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Latest NewsThis school combined its opening with a strongly supported fete. Lotus Mackie and an enthusiastic Parents & Citizens team attracted both parents and locals to a fete with rides, raffles, a barbeque, games and chocolate wheels. It typifies an enthusiastic school community. The $2.125 million went to four new class rooms and upgraded toilet facilities. Principal Tony Friedrich notes that the school also has a computer lab, video conferencing and digital film editing facilities.
Our local project is focused on Claymore. For a two year period 4 and 5 year olds undertake a weekly education project in conjunction with their families. Some parents are selected as tutors and they in turn go through the lesson book with the parents to encourage a total family involvement. Parents have two meetings a fortnight one with the tutor and another joint parents’ gathering. In the course of a year over 40 young people have graduated and it was moving to see the parents simultaneously recognised. Some parents have had very limited chances in life themselves are helped by this scheme, it encourages them to assist their children in life. 16 November 2011 Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP, today welcomed the release of guidelines by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to help businesses provide accurate claims of any cost increases from the placement of a price on carbon pollution. “These guidelines will help educate companies who are not among the top 500 carbon emitters who feel the cost of their goods or services have been impacted by pricing carbon emissions. They will also provide confidence and certainty for consumers who may be targeted by unscrupulous or simply, misguided traders who believe that a price on carbon can be utilised to increase profit margins.” Laurie said. The Federal Government has provided $12.8 million to the ACCC to assist businesses accurately cost their goods. They have also been given new powers including fines of up to $1.1 million to investigate businesses who seek to take advantage of consumers with false and misleading claims about the impact of carbon pricing. While the impact of carbon pricing is expected to be modest, pricing models in most businesses are fluid and always subject to change. The new guidelines make it clear that the ACCC can oblige suppliers and businesses to substantiate any claims. They also reinforce the golden rule that claims made in TV and Radio advertising, catalogues, labels or websites are required to be factual. Person to person communications whether face to face, via telephone or email are also subject to the same scrutiny. Business and consumers are encouraged to visit www.accc.gov.au/carbon for further information. Contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477 16 November 2011 The Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson, today alerted residents to be on the alert for scammers out to get their personal details and bank data. Their actions include callers claiming to be from Government agencies such as the Australian Tax Office or the Department of Finance. Part of the scam includes the offer of refunds for overpayment of taxes and charges and asking for your details to ‘deposit’ into your account. “It is important to remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. If you get a call from nowhere or claiming to be from the Government, be extremely careful. It would be extremely unlikely that any Government Department would ask for your personal account details over the phone. This style of crime is serious and can cost people tens of thousands of dollars. These criminals have no conscience and attack the most vulnerable in our community.” Laurie said. To avoid being a victim you should never give out your credit card or bank account details, do not agree to a deal straight away – always ask someone for advice and importantly; remember that there are no get-rich-quick schemes. If you believe you have been targeted by a scammer contact the ACCC website, Scamwatch.gov.au or the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 795 995. Contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477
    Glenquarie Community Centre, part of the Junction Works conducted its Christmas dinner event on November 15th. About 80 enthusiastic citizens were in attendance. As well as a well catered lunch, there were raffles and door prizes.
It was a cedit to acting manager Janice Pekarek, who doubled as Santa’s helper. Once again, students from James Meehan High put in an exemplary effort distributing the food. I especially solute Ingleburn Rotary for their help in filling a funding gap which emerged. The sense of community engendered by these events is inspiring.
The day provided the young students with the opportunity to learn their culture through colourful Bangladeshi costume. Laurie’s free community raffle to help promote local business was drawn as part of the Festival of Fisher’s Ghost festivities, held at Campbelltown on Saturday 12 November. The winners were: Mr B.Henry from Leumeah – Kitty’s Cafe $50 Voucher Ms Hayley Spears from Ambarvale – R & L Smith Quality Meats $50 Voucher Mrs Jones from Macquarie Fields- Oxford Cakes $50 Voucher Mr Pope from Minto – Chows Pine Garden Chinese $50 Voucher Mr Moore – Ingleburn Bowling Club $50 Voucher Ms Esposito – Coffee Spot $50 Voucher
Manager Judith Foord especially thanked staff for going beyond formal work requirements. MCO is renowned for being able to tailor needs to the individual and is an arm of Campbelltown Council. 2 November 2011 Interest rate drop is a welcome relief to home owners Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson, today welcomed the news of the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut interest rates, describing the outcome as a win for every family and small business owner. “This decision effectively means that a family living in Werriwa with a mortgage of $250,000 will now pay $41.00 per month less. It works out to an extra $491.00 per year. The same family would be paying around $171.00 per month or $2,051.00 a year less since Labor came to office in 2007.” Small business, the backbone of our local economy will also benefit from the Reserve Bank decision.” Laurie said. “The fact that other countries are in the grip of recession vindicates the Federal Government’s resolve to manage the country’s finances in a disciplined manner. At the same time we have been able to create opportunities for growth and put in place vital infrastructure such as the National Broadband Network. This helps create investment certainty and ensures that we are ready to meet the challenges of future technology.” Laurie added. Contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477
Amongst a catalogue of services are cooking and gardening clubs, crisis accommodation, emergency relief, counselling, an Alcoholics Anonymous Group, No Interest Loans, and a Café. Stephen documented the group’s perseverance and determination to do even more in the future. Assistance was noted from many groups including Tafe, Anglicare, West Leagues, the IMB Community Foundation, Campbelltown Council etc, but most particularly the NSW Government through Andrew McDonald.
