Challenge to Egan to Provide Tax Cuts to Country NSW

Challenge to Egan to Provide Tax Cuts to Country NSW

Treasurer Michael Egan has publicly promised $150 million in tax cuts in the upcoming State Budget but says it is yet to be determined where these tax cuts will be. Mr Egan should look no further than providing targeted tax reductions in country NSW to stimulate country employment and development. The Carr Labor Government's high taxing regime is robbing NSW of valuable economic growth, investment and jobs. A starting point would be a reduction in payroll tax and stamp duty rates.

Influx of Ministers

I have been pleased the Lismore electorate has been visited by a number of State Government Ministers in the last couple of months. With the Emergency Services Minister, Bob Debus visiting during the Casino storms, NSW Premier, Bob Carr and Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, Harry Woods following the floods. More recently John Della Bosca, Special Minister of State and Minister for Industrial Relations opened the Detox Unit in Lismore. I appreciated that the Minister for Public Works and Minister assisting the Premier on Citizenship, Morris Iemma accepted my invitation to visit Lismore, during the day he spoke with and attended a multicultural morning tea. Minister Iemma also visited Casino inspecting damage, met with and presented cheques to Richmond Valley and Kyogle Council.

Senior Citizens Week 2001

This week I have had the opportunity to be present and participate in the many organised activities and luncheons to celebrate Senior Citizens Week. "Share the experience" is the theme this year and Lismore Electorate organisations received funding totalling $4,200.

Funding for Community Projects and Services

The Casino Community Benefit Fund Trustees are responsible for advising the Minister for Gaming and Racing on the allocation of grants for community based projects. The Trustees have identified a need for funding of those community projects and services concerning specific social issues, which could be considered as flow-over effects of causes of problem gambling. Closing date 20 April 2001.

Free Olympic Mini Buses

Expressions of Interest are being called for on 29 mini buses used by VIPs and wheelchair athletes at the Olympics and Paralympics. The buses will be allocated free to non-profit community organisations that provide transport services for people with disabilities. An information pack is available from my office upon request. Closing date 20 April 2001.

Firearms Spokesperson Consults

Mr Adrian Picolli, National Party Spokesperson for Firearms visited the Lismore electorate to speak and discuss various issues of concern with local sporting and firearm organisations. For further information or to obtain a copy of the updated National Party policy, please contact my office.

Townlife Development Program

An initiative aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation in towns and villages under 2,500 people. Assistance for 'self-help' programs, which need seed funding until they become self-sustaining, will be made available under the Town Life Development Program. Expressions of Interest are being called for second round funding and the closing date is 30 April 2001.