Community to Benefit from Joint Venture to Address Skills Shortage
25 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has welcomed the donation of a 600 horsepower Cummins Signature Engine, worth more than $70,000, to the Heavy Vehicle Section of Tamworth TAFE.
“The current model engine will help train TAFE’s many current and future students, by providing knowledge and work experience on the latest generation machinery,” Mr Draper said.
“In turn, it will benefit employers and the general community.
“Rarely, if ever, are single donations of this magnitude made from the private sector to TAFE and tribute must be paid to all those involved.
“Their generosity in both time and money will go a long way towards training local people for local jobs and addressing the skills shortage in our region, ” Mr Draper said.
The donation will provide the same level of training that is found in metropolitan areas and establish Tamworth TAFE as one of very few in the state, with such a high level of Transport Studies technology.
“In particular, I would like to acknowledge the generosity of the Cummins Engine Company, which is the biggest, independently owned producer of diesel engines in the world, and in the South Pacific area, employs around 1,500 people.
“The Tamworth branch of Cummins and the Tamworth TAFE Heavy Vehicle Section have had a strong unofficial working relationship since the mid 80’s.
Other companies, with a strong local commitment have also contributed, including Brown and Hurley, Howard’s Haulage, Carey’s Freight Lines, McCulloch Bulk Haulage, Stockmaster, Parry Brothers, Eathers Timberline Transport, Beaumont Transport, Cavanagh Transport Inverell, and eight Sydney companies.
“The generous joint venture is also providing an excellent practical example of how skills shortages across the state can be addressed through working together for a common goal,” Mr Draper concluded.
Photo (from left): Col Russell (Cummins), Michael Carey Carey Freight Lines), Rod Wood (Stockmaster), Steve Lockwood (Brown and Hurley), Mick McCulloch (McCulloch Bulk Storage), Peter Draper (Member for Tamworth), Greg Parry (Parry Brothers), Cec Healy (Beaumonts Transport), Ian Wood (Howard Haulage), David Eather (Timberline Transport) and David Paddison (Cummins, Tamworth).
Draper launches passenger survey for Perrett’s Coach Service
24 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, will launch a survey for north west bus company Perrett’s Coach Service on Tuesday (25 October 2005) which aims to gather feedback on community perceptions of coach travel.
Mr Draper said he was delighted to be given the task given the company’s long history of service in the Werris Creek and Quirindi districts.
“Private transport services such as Perrett’s face enormous challenges in today’s operating climate, such as increasing fuel costs, OH&S laws and industry reform. They need to be proactive to remain competitive and it’s encouraging to see Perrett’s taking this initiative,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the survey aims to gauge community perceptions and transport needs in the Liverpool Plains Shire Council area by inviting feedback and suggestions.
“The results will be compiled and analysed and ultimately will help the company provide a better service to the region. I urge anyone who receives a survey in their mailbox to take the time to complete it as the flow on effect will be well worth the effort,” he said.
Mr Draper said Perrett's Coaches was founded by Clifford Joseph James Perrett in 1953 providing a single school run using a 1947 Maple Leaf Chev. Cliff's son John incorporated the business in 1992 with John's eldest daughter Tammie and eldest son Crispian, now running the 15 vehicle fleet.
Today, the company transports over 300 students to Quirindi and Tamworth high schools, as well as almost 100 to the Werris Creek, Quirindi and Blackville primary schools.
A regular route service enables residents of Quirindi to travel within the township of Quirindi six times a day. Passengers can also travel four times a day on regular route services between Quirindi and Tamworth.
Photo: Member for Tamworth Peter Draper (at rear) with Ingrid and John Perrett and daughter Tammie.
Timbumburi’s turn to meet Healthy Harold and learn important life lessons
24 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, visited Timbumburi Public School on Monday, 24 October 2005, to welcome a Life Education NSW program focussing on health and drug education.
Mr Draper, who is patron of Life Education NSW, said the organisation was a registered charity providing school-based drug education to NSW primary school children and was particularly popular with students due to its friendly giraffe mascot -Healthy Harold.
“Younger students can find the subject matter challenging but Healthy Harold breaks the ice and helps make a valuable learning experience both memorable and a lot of fun,” Mr Draper said.
Timbumburi Public School principal Grant Shaefer said students in years K to Six each had a one-hour lesson in Life Education’s mobile classroom learning about drug and health issues relevant to young people.
“I have had experience with the program previously, the message really gets through and the work books provided are excellent,” Mr Shaefer said.
Mr Draper said the program included role playing, social skills training, correction of common myths and interactive activities using the latest technology to educate students about the dangers of illicit drugs. Programs are based on the latest research and provide high quality drug and health education to hundreds of thousands of students in NSW each year.
“The more students learn about the potential impact of illicit drugs on their lives the better prepared they will be to handle exposure to such substances later in life. I highly commend the program which is supported by funding from the NSW Health Department,” he said.
Photo: Students file out of the Life Education van while Peter catches up with media during the visit to Timbumburi School.
Aboriginal concreter’s scheme deserves support
20 October 2005
A pilot scheme which would train young Aboriginal men and result in a major upgrade of Tamworth’s footpaths has been raised in the NSW Parliament by the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper.
Speaking today, Mr Draper said he fully supported the pilot scheme proposed by the Coledale Resident’s Association and was hopeful the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Milton Orkopoulos would seriously consider contributing to its seed funding.