A national campaign aims to ensure that the Gillard Government urgently reforms aged care in this term of Federal Parliament, including providing: • The right mix of staff and skills To attract nurses to aged care, we need to close the wages gap between aged care and hospitals. Nurses in the aged care sector are currently paid between $168 and $390 on average less per week than nurses in hospitals. Previous attempts by governments, unions and employers to close the wages gap have not worked. The wages gap is still growing: in fact, it has doubled over the past decade, from $84 a week in 2002 to upwards of $168 on average today.
18 October 2011 Gillard Government delivers real results in local communities The Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP, today welcomed the news that the final stages of the Gillard Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) has been completed. The erection of additional flood lighting to improve visibility and allow night training for local sporting clubs at Seddon Park completes a $208 million investment by the Federal Government in infrastructure for the Campbelltown Local Government Area. The program, part of the National Stimulus Plan, was implemented to help provide much-needed local infrastructure and jobs. Improvements to local sporting and community facilities included: • the provision of ‘Liberty’ swings for disabled children at Hallinan Park, Ingleburn “These projects have delivered real results on the ground and importantly, ensured that local workers were able to keep working in times of economic uncertainty. It was good to inspect the Seddon Park improvements with Campbelltown Mayor, Cr Chanthivong knowing that local groups can take advantage of the great facilities provided by council year round”, Laurie said. The projects were funded as part of the Federal Government’s response to the Global Financial Crises. Around 3,000 projects have kept Australia working throughout Australia. Contact Laurie Ferguson: 9829 7477 My wife Maureen and I recently attended the production at the Town Hall Theatre 297 Queen Street, Campbelltown. Also there was Campbelltown Mayor Anoulack Chanthivong and State MP Bryan Doyle, as well as many other Councillors. The famed production was very professional and again showed local talent. Congratulations to Peter Novakovich, the actors especially lead Cameron Baker musicians and all the others involved in bringing this to Campbelltown. Further performances are on October 7th & 8th. For more information click on the link Keating A4 above.
Throughout that time they persevered with English instruction for their children in the camps and today hold the promise of being model citizens in Australia. They display a community thrust for education and employment. The President of the Association of Bhutanese in Australia Ohm Dhungel stressed the need to help their elders avoid isolation and maximise youth educational outcomes. Although predominantly Hindus they include some Buddhists (11%) Christians, Muslims, and Kirat, who believe in a combination of Hinduism and animism. The afternoon involved many cultural displays, dinner and a raffle.
It was an honour to present certificates from the Commonwealth Government to three local residents Kim Akhurst, David Curry, and Melanie Slater, and listen to their stories of volunteering in developing nations. They are respectively a operations coordinator in the accounting software sector, a TV producer and a carpenter. Melanie was accompanied by John Steed a plasterer whose activities first moved her down the road that lead to this effort. The countries affected were Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Not only did they give up their time, enduring living conditions that Australians would rarely experience but they also paid their own airfares and made contributions for upkeep. Melanie and John’s fundraising also involved a donation to the cause they helped. Projects were generally in the construction sector and amongst those helped were orphans, battered women, sex trade victims, children from underprivileged families and families that had lived precariously on a rubbish tip. Kim’s work was actually filming a construction project. They were moved by the relationships they developed especially with the children and clearly the experience made a lasting impression. I can only express deep admiration for the commitment of these local Australians. Tony Abbott has conducted an unprincipled scare campaign on the carbon price around the country. When the House of Representatives began debating the Gillard Government’s Clean Energy Bills the Opposition Leader was just as willing to mislead Parliament. His speech displayed a cavalier attitude to the facts. Here is a selection of his more absurd claims about the impact of the carbon price. Claim 1: “We won’t be able to get on a bus or a train, ultimately to drive our cars, without being impacted by this tax.” (Tony Abbott, second reading speech, 14 September 2011) Fact 1: The Government will not apply a carbon price to fuel used by household cars or light commercial vehicles. Buses using LPG, LNG, CNG or biofuels will not face an effective carbon price. Claim 2: “Just to give you a snapshot, Mr Speaker, of some of the increases that will be faced … Austral Bricks – $2 million a year additional cost; …” Fact 2: Austral Bricks is part of the Brickworks group which has said it will increase prices to recover the cost of the carbon price. The impact on brick production is less than two cents a brick. The Claim 3: “the Victorian hospital system – $13.5 million a year additional cost…” Fact 3: Treasury modelling shows the average price impact on health services will be around 0.3 per cent. This is taken into account in the Government’s household assistance package. Claim 4: “Nolan’s Transport in Gatton – an additional $300,000 a year in additional cost …” Fact 4: The Clean Energy Bills do not impose a carbon price on fuel used in heavy on-road vehicles. The Government plans to introduce an effective carbon price on fuel used by heavy on-road vehicles after the next election, from July 2014. This will give trucking companies time to make pass through Claim 5: “The Victorian Government has commissioned Deloitte Access Economics. Their modelling showed that there would be 23,000 fewer jobs across Victoria by 2015 as the result of the carbon tax.” Fact 5: The Victorian Government had not released the Deloitte Access Economics modelling when Abbott made this claim. Modelling by federal Treasury shows there will be around 400,000 extra jobs in Victoria by 2020 with a carbon price. Now that the Deloitte modelling has been released, we see that its conclusions are based on assumptions that are completely at odds with Treasury’s modelling. The Victorian government is engaging in exactly the same dishonest exercise