The people of Page are being invited to join a grassroots campaign to support the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians in the Constitution.

In August last year the Federal Member for Page,  Janelle Saffin hosted  public consultations in Grafton and Lismore as a member of the panel appointed by the Prime Minister to advise the Government on how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could be recognised in the Constitution.

Ms Saffin said it was clear from the views raised at the consultations that there was strong support from the local people who came along and their views were reflected in the panel’s report presented to the Prime Minister in January this year.

“At the local consultations held in Grafton and Lismore there was strong support expressed for constitutional recognition. There was debate about what goes in and overwhelming support to get rid of Section 25 (this says that if a State law disqualifies all the people of any race from voting in State elections, then those persons shall not be counted when working out how many seats each State gets in the House of Representatives).

“Some people started saying we want the Rolls Royce model- and I agree- but are happy to start with what we can all come to agreement on.

 “Now we are taking the next step towards long-overdue constitutional change with the roll-out of a national community awareness and education campaign. The panel’s work was a great starting point but the next step is to harness the goodwill and sense of fairness of the Australian people to build the momentum for change,” Ms Saffin said.

Ms Saffin said Reconciliation Australia, the peak national organisation building and promoting reconciliation across the country, had been appointed to lead the national movement for change.

“The Reconciliation Australia campaign will build on the positive mood for change that was evident at the hundreds of meetings and consultations that panel members held across the country, including here in my seat of Page on the Northern Rivers. This support came from a range of organisations, community groups and individuals and now we are looking forward to working with them to see this through to a successful referendum.”

“We want people to spread the message on how important it is for a modern, forward-looking country like Australia to recognise the history, cultures, art and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

“They can do this by talking about it to their families and friends, at school, at their workplaces, at their sporting clubs, community meetings and their churches. We need everyone to start thinking and talking about it.

“A good place to start is to visit the website www.youmeunity.org.au to find out more, show your support and see what others are saying about constitutional recognition,” Ms Saffin said.

For further information contact Lee Duncan 0448 158 150

“Mr Gay is now insisting the Federal Government put in 80 per cent of funding for the Pacific Highway upgrade.

Ms Saffin said before they were elected, senior NSW National Party members were very vocal about what needed to be done about the Pacific Highway and what they would do if elected:

 “The NSW Liberals and Nationals will immediately fast-track the upgrade of the Pacific Highway if elected in March.”- Andrew Stoner, Shadow Minister for Roads, Media Statement February 2011.

 “The Federal Government…have been contributing the lion’s share of the upgrade and it’s high time the State Government…poured the resources into this road which is taking in excess of 50 lives a year.” Andrew Fraser, Member for Coffs Harbour, Media statement March 2010.

In October 2007 on ABC News the then Shadow Roads Minister, Duncan Gay urged the then NSW Labor Treasurer to say: “Yes I will match that [Federal] money and save the lives of people in NSW that have to use this highway.” 

Ms Saffin said now that he is Roads Minister, Mr Gay is no longer talking about matching funding, but now wants to contribute only 20 per cent of the funds.

“And let’s be clear: the goal of completing the full duplication of the Highway by 2016 and the principle of 50:50 funding was first established not by Labor but by the former Howard Government back in 2004.

“Unlike the Nationals and Liberals, Federal Labor has kept its commitment to funding the highway.

“The reality is that the current Federal Government has already committed three times more ($4.1 billion) than the former Howard Government ($1.3 billion) during its almost 12 years at the helm. Had the Howard Government made a similar commitment to this, the Pacific Highway would today be a duplicated road.

“The Federal Government is doing a lot but more needs to be done. This can only happen in partnership with the State Government,” Ms Saffin said.

“For those of us in Page, the Pacific Highway is our local road, and I have happily carried the load on securing the necessary Federal funding. I am asking my State parliamentary colleagues – Don, Thomas and Chris – to help get Minister Gay and Deputy Premier Stoner to make sure the NSW Coalition Government keeps its pre-election commitment to continue the Pacific Highway upgrade, and with the 50/50 funding split”.

Member for Page, Janelle Saffin is encouraging Australian Disability Enterprises in the region to take advantage of new funding that will help them prepare for reform in the way disability care and support is delivered.

The Gillard Government has announced a $3.1 million investment to help Australian Disability Enterprises to prepare for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“A National Disability Insurance Scheme will significantly change the way disability care and support is delivered in Australia and it is important that our local supported employment sector is ready to make that change,” Ms Saffin said.