“I have raised the issue directly with the Minister who is scheduled to visit the electorate early next month which is opportune as he will have the opportunity to meet the proponents,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the scheme would employ three men identified through the Aboriginal Employment Strategy who would be trained through TAFE as concreters and would attain all necessary trade qualifications. While undergoing training, the team would complete nearly 2.5km of footpath in the Tamworth city area each year for a cost of about $160,000.
Mr Draper said the Tamworth Regional Council had agreed in principal to support the scheme on the condition that State and Federal Governments each agreed to contribute one third or $80,000 to the total annual cost of wages and materials for three years.
The program has the potential to deliver enormous benefits to the Coledale community in particular which is sorely lacking in planned footpaths and nature strips. Giving three young Aboriginal men the opportunity to learn a trade will be of enormous benefit not only to their families but to the wider community.
Mr Draper said the scheme could be used as a model for adoption by other regional councils and Aboriginal communities in NSW and assisted in addressing the nationwide skills shortage as well as Aboriginal unemployment generally.
“I believe this proposal has enormous potential and represents a worthwhile investment on behalf of the State Government. The Tamworth Regional Council is on side and implementation of the scheme is now dependent upon the support of both state and federal governments,” he said..
Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [5.57 p.m.]: Tonight I wish to discuss the merits of a pilot scheme proposed by the Coledale Residents Association in Tamworth that aims to reduce unemployment among young Aboriginal men, improve public facilities for the good of the community, and develop sorely needed trade skills in rural communities. In essence, the proposal is to train and employ young Aboriginal men in Tamworth as professional concreters to build footpaths, gutters and nature strips in the Tamworth city area. The scheme, which is an initiative of the residents association, has thus far won my support, the support of Tamworth Regional Council and the Federal member for New England, Tony Windsor.
The merits of the scheme, which at this stage is proposed to run for three years, are multiple. Primarily, it aims to address unemployment among Aboriginal men. If it is successful in Tamworth it is expected to provide an impetus for other rural communities with significant Aboriginal populations to adopt it. I believe the scheme to be timely, given the skills shortage crisis that this nation is facing. A recent report prepared by study business lobby group Australian Business Ltd revealed that 75 per cent of regional businesses in New South Wales had difficulty in attracting staff, and 61 per cent have been negatively impacted by skills shortages.
Essentially, the report found that skills and labour market shortages were acute in regional areas, with areas such as information technology, skilled trades, engineers and nurses facing serious shortages throughout regional New South Wales. I believe this pilot project has enormous potential to address not only Aboriginal employment in the region but also to provide regional communities with skilled tradesmen. The concept would be for the Aboriginal employment strategy located in Tamworth to identify and arrange for the training of three young Aboriginal men as concreters. The program, which would be regarded as a pilot scheme, could serve as a model to be adopted by other regional and country councils in New South Wales and nationally.
One of the participants would be selected as the supervisor and the other two would act as labourers. It is envisaged that Tamworth Regional Council would employ that team on a subcontracting basis. Team members would undergo TAFE training courses at the Tamworth campus and undertake all other qualification requirements to enable them to be accredited as concreters. It is expected that that qualification would enable participants to be employed as concreters on any construction job anywhere in Australia. It is estimated that the wages for those three men for one year would amount to around $100,000. Tamworth Regional Council recently agreed in principle to support the scheme on the condition that the State and Federal governments each agreed to contribute one-third of total annual costs.
That would equate to $80,000 each for three years. At this stage it is essential that the residents association obtain assistance from all tiers of government for the scheme to have any chance of implementation. As I said earlier, the benefits of this scheme are multi-layered. Dividends in future include employment and welfare through the training of skilled workers, social and community benefits and increased self-esteem for the employed men and their families.
The program has been devised by the Coledale Residents Association. The association works to improve the amenity of the suburb of Coledale, which has a significant Aboriginal population. I believe the program has the potential to bring many benefits to Coledale, particularly in the form of footpaths and nature strip upgrades. The need to beautify the suburb has been identified as an issue of priority by the Coledale Action Team, a broader committee that was formed with the purpose of improving social conditions and access to services for local residents. Unlike many other areas in Tamworth, Coledale has very few footpaths or grassed nature strips. In fact, there are 7.5 kilometres of street frontage without such facilities. It is anticipated that the suburb could be transformed within three years, with grass seeding and a tree-planting program adopted in conjunction with the footpath scheme.
The improvements would foster a sense of pride and ownership among residents, which is what stakeholders such as the residents association and the action group are striving to achieve. Overall, the program would result in almost 2.5 kilometres of pathway built in Tamworth each year at a cost of $160,000, which would be more footpaths concreted in the city than the council has budgeted for currently. With the council's commitment on the table, it is now incumbent on the State and Federal governments to consider contributing their share of the cost. I have strongly commended this scheme to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on the basis not only of its benefits to the Aboriginal community but of the role that it will play in improving the facilities of an entire community. I look forward to the Minister's visit to my electorate in the near future—I have been advised that he will come to the region in November. I would like to introduce him to and acquaint him with the people who are proposing this worthwhile scheme, and I will seek his support to implement it in the local area.
Timetable for new Gunnedah Ambulance Station announced today
19 October 2005
Gunnedah will have its new $860,000 ambulance station by mid next year, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today on confirmation from the NSW Premier, Morris Iemma.
