Media Releases, May 2007
For previous releases, click here
Give Some Peace Of Mind To SCV Residents
Wednesday, May 31, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper believes it’s time that the elderly residents of the SCV rental retirement community (formerly Village Life) are given some peace of mind in regards to their future.
“This has been an extremely distressing period for elderly residents to cope with. The way these people were treated initially was a disgrace, and only now is the new operator SCV trying to put some certainty back into their lives. Nobody, let alone our senior citizens, should have been put through such a long drawn out process,” Mr Draper said.
“My office has contacted Mr Chris Bassett, Chief Operations Officer from the SCV Group, and today he advised that new tenancy agreements will be ready for perusal early next week, that rents will remain the same except for CPI increases, that SCV are working closely with the Tenants Advocacy Group to ensure all residents understand and are protected through the process and that prospective candidates for the full time role of caretaker are currently being interviewed,” he continued.
“Some residents of the complex have told my office that the meals are coming back to expected standards, but they thought that the portions were too small. Mr Bassett has assured my office that residents need only ask the caretakers for more food and there won’t be a problem,” said Mr Draper.
“I will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that these undertakings are upheld and the rights of these important members of our community are protected. Their happiness and security is paramount, so I am examining whether changes to legislation are needed to ensure this situation does not occur in the future,” Mr Draper concluded.
New Climate Change Fund & Water Tank Rebate
Wednesday, May 31, 2007
The Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has welcomed the announcement by the State Government that its $310 million Climate Change Fund will provide rebates for energy and water savings projects in country communities.
“Any programme that addresses the concerns of sustainable energy and water resources into the future is a step forward” Mr Draper said.
“This programme will provide funding of up to $1,500 for an approved rainwater tank plumbed in to a toilet and/or washing machine from 1 July 2007, and with Tamworth on Level 5 water restrictions this initiative will allow residents to catch the rainfall that so often misses our dam catchments,” he continued.
“Other programmes under the fund will provide rebates of up to $1,200 for an approved solar hot water system (from January 08), up to $300 to convert from electric to an approved gas hot water system (from October 07) and up to $300 to install energy efficient home insulation (also from October this year). A $20 million Schools Rainwater Tank programme to provide tanks for all schools should also be commended,” he said.
Rainwater tank rebates will be available under the following criteria:-
- Between 2000 and 3999 litres without connections to mains water supply - $150
- Between 2000 and 3999 litres plumbed into a toilet and/or washing machine -$600
- Between 4000 and 6999 litres without connection - $400
- Between 4000 and 6999 litres plumbed into toilet and/or washing machine - $900
- More than 7000 litres without connection - $700
- More than 7000 litres plumbed into a toilet and/or washing machine - $1,500
“I am pleased to see that the Government has reacted to the pressure brought to bear by country representatives, and I will be asking the minister in Question Time today – exactly how and where can country residents obtain this rebate?” Mr Draper concluded.
Draper Urges Caution to Farmers Contemplating Civil Disobedience
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Independent State Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has issued a warning to farmers who may be contemplating joining a civil disobedience campaign protesting the country’s land clearing laws to consider the implications of breaking the law before they act.
The Commonwealth Property Protection Association plans to spearhead a campaign from July 1st encouraging rebel landholders to illegally clear native vegetation.
“I can understand the frustration of many farmers trying to manage their land, and realise that most have problems with native vegetation regulations, but individuals should not put themselves at risk of prosecution,” Mr Draper said.
“The Federal Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull has stated that such people could be prosecuted if found breaking Commonwealth laws, and they could also face further action under state legislation,” he said.
“It is widely recognized that the vast majority of farmers understand the need for sustainable environmental outcomes and manage their land sensibly for long term economic viability, however rogue elements within the industry could cause environmental damage to not only their own properties but neighbouring properties as well,” he continued.
“Some may feel that there is a matter of principle involved, however if they break the law this argument will not protect them,” Mr Draper warned.
“I understand the frustrations faced by our farming community and would urge any farmers who feel the current legislation prevents them from managing their properties effectively to contact my office on 6766 1422 and detail their concerns,” Mr Draper concluded.