Visiting Summerland House Farm in Alstonville today with Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Jan McLucas, Ms Saffin said the local disability enterprise provided employment and training opportunities to local people with disability who otherwise may not have had that opportunity.

“Summerland House Farm is a great example of an inclusive supported employer. They play an important role in our community and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we lay the foundations of an NDIS,” Ms Saffin said.

“Local communities across Page, including the team at Summerland House Farm, have shown their strong support for an NDIS which will provide a lifetime approach to support people with disability and better support for families and carers.

The Australian Government’s $3.1 million investment includes:

• a capital fund to purchase services or equipment that will assist in readiness for an NDIS;
• training sessions to prepare for an individualised funding model;
• corporate governance training for Boards;
• workshops for Australian Disability Enterprises to discuss the proposed Case Based Funding model;
• a ‘best practice’ forum for Australian Disability Enterprises; and
• materials for supported employees and Australian Disability Enterprises to better understand their rights and obligations in the workplace.

A House With No Steps business enterprise, Alstonville’s Summerland House Farm provides employment and training opportunities for 89 people with a disability and will this year celebrate 40 years of service in the Northern region of NSW.  

“House With No Steps has a proven track record and I congratulate them on their continued commitment to improving the lives of people with disability in our community,” said Ms Saffin said.

Senator McLucas said Australian Disability Enterprises employ more than 20,000 Australians with disability.

“The Gillard Government values the work of Australian Disability Enterprises and is committed to ensuring people with disability have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

“This is why we are developing a ten year vision for a sustainable supported employment sector.”

The Gillard Government last week released a report prepared by the Australian Disability Enterprise Vision Advisory Group. It followed a public consultation process which attracted more than 600 submissions.

For more information on the $3.1 million assistance package for Australian Disability Enterprises, visit:

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/providers/Pages/3.1m_Assistance_Package.aspx

A call for applications from Australian Disability Enterprises will occur in the coming weeks.

Page MP Janelle Saffin is calling for local schools and parents to give feedback on the findings of the Gonski Review, the first comprehensive report into school funding since 1973.

“I am not surprised that the report found that current funding arrangements are complicated and lack transparency,” Ms Saffin said.

“We have a challenge we need to face, not just on a local level but as a nation, as our international results have been slipping over the past decade

“The findings show that we need to fund our schools in a way that is fair and transparent and ensures every child gets access to a world-class education. 

 “That is what I want and why I have taken such an active role in this, including tendering a short submission to the Gonski Review that put forward the views of locals.

“Local schools, parents and their representative organisations including the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the Independent Education Union (IEU), have taken a keen interest in this review.

“The Review of Funding for Schooling recommends introducing a Schooling Resource Standard, which would have a set investment per student, and additional top-up funding to target disadvantage.

“The Gillard Government will implement a model of this kind if satisfied it will support higher achievement for all students, school choice for a diverse range of schools, equity in access to high quality education, excellent teaching and learning outcomes and financial sustainability for schools.

“The AEU today put out a statement saying we now have a once in a generation opportunity to move to a fairer funding system that better meets the needs of all students’.

 “And the IEU said that all schools will benefit from the improved funding recommended and all sectors of education should welcome the emphasis on improving outcomes in our most disadvantaged schools.

“This is a good start.

“The next step is for us locally to examine the recommendations together and give important feedback to Government.

“We also want to ensure that children with disabilities are not missing out, simply because of the choice of school, or locality. These recommendations have the potential to start to set this right.”

“The Government will now work with states and territories, school sectors, education stakeholders and the wider school community, on the next stages in developing a new funding model for our schools.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to have its say, and I would urge all families, teachers and principals to get involved in public or online forums as they are announced in the coming months.

“The first public and online forum is on Wednesday 22^nd February in Canberra, and will be streamed live around the country.

The full report, the Government’s initial response, details of the next steps and information about the public forum on Wednesday 22 February, go to the Your School Our Future website at www.schoolfunding.gov.au.  

The Review of Funding for Schooling was undertaken by a panel of accomplished Australians chaired by David Gonski AC.

“I have said that I will keep the community informed on the progress of the NDIS and I am delighted that the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas has agreed to come to Page to deliver the forums with me.

 “The National Disability Insurance Scheme for Australia is a fundamental reform to how we respond to and provide care and services to people.”

“An NDIS means people with a disability and their carers having a say in how they are supported; it means making sure support reaches those who need it, and it means breaking down barriers to schooling, work and community life.