“The Station is in the final stages of its planning phase with tenders for construction to be called early next month. The construction phase is expected to take about six months with the project due for completion by mid 2006,” Mr Draper said.
“In Parliament today, the Premier confirmed that a site has been selected which I understand to be located on the grounds of the Gunnedah Hospital between the existing sealed car park and the access road to the hospital’s emergency department.
Mr Draper said the existing ambulance station and former residence in Conadilly St would be sold with proceeds channelled back into NSW Ambulance Service’s capital works program.
“Mr Iemma attributed the delivery of the new station to a successful community campaign which attracted widespread support and 2300 letters from Gunnedah residents forwarded to his office. I invited Mr Iemma to inspect the current facility in his former role as Health Minister and he went away convinced a new station should be a priority.
“The Premier said the community had demonstrated a willingness to work with me as their local MP on the project and this had influenced his decision to allocate funding which was pleasing to hear.
“This timetable is terrific news for the station’s seven officers and the community as the district will have a modern purpose-built facility that will serve residents well into the future.
The Premier was responding to a question Mr Draper asked during question time in the NSW Parliament today.
Ministers consider impact of water land separation
19 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is awaiting a response from NSW Government ministers on a request to defer the separation of land and water values after convening a meeting with north west councils in Sydney yesterday.
Mr Draper said the Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, and the Minister for Local Government, Kerry Hickey, met with the mayors and general managers of Liverpool Plains and Gunnedah Shire councils and agreed that the separation had created difficulties for local government.
“The ministers pointed out that the changes were Federally driven with the National Competition Council threatening NSW with $26million in annual penalties if they don't implement a new rating system.
Mr Draper said the Government was in the process of implementing the Water Management Act 2000 which will separate water values from general land values and impact on the amount of rate revenue councils gather from irrigators.
Mr Draper said the Councils sought an extension of time to allow revaluations of land (with the water values removed) by the Valuer General to take place and to enable councils to remodel rates and gauge the impact on ratepayers.
“The ministers agreed to take the proposal to Treasury but said if an extension of time could be arranged without NSW suffering a Commonwealth-imposed financial penalty they would be agreeable.
“While a number of farmers, namely irrigators, stand to receive significant rate reductions under the proposed system, councils would seek to recoup the shortfall from remaining rate payers who would face substantial rate increases,” he said.
Mr Draper has also called on the Federal Member for Gwydir, John Anderson, to support the councils in his electorate which were among the hardest hit in NSW due to the high proportion of irrigators in their rate base.
North west councils meet ministers to discuss separation of land and water values
17 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has convened a meeting in Sydney tomorrow (Tuesday, 18 October) for representatives of Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains shire councils and the NSW ministers for Lands and Local Government to discuss the separation of water from land values in NSW.
“The Government is in the process of implementing the Water Management Act 2000 and the councils have concerns over the resultant separation of water values from general land values which local government uses to determine rates,” Mr Draper said.
“The rate bases for both Gunnedah and Liverpool Plains include a high number of irrigators and the separation of water from land titles will significantly reduce the value of their rate assessment.
“Gunnedah Shire Council requested the meeting for the purpose of highlighting the impact these changes will have on the rate revenue of councils with significant irrigation development such as Liverpool Plains, Narrabri and Moree. The impact on Gunnedah Shire could be the transfer of $1million in rates from irrigated land across the rest of the community while the amount for Liverpool Plains is yet to be calculated.
Mr Draper said the councils’ mayors and general managers were also concerned about the Valuer General’s delay in reassessing land values with the water component removed as the councils need the valuations to determine rates for the next financial year.
“The councils must decide how to distribute the shortfall in revenue and have been placed in an extremely difficult position. I will be asking the Government to recognise and minimise the impact these changes will have on all rate payers,” he said.
Tomorrow’s meeting with Minister Tony Kelly and Minister Kerry Hickey will be held at 5pm and will include representatives from irrigator lobby group Namoi Water. Narrabri Shire Council was invited to attend but is unable due to prior commitments.
Funding to help Bendemeer foster development
17 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has congratulated the Bendemeer Community Development Association on its successful bid for a $10,000 grant to stimulate the town’s economy from the Minister for Regional Development, David Campbell.
“The funds will be used to conduct an employment survey and employ an event coordinator for the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster which will be held again in April next year and looks set to become the village’s signature event,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the association hoped to build on the success of the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster which was held in the village in 2003 in celebration of the iconic Massey Ferguson tractor. Organisers broke the Australian record for the most Fergie tractors (153) in the one place and are now looking to increase the triennial event’s marketing, merchandising and appeal to a wider visitor base.
“The funding will help identify ways of keeping revenue generated by the muster in the community and will assist in branding Bendemeer as ‘The Grey Fergie Capital of Australia’.
Mr Draper said the employment survey was in view of establishing a Work for the Dole program in Bendemeer with participants focusing on entrance signage and general village beautification.
“The community is being really proactive in developing projects to grow its economy as demonstrated with the recent staging of the highly successful Back to Bendemeer weekend which included a re-enactment of the opening of the MacDonald River Bridge.
“The village is also celebrating news that long-awaited State Government funding has been approved for Tamworth Regional Council to install a new water filtration plant for Bendemeer which will improve water quality immeasurably.