Warning – Training Courses May Not Be All They Claim
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has called on the Dept of Fair Trading to examine a Victorian based training provider advertising a 3-day Certificate 2 Engineering (Air-Conditioning) course. Tradespeople pay $2,000 to graduate after 24 hours of course work; yet the same qualification is conducted in New South Wales by TAFE and involves 150 hours of study plus on the job experience.
In a speech to the New South Wales parliament, Mr Draper outlined the concerns that have been raised with him by local TAFE teachers and tradespersons in regards to the interstate generated courses.
“Local professionals are concerned that the advertising for the courses misleads tradespeople into believing that a Certificate 2 allows them to immediately install and repair air-conditioners or refrigerators, but this is not the case. In New South Wales the higher standards of a Certificate 3 are required to perform the work.” Mr Draper said.
He continued: “This is not simply an example of a possible rip off, it has safety implications as well as environmental and consumer implications, not to mention undermining the integrity of the NSW TAFE system.”
“New South Wales has set higher standards than other states, and it is an imperative that that both tradespeople and consumers are protected, as there has already been a death in Queensland and I certainly do not want to see a similar occurrence in NSW,” he said.
“I have brought this to the attention of the State Parliament as it has implications for the whole state, and I look forward to the Department of Fair Trading’s urgent response to this important issue,” he concluded
Fair Trading Minister Linda Burney was in the chamber during the speech and promised a full investigation.
Click here for Hansard.
Aplin wrong on Mental Health Team Case Managers
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The Independent State Member for Tamworth has rejected claims by New South Wales Shadow Minister for Health, Greg Aplin that there has been a reduction in Mental Health Team case managers in Tamworth.
“Following discussions between my office, the office of NSW Health Minister Reba Meagher & Hunter New England Health I can assure the local community that there are actually 12 case managers available in the Tamworth area, not 5 as alleged by Mr Aplin,” Mr Draper said.
“The Opposition have continually condemned health mergers around New South Wales, however amalgamation has helped to attract additional medical, allied health and nursing staff to Tamworth,” he said.
Mr Draper said his office “had been assured that any case of hardship brought about by staff movements would be considered sympathetically.”
“Services remain available for people in need, and anybody with concerns should contact the local community health service on 1300 669 757, or discuss any concerns with their local GP. If a problem or shortfall in services still remains, my office can be contacted by phoning 6766 1422.”
“It is unfortunate that Mr Aplin seems to be following the example set by the previous Opposition Shadow Minister for Health whose research skills into issues affecting this area were sadly lacking.”
“Should he wish to contribute constructively to improving our local health services, Mr Aplin should put pressure on his Federal colleagues to provide more training positions for health professionals, rather than focussing on to the past and causing unnecessary and unwarranted concern to local people,” Mr Draper concluded.
National Reconciliation Week Flag Raising
Monday, May 28, 2007
The Independent State Member Peter Draper joined other members of the Tamworth community today for a moving flag raising ceremony at the Coledale Community Centre to open National Reconciliation Week 2007.
This year marks the 11th anniversary of National Reconciliation Week and the 2007 theme is “Their Spirit Still Shines”.
National Reconciliation Week offers people across Australia the opportunity to focus on reconciliation, to hear about the culture and history of Australia’s Indigenous People and to explore new and better ways of meeting challenges in these communities.
“Thanks to the hard work of people like Father Ron Perrett & Bob Faulkner, Tamworth was in fact the first city in Australia to mark a time of reconciliation between Indigenous Australians and the wider community with events taking place here from the early 1980’s” Mr Draper said.
“The wider community should not forget the “Freedom Rides” of the 1960’s & the 1967 Referendum which finally acknowledged the place of Indigenous People within their own country. Although much remains to be achieved to ensure equality for all Australians the last 40 years have seen advances that must continue” he said.
“I salute the work of community members like Gloria Lee, who made many pertinent observations on the last 40 years of reconciliation at today’s launch and younger community members such as Joshua Scharkie, Tegan Cocking and Meg Richmond from Tamworth High School who represented the youth & future of reconciliation” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo: State MP Peter Draper with Gloria Lee, Joshua Scharkie, Tegan Cocking & Meg Richmond at todays “Reconciliation Week” flag raising ceremony.
