Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin has welcomed Prime Minister Gillard’s announcement that the Federal Election will be held on August 21.

“I’m ready for this election and proud to stand on my record of achievements as an effective local member.

“I have done what I said I would do and delivered on my 2007 election commitments for Page. By ensuring that Canberra paid attention to this area I have attracted much needed funding for health, education and community infrastructure which had long been denied this region under National Party representation.

“I now seek the support of the people of Page so that I can continue getting things done for us.

 “The choice for voters is clear.

“The Gillard Government is committed to moving Australia forward, while Tony Abbott will take us back to the days of cutting health and education services and back to the worst aspects of WorkChoices.

“The Gillard Government will deliver a strong economy and bring the budget to surplus by 2013.

“Health care continues to be my number one priority for Page, and I have delivered on my 2007 commitments: the Lismore Base Cancer Care Centre opened this month, the Grafton Base Hospital upgrade is under construction and on track and construction is about to begin on the Grafton GP Superclinic.

“The Gillard Government will fund 3000 new nursing training places and 1,300 GPs and GPs in training over the next three years, and I have made sure we will benefit locally from the extra GP numbers.

“I share Julia Gillard’s belief that every child deserves the chance of a quality education and in preparing kids for jobs by delivering trades training centres in schools.

“The Gillard Government will also continue to install computers in schools and establish a national curriculum with a focus on the basics.

“The Prime Minister is committed to stronger borders, an asylum policy that puts Australia’s interests first and tough new laws against people smugglers.

“And Julia Gillard believes in a sustainable Australia, not a big Australia, and that’s why the Government will invest record amounts in solar and other renewables.

“The national party candidate Kevin Hogan wants to be part of a Tony Abbott Government that would cut the health and education services Australian families rely on,” Ms Saffin said.