies, with landowners right across the State being charged for the reintroduction of a pest insect levy, when in northern parts of the State ticks are the issue, not locusts.
“These farmers have to pay a locust levy when they do not get locusts, but are left to deal with ticks without a similar level of coordinated support,” he said.
“This has been a textbook lesson in how not to introduce a new system, which from the word go was a widely unpopular move,” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper Welcomes Nationals Choice of Tamworth for 2010 State Conference
Monday, March 23, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed an announcement by NSW National Party leader, Andrew Stoner, that the party will hold its 2010 State Conference in Tamworth.
“This is good news for the local economy, and good news for the political process in NSW,” Mr Draper said.
“I strongly criticised the NSW Nationals for being completely out of touch with country peoples expectations by not only having their headquarters in Sydney, but also for holding their 2008 State Conference at the Kirribilli Club, in Sydney’s harbour side suburb of Lavender Bay.”
“As the 2011 State election draws closer, the National Party are returning to regional centres, and it is very interesting to see they have chosen Wagga Wagga, held by Liberal MP Daryl Maguire, for their 2009 Conference, and Tamworth, a seat held by an Independent for the 2010 event,” he said.
“Both Wagga Wagga and Tamworth are amongst the more successful regional areas in NSW, with strong investment and development by both the private sector and Government. The Nationals could learn much about the aspirations of regional communities from both areas, lessons they should apply to many of the seats they currently hold which are crying out for investment,” he continued.
“The Nationals constantly claim that Independents ‘cannot achieve’ and that only a party can represent the interests of rural and regional areas, however these allegations are proven to be without substance when there is consistent ongoing investment in areas like Wagga Wagga and Tamworth.”
“Seats like Wagga Wagga and Tamworth are in fact very firmly on the political radar, with the Nationals holding their 2007 Conference in Gunnedah, their 2009 Conference in Wagga Wagga, and they have just announced that the 2010 Conference will be held in Tamworth,” he said.
“Recently this district has seen a steady stream of State Government Ministers visiting and announcing some very important initiatives, with tens of millions of dollars flowing into our regional economy through infrastructure investment across Local Government, Education and now the housing industry,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that rural and regional communities would watch closely to see if the National Party rekindled their waning interest in country areas, and pulled back from their recent strategy to contest Sydney seats at the 2011 State election. He urged the Party to re-engage with country communities and promote policies that would assist in regional development and investment to create country jobs.
“The Nationals need to drop their habit of continual negativity, and develop policies that will address issues of importance to the country communities they take for granted and create jobs and investment in the bush.”
“I am sure Tamworth will provide a wonderful venue for the National Party to hold their 2010 Conference, and I welcome the investment in our local economy. I hope their gathering will finally deliver some substance and direction rather the constant negativity on display from their local representatives and leadership team,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
More Opportunities To Participate In Stimulus Initiatives While Supporting Local Industry and Employment
Monday, March 23, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, is calling on the local construction/housing industry and Local Government to take part in a state wide $3 billion investment to build 9,000 additional social housing homes, which is estimated to deliver an extra 37,000 jobs and apprenticeship over the next two years.
“This programme offers opportunities for industry, local developers and builders to increase employment while increasing local housing infrastructure and improving the availability of public housing,” Mr Draper said.
“The Government has a goal to have 75% of those properties ready for tenants to move in by December 2010, and they have committed to cutting red tape and fast tracking approvals.”
“They are also looking for new and creative ways of partnering with the private sector to meet these goals,” he said.
Mr Draper said the NSW Government was looking to buy land with potential for residential development, land with a development application, land with a building contract, projects that are under construction or completed developments which are appropriate for social housing.
“The Government are interested in small to medium size developments, ideally six to twenty properties, but will consider larger complexes of up to fifty properties,” he said.
Mr Draper said in addition, $490.4 million was being invested over the next two years, in social housing repairs and maintenance across the state, involving some 1,300 jobs over that period.
“There is a lot of potential across the district for this initiative to have very positive impacts, so I encourage businesses and individuals to look at ways of ensuring the local area gains maximum benefit,” he said.
“I invite all interested parties to contact my office for further details on the scheme, plus how to register their interest.”
“Industry briefing sessions will be held around NSW during the next few weeks, and I am interested in hearing from locals who would like to participate,” Mr Draper continued.
Mr Draper expressed disappointment that the State National Party was in the region again talking doom and gloom, rather than being aware of and promoting the many local positives that underpin confidence in the districts economy.
“Both ABC Radio and 2TM have had many positive stories on their local programmes, Prime and NBN local news likewise have had many positive stories, while The Northern Daily Leader has run headlines like ‘Buckets of Money’ and ‘Tamworth says Jobs r Us’, and Tamworth City News has had many positive articles ” he said.
“Sadly, the Nationals come into town and almost morbidly use the tragic loss of jobs in Nundle to talk down local prospects across the entire district.”
“Like the local media, I believe this area must capitalize on local strengths and utilize the many stimulus initiatives on offer to provide certainty for industry, additional employment opportunities and positive social outcomes.”
“There is an old saying, “for every dark cloud there’s a silver lining,” and I suggest that a positive community outlook built on local investment opportunities is the best way to weather this storm,” Mr Draper concluded
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Close Co-Operation Needed To Ensure Stimulus Package Benefits Local Workers
Friday, March 20, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, believes Federal, State and Local Government should quickly co-ordinate their resources to assist good workers who lose their jobs as a result of the world economic crisis to relocate into the many projects that will flow from Stimulus Package initiatives.
Mr Draper is concerned that the multitude of projects announced within a Government defined timeframe could place significant strains on local manpower resources.
“Under the stimulus package Tamworth Regional Council will construct $1,295,000 worth of projects, Gunnedah $422,000, and Liverpool Plains $343,000, with other councils across the New England receiving $2.25 million to invest in local projects,” Mr Draper said.