that was exposed when Barry O’Farrell made his ludicrous and dishonest claims about the effect of a carbon price on NSW. Claim 6: “The New South Wales Treasury modelling – and this was modelling originally undertaken for the NSW Labor Government when Michael Costa was the Treasurer of NSW – this modelling predicts that 31,000 jobs will be lost in NSW by 2030 as a result of the carbon tax …” Fact 6: The NSW Treasury commissioned modelling by Frontier Economics in August this year, under the NSW Liberal government. Frontier’s report finds employment in NSW will continue to grow with a carbon price, but by 0.45 per cent less than without a carbon price. Modelling by federal Treasury shows around 400,000 extra jobs will be created in NSW by 2020 with a carbon price. Claim 7: “Mr Speaker, the Western Australian Treasury modelling predicts that Western Australian households within three years will be paying more than $2,120 a year for power compared with $1,515 a year now.” Fact 7: The WA modelling referred to by Mr Abbott actually estimates the average increase in household electricity bills due to the carbon price to be $111 a year, or just over $2.00 a week, less than federal Treasury’s estimate of the average national impact on electricity prices. The impact on electricity prices is taken into account in the Government’s household assistance package. Claim 8: “A 2009 Spanish study found that for every green job created by subsidies and price supports for renewable power, more than two jobs in other industries are lost.” Fact 8: This study, by the founder of a libertarian think-tank in Spain, has been widely criticised for poor methodology. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory has said the study used questionable methodology, lacked transparency and supporting data and ignored key information. Claim 9: “In the period in which Australia intends to reduce its emissions by five per cent, China is forecast to increase its emissions by 500 per cent …” Fact 9: The 500 per cent figure used by Mr Abbott is the projected growth in China’s emissions from 1990 to 2020. It’s well known how much China has developed in the last 20 years, so it is misleading to imply that China’s emissions will grow by 500 per cent in the next eight years. Claim 10: “Mr Speaker, it won’t even reduce emissions … What is the point of all the pain of this carbon tax if our emissions are actually going to increase.” Fact 10: Australia’s carbon pollution in 2010 was 578 million tonnes. Treasury modelling shows that with no carbon price this will rise to 686 million tonnes in 2020. With a carbon price, there will be 621 ion tonnes of domestic pollution and Australian businesses will offset a further 94 million tonnes though international carbon credits in 2020. That gives net carbon pollution of 527 million tonnes in 2020 – a five per cent reduction on the 2000 level. The carbon price will have a small impact on prices. It’s expected to increase prices by 0.7 per cent in 2012-13. To put that in perspective, that’s less than a third of the effect on prices that the introduction of the GST and related changes had back in 2000-01. The table below contains more detail about the impact on a range of products and services we all use to give you a better sense of what you can expect when the carbon price is introduced next year. Product or Service Price impact in 2012-13 (%) Milk, cheese and other dairy products 0.4 Breads, cakes and cereal products 0.4 Fruit and vegetables 0.4 Meat and seafood 0.4 Restaurant meals and takeaway food 0.4 Clothing, footwear 0.2 Electricity, gas, utilities 7.9 Beer, wine and alcohol 0.2 Travel and accommodation 0.5 Rent 0.6 Hospital and medical services 0.3 Pharmaceuticals 0.3 Audio-visual equipment, computers 0.4 Furniture and furnishings 0.4 Household appliances, utensils and tools 0.8 Education 0.3 Sport and recreation 0.3
The renovations were testimony to a hardworking, dedicated committee. In the words of a speaker on the day they succeeded in ensuring that every room has two uses. Concerts, language classes, dancing practice, lectures and use of modern technology are all part of the set up. It was reassuring to see the relocation of their historic documents, photos and statues. The Ukrainian community’s retention of its culture is noteworthy. In late June the Gillard Government succeeded in bringing in a national product stewardship framework. It will provide the basis of a national industry collection and recycling scheme for televisions and computers. This will be voluntary operation by the relevant companies. Shared responsibility will occur between importers, manufacturers, governments and consumers. This will reduce waste from products being disposed, avoid general waste, decrease hazardous substances and cover treatment, recycling and reuse in an environmentally sound way. For 2003-07 the amount of waste in Australia grew by a third to 44 million tonnes – more than 2000 kilograms per Australian. More information can be found at www.environment.gov.au/settlements/waste/product-stewardship/consultation/index.html or www.environment.gov.au/ewaste. Friends, family and Party members attended the 50th Birthday of Maurice Campbell, a staff member over the weekend. Maurice has worked in my electoral offices in Reid and Werriwa for over twenty years. Maurice has become a selfless worker for constituents specialising in Centrelink and Taxation matters and he has added much to our office’s closeness to constituents. Macarthur No Interest Loans (Nils) recently reached eleven years of community commitment. A history, titled “A Light in the Darkness” by Sister Noala Fox was launched. It emphasised many of the people assisted to gain major necessary, life enhancing things through these loans, the volunteers who helped, the lift in personal morale and financial management that result. Father Kevin Goode, a Franciscan who lived in the local area and was active on the first loan vetting committee, was there as were the Victorian based leadership of Good Shepherd Microfinance. The group has now loaned money on 950 occasions. Assistance also comes from the Commonwealth FACSIA Department, Campbelltown Catholic Club, and Sydney Water. This is a socially responsible alternative to same day lenders and pawn shops. An innovative website was also launched. www.macarthurnils.org.au
Starting with only 56 students in 2006 the school this year has its first year 12, and expects to grow to over 1000 students. Amongst the new developments were a TAS/Visual Arts area, five interconnected workshops, three Visual Arts spaces, a new library with four learning spaces, Pupil, Counselling and Administration facilities plus areas in Food Technology, Design, Technology, and an Industrial Kitchen. The school is active in on line collaborative learning. Congratulations to Principal John Robinson.