“It would be fair to say poor water quality has hindered economic development in the village but with quality water on tap and a supportive, proactive community, the scope for new business and residential development is enormous.
“The community is obviously a focus of State Government attention and I applaud the Minister’s vote of confidence in the ability of rural towns such as Bendemeer to create opportunities and take control of their own economic future.
“The Bendemeer Community Development Association in association with the Grey Fergie Tractor Muster organising committee and community members are to be congratulated on the way Bendemeer is progressing” he said.
Joint funding delivers new starting blocks for Tamworth’s Scully Park Pool
14 October 2005
Competitive swimmers in the northwest will benefit from the installation of new starting blocks at the Scully Park Pool with the State Government and Tamworth Regional Council teaming up to provide funding, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
“The Scully Park Amateur Swimming and Life Saving Club approached me requesting assistance to finance the new starting platforms which should be installed in time for the club’s annual carnival at the end of November,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the State Government pitched in $3150 to supplement Tamworth Regional Council’s contribution of $3850 for the modern stainless steel, removable starting blocks.
Club president Robyn Harvey said the FINA approved starting blocks were similar to those used at the Aquatic Centre at Homebush and would help north west swimmers remain competitive.
“Unlike the previous models the new blocks are sloping which will mean young swimmers will be comfortable when stepping up at regional and State competitions,” Mrs Harvey said.
Mr Draper said the original tiled concrete platforms had been in place since the mid 1960’s and have already been demolished after reaching the end of their safe working life and no longer complying with national or international standards.
“The South and West Tamworth War Memorial Swimming Pool is better known as Scully Park Pool and is the only one in the city which can be used from September to May due to heating.
“It has the largest swimming club membership in the district with many members qualifying each season for regional and state championships. I am pleased to see the funding approved so they can stay at the top of their game,” he said.
Bushfire fighting fund for RFS brigades in Tamworth electorate gets a boost
14 October 2005
Rural Fire Brigades in Tamworth, Gunnedah, Walcha and Liverpool Plains local government areas will share in more than $4million in funding as part of the 2005/2006 NSW Department of Emergency Services’ $140million bushfire budget, the Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, said today.
“The funding is allocated according to fire districts based on local government areas with brigades in the Tamworth Regional Council area to share in $2.075 million, brigades in Gunnedah receiving $602,000 and Liverpool Plains’ brigades to make good use of $1.058million,” Mr Draper said.
“I am also pleased to see the Walcha Rural Fire Service Brigade has been allocated $389,000 as the Walcha Fire Brigade received a new tanker this year valued at $310,000.
“The allocations include specific amounts for infrastructure and equipment as well as block funding for expenses including statewide programs, public education and public liability insurance for volunteers.
Mr Draper said in terms of infrastructure and equipment the Tamworth Rural Fire District will receive $255,000 for maintenance, repairs and running costs, $627,000 for fire fighting appliances, $25,000 for station maintenance and upgrades, $80,000 for general pump and hand equipment and $40,000 for personal protection equipment.
The Gunnedah Rural Fire District will receive $62,000 for maintenance, $197,000 for fire fighting appliances, $25,000 for station maintenance and upgrades, $22,000 for general pump and hand equipment and $10,000 for personal protection equipment.
The Walcha Rural Fire District will receive $40,000 on maintenance, repairs and running costs, $25,800 on station maintenance and repairs, $21,000 on general hand and pump equipment, $90,0000 on specialised vehicles and $23,000 on personal protection equipment.
“The Liverpool Plains Rural Fire District will receive $68,000 for maintenance repairs and running costs, $305,000 for a new tanker, $40,000 for station maintenance and upgrades, $43,000 for general hand and pump equipment, and $7000 for personal protection equipment.
Mr Draper said the level of investment reflected the excellent standard of rural fire services in the north west region and he welcomed the Government’s support of the service’s volunteers.
Lack of radiologists impacts on public sector breast health services for women
13 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has highlighted the critical shortage of radiologists in NSW and the impact it is having on the provision of diagnostic breast imaging services in the New England north west.
“Historically, the region has been serviced by radiologists employed in the private sector providing public services through the Tamworth Base Hospital, but due to the workload, in 2002 they had to reduce the time available for both breast cancer screening and referred breast diagnostic imaging in the public sector.
“Today there is no public sector breast diagnostic imaging service at the Tamworth Breast Clinic for patients referred by their doctor. Diagnostic breast imaging is available in the private sector only which in Tamworth is through Castlereagh Imaging.
“This means that when a patient is referred by her GP to have a diagnostic image taken of her breast on the suspicion of an unusual lump or development, unless she has a concession card, she must pay to have the procedure done privately.
“I have received representations from women in the community who needed the procedure and had no choice but to use the private system. This situation is leaving women out of pocket and is simply unacceptable.
Mr Draper said the situation had arisen from a nationwide shortage of radiologists and the inability of regional health services to recruit enough specialists as visiting medical officers.
“To improve public sector services, late last year the former New England Area Health Service tendered for radiology services and as a result a private company has been contracted to supply two radiologists to Tamworth Base Hospital.
“The Tamworth Breast Clinic once provided diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and needle biopsy services to patients referred on by their GP’s whereas today the only public diagnostic service it provides is hook wire localisation, a procedure that assists surgeons in the removal of suspect breast tissue.