Boggabri Public Celebrates with Biggest Morning Tea
Friday, May 25, 2007
The Independent Member for Tamworth joined with students, teachers, parents and community members to celebrate Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at Boggabri Public School this week. It was also an opportunity for Mr Draper to meet with new Principal Kerrel Haire to discuss issues of importance to the school.
“Along with the many supporters of Boggabri Public School in attendance, I was extremely impressed by the Infants Choir who entertained the crowd with two very well rehearsed songs,” Mr Draper said.
“The fundraising morning tea was a good example of how our public educators embrace good causes such as this initiative from the Cancer Council, and it was pleasing to see how enthusiastically the students entertained everybody in attendance,” he said.
Mr Draper welcomed Ms Haire to her role as Principal in Boggabri, and has offered his support for the schools push for increased preschool provision for local children.
“It is a great pity that the preschool sector seems to be undervalued by the NSW Government, with the fee structure making it difficult for many parents to access, and some services struggling to remain viable” Mr Draper said.
“With highly skilled teachers who can pick up the early indicators that a child may have some health or developmental concerns, preschool should be made available for all children prior to entering the education system, not just for those whose parents can afford the fees,” he said.
While in Boggabri Mr Draper also attended the “Stop Look and Listen” expo at the Boggabri RSL that was put together by Boggabri Home and Community Care Co-ordinator Noreen Boehme. The expo gave older members of the community an opportunity to learn about services available for seniors, and included information from Centrelink, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Hunter New England Health among others.
“It is important that seniors are aware of services that are available to them in country areas, so I commend Noreen on her initiative in putting this information day together,” Mr Draper concluded.
Malcolm Turnbull Reveals Federal Government’s True Agenda for Water in NSW
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Federal Government’s Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Malcolm Turnbull has confirmed fears that the Federal Government intends handing over responsibility for the management of the Murray-Darling basin’s water supplies to private interests after it wrests control from the States, according to the Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper.
Mr Draper had offered qualified support for the Federal Government’s $10 billion proposal that would see the States relinquish the management of Murray-Darling catchment water resources, but only on the proviso that control be kept in Government hands, not sold off as a cash cow for private interests.
“I was alarmed to hear Mr Turnbull respond to questioning from Laurie Oakes during yesterday's Sunday program on the Nine Network, that Macquarie Bank or any other private sector participant should be allowed to move into water provision in NSW,” Mr Draper said.
“To have the management of our precious water resources compared to how Macquarie Bank profits from its management of NSW toll roads is a terrifying prospect for country people,” he said.
Mr Turnbull responded to questioning by Political reporter Laurie Oakes as follows:
LAURIE OAKES: Do you think, for example that the Macquarie Bank should be able to move into water infrastructure in the same way it does with toll roads?
MALCOLM TURNBULL: Well I think that Macquarie Bank or any other private sector participant should be able to participate in all industries. I mean, we shouldn't have barriers to private sector participation. I mean, you mention Macquarie Bank, it owns the largest water company in the UK, or one of its funds does, so the fact is there is a lot of Australian savings being invested in water — private sector savings, but they're not being invested in Australia, but you know, really the issue is not private versus public Laurie, the real problem with the urban water utilities, which is really what we're talking about, is that they have not been run like businesses, they have been plundered for cash.
“Water should not become a plaything of the private sector where profitability alone could determine the future of water provision for the residents of country NSW,” Mr Draper concluded.
Turnbull Reveals Federal Government’s True Agenda for Water in NSW
Extract taken from “Sunday” (Nine network) aired on Sunday May 20, 2007.
LAURIE OAKES: Well talk climate change in Australia at the moment and everyone thinks water. Now, you've criticised state governments for not building new water infrastructure, is it time that private enterprise was allowed to move into this area?
MALCOLM TURNBULL: Well, more private participation in the water industry, in terms of providing recycling plants, desalination plants, pipelines and so forth would be welcome. There's a lot of private sector capital available and it isn't being deployed ... it is in some places.
