National Party MP's Visit

National Party MP's Visit

I was pleased to host a visit by the National Party's Leader Andrew Stoner, Deputy Leader Don Page and Upper House Member Melinda Pavey to the Lismore electorate recently. This visit was part of a week-long North Coast tour undertaken by MP's in an endeavour to find out the concerns of local constituents and take their issues back to Parliament.

Pokies Tax

The recent announcement by the Carr Government to increase the tax on poker machines will not only affect the Clubs, but the community at large. We are not just talking about job losses and the disappearance of venues where country communities gather, we will lose the strong financial support our clubs provide to community, sporting and other local volunteering organisations. In addition many local small businesses rely on the orders they get from our clubs for their survival. The Labor Government's pokie tax hike is effectively going to hurt everyone in the Lismore Electorate whether they are regular club visitors or not. I have sent copies of my petition to all the clubs in the Lismore electorate, and I am calling on all local residents to sign up, at a club or my office, so we can send a clear message to Sydney that we cannot afford Labor's tax increase.

Alcohol Summit

The NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse 2003 will be held at Parliament House from 26-29 August. I am calling on the community to provide me with relevant issues and concerns for me to take to the Summit. The Summit will be divided into ten working groups and, subject to the feedback from local residents, I will focus on the Family Health and Wellbeing and Responsible Supply and Consumption working groups. Concerned residents can write or ring my office. More information on the Summit is available at www.alcoholsummit.nsw.gov.au.

Youth Parliament

I recently attended the 2003 Youth Parliament at Parliament House. The North Coast was strongly represented by Amelia Walsh, Ben Lyons, Lisa Joslin, Morgan Cowdery, Daniel Aycock & Scott Braithwaite, from Kadina High, Casino High & Lismore High Schools. I was honoured to be Speaker of the House on the occasion of the Bill debate in which these students took place.

Inquiry into Science & its Commercialisation in NSW

The Legislative Council Standing Committee on State Development is calling for submissions to an inquiry into science and its commercialisation in NSW. The inquiry will examine how to best utilise NSW Government programs to enhance the commercialisation of science in NSW. The terms of reference for the inquiry can be obtained from my office or the Parliament website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au. The closing date for written submissions is Friday 15 August 2003 should be sent to The Director, Standing Committee on State Development, Legislative Council, Parliament House, SYDNEY NSW 2000.

Ministerial Review of Bus Services

The Minister for Transport Services has requested the review of current bus services arrangements and to recommend strategies to ensure better bus services for the people of NSW. The Review will focus on the existing bus network and explore ways of delivering better access and services that the community wants. The Review will provide information as to whether taxpayers are getting value for their investment in the bus system. As part of this the Review will consider improved use of resources in rural and regional communities to ensure more flexible solutions to local transport needs. Further information can be obtained from my office or on the internet at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/busreview. The closing date for written submissions is Friday 22 August and should be sent to Ministerial Review into Bus Services, c\- Ministry of Transport, GPO Box 1620, SYDNEY NSW 2001 or by email to busreview@transport.nsw.gov.au.

National Science Week

This year National Science Week will take place around Australia from 16-24 August. This week is an opportunity to highlight the many important achievements and contributions which Australian science, technology and innovation make to our lives, our success and sustainability both as a nation and within our local communities and industries. Further information can be obtained from the website at www.scienceweek.info.au.

World of Difference

The Vodafone Australia Foundation is co-ordinating a new community program called World of Difference. It is offering four Australians the opportunity to spend next working for their favourite Australian registered charity, with a year's salary (up to $50,000) and related expenses provided by the Vodafone Australia Foundation. People wishing to apply can log on to www.vodafone.com.au. Entries close Thursday 31 July.