“In addition there is a big investment in education with the Bullimbal SSP $8.2 million complex to commence in weeks, over $600,000 in works at Tamworth High, a $1.5 million trades complex at Quirindi High and projects about to roll at all schools in the region,” he continued.
“At the same time, local property development is still strong, while a number of industries are undertaking expansion of facilities that also requires manpower,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was essential that the three levels of Government, job agencies and other support programmes assist valuable workers who are victims in one area of employment, through training and placement as quickly as possible to fill other roles.
He said the workers at the Nundle sawmill are perfect examples of a motivated team who work well as a unit.
Mr Draper said the mill’s Managing Director Curly Tatnell had summed the situation up succinctly when he said: “From the companies point of view it was certainly disappointing to have to give the guys down there notice. They were a great crew of people and I can certainly recommend them if people out there are looking for employees who will give all and work well as a team. They are a great crew …. Have a look at them, they are good people.”
“These are the type of motivated people who should receive every assistance to find jobs through the stimulus initiatives, and their talent and drive should not be wasted,” Mr Draper said.
“Tamworth has a remarkable network between agencies, that if mobilized can assist people like the Nundle mill workers through a difficult situation, and direct them into jobs that the stimulus initiative should create.”
“Hopefully, this may assist workers, their families and local industry weather the world economic crisis, and leave this district well placed to fire up the local economy again once better times return,” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper Welcomes Investment In Crime Prevention Strategies
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Independent State Member, Peter Draper, today welcomed announcements by NSW Attorney General, John Hatzistergos, of initiatives designed to tackle crime issues in the Electorate of Tamworth.
“I have been working towards these goals, through consultation with local organizations and the relevant Ministers, so I am very pleased with these developments,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper welcomed the announcement by Mr Hatzistergos that Tamworth Regional Council had been awarded a $50,000 crime prevention grant for its Coledale Cares project.
“Preliminary results from my recently circulated questionnaire on law and order issues identifies crime prevention initiatives as a major area of concern to local residents.”
“Investment to improve lighting and more thoughtful landscaping can remove hiding places for offenders, and are sensible initiatives that can deliver significant potential benefits for local residents,” he said.
Mr Draper congratulated the Coledale Action Team (CAT) for their work in highlighting options to deal with areas of concern to local residents.
“It is very satisfying to see local residents and support organizations working closely to seek solutions at the grass roots level as CAT does,” he said.
Mr Draper also said that introducing the Court Referral of Eligible Defendants Into Treatment (CREDIT) scheme on a two-year trial at Tamworth Local Court was a move in the right direction.
“I have long advocated dealing with the root causes of crime, by addressing the social issues that are behind offending behaviour and nipping it in the bud,” he said.
“It has long been shown that unemployment and lack of work related skills contribute to crime, while alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions are also substantial factors.”
“Other social issues including homelessness and mental illness may also contribute to the crime statistics and it is timely that authorities took action to deal with these issues, rather than individuals ending up in the justice system,” he continued.
“The CREDIT programme will provide a tool to identify criminal defendants at high risk of re-offending and assist them into treatment programmes, plus link them to social services that can help people work through their problems and find a new direction in their lives.”
“Tamworth is the only location in regional NSW where CREDIT will be trialled, and I look forward to this initiative providing positive results that can then be expanded into other regions because these issues are not confined to our local area,” he said.
“Today’s announcements, along with ongoing liaison and co-operation between the Police and residents will improve our ability to deal with issues that are of genuine concern to the public,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos and State MP Peter Draper discuss the introduction of crime prevention strategies Coledale Cares and the CREDIT programme designed to address social issues that are behind offending behaviour and "nipping it in the bud".
Draper Meets With Independent Retirees
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Independent State Member for the Electorate of Tamworth, Peter Draper, has met with representatives of the Association of Independent Retirees (AIR), to discuss the increasingly difficult situation independent retirees are facing as a result of the world economic crisis.
Mr Draper has been spearheading a campaign through the State Parliament to address their concerns during the framing of the 2009/10 State Budget, and also to assist Independent Retirees who have seen their income stream decline as a result of world events back into the workforce.
Photo (from left): Doug Campbell (Past President Tamworth Branch AIR), Theresa Kot (AIR National President), Peter Draper MP, Wal Cameron (Tamworth AIR Publicity Officer) and Lang Martin (Tamworth AIR Branch President).
Indigenous Police Recruitment Out West Delivery, (IPROWD), Offers Great Opportunities For Local Indigenous People
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Local State Member Peter Draper has welcomed an announcement that Tamworth TAFE will host a six-month bridging course to give indigenous people the skills and knowledge needed to apply for a place at the NSW Police College in Goulburn. The Indigenous Police Recruitment Out West Delivery Programme (IPROWD) is looking for local aboriginal people who are interested in pursuing a career in policing.
“Graduates of the programme will be awarded a Certificate III in Vocational and Study Pathways, and this will enable local Aboriginal people to obtain a satisfying career in policing,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the programme would allow people with a limited educational background to build their abilities in language, literacy, writing and communication skills, computer skills, workplace roles and responsibilities, conflict resolution, business technology plus numeracy skills that would be needed should they wish to become officers in the NSW Police Service.
“It has long been realized that the Aboriginal community was under represented in the NSW Police force, and that major benefits can accrue to the wider community by encouraging more Indigenous recruits into policing,” he said.
“Importantly, Aboriginal Police Officers provide great role models within their own communities,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that last year a pilot IPROWD course at Dubbo TAFE had seen all 13 students graduate with their Certificate III, with most progressing to the Goulburn Police Academy.
“I encourage local aboriginal people to take this opportunity, as it provides a pathway to a rewarding career for many people who may not initially have the necessary qualifications,” he said.
Mr Draper said that course applications close on Friday 27th March.
“Interested people can gain more information by contacting Janelle Armstrong at Tamworth TAFE (6768 2290) or Inspector Phil O’Reilly at Tamworth Police (6768 2900),” he said.
“I commend this initiative and hope that many local Indigenous people will take up this opportunity to learn skills that will help them become Police officers,” Mr Draper concluded.