Principal David Leydon proudly showed off the five new classrooms, refurbishment of buildings, walkways and paved surface as well as a very useful covered outdoor learning area. The school has 50 nationalities and 40 languages and has facilities the envy of many other schools. It was the first event for school Captains Jack Mitchell and Natalie Domovski. Welcome to Country was proudly given by Tamalee Dargan. Claims made in today’s Daily Telegraph about pre-commitment on poker machines are wrong, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin said. Ms Macklin said the claims are part of a $20 million scare campaign by big gambling operators. “This is just another example of the misinformation being peddled by those desperate to protect their pokies profits,” Ms Macklin said. “Clubs Australia are using some very aggressive tactics – but the Australian community won’t be bullied by this $20 million scare campaign. And the Government won’t be either. “Australians want action to tackle problem gambling and that’s what we are delivering.” The facts are: •The Norwegian survey referred to in the Daily Telegraph actually shows an overall reduction in problem gambling between 2005 and 2010. * Why Plan Ahead? Wills, powers of attorney, eduring guardian Wednesday 5 October 2011 For further information, please click on the link below:
The group has negotiated agreements with two nursing homes and has conducted a series of talks on Alzheimer’s, diet, home care and is running numerous seminars/workshops. Their ultimate dream is to build their own nursing home and they have gained charitable status.
Congratulations to Sule College Prestons on their organisation of yet another such event. Teams of three students’ from 36 schools entered. The first prize was an IPAD for each team member and their maths teacher and $2,000 for the school to spend at Harvey Norman. This required great efforts from Sule’s teachers and support came from Liverpool Council and Harvey Norman. Final victors were Neutral Bay Public School. The other five finalists were Carlingford Public, Cherrybrook Public, Hope Christadelphian Heritage School, MLC Burwood and Sule itself. There was a very impressive video of the day’s proceedings aired during the final presentations
It is anticipated that over 60 students from 9 classes in years 5-7 will participate spending at least 45 minutes in the garden and ninety minutes in the kitchen each week. It entails the art of growing, cooking and living healthy in a team environment. Kitchen facilities will be upgraded to include 3 new stoves and ovens, dining facilities and preparation areas. Outside, the existing garden area will be increased to 239 square meters with 4 square meters for each participant with upgraded chook houses and hothouse to come. The first gardens will be planted in April next year with the kitchen ready to go in June. Whether its nutrition and the fight against obesity, getting hands dirty, learning how plants propagate – it’s all worthwhile.
The members are elderly Chinese Australians predominantly from Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, etc. They built their own premises at Lidcombe from the hard work of fundraising with hardly any Government help. Today the hundreds of members enjoy meals, dancing, lectures, light exercises and birthday parties. Former Unity Party Upper House MP Dr Peter Wong continues to be a valued adviser.
The most recent was Casula Public and the talk was conducted in their impressive School Assembly Hall. It was great to have the full range of questions on reasons for going into politics, sporting interests, what job you would otherwise do, where you stay in Canberra, whether you are always happy with the job etc.
The photo shows a proud Jo Olmerod with the award and artwork from students at Ajuga. Last year they also accomplished second prize.
An Australian Post personalised stamp and first day cover envelope were also features of the day. Charge d’Affaires Stanislav Stashevskyi represented the Ukrainian Government. This respected High School held its Spring Fair on August 27th in conjunction with the monthly markets. These are conducted on the 4th Sunday every month from 9.00am to 2.00pm. The day involved tremendous, enthusiastic work by the entire school community. The spirit was summed up by the school marketing manager, Brooke Dennis-Bowser’s comment to me about the school that it was “a bit like a family”. Amongst the fundraising efforts were guessing the milk volumes from a cow and the weight of a pig. Countless shrubs and flowers changed hands, there were many Devonshire teas sold, raffles conducted with pottery, needlework, felt making and wood turning as well as regional food specialties including fruit, vegetables, artisan cheeses and Snowy Mountains smoked trout. It’s an honour for the Werriwa electorate to have this renowned school in Glenfield with its 1,100 students including 200 boarders. It is always up there in the peak of NSW academic performances. MACQUARIE FIELDS ELECTORATE BUILDING THE EDUCATION REVOLUTION PROJECTS Dr ANDREW McDONALD (Macquarie Fields) [4.43 p.m.]: Last week I attended the opening of a new classroom at Campbell House School in Glenfield. As this was a Building the Education Revolution project, Laurie Ferguson, the Federal member for Werriwa, did the honours. This new classroom will make an enormous difference to the teaching at Campbell House School and it is being used for a very successful parents retreat. I have also been present at the opening of the wonderful hall at Prestons Public School, the excellent hall and library at Unity Grammar, and the new multifunction hall at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School. The Building the Education Revolution program has revolutionised Education in south-west Sydney. For the record, the projects in the electorate of Macquarie Fields that were funded by the Federal Government under the program are: Ingleburn North Public School received $850,000 for a new library; William Cary Christian School, $3 million for a new multipurpose hall and an early learning centre; James Meehan High School, $821,000 for a language centre; Guise Public School, $2 million for a multipurpose hall; Glenfield Park School, $300,000 for a refurbishment; Glenwood Public School, $2 million for new classrooms and refurbishment of the toilets; Curran Public School, just over $2 million for a multipurpose hall; Dalmeny Public School, $2,850,000 for new classrooms; Austral Public School, $2.5 million for new classrooms; Greenway Park Public School, over $3 million for new classrooms; Holy Spirit Primary School, $5,700,000 for a multipurpose hall and new classrooms; Glenfield Public School, $2 million for new classrooms and a library; and Lurnea Public School, $3 million for a library and general refurbishment. Lurnea Public School has also received a magnificent hall and a complete refurbishment in the past few years, and has never looked better. St Catherine of Siena Catholic Primary School received $2,200,000 for the multipurpose hall where I attended the opening. All Saints Catholic Senior College received nearly $2 million for a new science centre. I also attended the opening of this truly magnificent centre. Unity Grammar College received $2.5 million for a library and construction of a multipurpose hall. I am very proud of the achievements of