Reminder - Casino Constituent Interviews

Reminder - Casino Constituent Interviews

I will be holding constituent interviews in Casino on the afternoon of 17 May 2006 at the Richmond Valley Council chambers. If you wish to arrange a time to discuss a State Government issue with me in Casino on that day please contact my office on 6621 3624.

JP Reappointment Deadline set for 31 August 2006

Existing Justices of the Peace, who have not yet applied for reappointment under the new JP's legislation should be aware that a date of 31 August 2006 has been set for the lodgement of reappointment forms.

Changes made to Justice of the Peace legislation in December 2003 mean that appointments are now made for a period of five years. All existing JP's must initially apply for reappointment and then at the end of each five year period will again be required to reapply. JP's who have not already done so, can obtain a reappointment form from my office.

ANZAC Day Remembered

Millions of Australians have again commemorated Anzac Day and remembered those who fought on behalf of the nation. In this spirit I have distributed a booklet about Anzac Day and what it means to be Australian. The eight-page booklet entitled "The Spirit of Anzac" contains a number of interesting articles and photographs of local interest and has been distributed to households in Lismore, Casino and Kyogle.

There is a fascinating feature on Lismore soldier Joseph Stratford, said by eyewitnesses to be the first ashore at Gallipoli on that fateful first Anzac Day 91 years ago. His story was a momentous one in the Anzac legend, but not enough recognition has been given to this local hero.

I hope the booklet will also serve as an educational tool for young Australians who keep the Anzac Spirit alive through their interest and attendance at the national day of remembrance on April 25. Again this year there have been record attendances at Anzac Day marches across Australia and that enthusiasm was also reflected in the Lismore Electorate.

The number of young people lining the streets to attend marches on this very important day is a fantastic sight . the Spirit of Anzac is well and truly alive. We must never forget the strength, courage and sacrifice made by so many servicemen and women in the various wars and conflicts down through the years.

NSW Photo Cards Released

A new form of photo identification is now available for people who do not have a NSW Driver Licence or other form of photo identification. The voluntary Photo Card can be used to assist with services such as sending international mail, opening bank accounts or entering licensed premises.

Whilst the Photo Card has the same security features as a NSW Driver Licence it is not a licence to drive. The Photo Card is available from the motor registry office and costs $40. There are no concessions available on the card, except in certain circumstances where a person is unable to access a NSW Drivers Licence for medical reasons. Further information about the Photo Card is available from my office.

Deadline for Smoke Alarms

From 1 May 2006 every home must have installed at least one working smoke alarm. Owners of homes not meeting this requirement risk an $800 fine. The legislation passed last year means all properties, owned or rented must be fitted with a battery operated or hard wired smoke alarms.

Further information about the regulation is available from my office or by calling the smoke alarm information line on 1300 858 812.

Grants Available for local Sporting Groups

I am pleased to advise that applications are now open for the popular Department of Sport & Recreation Capital Assistance Program.

The Program provides funding assistance to local government authorities, and not-for-profit sporting and recreational organisations to develop community oriented local sporting and recreational facilities throughout NSW.

Sporting bodies such as Wadeville Reserve Trust and Newpark Football Grounds last year received funding. Organisations wishing to apply for the Program can obtain Guidance Notes and Application Forms from my office.

Joint Select Committee on Tobacco Smoking

I have recently been appointed as a member of the Joint Select Committee on Tobacco Smoking. The Committee's been appointed to inquire into and report on tobacco smoking in New South Wales, and in particular: the costs and other impacts of smoking,
the effectiveness of strategies to reduce tobacco use,
the effects of smoke-free indoor venues on the initiation and maintenance of the smoking habit,
factors affecting initiatives for smoke-free indoor areas,
the effectiveness of media, educative, community and medically-based Quit initiatives,
the adequacy of the budget for smoking control initiatives, and
the Smoke-free Environment Amendment (Motor Vehicle Prohibition) Bill 2005 introduced by Revd Nile in the Legislative Council.

As part of its inquiry the Committee is hosting a public forum on 1 May 2006 at Parliament House. Participants will be asked to state their views to the Committee on the issues that are important to them about smoking.

To express your interest in attending or participating in the public forum, telephone the Committee secretariat on 9230 3554, email tobaccosmoking@parliament.nsw.gov.au or the website at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/tobaccosmokingcommittee.