$8.1 Million to Construct New Bullimbal School For Specific Purposes
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper, today announced that Richard Crookes Constructions Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to construct a new $8.1 million Bullimbal School in Tamworth. Mr Draper said the new state-of-the-art school would provide a specialised educational setting with intensive support for students with special needs from Kindergarten to Year 12.
“Construction of the new school in Degance Street will take place this year, and will be ready to provide exceptional learning opportunities for students with disabilities commencing Term One, 2010,” he said.
The new Bullimbal School will include:
- Classroom block of eight rooms with specialised facilities for students with disabilities;
- Administration area/staff rooms;
- Library;
- Communal space;
- Covered outdoor learning and play area;
- Assembly court;
- Hydrotherapy pool;
- Bike track;
- Student and staff toilets;
- Car park and covered entrance; and
- Landscaping.
“The Department originally planned to build six classrooms, with the possibility of later adding two further classes at a future date, however, I am delighted that the tender process has allowed for the construction of the additional rooms immediately,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said special schools are designed for students with intellectual, physical and multiple disabilities, and vision and hearing impairment.
“Bullimbal has a very long and proud history of service to Tamworth families, and students with disabilities will benefit enormously from this exciting project,” he said.
“The project has particular significance for me as my grandmother, Mary Riley, was the first principal of the school back in the 1950s when it was first established, and was known as the Tamworth Handicapped Children's School. She remained in that role for some 27 years, and still is a passionate advocate for giving people with disabilities the best opportunities,” he said.
“Bullimbal staff develop individualised learning programmes for each student at the school, and they are implemented and monitored with parents and health professionals.”
“This project will also be a terrific boost to the local economy, creating jobs when construction begins,” he said.
Mr Draper said there were currently significant opportunities for local schools to upgrade their facilities by using both State and Federal Government funds.
“The NSW Government is midway through a $2 billion programme of upgrades to NSW schools, and the Federal Government is currently providing a further $5 billion for school infrastructure through its economic stimulus plan,” he said.
“I will continue to work with the NSW Education Minister Verity Firth to make sure that schools in all local communities get their full share of this funding,” Mr Draper concluded.
The Bullimbal School project is jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments under the Capital Grants Program.
Photo: Mal Donald (Bullimbal Principal), Ruythe Dufty (DET Director of Schools NE Region-South) and Fiona Hemmings (Bullimbal School Council Representative) joined Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper at the announcement of construction details for the new $8.1 million Bullimbal School For Specific Purposes.
Interested Parties Encouraged To Apply For 2009 NRMA Community Grants Programme Funding
Monday, March 16, 2009
State MP, Peter Draper, is encouraging local organizations to apply for funding through the 2009 NRMA Insurance Community Grants Programme, with applications open until Tuesday 31st March 2009.
“These grants offer between $500 and $5,000 to groups undertaking projects in areas of crime prevention, road safety, emergency readiness and response plus climate change,” Mr Draper said.
“In the area of crime support the programme offers grants for initiatives that increases safety and security in local communities by reducing the opportunity for crime,” he said.
Mr Draper said that other initiatives that will be considered include those that change attitudes and practices of people with regard to the protection of property, people and workplaces. For example, early intervention programmes that target at-risk youth, or educational initiatives aimed at increasing safety and reducing vulnerability to crime.
He said that in the area of road safety, programmes that seek to change behaviour on the road and reduce the likelihood and severity of road accidents could gain funding, with preferred initiatives aiming to create a positive safety impact that will most likely lead to behavioural changes.
In the area of emergency readiness and response, funding is vailable for programmes that focus on creating awareness about the importance of preparation and response in relation to minimising the likelihood or severity of incidences in and around the home.
Under the heading of climate change, grants are available for initiatives that raise awareness and/or promote actions to combat climate change.
Mr Draper said that in 2008 Tamworth Regional Council had receieved a grant for its Crash Avoidance Space programme to highlight the high incidence of rear end crashes in the region, and also in the environment category for its Tree Bank initiative used to identify deficiencies and risks relating to the road and surrounding road environment.
“I know that many organizations have concerns across all of these areas, so funding such as this provides an opportunity to actually research areas of concern and find solutions,” he said.
“I encourage other organizations to join Tamworth Regional Council in seeking funding through the 2009 NRMA Community Grants Programme for initiatives that can benefit their local communities,” Mr Draper concluded.
Community groups interested in applying for a Community Grant should visit - www.nrma.com.au/grants or call the Community Grants team on 1300 306 496.
Werris Creek Pre School Funding
Friday, March 13, 2009
Local State Member, Peter Draper, is amazed that a simple question in Parliament regarding ongoing funding for Werris Creek and District Pre-School, turned into a political slanging match between the Government and Opposition to the point where The Sydney Morning Herald and ABC radio commented on the spat, without actually discussing the real issue, which was the long term support for high quality pre-school provision in the small country town of Werris Creek.
“I am sure that other MP’s would find that pre-schools in their electorates are similarly threatened with cuts to funding, so I am dismayed to see this important issue turned into a three ringed circus, with the focus shifting from the Pre-school’s ongoing needs to Shadow Minister Pru Goward’s blog as an agony aunt,” Mr Draper said.
During Question Time in Parliament Mr Draper asked Community Services Minister, Linda Burney:
Mr PETER DRAPER: My question is directed to the Minister for Community Services. Can the Minister advise the House whether concerns that Werris Creek Preschool will face a funding cut of $50,000 under the new model for community preschools are valid should it maintain current enrolments of 35, or a $10,000 cut should it increase in numbers to 50, when either situation will see it facing closure? (Hansard Transcript - Legislative Assembly, 12 March 2009 - Question Time.)
Mr Draper raised this question with Minister Burney after receiving concerns that Werris Creek and District Pre-School may be substantially disadvantaged under a new funding model the State Government has created through the Preschool Investment and Reform Programme.
He said that Werris Creek Pre-School estimated they could lose up to $50,000 in funding by 2012-13 based on their current enrolment of 35 children.