LAURIE OAKES: Do you think, for example that the Macquarie Bank should be able to move into water infrastructure in the same way it does with toll roads?
MALCOLM TURNBULL: Well I think that Macquarie Bank or any other private sector participant should be able to participate in all industries. I mean, we shouldn't have barriers to private sector participation. I mean, you mention Macquarie Bank, it owns the largest water company in the UK, or one of its funds does, so the fact is there is a lot of Australian savings being invested in water — private sector savings, but they're not being invested in Australia, but you know, really the issue is not private versus public Laurie, the real problem with the urban water utilities, which is really what we're talking about, is that they have not been run like businesses, they have been plundered for cash. You've had, during drought years, a hundred percent of the profits being paid out as dividends, I mean, that's absurd, these companies should have been investing long ago and the amount of investment in infrastructure has been so low, that they have now been caught out badly by the drought and that's where there's the inner stark contrast with the Federal Government, I mean, we have a forward agenda for water; we have a $10 billion, 10-year national plan for water security.
LAURIE OAKES: That only deals with rural water, with the Murray Darling basin primarily
MALCOLM TURNBULL: But you know that's only 70 percent of our water though. That's 70 percent of our water is used in agriculture ...
LAURIE OAKES: There are now reports though, because of water shortages we're going to have — we're going to face electricity shortages and brown-outs, now is that a serious threat or is that alarmist talk?
MALCOLM TURNBULL: No, it's a very serious threat because any coal-fired power station that uses water for cooling and to generate the steam that produces the electricity that drives the turbines, if you get a shortage of water the power station has to curtail operations and that is a …
LAURIE OAKES: Is the Federal Government doing anything about that?
MALCOLM TURNBULL: Well we are supporting a project, for example, in South East Queensland — a recycled water project. We've committed $408 million to the Western Corridor Recycling Project, which is designed to bring recycled waste water to a number of those power stations, Swanbank and further up the line at Tarong which are looking to have reductions in capacity because of shortages of water. So we are supporting the infrastructure that will get water to those power stations in a sustainable way.
LAURIE OAKES: But you're not going to try and take it over the way you've taken over the rural water issue?
MALCOLM TURNBULL: Laurie there's a powerful argument for cross-border water into state rivers and groundwater to be managed by the Commonwealth Government and that's the argument that's been largely accepted in terms of the Murray-Darling Basin. It's an argument that was put as long ago as the 1890s didn't find its way into the Constitution, but you know it's something we need to do. It is much more difficult to make a case for the Commonwealth Government to take over an urban water utility in a capital city wholly within the borders of one state. I mean, if ever there is something that a state government should be responsible for it is that. Now, these urban water businesses are good businesses, they are profitable, they can re-invest their profits, they can borrow money, they can invest. They haven't been doing that and that's the reason a number of our big cities are very short of water, on the other hand, you look at a city like Perth which has invested in water infrastructure for some years and is now in a better position — not withstanding it's a much drier place than other cities — it's in a much better position than others because of its far-sighted investment in urban water infrastructure.
LAURIE OAKES: Mr Turnbull we're out of time, but we thank you.
MALCOLM TURNBULL: Thank you very much.
43rd Annual Tally Ho Shoot a Great Success – Draper
Monday, May 21, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has congratulated the Committee and members of the Boggabri Gunnedah Gun Club Inc on their outstanding success in conducting the 43rd annual Tally Ho shoot in Gunnedah recently. Mr Draper performed the official opening of the event prior to competition.
He said that the Hunt Road facility was a credit to the membership, with two $12,000 state of the art traps a feature of the recent upgrade.
“The Club should take great pride in conducting this event for 43 years, and it is an appropriate and enduring tribute to former club stalwarts Steve Staughton and Stan McMaster,” Mr Draper said.
The 50 target Steve Staughton Memorial event was won by Peter Holmes following a shoot off with John Sleightholme when both finished equal on 99. The Stan McMaster Memorial Cup was won by John Sleightholme with 49 targets from a possible 50.
Mr Draper said that the Club has also welcomed new member John Enright from Tambar Springs, who has a long history of penmanship in the field of guns and shooting, and Mr Enright will be contributing to the Clubs newsletter. He said that Mr Enright’s knowledge and expertise in the field should increase Club member’s enjoyment of their sport.