Mr Draper said BreastScreen NSW North West, which provides free breast screening mammograms to mature aged women, has managed to maintain its service despite the decline in radiologists.
“This has only been achieved by sending its screening mammograms to Sydney for reading and by flying radiologists in once a fortnight to hold assessment clinics. While this arrangement appears to be maintaining the BreastScreen service, the variety of breast diagnostic services in the public sector has declined to just one procedure.
Mr Draper said the Minister for Health John Hatzistergos had stated it was unlikely that public sector breast diagnostic imaging services would be made available in Tamworth which was not satisfactory.
“The Minister should be addressing the issue and putting pressure on the Federal Government to open up more radiology training places,” he said.
NSW LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY HANSARD FULL DAY TRANSCRIPT
Extract from NSW Legislative Assembly Hansard and Papers Wednesday, 12 October 2005 (Proof).
TAMWORTH RADIOLOGY SERVICES
Mr PETER DRAPER (Tamworth) [6.07 p.m.]: I detail the situation relating to radiology services in the Tamworth area. Like virtually every health sector in New South Wales, the provision of radiology services to the community is affected by a nationwide shortage of trained specialists. In Australia there are around 1,300 radiologists, with few located in regional centres. A decline in the number of radiologists in the Tamworth region has prompted BreastScreen New South Wales North West to allocate the reading of its screening mammograms to radiologists in Sydney. The service's all-important assessment clinics, provided to women who need follow-up appointments to investigate abnormal screening mammogram results, are also sustained by Sydney-based radiologists, who fly into Tamworth once a fortnight.
While this arrangement appears to be maintaining the BreastScreen service in Tamworth, the variety of breast diagnostic services in the public sector has experienced a gradual decline. The shortage of radiologists was highlighted last year at a women's seminar run by the National Breast Cancer Centre in Tamworth. At the time it was stated that BreastScreen New South Wales North West was experiencing difficulty in providing enough assessment clinics because of a lack of radiologists. The national standard for breast screening is to assess 90 per cent of women recommended for post-screening assessment within four weeks of their screening mammogram. BreastScreen New South Wales North West, which screens on average around 9,000 women annually in the New England and north-west, aims to provide an appointment for assessment within two weeks of a woman's initial screening. At present I believe the service is close to meeting that aim. The situation, however, is tenuous.
In the early 1990s there were five radiologists in Tamworth, who worked both in private practice and provided services to the Tamworth Base Hospital as visiting medical officers [VMOs]. Four of those radiologists participated in BreastScreen New South Wales North West and assisted the Tamworth Breast Clinic. The Minister for Health has advised me that since 2002 the radiologists available to Tamworth Base Hospital had to reduce the time available for both breast cancer screening and referred breast diagnostic imaging in the public sector due to an increasing amount of radiology work in both public and private sectors. Today Castlereagh Radiology employs only two radiologists, both of whom live locally. Although these specialists have VMO status at Tamworth Base Hospital, due to their workload in the private sector they do not work at the hospital, at BreastScreen New South Wales North West or at the Tamworth Breast Clinic.
To improve public sector services, the former New England Area Health Service tendered for radiology services in late 2004. A private company was contracted to supply two radiologists to Tamworth Base Hospital, one of whom performs pre-operative hook wire localisations for the Tamworth Breast Clinic.
However, due to the limited number of radiologists the clinic no longer offers a breast diagnostic imaging service. When a patient is referred by a general practitioner [GP] for breast diagnostic imaging testing she cannot have the procedure done in the public sector. Unless she has a concession card, she must pay for the procedure through a private service such as that provided by Castlereagh Imaging. I have received representations from women in the electorate who are very concerned about this situation. Whilst they accept that there is a private diagnostic imaging service available, meeting the costs of the procedures leaves some women considerably out of pocket.
Another advantage of running diagnostic and breast screening services in the public sector was that patients could move seamlessly between the services. Recently I received correspondence from the Minister for Health indicating that it is unlikely that public sector breast diagnostic imaging services will be made available again in Tamworth. Fifteen years ago, when Tamworth Base Hospital had ample VMO radiologists, the Tamworth Breast Clinic provided diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds and needle biopsy services to public patients referred on by their GP. Today the only diagnostic service publicly available through the clinic is hook wire localisation, a procedure that assists surgeons in the removal of suspect breast tissue. The positive news for radiology services in Tamworth is the recently announced allocation of funding for specialised screening equipment.
A $500,000 digital mammography unit is being installed at BreastScreen New South Wales North West which will lift service levels to international standards. The equipment will enable radiographers to capture images digitally, improving efficiency and accuracy and, importantly, providing faster and more effective X-ray guided needle biopsy of breast tissue. For the level of public sector radiology services to improve in Tamworth, however, there needs to be more VMO radiologists at the hospital and in the public sector generally. The community does not accept the lack of public sector breast diagnostic services. The Minister should be developing a strong plan and putting pressure on the Federal Government to open up more places to enable people to train in this important area of health service delivery.
Call for Working Party’s co-operation on relinquishing control of Tamworth Women’s Refuge
12 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, and long time supporter of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Laurie Beattie met today with the NSW Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, to discuss returning the facility’s management to the community.