“Even if they could increase enrolments to 50, which would be virtually impossible in a small country community, the Pre-school estimates they could still lose up to $10,000,” he said.
Mr Draper also said that both Federal and State Governments have publicly recognised the need to provide a high quality pre-school education for all children, not just those whose parents can afford it.
“It is not only desirable that children have the benefit of time at pre-school, but in a community like Werris Creek the pre-school provides the best options for children during a very important period in their development,” he continued.
“I have invited the Minister to visit Werris Creek Pre-school and meet with the staff and parents to get a better understanding of the challenges facing operators of an essential service in a small country community, so I am hoping her schedule can accommodate such a visit,” Mr Draper said.
“I will continue to fight for equity for all of the local community based pre-schools,” he concluded.
Click here for Hansard.
How Can Central North Livestock Health & Pest Authority and the NSW Government Justify Huge Increase To Farmer’s Charges?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has called on the Central North Livestock Health & Pest Authority plus the State Government to explain huge increases in charges to landholders.
“My office is receiving complaints regarding a doubling of charges for former Rural Lands Protection Board ratepayers,” Mr Draper said.
“Despite large scale opposition from rural communities across the State, the RURAL LANDS PROTECTION AMENDMENT BILL 2008 reduced the number of new authorities from 47 to 14 through what was viewed as a flawed amalgamation process.”
“At the time, my office received some 1,100 letters objecting to the forced RLPB amalgamations,” he said.
Mr Draper said that when the Bill was introduced by the Member for Monaro and then Parliamentary Secretary Steve Whan, he said: “The reforms are designed to secure the future viability of the board system, and renew its purpose and relevance across the rural sector.”
Mr Draper said that Mr Whan attempted to justify the changes at the time saying: “It is no secret that some boards are struggling to remain financially viable in a time of growing demands for their services.”
“The Government justified the changes on the basis that amalgamations would streamline activities and make more money available for frontline services,” Mr Draper said.
“Now I have reports of massive increases in charges to landholders, and I think that farmers have a right to an explanation from the Central North Livestock Health & Pest Authority and the NSW Government as to why this is happening,” he said.
“One landholder rang me yesterday to advise that following the RLPB amalgamation and formation of the new Central North Livestock Health & Pest Authority, his rates have doubled from $350 per annum to $708 for this year.”
“Another reported an increase from $60 to $120, while yet another came into the office and said his rates had doubled as well,” he said.
“I think these reports fully justify the opposition from landholders last year to the legislation, as it appears that many NSW farmers are facing a 100% increase and they definitely deserve answers,” Mr Draper concluded.
Arrive Alive Helps Local Young People Get to Youth Week Event
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Independent MP Peter Draper, today said that local young people will benefit from an “Arrive Alive” grant, allowing Tamworth Regional Council to provide a shuttle service for 2009 Youth Week events.
Arrive Alive is the Motor Accidents Authority's youth road safety programme, promoting safe and responsible road safety habits among young people.
Mr Draper said the grant was part of $25,000 being made available by Arrive Alive to 39 councils across NSW to provide transport for local Youth Week events.
“Tamworth Regional Council are planning a skate and BMX competition at Tamworth Skate Park in the city, plus a Talent Showcase at the Capitol Theatre during Youth Week,” Mr Draper said.
“The shuttle service will allow local young people to participate in Youth Week by providing transport to and from the events from all parts of Tamworth including Coledale, Oxley Vale, Westdale and Calala,” he said.
Mr Draper said that organisers expect that around 250 young people will use the service. He pointed out that around 100 young people aged 17 to 25 years die on NSW roads every year, with a further 7,000 experiencing serious injuries.
"The grant from Arrive Alive to provide this shuttle service will ensure our young people can attend this year's Youth Week activities even if they don’t have a personal transport option,” he said.
Mr Draper also said that Youth Week is an ideal opportunity to showcase the talents and skills of young people in NSW.
“I have been advised that last year some 220,000 young people attended or participated in Youth Week activities across NSW - the highest rate of participation in the history of the event,” he said.
"I would encourage interested people to log on to the website where they can check out the range of Youth Week events taking place in their area," he concluded.
NSW Youth Week 2009 runs from the 28th of March until the 5th of April. For more information about Arrive alive and Youth Week 2009 activities, visit www.arrivealive.com.au or www.youthweek.nsw.gov.au.
Crime, Law & Order Survey Now Being Delivered To Tamworth Electorate Households – Residents Are Requested To Complete & Return
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A Crime, Law and Order Survey is currently being delivered to all households in the Electorate of Tamworth. The survey has been prepared and produced by Independent State Member, Peter Draper, to help him gauge community perspectives and expectations on this important issue
“I urge all residents to complete the questions within the survey, then follow the directions and return it to the Electorate office. Postage charges are already paid,” Mr Draper said.
“As I travel around the district, people often raise issues concerning crime, law and order with me,” Mr Draper said.
“These concerns are not confined to Tamworth and Gunnedah, indeed residents have raised concerns with me from all our towns and villages plus rural areas,” he said.
Mr Draper said crime had many different faces, and often has significant impacts on both individual residents and the wider community.
“The provision of law and justice is a costly process for the people of New South Wales, and as such it is important that the authorities understand what the community expects,’ he said.
“Often anecdotal evidence from community members fails to match information on the police database relating to incidents,” he continued.
Mr Draper said it was unfortunate that not all victims of crime report incidents to police, as crime levels were then under-represented in the statistical data compiled by Police regarding incidents in the community.
“This results in an incomplete picture of total crime, victims and offenders, however the allocation of police resources and the number of police stationed within the local Command is based on this statistical data. Understanding why individuals or victims do not report crimes to police can assist me to develop policies and strategies that may improve reporting rates in the future,” he said.
Mr Draper said the questionnaire was designed to not only provide information pertinent to each community but also to show how this data fits into the bigger picture.