“I encourage as many organisations; people with disabilities; carers and friends of those with disabilities, to attend either of these important information sessions.”

“I know how important it is for local people that we get on with the job of building the NDIS and the forums will provide an opportunity for local people to stay informed about how the Australian Government is working with the States and Territories to push these reforms through.

 “Many key local organisations have been working with me to make sure we had these forums here, including DAISI, and disability service providers Caringa Enterprises and Windara, RED Inc and others, and I thank them for their support,” Ms Saffin said.

The forums will take place next Tuesday 21 February 2012. The Grafton forum is at 10.30 at Caringa Enterprises and the Casino Forum is at 2.30 pm at Windara Communities. Both venues have full access and if you would like to attend please contact Matt Dunne at Ms. Saffin’s electorate office on 1300 301 735 for further details. Bookings are essential

Ms Saffin said for too long they have been forced to subsidise the private health insurance of higher income earners through their taxes.

Ms Saffin said the legislation will save taxpayers $2.4 billion over the next three years – or $100 billion over the next 40 years.

The private health insurance rebate is the fastest growing cost to the health budget.

“Health has always been my number one priority, and the Australian Labor Government is committed to strengthening our health system and making sure it provides the best possible health care to Australians, where they need it, when they need it.”

 “I support Government policy that is aimed at making sure every health dollar is being spent in the best possible way, directed where most needed- new medicines, new treatments, new technologies and general health services.

 “This legislation also includes an increase in the Medicare Levy Surcharge for higher income earners, which will see $165 million spent over three years on improving dental care for all of us.

“We all know that this is an urgent need to be addressed, and I applaud it. It will certainly be of benefit locally.

 The passage of the legislation through the House of Representatives comes as new figures issued today by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show that more Australians are covered by private hospital insurance now than at any other time in the past 36 years.

 According to PHIAC the industry’s profit before tax for the year to December 2011 was $1.27 billion.

Under the government’s legislation to means-test the rebate individuals earning $83,000 or less, or families earning $166,000 or less will not be affected at all by the changes. As income increases, the taxpayer funded subsidy decreases, however only singles earning more than $129,000 a year and families earning $258,000 or more in the next financial year will lose the rebate entirely.

 Ms Saffin said in Page, approximately 97 per cent of people will be unaffected by the Government’s reform, but they will be reaping the benefits of better funding for health care.

 The Australian Council of Social Service CEO DR Cassandra Goldie said: “ ACOSS congratulates parliamentarians for taking this brave move in the national interest. We want to ensure this extra money is used to help reduce inequities and improve health outcomes for all Australians.”

The legislation will now be considered by the Senate.

From those starting kindergarten, to the young adults preparing for their final year, and all those in between, along with your families and teachers, may you make the very best of the opportunities this year offers you.

And I am happy to be able to pass on some good news for local school communities.

Disability support

Students with disabilities will get more support to help them finish school and find a job, under a new National Partnership between the Australian and NSW Governments.

The Australian Government is providing an extra $47.9 million to support students with disabilities in NSW Government schools under the More Support for Students with Disabilities initiative.

The extra funding will allow schools to make the best choices for their students so they can learn more easily and engage with their classmates and teachers.

For example schools could use the funds for new technology like computer software or audio and visual aids, or the funding could help schools make decisions about extra teaching and support staff.

There will also be funding agreements for non-government schools in line with this National Partnership.

Save those back-to-school receipts

The beginning of the school year can be an expensive time for families, keeping up with the school uniform needs of growing kids as well as the long list of school books and materials.

I remind you to keep your receipts for school expenses, so you can claim the Government’s Education Tax Refund at the end of financial year.

On top of regular items such as computers, home internet connections, textbooks and stationery, parents are now also able to claim school-approved uniforms including hats, shoes and sports uniforms.

Under the Education Tax Refund eligible families can claim up to 50 per cent of expenses, with refunds of up to $409 per primary student and up to $818 for a secondary student.  Details including eligibility are available at www.educationtaxrefund.gov.au

The New South Wales Government has slashed $213 a fortnight from the payments of foster carers who look after teenagers aged 16 and over.

Ms Saffin said her office had already received a number of calls from foster carers affected by the cuts.

 “This is a cruel attack on local foster carers and their already stretched budgets.

“Foster carers open up their homes to young people in need. They give them their time, their energy and financial support. And Barry O’Farrell’s heartless reaction is to cut their payments.