“The Minister was receptive to the proposal and Mr Beattie and I emerged with a clear understanding of what needs to be done to enable a local management team to take on the refuge’s administration,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the Minister, who was accompanied by a Department of Community Services representative from the New England region and a senior policy advisor, outlined the process the community would need to follow.
“There is a contractual agreement in place between the Department of Community Services and the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party which needs to be discussed.
“The process is expected to take some months but could be expedited with the Working Party’s co-operation. I will be seeking a meeting with the Working Party chair, Yvonne Wilson, to discuss the processes and her support for the handover.
Mr Draper said the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee chair, Marilyn Fogarty, had given a commitment at a public meeting in Tamworth to communicate the community’s desire to manage the refuge to her fellow Working Party members.
“Mrs Fogarty indicated her willingness to support the community’s aim and I will be asking her to reconfirm her support and whether the information was conveyed as promised.
“In my opinion, the Working Party needs to acknowledge its weaknesses as demonstrated in the decision to close the refuge to the needy and sack the workers in a bid to solve internal staffing issues.
“It was the community expectation that the refuge would be handed back once operations were running smoothly but three years down the track it seems little progress has been made.
“There needs to be a pro-active, transparent approach to management of the refuge with protocols and processes put in place to guarantee its long-term operation.
“I strongly believe this will not be achieved while ever the Working Party has control as it will not accept local people onto the refuge’s management committee and operates according to the Movement’s ideals rather than community expectations.
“There has been good support from the Tamworth community to take on the role and I have enormous faith in its expertise and ability to run the refuge.
Mr Draper expressed his gratitude to Mr Beattie who brought a wealth of experience to the meeting and gave the Minister an honest, straightforward summation of the best way forward for the refuge.
Delegation to meet DoCS Minister on refuge
11 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, will tomorrow meet with the NSW Minister for Community Services, Reba Meagher, to discuss a proposal to reinstate a local management team for the Tamworth Women’s Refuge.
“I am pleased the Minister has agreed to meet with refuge founder Mr Laurie Beattie and I to discuss the strong intent of the Tamworth community to regain control of this facility and the role the Department of Community Services can play in assisting with this process,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper raised the issue in Parliament today highlighting the fact that since reopening its doors to the public last month after a controversial period of closure, the refuge has operated close to or at full capacity.
“The refuge is currently looking after five women in crisis and their families which is a sad indictment on society and reflects the number of women and children who depend on the uninterrupted provision of this service for shelter, support and counselling.
Mr Draper said in response to a public meeting he convened to discuss the refuge, he had compiled a list of 20 people who had indicated a willingness to manage the facility.
He said the refuge remained within the auspicing power of the NSW Women’s Refuge Movement Working Party with all six members of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge Management Committee based in other regional and metropolitan centres.
Mr Draper also raised concern over correspondence between Working Party members and the organisation’s senior executive which called for a crisis meeting to discuss the closure of the Tamworth Women’s Refuge and expressing alarm at executive’s decision to continue managing the facility.
“This reveals the auspicing of the Tamworth refuge is not a position fully supported by all party members. The letter also questions the expertise of the women currently on the Working Party and auspice management committees which I believe strengthens the position taken by stakeholders in the Tamworth community,” he said.
Water price shock sends ripple of concern through catchments in Tamworth electorate
11 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, today asked the NSW Government to undertake a social and economic impact study of a proposal by the State Water Corporation to increase bulk water prices for north west residents and irrigators by as much as 375 per cent.
“State Water has lodged a submission with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal to determine bulk water prices in NSW which I believe will have an enormous impact on the sustainability of agricultural, industrial and household budgets in the Tamworth electorate,” Mr Draper said.
“The Corporation has based its submission on cost recovery and its own financial viability as the Government is planning to end its subsidy of the state owned body (valued at $10million/year) in five years time. The subsidy helps State Water cover operating costs in catchments where they operate at a loss and there is concern that without this support the commercial viability of the corporation is at stake.
“State Water is recommending to increase prices for high security or town water supplies in the Peel Valley by 377.5 per cent and 144.1 per cent in the Namoi Valley. General security or irrigation charges in both valleys will increase by just over 100 per cent.
“This proposal reflects a fundamental shift toward a more commercial approach from what is essentially a public utility. The move is away from basic operational cost recovery to a return on capital. The costs structures are questionable given State Water has a monopoly on the resource and I have condemned the proposal as nothing more than a treasury driven profit grab."
Mr Draper said of particular concern was that the environment, public recreation and flood mitigation were beneficiaries of a secure regulated water supply, however, the price increases appeared to target residential, agricultural and industrial sectors.
”There are multiple beneficiaries of regulated water supplies in the Namoi and Peel Valleys and the burden of sustainability must be shared equally.
Mr Draper said State Water had acknowledged the proposed increases were significant, represented ‘price shocks’ to consumers and raised issues of affordability.
He said he was working closely with irrigator’s representative body Namoi Water on the issue and had scheduled a meeting tomorrow with senior staff of the Minister for Utilities and the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability to discuss the increases and the need for an impact statement.
“Thousands of irrigators, developers and individuals invested in the region sound in the knowledge of having access to affordable water supplies. I am fearful these changes will not only hit individual hip pockets but will impact heavily on regional development across the board,” he said.
Coalition should outline details of policy to cut public sector jobs
7 October 2005
Independent Member for Tamworth Peter Draper has challenged the Coalition to outline the detail of its policy on public sector jobs given a statement former leader John Brogden made earlier this year to cut as many as 29,000 public service jobs in NSW if elected in 2007.