“It is in all our interests to have safe communities to live in and to raise our families. As such, we all have a role to play in ensuring our dedicated police have the support of their communities in preventing crime across the entire district.”
“I would urge all residents from the Electorate of Tamworth to assist in this process by filling in the questionnaire and returning it to my office,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here to download copy of the survey (if required).
Input Sought During Inquiry Into Heavy Vehicle Safety
Saturday, March 11, 2009
State MP, Peter Draper, is encouraging interested parties to provide input to the NSW Parliament’s Inquiry Into Heavy Vehicle Safety.
The inquiry is being undertaken by the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety (Staysafe), with submissions due to close on Friday 27 March 2009.
“This inquiry is reviewing the outcomes from programmes such as Driver Fatigue Management Plans and Safe Driving Plans, which have been introduced since 2006 to address fatigue and safety concerns in the NSW trucking industry,” Mr Draper said.
“It is important to assess the effectiveness of these changes in reducing the number of heavy vehicles represented in the NSW road toll,” Mr Draper said.
“There are a large number of companies across the local district involved in the road transport industry that are significant contributors to the local economy by employing many staff, plus there are large numbers of heavy transport movements on the regions roads,” he said.
“I encourage every organization and individual with an involvement or direct interest in this area of traffic and road safety to have input into this inquiry,” he said.
Mr Draper said statistics show that heavy vehicles account for 21% of fatal crashes on NSW roads compared to 14% nationally.
“With all but coal haulage seemingly discouraged or unable to access rail transport, and with a question mark hanging over the capacity and future of rail to deal with bumper grain harvests, it appears that there will be an ever increasing numbers of trucks on the road in years to come,” he said.
“While ensuring the safety of all road users is of paramount importance, if the road network is to cope with increasing traffic volumes, a significant funding investment will be needed to provide much needed upgrades.”
“Of great concern, is that a lack of funding will mean many critical improvements will lag well behind the time frames in which they are needed to meet demand,” he said.
“Obviously it is important to carefully manage safety on all roads within budgetary restrictions, so this inquiry provides local people with an opportunity to comment on the appropriateness of existing strategies,” he continued.
Further information is available from the Committee’s website www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/staysafe or by contacting the Chair, Geoff Corrigan MP on 4655 3333.
All written submissions should be forwarded to – The Committee Manager, Staysafe Committee, Parliament House, Macquarie Street, Sydney, 2000. Submissions can also be submitted electronically to staysafe@parliament.nsw.gov.au
“This is an important issue that impacts all country people, and I am sure there is much valuable input they can provide,” Mr Draper concluded.
Government Decision To Forgive Heritage Loans is Great News For the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium Of Music
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today welcomed the NSW Government’s decision to convert all outstanding heritage loans into non-repayable grants.
Mr Draper said that since the inception of the Heritage Act in 1977, a range of grants, loans and refundable grants had been offered to the owners and managers of heritage properties to assist with heritage projects.
“I am delighted with this initiative, as it will see Tamworth Regional Conservatorium benefit,” Mr Draper said.
“For some time now, I have been pointing out to the Government that a combination of years of drought and more recently the world economic crisis have combined to disadvantage rural communities, impacting on the financial position of valuable organizations like the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium.”
“The forgiving of loans will not only help secure their important heritage building for generations to come, it will also ease the pressure heritage property owners and managers, such as the Tamworth Conservatorium, have been facing,” he said.
Mr Draper said Minister for Planning, Kristina Keneally, had told him the majority of the properties for which loans have been forgiven were located in regional and rural NSW, and scrapping these loans would help ease the financial pressure their owners face.
Mr Draper added that he had been advised that in future, all funding provided through the NSW Heritage Grants Programme, as an incentive for the better management and ongoing conservation of heritage properties protected under the Heritage Act, 1977, would be offered as non-repayable grants.
“These grants will be funded through the NSW Heritage Grants program for 2009-2011 to the sum of more than $5.3 million,” Mr Draper said.
“The Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music building is certainly one of the city’s finest heritage structures, however, these old buildings are costly to maintain and it is important the Conservatorium can spend its limited budget on musical opportunities for students rather than repairs,” he said.
“As such I congratulate the Government for this announcement that not only has great benefit for the Tamworth Regional Conservatorium of Music, but it will also benefit other owners of heritage buildings in the years to come,” Mr Draper concluded.
Joblink support
Monday, March 9, 2009
Joblink Plus CEO, Chris Sheppeard, and Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, are pictured inspecting the new shirts that will be worn by Mr Draper's Tamworth XI when they take on Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay's XI, at Varley Oval, Inverell, this Friday,13th March, from 6pm.
The 20/20 Cricket match will raise funds for the McGrath Foundation.
The match was originally scheduled in February but was postponed due to inclement weather.
“Both Richard and I are looking forward to a very competitive game, so I hope the community will support this good cause and come to Varley Oval to cheer for the teams. The event will raise funds to assist the wonderful work of the McGrath Foundation in providing breast care nurses throughout the state,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper thanked Mr Sheppeard and Joblink Plus for their support of the game.
The match will feature talented representative cricketers, with Mr Torbay’s Northern Tablelands XI players being selected from Glen Innes, Armidale and Inverell.
Mr Draper’s Tamworth team, captained by Don Lewington, will include players from the strong Tamworth representative team, which recently won the inaugural Northern Inland Cup 20/20 competition held in Gunnedah, and are the current NSW Country Cup holders.
Skinner’s Political Hysteria Dismissed by Draper
Monday, March 9, 2009
Independent MP for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has dismissed the latest political rant by the Coalition’s current spokesperson for Health, Jillian Skinner, as nonsensical and hysterical. Mrs Skinner attacked Mr Draper in a media release after he opposed her Paediatric Patient Oversight Bill 2008.
Mr Draper said that he had been asked by highly qualified local health professionals to oppose the Bill because of the impracticality of providing paediatric supervision for all children admitted to country hospitals. He also said that, unlike Mrs Skinner, he had the utmost respect for local health professionals who staffed the Tamworth Emergency Department, and he had full confidence in their ability to treat all patients presenting at Emergency, no matter what their age.