“The combined Boggabri Gunnedah Club has a proud history of providing opportunities for their members and visitors alike, and I will be approaching the NSW Government on their behalf so they can continue to cater for the ever changing needs of the sport,” he concluded.
Photo: Peter Draper with Boggabri Gunnedah Gun Club Inc President Noel Edlington and trophies from the 43rd Tally Ho shoot 2007 held in Gunnedah.
Education Week Celebrations in Tamworth
Friday May 18, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper today attended a luncheon with the School Captains and Principals of all public High Schools within the electorate. Mr Rob Lewis and Mr Jim White also attended the event representing the Department of Education and Training.
“This is a terrific opportunity for me to meet our public school leaders and for the Captains to meet with their peers from other local schools and discuss issues of importance,” Mr Draper said.
“I applaud this initiative as an important part of Education Week, and look forward to meeting with all the Captains again in the near future when they take part in the annual Captains visit to Parliament House.
Mr Draper said that the visit to Sydney was an opportunity for local school leaders to meet with other young leaders from across the state. It also allowed Captains to meet with Professor Marie Basheer, Governor of NSW.
“I congratulate all these outstanding young ambassadors for public education, and I look forward to addressing their group when they are in Sydney shortly,” he concluded.
In attendance at the function were Barraba Central School Principal Mr Gary Turner with Captains Callam McCarthy and Jacinta Russell, Farrer Agricultural High Year 12 Advisor Ms Krystelle Ridley, with Captains Matthew Grinter, John Sandell, and Paul Sturnman, Manilla Central School Principal Ms Janette Meehan with Captains Matthew Scanlon and Emma Smith, Gunnedah High School Principal Mr Rod Jones with Captains Phillipa Henry and Ben Stubbs, Tamworth High School Principal Mr Wayne Chaffey with Captains Annie Broderick and Jarrad Taylor, Peel High School Principal Mr Mark Hewitt with Captains Emma Bricknell and Nathan Rickard, and Oxley High School Principal Mr Phil Jones with Captains Ashley Bailey and Daniel Haslam.
Oxley High representatives Phil Jones and Ashley Bailey were also presented with certificates recognising their contributions to public education, while Mark Hewitt accepted an award that recognised Peel High Schools contribution to aboriginal education.
Photos (top): Peter Draper with Oxley High Principal Phil Jones and Girl Captain Ashley Bailey, and (below): Peter Draper with public school Captains at the luncheon.
Draper calls on Govt to Act on Water Crisis
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has called on the State Government to provide water tanks for its facilities in Tamworth to help address the critical water shortages and restrictions facing local residents. He also asked that details of how country residents could access rebates for rainwater tank installation be released urgently.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Draper said all public schools and other Government facilities should be fitted with tanks without delay, for use in toilets and to water gardens and sporting grounds. He also pointed out that the Government had pledged $100 million during the election campaign to provide rebates of up to $3,000 per household to enable homes to become more water and energy efficient.
“Given the large roof area at our public schools, surely there must be an opportunity to store rainwater to be used in the toilets,” he said. “The Government could make an immediate impact by providing funds to install and plumb tanks into all local schools as outlined in their Plan to Combat Climate Change.
“Tamworth would be an excellent starting point for the program given the seriousness of our water shortage. Unfortunately I have recently received reports of school toilets automatically flushing all through the recent school holiday period but I sincerely hope the reports are not accurate.”
Mr Draper said Tamworth Regional Council had recently adopted a policy to provide ratepayers with a subsidy to offset installation costs for rainwater tanks. During the election campaign the State Government had also announced a range of rebates under its Climate Change Plan. These included up to $1500 for a rainwater tank plumbed into a toilet and/or washing machine, up to $1200 for a solar hot water system, up to $300 to convert from electric hot water to gas and up to $300 to install energy efficient home insulation.
“All of these initiatives are sensible, much welcomed and would make a difference, especially in country communities such as Tamworth where we are facing the very real prospect of running out of water unless we receive substantial falls of rain in the catchment for Chaffey Dam,” Mr Draper said.