“The NSW Liberal Leader Peter Debnam and NSW Leader of The National’s Andrew Stoner are meeting with Countrylink staff in Tamworth today to discuss what can be done to save their jobs, it’s only fair the facts be told,” Mr Draper said
“I have been lobbying the Minister for Transport over Countrylink’s plans to cut three of four positions at the Countrylink Travel Centre in Tamworth and it’s encouraging to see the Coalition now taking note. Today’s visit presents an ideal opportunity for them to guarantee local jobs should they hold the Treasury purse following the 2007 election.
“The Coalition’s policy is to cut 29,000 Government sector jobs and reduce the number of government department and agencies from 30 to nine. They need to detail how many jobs will go in the Tamworth electorate under this proposal and in what sectors,” he said.
Mr Draper welcomed the Coalition’s interest in the region stating Mr Stoner had openly admitted The Nationals needed to work hard to ‘rebuild faith in Tamworth’ and regain the trust of their core constituency.
“The Coalition leaders’ visit to Gunnedah and Tamworth today indicates they are looking for opportunities to formulate policy so it will be interesting to note with whom they meet and what issues they see as priorities.
“Had the courtesy been extended, I would have been pleased to meet and discuss a range of issues which I have identified as important to the electorate. If the Coalition is serious about true representation, fact finding exercises in regard to health, education, law and order and road infrastructure would surely have also made the agenda,” Mr Draper said.
Countrylink makes first move on staffing levels
6 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, is closely monitoring negotiations between CountryLink and its Tamworth staff in regard to future staffing arrangements at the CountryLink Travel Centre at the Tamworth Railway Station.
“A meeting took place today between CountryLink management, human resources personnel, the unions and Tamworth’s CountryLink Travel Centre staff in response to the Minister for Transport John Watkins’ announcement of a $32million reform package to Countrylink’s services and rolling stock last week,” Mr Draper said.
“The meeting canvassed CountryLink’s move to restructure its travel centre services and my understanding is that management put forward a proposal to reduce travel centre staff from four to one. Although a ‘proposal’ at this stage, I would interpret this as an indication the Department is angling to cut ticketing staff levels to a bare minimum.
Mr Draper said that despite the meeting, travel centre staff remained largely none-the-wiser in regard to how the reforms would affect their employment status.
“The number of positions to remain at the Travel Centre will depend upon how flexible Countrylink will be on its proposal. I have asked Countrylink to not apply a blanket staffing policy across its ticketing centres as it will not take the needs of individual communities into account.
Mr Draper said as a result of Mr Watkin’s announcement, his office has received numerous phone calls from community members concerned that face-to-face ticketing services will be reduced.
“I am pleased that all rail and coach services for country passengers will be maintained but people are worried that the level of customer service will suffer as Travel Centre staff do more than sell tickets, they perform a true public service through support and the provision of information and assistance to passengers.
“I am also concerned that CountryLink is attempting to complete the restructure of staffing levels by the end of this year.
“December and January are the busiest periods at the Tamworth Railway Station and it would be highly impractical to reduce staff numbers at a time when services are in such demand.
Mr Draper said he had contacted the Minister’s office requesting clarification on CountryLink’s intentions and had been given an assurance that no NSW country travel centres or booking offices would close.
“The Minister also gave an undertaking that staffing changes in country NSW would be determined in full consultation with the unions and staff, however, the final impact at each location is yet to be determined.
“While I welcome the new convenience of being able to book online and paying at Australia Post outlets, I will continue to lobby the Minister about possible changes at the Tamworth Travel Centre,” he said.
Politics cross the international divide through visit from Russian delegation
6 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, had the pleasure of meeting an international colleague when a delegation from St Petersburg, Russia, visited his office courtesy of The Friendship Force of Tamworth recently.
“I was pleasantly surprised to receive a visit from The Friendship Force of Tamworth and their visitors who included the deputy leader of the Legislative Assembly of St Petersburg, Mr Konstantin Serov,” Mr Draper said.
“As members of The Friendship Force of St Petersburg, Mr Serov, his wife Alexandra and exchange director, Luidmila Rusakova, were touring the New England as part of an exchange organised in conjunction with The Friendship Force of Tamworth.
Mr Draper said the Friendship Force of Tamworth president Peter Webster and his wife Kay hosted the group which enjoyed a shearing demonstration at Walcha, sightseeing at Apsley Falls, swimming at Lake Keepit and the native animals at Tamworth’s Marsupial Park.
Mr Draper said it was a privilege to meet Mr Serov who is the president of the St Petersburg political party - Union Russia, to which the Russian president Vladmir Putin belongs.
“Mr Serov is also president of The Friendship Force of St Petersburg and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet a politician of his stature in my own backyard. Although Mr Serov spoke limited English, I was able to gain a good understanding of his work load and interests outside politics,” he said.
“The Friendship Force of Tamworth has 40 members and is obviously achieving its goal of forging international links through proactive networking and welcoming people into their homes to provide an authentic cultural experience in Australia,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Serov presented Mr Draper with a Union Russia flag and a St Petersburg calendar, and extended a warm invitation to visit his hometown of St Petersburg.