“Mrs Skinner has a long-standing habit of wrongly denigrating the staff in our Emergency Department for allegedly failing to meet performance benchmarks, yet once again the latest Auditor General’s report into health service delivery shows they consistently met or exceeded all 5 criteria while bettering the Health Departments benchmark for emergency admissions,” Mr Draper said.
“It would have been easy for me to vote in support of this flawed legislation in order to avoid the hysterical media releases I have become accustomed to Mrs Skinner producing, however instead of being defeated by 46 votes to 38, her Bill would have still been defeated by 45 votes to 39,” he said.
“Instead of issuing emotive press releases, perhaps Mrs Skinner should have considered talking to country members of the medical profession prior to drafting her flawed legislation,” he suggested.
Mr Draper called on Mrs Skinner to detail any plans the Opposition had for health investment across the electorate of Tamworth, saying that he would be the first to welcome any positive initiatives in health service provision from the Coalition.
“With the current Government completely on the nose with NSW residents, Mrs Skinner has an opportunity to contribute something positive to country health provision if she has the will,” he said.
“I make no apology for representing the views of local health professionals in the NSW Parliament, and I would urge Mrs Skinner to talk to her community too. People are sick and tired of factional desires being put ahead of community interests, so I will continue to take the people’s voice to Macquarie Street, unlike all the major parties which seem completely out of touch with community expectations,” he concluded.
“Max Kelly Grandstand” – Tribute To a Real Achiever and Great Addition To Barraba’s Infrastructure
Monday, March 9, 2009
Independent State MP, Peter Draper, was pleased to officially open the new Max Kelly Grandstand at the Barraba Showground on Sunday.
The official opening of the new facility was held as part of the annual Barraba Show.
Barraba Showground Management Committee, Barraba Jockey Club, Barraba Pony Club and Tamworth Regional Council combined to fund the project.
“This is a great new piece of infrastructure and I congratulate the Barraba Showground Management Committee for driving this project to completion,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the new grandstand had been named in honour of Max Kelly for his many years of sterling service to the Barraba Showground Committee.
“Max Kelly has been a ‘doer’ for Barraba for sixty years,” Mr Draper said.
“He’s been a member of the Barraba Show since the 1950s, and has served as Show Secretary, and also as Vice President.”
“Max has also served on the Barraba Showground Management Committee for fifteen years, including undertaking the role of Treasurer until this year,” he said.
“Additionally, Max has been the commentator at most shows, on top of the maintenance work that he performs at the Barraba Showground year round.”
“On top of that Max has also been a long serving member of the Barraba Jockey Club,” he continued.
Mr Draper said the new grandstand had been Max’s dream and vision for many years.
“The naming of the new stand as the ‘Max Kelly Grandstand’ is a well deserved tribute to the lifetime of work that Max has put into the Barraba Showground, the annual show and the wider community,” he said.
“Max is an inspiration to others in the Barraba community and I congratulate him on this well deserved honour,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: Bill Croll (President Barraba Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Association Inc), Max Kelly, Peter Draper MP and Chris Forbes (President Barraba Showground Management Committee) at the official opening of the new Max Kelly Stand.
A Big Win for NIAS
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is pictured here with young athletes Julia Boland and James Riddell, Kevin Greene (NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation), Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, at the function where the Minister announced that $500,000 of funding had been restored to the States 10 Regional Sport Academies.
Both Mr Draper and Mr Torbay strongly lobbied the Government, on behalf of the Northern Inland Academy of Sport, to maintain funding levels.
At the same time the Minister announced an additional grant of $25,000 to support the Academy Games, being held in Armidale next month.
"This announcement will allow NIAS to continue to provide the quality sporting programmes they run to take the region's budding sport's talent to the next level of excellence and is warmly welcomed," Mr Draper said.
Woman of the Year presentation
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Electorate of Tamworth's Woman of the Year, Anne Jacob, and Local MP, Peter Draper, attended the State Presentation hosted by Premier Nathan Rees at a dinner at Parliament House.
“Anne Jacob is an inspiration to our community, and highly deserving of this award," Mr Draper said.
"Residents of the New England/North West region will be forever grateful to Anne for her vision and leadership with the Fundraising Committee North West Cancer Care Unit Redevelopment Project which raised $480,000 to redevelop the Oncology unit at Tamworth Hospital. Besides this project, Anne has been involved in many programmes that greatly benefit the community.
"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," Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper also congratulated Sydney mum, Cheryl Koenig, for being announced as NSW Woman of the Year for her contributions to raising awareness of brain injury in this state.
The function in Sydney was held to mark International Women's Day which, since 1913, is celebrated around the world on March 8.
Condolence Pages Handover
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Local MP, Peter Draper, has handed Speaker and Member for Northern Tablelands, Richard Torbay, pages signed by residents from around the electorate of Tamworth for inclusion in the State Parliament's Condolence Book for victims of the Victorian Bushfires.
"A large number of local people took advantage of pages available in Gunnedah, Barraba, Manilla, Nundle, Bendemeer, Kootingal and Tamworth to mark their respects to the victims of this national tragedy," Mr Draper said.
The Condolence Book will be presented to the Victorian Parliament on behalf of the people of NSW.
Crime, Law and Justice Issues Are Much More Than Simply Police Numbers
Thursday, March 5, 2009
“Meeting the community’s expectations to reduce crime while upholding law and order is a lot more complicated than simply increasing police numbers,” according to Independent MP, Peter Draper.
“Police numbers are determined using statistical evidence of crime levels within budgetary constraints, but decision makers must also consider economic and social issues, community attitudes and funding of necessary support services,” he said.
Mr Draper said that every year sees the Opposition raise questions about Police numbers and call for increased numbers, while in the run up to an election both sides undertake a bidding war on who will provide the most Police officers.
“This simple approach certainly attracts headlines, but fails to answer where the extra funds will come from or which programmes would need to be cut to fund the increased numbers without addressing the need to address social issues that can lead to crime,” he said.