 “The Australian Government is calling on the NSW Liberal National Government to reinstate these payments to foster carers of older teenagers.

“And I’m calling on our local National Party MPs, who are part of the O’Farrell Government, to stand up for the foster carers in our community and the young people they are looking after.

“It’s not often I get involved in the state arena, but this has implications at the Federal level, and people have asked me to speak out.

 “These cuts come at the same time the Australian Government is boosting family payments by up to $4200 a year for teenagers aged 16-19 in school or training, including those in foster care.

 “While the Gillard Government is boosting support for families with teenagers, Barry O’Farrell is ripping money straight from the pockets of foster carers.

“Only a Labor Government understands the pressures on families and carers who are feeling the pinch on their household budget every week.

“Local foster carers make sure teenagers in their care get the best chance of a brighter future.

“Barry O’Farrell is putting this all at risk, making budget cuts at the expense of teenagers in foster care.

“With the O’Farrell Government cuts, local foster carers will go backwards and so will the children they support,” Ms Saffin said.

“I understand the important role local foster carers play in our community. It’s time Barry O’Farrell and our local State MPs understood it too.”

Page MP Janelle Saffin said this week’s historic fair pay decision means community sector workers will finally be getting the pay rates they deserve.

“About 2000 local community sector workers, the majority of them women, will benefit from substantial pay rises of between 23 and 45 percent as a result of Fair Work Australia’s historic pay equity decision.

“This is exciting. It is long overdue. And as the first ever successful pay equity claim in the national system is a significant advance for equal pay for women.

“The community sector is made up of people who work in challenging but often personally rewarding jobs such as caring for people with disabilities, counselling families in crisis, running homeless shelters and working with victims of domestic or sexual assault.”

“We all acknowledge the value of their roles, and this decision means the value of the work will also be reflected in their pay packets.

“As a long time advocate of equal pay for women and low paid workers, I have stood with local ASU members at equal pay rallies, and told them I was committed to both winning the pay equity and most importantly, winning the funds to flow for such. 

“It was the Australian Labor Government that changed the Fair Work Act and broadened the equal pay provisions so that the Australian Services Union could mount the pay equity case. 

 “The Government supported the application that was brought and has committed to providing the Commonwealth’s share of the funding needed to pay the higher rates of pay that Fair Work Australia has awarded.

“Importantly this decision will help the social and community services sector attract and keep qualified valuable employees,” Ms Saffin said.

“This is good news for the sector, for the workers and their families, for women and good for the economy.”

ASU State Secretary, Sally McManus, has thanked Janelle for her support.

“We’ve been fighting for this for years and Janelle has always been fighting on our side for this and she’s been part of making this happen and for that we are eternally grateful,” Ms McManus said.

Page MP Janelle Saffin is calling on the Northern New South Wales Local Health District to give a public reassurance about the status of Campbell Hospital in Coraki.

 Ms Saffin said it is not fair to leave the Coraki community in limbo about when the hospital will reopen.

“I understand that there was storm damage in September and again in October last year and the hospital was closed temporarily for repairs to be done.

“The Hospital Auxiliary was told late last year that about extensive repair work that was to be done and they understood the work would continue over the holidays.

“However the NNSW LHD has advised my office that it was decided late last year that a full structural review of the hospital was required.

“The structural review has now been done and I am advised that the report on the hospital’s infrastructure is due in coming weeks.

“It is important for the community to be kept well informed about what is happening with the hospital.

“The community also wants to know that the buildings will be secured during any temporary closure.

“Back in 2010 the hospital was closed temporarily for roof repairs, and there were rumours flying around the community that the hospital would not reopen.

“At that time, on behalf of the community I asked the CEO Chris Crawford to attend a community meeting to give a reassurance on the hospital’s future.

“At that meeting I assured the Coraki and district community that I would always make sure that their hospital stayed open so people could have the services they need. It is an essential community resource.

“The Coraki Hospital Auxiliary is well aware of my long standing commitment to Campbell Hospital including when I was on the hospital board.”

“My commitment remains and I call on the Mr Crawford to again reassure the community that their hospital will be repaired and reopened,” Ms Saffin said.

“The Coraki community would also like to hear from the Chair of the Northern NSW Local Health District Board, Ms Hazel Bridgett.  As she is the community Ministerial appointment to the Board, the community needs to hear from Ms Bridgett on this issue, as we have on the upgrade of Lismore Base Hospital Stage 3.”