Photo: The Friendship Force of St Petersburg Russia extended a hand of friendship to Peter Draper MP recently with a visit to his Tamworth office. The delegation included Sasha Balandina, her husband Konstantin Serov who is the deputy leader of the St Petersburg Legislative Assembly, and St Petersburg Friendship Force exchange director Luidmila Rusakova. They are pictured with The Friendship Force of Tamworth member Helen Webster, president Peter Webster and Mr Draper who is holding gifts including the Union Russia flag and a St Petersburg calendar.
Debate needed on doctor distribution in NSW
5 October 2005
The Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, has called for renewed debate on whether the distribution of doctors in NSW should be controlled by way of geographic Medicare provider numbers.
“Achieving a fair and equitable distribution of the health labour force by way of conscripting GP’s to rural areas through Medicare provider numbers is not a new concept and I am not saying it is the answer, however, there should be debate on the proposal’s merits as the current system is clearly not working,” Mr Draper said.
Mr Draper said the Productivity Commission had failed to address a serious imbalance in the distribution of medical staff between regional and metropolitan areas in NSW despite calls for action from consumers, clinicians and community members.
“While the inner city area of Sydney has an oversupply of doctors, positions including GP, specialist and hospital doctors in regional hospitals remain unfilled and patients are being disadvantaged.
He said the issue of geographic provider numbers was tabled at a round table on the medical workforce convened by former NSW premier, Bob Carr, in April last year with stakeholders agreeing that debate on the issue should take place.
“The current situation in Gunnedah where the medical centre is still empty 12 months after a $500,000 refurbishment is symptomatic of the problem across regional NSW. The situation in Gunnedah is of particular concern as two of the town’s seven doctors are nearing retirement and there is a limited number who can perform procedural medicine.
“There was also an incident earlier this week where an expectant mother in Gunnedah was forced to flag down a police car for roadside assistance after being assessed at the Gunnedah Hospital. It raises questions about the availability of her GP and why she was referred to Tamworth.
“I fear this type of incident will occur more frequently in country NSW unless a fundamental reform of rural health service delivery is undertaken as a matter of urgency.
Mr Draper said the need for doctors and health professionals generally in regional areas had been well documented and was the catalyst for the ‘Finding a Cure Summit’ - NSW Summit on the Rural Doctors Shortage in Tamworth which was held in 2002.
“Scores of recommendations came out of the summit including the need to investigate the impact of Medicare provider number distribution but that debate is yet to take place.
Mr Draper said the NSW Government had sought assistance from the Productivity Commission to explore the options of re-distributing the GP workforce in NSW, however, more had been achieved by local communities taking matters into their own hands as in the case of the Peel Health Care medical practice in Tamworth which was established by the North West Slopes Division of General Practice to meet the community’s demand for GP’s.
“I would expect the concept of geographical provider numbers to be unpopular among the medico workforce itself, however, the impact of its application to areas with high doctor populations and whether it is a viable option still needs to be investigated.
Mr Draper said the country independents including himself, Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay, Dubbo MP Dawn Fardell and Port Macquarie MP Rob Oakeshott have sought a meeting with the NSW Health Minister, John Hatzistergos, to discuss opportunities to launch such a debate.
MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Richard Torbay, Member for Northern Tablelands and Peter Draper Member for Tamworth
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Independent MPs back country smash repairers in dispute with NRMA
Independent MPS Richard Torbay and Peter Draper have thrown their support behind smash repairers in country NSW who are losing staff and business through the NRMA’s latest move to tighten its control on the industry.
At a meeting with representatives of the Motor Traders Association in Parliament House today the MPs backed anti-steering legislation to block the insurance giant’s internet bidding and preferred provider systems.
Through the plan digital photographs of damage to vehicles are posted on the internet and repairers required to bid for the job. The work will go to the cheapest bidder.
“It is unprofessional, ridiculous and will gut an already threatened industry,” Mr Torbay said. “Anyone who has looked under a car’s bonnet knows you can’t give a true inspection of damage to vehicles from a photograph on the internet.”
The MPS are also critical of the NRMA’s domination of the industry and its preferred provider scheme which has seen many country businesses close, loss of jobs and virtually no opportunities offered for apprenticeships.
“I have been told by local smash repair operators that over the last 10 years although insurance premiums, wages and all other costs have risen significantly, their businesses are still operating on the same profit margin which is unsustainable,” Mr Draper said.
“We are facing a massive skills shortage in the panel beating industry in the country as these small businesses shut up shop or downsize.
“Many smaller towns have no local smash repair businesses left.”
Mr Torbay said the anti-steering legislation would make it illegal for insurers to force claimants to use a particular repairer.
“We have strong concerns about the cheapest bid, the issue of poor safety standards and the lack of an open competitive system,” he pointed out.
“Like all country businesses smash repairers build up a clientele over many years and it is wrong that they should lose this business through the dominance and tactics of any one insurance company.”
NSW has 2,200 smash repairers who employ 20,000 people. In addition 700 motor vehicle spare parts dealerships employ around 40,000 staff.
Further information :
Richard Torbay (02) 6772 5552 / 0427 635 029
Peter Draper (02) 6766 1422/0417 290 376
Werris Creek emergency exercise
Former interstate truck driver and now Independent Member for Tamworth, Peter Draper, met with the Australian Trucking Association’s Driver of the Year, Des Bailey, this afternoon.