“Significant police resources are tied up dealing with domestic violence issues and in many cases they involve the same offenders on a regular basis, while small numbers of people continually abuse alcohol, requiring police to deal with violent consequences and diverting them from other duties.”
“Police are also too often required to deal with mental health issues and other matters that should be the domain of other agencies.”
“Available funding is finite, so it is critical to determine the appropriate mix so police are supported by programmes that deal with the economic and social issues leading to crime, and a justice system that addresses community expectations,” he continued.
Mr Draper said that following discussions with local organizations and individuals interested in the issues of crime, law and justice, he had prepared a questionnaire to pinpoint areas of concern and provide him with information to use in identifying the most effective use of resources. He said that the questionnaire should start to arrive at all households throughout the electorate towards the end of next week, and the information would be collated and presented to the Police Minister, Attorney General, Minister for Community Services and Justice Minister.
“This questionnaire provides an opportunity for individuals to tell me how they view crime, law and justice provision plus identify areas of local concern in these areas, so I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to fill it out and assist to develop a comprehensive picture of the situation,” he said.
He said the information would be invaluable to the new Tamworth and Gunnedah Community Safety Precinct Committees, to be chaired by the Local Area Commander or Duty Officer.
“This initiative is an opportunity for the NSW Police Force and Government agencies to consult the community and other key stakeholders on crime prevention and community safety issues at a local level,” Mr Draper said.
“The Community Safety Precinct Committees are being formed to ensure the Local Area Commander is communicating with the local community, while encouraging community partnerships to reduce crime and develop local solutions with local stakeholders.”
“The Precinct Committees will endeavour to improve public safety, improve understanding of the relationship between policing and crime reduction, and ensure the Commander considers community views on police visibility, police deployment and crime hotspots when determining police tasking and deployment,” he said.
Mr Draper said it was proposed to have the first meetings in Tamworth in April, then in Gunnedah during June.
“I look forward to being able to present the information and statistics gained from my questionnaire to these forums,” he said.
“Crime has many different faces, often with substantial impacts on both individuals and the broader community. The provision of law and justice is a costly process for the people of New South Wales, so it is important that authorities understand what the community expects.”
“Often anecdotal evidence from community members fails to match information on the police database relating to incidents, and having spoken to other Members of the NSW Parliament I am aware that other communities right across the state share this problem,” he continued.
“Unfortunately, not all victims of crime report incidents to police, resulting in crime levels being under-reported in the community. This delivers an incomplete picture of total crime, victims and offenders, however the allocation of police resources and the number of police stationed on the local Command is based on this statistical data. Understanding why individuals or victims do not report crimes to police can assist to develop policies and strategies that may improve reporting rates in the future,” he said.
“It is in all our interests to have safe communities to live in and to raise our families. As such, we all have a role to play in ensuring our dedicated police have the full support of local communities in preventing crime across the board.”
“I look forward to people from all communities across the electorate completing the questionnaire and providing the information I need to deal with various agencies so that community concerns are clearly understood and dealt with efficiently and effectively,” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper Highlights Concerns Of Seniors and Self-Funded Retirees To NSW Parliament and Calls For More Support
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Independent State Member for the electorate of Tamworth, Peter Draper, used the first sitting day of State Parliament to highlight the concerns of seniors, pensioners and self-funded retirees, and called on the State Government to ensure the framing of the 2009/10 State Budget takes their concerns into account.
Mr Draper reminded Parliament that a pensioner review background study last year found that Australia's two million pensioners are worse off than seniors in most other affluent countries, with their pension rate below the OECD average.
“The world economic financial crisis has seen the circumstances facing Australia's pensioners, seniors and self-funded retirees deteriorate further over the parliamentary break,” Mr Draper said.
“Since Tamworth pensioners rallied last year, the global financial crisis has devastated many seniors, and in particular self-funded retirees who are reliant on income from superannuation invested in the share markets,” he told the Parliament.
Mr Draper informed the Legislative Assembly that a report released in September 2008 by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs showed that 50,000 self-funded retirees had applied for the aged pension from September 2007 to September 2008, a staggering 40 per cent increase over the previous year. He said that while this increase was due in part to eligibility changes to the age pension, it also occurred prior to the financial crisis and the subsequent freezing of assets later in 2008, which saw another massive surge in aged pension applications.
“Although pensions are a Federal responsibility, State governments can assist seniors and pensioners in many ways,” Mr Draper said.
“One of the issues I raised in Parliament last year following the Tamworth rally was that country seniors were discriminated against in relation to travel concessions on public transport. I am very pleased to see the State Government introduce the $2.50 Regional Excursion Daily [RED] ticket into regional areas to address this anomaly, but much more can be done,” he told Parliament.
Mr Draper called on the Parliament to consider a pre budget submission prepared by the New South Wales Council on the Ageing (COTA) that considers the impacts of the current economic climate, and puts forward proposals to develop support services and programmes that will meet the key objectives of prevention and early intervention in health, environment and financial security for seniors.
Mr Draper detailed the proposals to Parliament so they were placed on the public record, and in order to encourage further debate on this important issue.
“The New South Wales Parliament needs to address these issues urgently. Remembering that the true measure of a nation is how it looks after its seniors, everybody who benefits from the efforts of our older generations should be part of the push to ensure a better deal for all senior residents of New South Wales,” Mr Draper concluded.
Mr Draper will be meeting with COTA Executive Director, Jon Bisset and Policy and Communications Manager, Anne-Marie Elias tomorrow (05/03/09) for a further briefing on the pre-budget submission and to discuss ways of bringing this important issue to the attention of the wider community.
Self Funded Retirees Wishing To Rejoin The Workforce Should Be Given Every Possible Assistance By Government
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
With many self-funded retirees needing to re-enter the workforce as the world economic crisis continues to decimate their income streams, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is calling on the Government to ensure they are given every possible assistance to rejoin their professions.
