Dairy Deregulation

During Parliament last week, I delivered my budget-in-reply speech, which highlighted the shortcomings for this area, as well as welcoming the positives. Copies of this and other details relating to the State Budget are available upon request.

Dairy Deregulation

About 300 dairy farmers rallied outside State Parliament to protest against dairy deregulation. Full deregulation of the dairy industry is due to take place on July 1and will see the price paid to dairy farmers for their milk plummet. The Carr Labor Government last week, introduced the Bill to deregulate the dairy industry ie. to abolish the quota system and the State floor price for milk in favour of letting the market set the price. As already promised the National Party and the Coalition will continue to pursue a Dairy Industry Adjustment Package to support and assist dairy farmers to stay in the industry. If the Labor Party is serious about helping dairy farmers, it will support the Coalition's amendment for a Structural Adjustment Price Support Package to give dairy farmers adequate financial assistance to cope with the effects of deregulation. After all, Mr Carr provided an $80 million adjustment scheme to the forest industry.

First Home Plus

This Scheme was a positive for all NSW and should encourage first home purchases, which will also assist in stimulating the housing industry. The First Home Plus Scheme will operate in addition to the new Federal First Home Owner Grant Scheme. It involves full or partial exemptions on conveyance and mortgage duty for first home or land buyers in NSW for contracts signed on or after 1 July 2000. My office can provide further details upon request.

Stock Theft

The Stock Squad of the NSW Police has been reduced under the Carr Government to the status of virtually non-existence. These officers (even the ones designated as stock squad) have been absorbed into general detective or policing duties. The Carr Government must immediately reinstate and dedicate specific officers to the stock squad and to resource it sufficiently so it can do its job. I am currently involved in preparing a submission to the Rural Crime Working Party regarding this issue.

Beef Week 2000

Once again, the Casino community has rallied together, combining resources and talents to stage yet another very successful Beef Week. Publicity was at an all time high, especially after the organising committee's successful award winning nomination as a Significant Regional Festival under the Northern Rivers Tropical NSW Awards for Excellence in Tourism. Congratulations to the many organisers, assistants, volunteers, business and generally the community as whole.

The National CommunityLink Awards 2000

Every year, one in five Australians over the age of 15 works as a volunteer. Sports groups, clubs, schools, churches, emergency, cultural, conservation and community service organisations all depend on volunteers to help them improve the quality of life in local and regional communities. These Awards have been established to encourage more Australians to work for their communities and to recognise and reward outstanding examples of voluntary programs and projects. To request a nomination form, please contact my office, the closing date is 4 August 2000.

Premier's Seniors Achievement Award 2000

This award recognises seniors who are making an outstanding contribution towards community development, leadership and change. Of particular interest are seniors who are helping to bring about positive social change and are working to provide a lasting legacy for their communities. Nominations close 23 June 2000.

Kidney Awareness Week

Currently Australia has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the Western world. During this week, 4 to 10 June, the aim is to dramatically increase the organ donation rate. I urge the community to contemplate this important decision, to discuss their intentions with their family so that everyone is aware of their wishes and to apply for an organ donor card.


I will be doing a West of the Range tour on Monday 3 July and interviewing in Kyogle on Tuesday 4 July and Casino on Friday 7 July. For further details or to secure an appointment please telephone Karen or Bronwyn on 6621 3624.