Unity Grammar and its students. Prestons Public School received $3 million for new classrooms and construction of a covered outdoor learning area. Campbell House School received $250,000 for new classrooms. Macquarie Fields Public School received $3 million for new classrooms; Good Shepherd Primary School, $2,200,000 for a new covered outdoor learning area and multipurpose hall; Sule College, $3 million for the construction of a new multipurpose hall; St Francis Xavier’s School at Lurnea, $2,250,000 for a multipurpose hall and a library; Ajuga School, $300,000 for new classrooms; and Hoxton Park Public School, $3 million for new classrooms and a covered outdoor learning area. This is a new school that has received a substantial upgrade and has never looked better. Al Amanah College received $3 million for a multipurpose hall; Macarthur Adventist College, $2,600,000 for a multipurpose hall; and, finally, Casula Public School, $3 million for a new library and refurbishments. That is a total of $62,366,668. Dr ANDREW McDONALD: The Building the Education Revolution program has been absolutely vital for the economic wellbeing of our area. It should never be forgotten that this program was undertaken against the wishes of the Federal Coalition and those in this place—I note the interjection from those opposite who still oppose this project. I note also that the Building the Education Revolution was, and is, persistently opposed by the Murdoch press. For the record, in my electorate there were only two complaints about the program. One was from Glenwood Public School that needed “short throw”•projectors for the new classrooms and the other from Greenway Park Public School, which had already paid for its electronic whiteboards and needed to be reimbursed. Of all the school projects in the electorate of Macquarie Fields—$62 million worth of work—there were only two minor complaints, both of which were sorted. Those opposite should hang their heads in shame at their persistent attempts to criticise the Building the Education Revolution program and for their hypocrisy at then claiming credit for these wonderful projects once they were instituted.
The Igbo have largely migrated through the skilled category and are lead by President Dr Vincent Ogu. They were disproportionally represented in the enslaved blacks sent to the Americas. Some estimates are that over 3 million Igbos were involved and their descendents include Paul Robeson and Forrest Whittaker. The Igbos are also interesting from having had a fairly democratic, decentralised society leadership structure less characterised by hierarchies and elites. In a very diverse entertainment there was an Ethiopian woman singer, an impressive Polynesian dance group and band ‘Reef Thunder’ from our region and the Igbo Women’s Dance group. Parliamentary Secretary Kate Lundy and State Liberal Minister Victor Dominello, as well as Mayor Wendy Waller addressed the audience.
Upgraded science classrooms and building refurbishments help bring Sarah Redfern into the 21st Century Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson, today attended the official opening of the upgraded science classrooms and building refurbishments at Sarah Redfern High School in Minto. Sarah Redfern received $1,114,524 under the National School Pride program and Science and Language Centres for the 21st Century element of the Gillard Government’s Building Education Revolution. “It was great to once again attend such an inspiring school. Sarah Redfern is well known as an innovative school that is not afraid to diversify in their quest to educate and inspire their students. The science classrooms now look and feel like they are ready and able to take on any experiment the students can think of as they work their way through the periodic tables. Coupled with a new covered outdoor learning area, the improvements will further enhance the teacher’s ability to educate while giving students the best possible tools to reach their potential. I know that Principal Endicott and her staff are proud of their facilities and these facilities will help them attain the high standards they set for themselves. As I am attending the massive improvements in the 80 odd school building openings in the electorate, I hear from teachers parents and builders tremendous appreciation of this fantastic effort” Laurie said. The $821.8 million Science and Language Centres for 21st Century Secondary Schools program is providing funding for 500 selected schools throughout the country. Funding is used to build new or refurbished science laboratories and language centres. Media contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477 4 August 2011 Covered outdoor learning area and major classroom refurbishments revitalise Ingleburn Public School. The Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP today attended the official opening of major classroom refurbishments and a new outdoor learning area at Ingleburn Public School. The $3,200,000 is part of the Gillard Government’s support for Australian jobs, stimulating the economy and securing much-need investment for our education infrastructure. “These improvements not only benefit the students and teachers who are here today will also provide facilities that meet the educational needs a 21st century school requires. “The revitalised and insulated school blocks boast full internet access if required and have been rebuilt from the top down with new walls, floors and furniture. “The impressive outdoor learning area is one of the largest built under the program. With the capacity to fit a full sized basketball ball court, it means that students are protected from the elements whether they are learning, eating or playing. “Other covered areas now mean that you can travel to all buildings under cover. It is vitally important that we recognise that this project alone provided work for 36 workers, achieving economic stimulus and ensuring that our building skills have been retained.” Laurie said. Ingleburn Public School received $3,000,000 for classroom refurbishment and new covered outdoor learning area through the Primary Schools for the 21st Century element of the BER and $200,000 under the National School Pride Program. As I am attending the massive improvements in the 80 odd school building openings in the electorate, I hear from teachers parents and builders tremendous appreciation of this fantastic effort” Laurie added. Media contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477 This school’s Federal Government allocation was $3.2 million which went towards a valued new library and class room refurbishments. Bishop Peter Ingram officiated in the blessing. It was informative to catch up with engineers and architects who expressed appreciation of the vital help to the building industry. Nearly 130 years old this school is a reminder of the farming history of the district, and still retains the original school bell. The school’s $2.125 million went to classroom updates, a new library and refurbishment of some classrooms. The school stresses community participation and has a firm anti – bullying policy. There are also many gifted and talented programmes and a school population of 260 students. It was a good opportunity to talk to Principal Trish Hagan about the school’s much praised upgrades and also catch up about mutual friends from our own school days.