“New research shows that 44% of Australian “Baby Boomers” are delaying retirement due to their superannuation being eaten away by the economic crisis, while an increasing number of retirees are being forced into returning to work for financial reasons,” Mr Draper said.
“These people worked hard to prepare for retirement and are victims of a crisis not of their own making, yet while the current economic circumstances have forced them back into the workforce, many have much needed skills in specialist areas where there are currently shortages. Government assistance to help their transition into work will have advantages for the broader community,” he said.
Mr Draper said that the National President of the Association of Independent Retirees, Theresa Kot, had indicated there were nurses, doctors, dentists and pharmacists amongst those who would like to re-enter the workforce, and that all these areas were experiencing nationwide personnel shortages.
“These people may only wish to work a couple of days a week to supplement their incomes, however their numbers could help to relieve the pressure on stressed services in the short-term,” he said.
Mr Draper also said that Ms Kot had highlighted a barrier to these people rejoining their professions, as many had not renewed their licensing or registration, and would need to re-sit examinations.
“I am calling on the Government to investigate ways we can fast-track this expertise back into the system, without putting impossible hurdles in front of experienced and qualified people,” Mr Draper said.
“A starting point could be accredited refresher courses that would enable these people to rejoin their professions in meaningful roles without facing prolonged periods of study, or perhaps the cost of such courses could be waived for experienced individuals who previously held recognised qualifications,” he said.
“It is critical that the Government reacts swiftly and positively to these challenging times by assisting recently retired people wishing to re-join their professions, so that service delivery in areas facing skill shortages can show a rapid improvement,” he said.
Humphries’ Concern For Tamworth Welcome But What About Barwon?
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed Shadow Minister for Western NSW Kevin Humphries’ suggestion that funds for health provision be directed into the electorate of Tamworth, rather than be provided for facilities in Barwon such as the Narrabri Hospital.
In a recent media release (shown here – click on the image for a full pdf version), Mr Humphries suggested that $1 million should be spent upgrading the Tamworth maternity ward – a proposal that Mr Draper warmly supports.
“I am very pleased to see this newly found interest in Tamworth based health services from Mr Humphries, however I doubt that the residents of Narrabri would understand his changed priorities,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said that Mr Humphries showed little understanding of Governmental process in his media release “Tamworth Taxpayers Funds Wasted on Labor Mate’s Costly Defamation Case,” when insinuating that a possible $1million defamation expenditure on a three-time Labor candidate in the electorate of Barwon, could somehow be interpreted as a loss to service delivery in Tamworth.
“The person in question resides in the electorate of Barwon, serves on a Council in the electorate of Barwon, and contested three elections on behalf of the Labor Party in the electorate of Barwon. Mr Humphries seems to have forgotten that she actually contested the 2007 election against himself,” Mr Draper said.
“I personally question the wisdom or appropriateness of Government’s footing an individual’s legal costs, however I also question the wisdom or appropriateness of many decisions made be the NSW Labor Party,” he said.
“It is only reasonable to question this impost on the taxpayers of NSW, however Mr Humphries’ release specifically says “Tamworth”, as though it does not matter to him that the people in his own electorate will also have to help foot the bill,” he continued.
“No Member of Parliament ever gets all the funding they want for their electorate, so I welcome the offer by Mr Humphries to forgo funding for Barwon to improve services in Tamworth.”
“I am now hoping that Mr Humphries and his colleagues will all be making representations to the Government suggesting that the electorate of Tamworth gain funding at the expense of their own constituents when the 2009/10 State Budget is being framed,” Mr Draper said.
“While an analysis of budget allocations in NSW over the past 6 years shows that the electorate of Tamworth has done extremely well compared to Barwon, any moves to further improve that situation would be greatly welcomed,” he added.
“My priority remains the electorate of Tamworth, and while welcoming Mr Humphries’ generosity, may I suggest he start urgently developing some policies and positions on matters in his own electorate before the next election,” he concluded.
Many Issues Of Importance To Raise As State Parliament Resumes
Monday, March 2, 2009
Independent State Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed the resumption of State Parliament tomorrow as an opportunity to raise issues of importance on behalf of local people.
“Obviously the impact of the world economic crisis on the State’s bottom line plus on individual sectors of the economy is of great importance, and the State must play its part in stimulating growth to help ride out the crisis and deliver a sustainable recovery,’ Mr Draper said.
“Ongoing reform of the Health System is essential, so I eagerly await the Premiers response to the Garling Commission of Inquiry Report. The Federal Interim Report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission must also be considered, and failure to act on this important issue would be a gross dereliction of Parliament’s responsibility to the people of NSW.”
“Of paramount importance to our region will be the release of the Clinical Services plan as the next step towards redeveloping Tamworth Hospital, plus highlighting the need for State and Federal authorities to work together on progressing the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre,” he said.
Mr Draper also put forward the need for State Parliament to assist pensioners, seniors and self-funded retirees when formulating the State Budget, to help them through the current economic crisis as an issue in need of urgent attention.
“Other issues of importance include State financial assistance towards the study into possible impacts of mining on ground water resources, action to deal with bullying, the future of independent saw mills, ongoing problems faced by country motorists accessing E-tags for travel on tollways, driver education for school students, plus problems facing the agricultural sector in relation to rail grain haulage,” Mr Draper said.
“Further progress in obtaining a safe, secure water supply for Barraba, 24 hour policing in Gunnedah, rehabilitation of the Woodsreef mine site and obtaining new hall facilities for Gunnedah High School are also at the top of the agenda for further action,” he said.
Mr Draper said that although the world economic crisis was biting, some $3,247,766 in additional State funding had flowed to the electorate since December for various programmes.
“I will be working hard to ensure that funding continues to flow into the electorate of Tamworth to develop the projects of importance to local people,” he said.
“I will be batting hard for the local area during the upcoming session of Parliament, and with ongoing support from the community I feel confident of continuing to deliver positive outcomes for the district,” Mr Draper concluded.
Click here for recent releases.