“I have received complaints from local residents who have attempted to obtain details of how they can apply for the rebates so they can order a tank without success. I have also tried to obtain the same information and despite promises that I will receive advice on the process and procedure, I am still waiting for a call or a letter from the Ministers office.”
Mr Draper told Parliament around 40,000 residents in Tamworth and the surrounding region were facing Level 5 water restrictions next week once Chaffey Dam fell below 15% capacity. If consumption stayed at current levels, there was less than 8 months supply in Chaffey, and even with the reserve water supply in Dungowan Dam, less than 12 months water remained in the storages.
Mr Draper criticised the Federal Government’s refusal to contribute its $6.545 million share to the Chaffey Dam Reference Panel plan to increase storage capacity in the city’s main water supply from 64 gigalitres to more than 100 gigalitres. He said that the State Government had committed $4.697 million, and the Tamworth Regional Council and irrigators had agreed to contribute the remainder of the $14 million cost, but the plan depended on the Federal Government supporting the project with their proportion of the funds.
“This situation must be resolved to give residents, irrigators and business water security for the future,” he concluded.
Nominations Called for Major Education Award
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is calling for community members and schools to nominate candidates for the Meritorious Service to Public Education and Training Award 2007. He said that this award is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contribution made by an individual to public education within NSW.
“Any individual, community group, professional body or school can nominate a person for this very prestigious award, and I would urge the community to put forward the names of some of our many outstanding educators from this area,” Mr Draper said.
“All nominations will be assessed by a selection panel that will make recommendations to the Minister John Della Bosca, with applications to close on May 11,” he said.
“The degree and value of each individuals contribution to public education will be considered by the selectors, not the length of service the person has accrued, so I encourage locals to put forward the names of our quality educators no matter how long they have been in the profession.”
Mr Draper said that the nominations are completely confidential, and nominees were not to be approached for information or advised of their nomination.
Nominations must be addressed to:
The Executive Officer,
Meritorious Service to Public Education and Training Awards 2007,
NSW Department of Education and Training,
Locked Bag 53,
Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010
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Further information and application forms can be obtained from the DET website: www.det.nsw.edu.au , by email: awards@det.edu.au or by telephoning (02) 9244 5748.
Aboriginal Employment Opportunities Info Days
Tuesday 1 May, 2007
The Member for Tamworth Peter Draper is encouraging local aboriginal people to apply for 12 permanent and casual cleaning positions with Spotless in Tamworth. The first information day regarding the positions will be held at the Aboriginal Employment Strategy Tamworth office in White Street on May 8th at 10am and 1pm, while another information day will be held at the Coledale Community Centre May 9th again at 10am and 1pm.
Mr Draper said that Spotless was an international company with branches in the US, UK, New Zealand and Hong Kong that had revenues of over $2.5 billion in 2006. It had recently secured a contract to provide cleaning services to Cargill Foods Australia at its Tamworth abattoir.
“I was alarmed by the recent World Health Organisation report identifying Aboriginal and Torres Straight people as having the worst results worldwide on every health indicator studied as part of their report, so I welcome the initiative of Spotless to offer employment for a further 12 aboriginal people in Tamworth,” Mr Draper said.
“Through the education and employment of aboriginal people, we have an opportunity to address this national disgrace and reduce the 17 life expectancy year gap between aboriginal and non aboriginal Australians,” he said.
Mr Draper said that a local campaign to address the life expectancy gap was being conducted by Father Ron Perrett of Werris Creek, and this had helped to raise local awareness of the problem.
“Father Perrett is working actively to raise community awareness of this problem, and I support his call for a substantial increase in funding and programs to address the gap,” Mr Draper said.
“I would encourage any aboriginal person seeking local employment to consider applying for the positions as experience is not needed, just a willingness to learn new skills and participate in a rewarding career opportunity.”
“Following a two week work ready training program, there is an opportunity for the successful applicants to obtain a traineeship in Asset Maintenance Cleaning that will result in a Certificate IV TAFE qualification, so this is an excellent opportunity for local people,” he concluded.