I joined Principal Graeme Green, and Parents and Citizens leaders Heather McIntosh and Janice Everett, as well as Councillor Rudi Kolkman for the opening held in conjunction with Education Week. The event was greatly assisted by a preview of three songs from the upcoming Ingleburn High School’s musical, the first in 32 years. This project was part of the $1.62 billion of education works in Australia’s 9000 schools.
However, at the time it also recognised the challenge of constructing an alternative scheme. These include an estimated nett cost of over $6 billion a year, State and Federal responsibilities and a limited workforce. The national campaign of DisabiliTEA involved four separate events in Werriwa. These were organised by Share Care, Northcott, AFFORD and Macarthur Community Representatives Network. People came together for a cup of tea and to discuss issues surrounding disabilities. Carers, clients and workers gathered to drive home the urgent and growing crisis. Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller an active worker in the field attended most of the day’s events. At AFFORD’s Prestons event an award was presented to employee Villiamu (Willi) Tumaalii, who won a Bronze Medal for Australia at the Athen Olympics in Ten Pin Bowling. Willi greeted the large crowd with a faultless haka. There is a need to press the importance of reform upon Government. If you are interested in helping raise the profile of the issue, join the “Every Australian Counts” campaign www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au, for more information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/way…/national.htm. Financing the transformation to a zero carbon economy Ann Pettifor speaking tour Public Forum For more information please click on the PDF below.
The school assists with conduct and behaviour disorders and emotional disturbance disorders. This entails a dedicated staff, special Board of Studies curriculum work and close cooperation with TAFE. Gains for the school were class refurbishment and a new arts centre. The Gillard Government has accomplishment a world renowned building effort to ensure 21st century educational opportunities.
Built on a large block with vestiges of Cumberland Plains forest, it is a beautiful school. The Federal Government’s $3.2 million accomplished new classrooms for year 6, very attractive refurbishment of the Kindergarten classrooms and a covered outdoor area. The school choir, dance group and videos were especially impressive. Without Federal Government action which also avoided building industry unemployment these gains would never have happened.
The organiser was local power house Jan Nicolls, who roped in family and friends to display the art very effectively and to serve the food and drink trays to guests. There was Polynesian singing that made many attendees think of Hawaiian beaches. The welcome to Country was accompanied by a young local didgeridoo player. As well as young peoples’ art effort, people such as Menagle painter Michelle Arentz with her work on Ingleburn Library and Community Hall donated works. I was pleased to win the auction for the work “Unity in the Community” painted by Marsha Hayes, Meryn Johnstone and Allan Rousell. The National Volunteer Awards to recognise and celebrate volunteers across Australia in 2011. The Government has announced an award for those individuals who make an outstanding contribution to their local community through volunteering. Volunteering is an essential part of our community. It connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build a stronger local community. Werriwa relies heavily on the contribution of volunteers – the unsung heroes who give up their free time to deliver services, in the areas of sport, emergency services and community welfare. 2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. The theme for the world- wide celebrations is ‘Inspire the Volunteer in You’ – recognising that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution. Your organisation can nominate outstanding local volunteers and organisations in the following award categories:
To be eligible for awards, volunteers should be widely recognised as being significant contributors; their contribution of time and effort should set an example to other volunteers; they should provide guidance to other volunteers and where appropriate encourage others to join their cause; they should undertake their tasks selflessly and without the purpose of material gain. Nominations open on Thursday, 30 June 2011. Award ceremonies will be held on or around International Volunteer Day on Monday, 5th December 2011. Award winners will receive a custom-designed award pack which will include a letter of recognition from the Prime Minister and the Minister for Social Inclusion, a certificate of appreciation for their volunteering efforts and an IYV+10 commemorative stamp and coin set. For the nomination forms please contact my office or visit www.notforprofit.gov.au/volunteering. Nominations close 5pm 30th August 2011. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact my office on 9829 7477.
28 June 2011 Werriwa schools rewarded for raising literacy and numeracy levels Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson, today welcomed the news that four schools in the area have received funding reward for improving literacy and numeracy levels. Ingleburn, Robert Townson and Sackville Street Public Schools along with Unity Grammar College, Austral shared part of the $48.6 million allocated to NSW by engaging students with the help of the Gillard Government’s Smarter Schools National Partnership for Literacy and Numeracy Partnership. The partnership provides teachers the skills and strategies to teach the key concepts in literacy and numeracy. They are focused on the early years and extend through the middle and later years. The partnership specifically aims to address disadvantage and provides opportunities for students who may be at risk of failure by identifying potential problems early. “This is a great result for all the schools involved. They are prepared to stand up and be measured against the specific targets they have set themselves. The partnership rewards the schools that are actively increasing their capacity to provide the foundation of any academic success, literacy and numeracy. These skills are a key component to ensure that students are confident and ready to join the workforce or further their education. This is particularly so people with limited resources.” Laurie said. The Gillard Government is providing up to $540 million in funding over four years under the partnership. This includes up to $350 million in 2010-11 and 2011-12. The partnership is one of three National Partnerships that are aimed at addressing disadvantage, supporting teachers and is backed by over $2.5 billion in funding by the Federal Government. Further information is available at www.smarterschools.gov.au or by contacting Laurie’s office on 9829 7477.
