Parliament

Parliament

During Parliament last week, I had the opportunity to speak on the State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Bill highlighting again the need for the Carr Government to address payroll tax and workers compensation inequalities, especially in our region where businesses trying to survive on an unlevel playing field. Queensland businesses enjoy a better rate of payroll tax, which is costing the Lismore electorate jobs.

Tow Truck Industry Amendment Bill was also debated and allowed me to voice my concerns and also those of local tow truck operators, such as cost of forms, 24 hour standby shifts, loss of choice and the Job Allocation scheme areas.

Also initiated last week was debate on the Drug Summit Legislation Response Bill and I will be continuing my fight against this Bill. My position in this matter is quite clear and I will continue to fight against any injecting room in this electorate.

Extension of Group Homes Inquiry Deadline

Part two of the inquiry is investigating more generally the provision of residential care and other services for people with disabilities and the closing date for submissions has been extended from 12 November to 31 January 2000. More information can be obtained from my office.

Community Legal Education Week

Monday 29 November to Friday 3 December: This is a program about community legal education that will be conducted in this area. Two components of the program: Free, confidential legal advice

Lismore: Monday 29 November (12 noon to 4 pm) and Tuesday 30 November (9.30 to 11.30 am). Solicitors involved have particular expertise in the areas of child support/maintenance (for both carer and paying parents). Advice can be provided on all child support and family law issues. Appointments only on 6621 2082.

Workshop for Community Workers and other interested people:

Tuesday 30 November - 9.30 am to 4 pm at 29 Molesworth Street Lismore. Covering issues involving child support and will be concentrating specifically on the recent amendments. Aimed at community workers, counsellors, staff from agencies.

Third Party Rights Now Apply To Farm Dams

The Carr Government has passed legislation, which gives third party appeal rights to every person in NSW to object to the construction of every farm dam no matter how small. Minister Amery conceded that dams are included in the definition of "controlled works". Under the new legislation third party appeal rights apply to all controlled works. So while the definition of dams has not changed third party appeal rights now apply under this legislation. The Coalition voted against the legislation. Every farmer who wants to legally build even the smallest dam could find themselves in the land and Environment Court thanks to the Carr Government's new legislation.

Timber Contract Fears

NSW taxpayers are likely to be slugged millions of dollars for compensation because the Carr Government has miscalculated its ability to meet 20-year timber contracts, according to a NSW Auditor General report released. The report reveals that State Forests have allocated $18 m taxpayer funds to purchase native forest on private land to meet contractual obligations. The auditor general was also critical of State Forests including its overall sustainably managed resource base, the yields from properties and plantations that they currently do not own or control.