Contact: Laurie Ferguson 9829 7477
Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP, today welcomed the news that finding out about our local ANZAC legends has been made simpler with the development of a new online feature developed by the National Archives. The feature, Mapping our Anzacs allows people to find people in their own community who enlisted to serve in World War I. “Mapping our Anzacs provides the means to find diggers from the local community who served in the Great War. Who enlisted, when they enlisted and where they enlisted It just takes a few clicks and you are there. Looking at the enlistment forms of people like Percy Shephard from Casula or Herbert and William Webb from Ingleburn who joined or enlisted to serve our country.” Laurie said. This new online feature is a great new way to get involved in local history. Before Mapping our Anzacs researchers had to know exactly where to look and what to look for. Now you can view in an instant and link individual service records. There is also an option to interact with the ability to attach mementoes on an online scrapbook. “This will be a great tool to explore a significant part of local history. You can experience the links to other community members who enlisted, whether they are next of kin or neighbours.” Entries include newspaper death notices, photographs of medals and plaques. There may also be the opportunity to view family pictures and stories of those who served.” Laurie added. The website indicates that around 45 people were born in the Werriwa electorate and over 4020 people enlisted in the Casula area (the Casula Army Barracks served as an enlistment post) to serve the armed forces.* This is a significant number considering that the Werriwa district was essentially a rural outpost of Sydney at the time. *Mapping our ANZACS can be accessed by visiting http://mappingouranzacs.naa.gov.au Member for Werriwa, Mr Laurie Ferguson MP, has encouraged the local community to support our troops serving overseas by sending them care packages this ANZAC Day. “ANZAC Day is a day to remember the sacrifices our troops have made for our nation. It is also a day for us to show support to our troops currently serving overseas,” Mr Ferguson said. “We are all proud of the work the men and women of the Australian Defence Force do in places like East Timor, Solomon Islands and the Middle East.” “A great way to show your support is by sending our troops a message or a care package this ANZAC Day.” Messages to the troops can be sent to messagestothetroops@defence.gov.au. Members of the public are able to send care packages through Australia Post. Items weighing up to 2kg and posted in a ‘BM’ size Australia Post carton can be posted without cost to the sender. Parcels exceeding this limit will incur full postal charges which must be paid by the sender. “I recommend sending items that will remind our troops of home. Things like magazines, books and DVDs,” Mr Ferguson said. The Australian Defence Force has set up special postal addresses for the care packages. They are active from now until 15 April 2011. For postal security reasons, parcels must be posted in person with presentation of photograph identification and can be lodged at any Australia Post outlet, using the following addresses: Middle East: An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman East Timor An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman Solomon Islands An Australian Soldier/Sailor/Airman/Airwoman Another way of showing our troops support this ANZAC Day is to donate to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund (AFOF). Twice a year the AFOF provides packages to Australian Defence Force, Australian Federal Police and AusAID personnel serving overseas. Further information regarding the AFOF is available on the RSL web site (http://www.rsl.org.au/). Korean Fact Finding Mission in Bangladesh Press Conference : Fact Finding Mission on Demonstration at Youngone Trading Many people eye-witnessed that their colleagues were found with their wrists and ankles cut and blooding after meeting with managers in one of Youngone factories in Chittagong. This statement is prepared by Korean House for International Solidarity, Advocates for Public Interest Law, Public Interest Lawyers Group ‘Gong-gam’, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. While most of what we found through this mission confirms what has been reported on the incident, there are some new facts which have not been revealed but is very important to explain the whole story of the incident. 1. Background •According to Media, Workers at Youngone Trading, a South Korean company located in the Export Processing Zone in Chittagong and Dhaka, Bangladesh, organized a strike to demand a higher salary. Police authorities suppressed the strike in which participated thousands of workers. It is reported that during the crackdown, at least 3 people were killed, 250 people were injured on 11 and 12 December 2010 and approximately 30,000 workers were prosecuted . There is no clear information the reason why Youngone workers organized serious demonstration despite of expected severe suppression by government and better working conditions which claimed by Youngone Trading. 2.The facts our team confirmed The problem started from the day when workers get pay slips on 6th Dec. 2010. Bangladesh Governments new EPZ pay scale was declared on September 2010, effected on November 2010. And the 1st new pay day according to the new scale salary was 6th Dec. 2010. Workers of Youngone were confused and disappointed with their new salaries in contrast with their expectation after the introduction of new minimum salary scale. Because the size of salary increases of careered workers were lower than the ones of new workers and allowance which has been given for inflation was deducted. But none of their supervisors, managers, general managers or directors did not make efforts to clarify their confusions about the new salaries. And in the situation where their rights to association, bargain and strike are totally denied, there are not many ways for workers to raise this problems to managers of Youngone at Chittagong. 3. New facts our team found (1) The claim by Youngone that agitations on 11th and 12th were caused by outsiders is not the case. High officials in BEPZA emphasized repeatedly that the incident was caused by Youngone workers , not outsiders. Encouraged by work stoppages by Youngone workers in Dhaka on 7th Dec 2010 and strikes by other company workers in Chittagong since 8th Dec 2010. Youngone workers in Chittagong decided to express their complaint on 11th Dec 2010 after few day discussion and consideration. Some workers attempted to send their delegates to high authorities of Youngone to discuss about their new salaries, others started 1 hour work stoppage on 11th Dec 2010. This is the beginning of the incident. (2) Many people testified that they eye-witnessed that 3 workers in YSL factory of Youngone were founded with their ankles and wrists cut and blooding and 5 workers including these 3 injured workers missing until now. Our witnesses testified that workers in one of Youngone factories in Chittagong called YSL on 11th Dec 2010 were taking turns for 1 hour work stoppage after lunch. And there was some shouting between the managers and workers in the factory. A manger physically abused one woman worker in 3th floor of the factory who was making strong complaint. When co-workers from different floors protested the physical abusing, the manager called 5 male and female workers who complained strongly. While workers were waiting for their colleagues, one of female worker who had been called by the manager telephoned one of workers in the floor saying at around 4:00 P.M. “what you guys are doing there, we are dying up here”. At this time managers ordered workers to go home turning off power, but workers declined to leave the factory saying they would not leave until their colleagues were coming back. After few minutes as our witnesses testified, some of the workers started searching for their colleagues and they found two of their male colleagues with their wrists and ankles cut and blooding losing their consciousness at 4:30~5:00 P.M.. Workers became furious at what happened to their colleagues and used violence against managers in order to make them to tell their colleagues’ whereabouts. The injured workers were transferred to the hospital in Chittagong Medical, near Chak bazaar right after they were founded injured. But it is reported that the injured transferred to the hospital disappeared and rest of colleagues called by the manager on 11th Dec 2010 have been still missing. Workers from other Youngone factories rushed to YSL factory knowing the incident and they were protesting this incident asking managers to turn their colleagues back. Many workers came over there with big rally and more than 10,000 workers gathered. At around 6:30 workers came to know where another male worker was from the high officials of Youngone by beating them to tell the missing colleagues whereabouts. When people found him at the 5th floor of the factory, his ankles and wrist also were injured and blooding. (3) Police used metal bullets for crackdown on demonstrators on 12th Dec. 2010 On 11th Dec. 2010, Police came to the factory and rescued the Youngone officials from workers. They broke the gathered workers demanding their missing colleagues with baton and tear gas and succeeded send them home near midnight. On 12th Dec. Morning workers saw small posters about a layoff of Youngone factories everywhere in EPZ. While other companies in EPZ also closed their factory and made safe return of their workers through the north & south pocket gates, thousand Youngone workers who consitituted most of demonstrators gathered in front of BEPZA office from 8:00 A.M demanding opening the factories, increasing their salaries and bringing back their missing co-workers. With Police surrounding workers inside & outside BEPZA(Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority) office, near 10am to 10:30am some women workers had oral confrontation with police saying “police should do something to find their missing colleagues”. Police responded promptly with batons and injured two workers severely. It made demonstrators angry and more violent. Police closed all the gates of EPZ and pushed demonstrators to the front gate near the BEPZA authority office. It made workers more angry and to express their anger with burning cars around them. Supressing the demonstrators, police fired metal bullets resulting in at least 3 peoples. (4) Many witnesses and participants in demonstration in danger of arbitrary arrest and Threat. How many Youngone workers were missing and being in detention has not been properly calculated. As a manager from one of the Youngone factories told us that at the time they reopened the factories, 10% of workers which are 3,600 did not come to work. But some workers told us that the number may escalate into 30%. Many of people we met were very scared of being arrested by police and told us and were afraid of visiting the factories to get their unpaid salaries or discharged allowances. There were claims that at least 150 Youngone workers are being in detention facility at Chittagong where tortures happens. 4. Conclusion we made If the testimonies by our eye-witnesses that their missing colleagues were found with their ankles and wrists cut and blooding is true, it can explains why workers Youngone Chittagong where there have been no labor unrest since it started used serious violation against mangers. Youngone workers’ anger and violence against their managers and policemen was sparked by dissatisfaction with their new salaries but fueled by what happened to their missing colleagues by managers. We are very much suspicious that Youngone managers has been covering up this incident happening to missing 5 youngone workers with cooperation of police. 5. Requests by the Fact Finding Mission team (1) We urge Youngone company to explain clearly about the claims by many eye-witnesses that 5 Youngone workers called by managers of YSL factory were found with their ankles and wrists cut and blooding and to open the their CCTV films posted at 3rd floor of the YSL factory. Most years Parliament seem to meet close to Christmas and therefore I miss many speech and presentation events, this year I have had the opportunity to attend far more. They are all instructive. This week’s Eaglevale High drove home their performing arts strength, the coffee shop, work on trades and the gains through the Building and Education Revolution processes. Earlier in the day it was great to be at Dalmeny Public which I featured in the last newsletter. The roar at the winning sports teams’ announcement indicated an enthusiastic school. Once again at William Carey there was a particular emphasis on the gains of the BER and I was very taken with the school’s concept of leadership stemming from the bottom through way of service rather than a pyramid down process. Meeting former student Michaela Belling who is studying Government, International Affairs and History at Sydney University was very notable and I appreciated her work with refugee claimants. Minto Public is having a resurgence of school numbers and Principal Vicki Craze explained Federal Government building gains. It was reassuring to see the local Anglican Minister Chris Hanger so connected with the school. Sule College is a predominantly Turkish but increasingly multicultural enterprise at Prestons. I am each year overwhelmed by the reality of how engaged the children are with broader Australian media and pop culture. Attending these special days would overcome the misinformation and ignorance of some Australians about the very overwhelming majority of Australian Islamic schools. The main feature of Glenfield Park’s assembly was the opening of an impressive Walkabout Thinking Trail. The school caters for students who have difficulties coping with the mainstream system. My commendations to Principal Karen Willis and staff. The skits on Australian Christmas were well done. Passfield Park Special School is seeing the changing of the baton with next years retirement of Principal Kerryn Morrison. Particularly moving was the DVD on School Captain and HSC certificate recipient Chantel Crawford – Clark. The teachers give children a very full and interesting education experience. John Edmondson High School’s presentation continued a heavy emphasis on the VC winner that the school is named after. The orientation towards high attendance was noted and the school’s first year 12 graduated. The new Dux prize is named after Austin Mackell, John Edmondson’s commander and it was great to meet up with his son Roger a proprietor of Sydney’s legendary Glebebooks. The Dux was Praneel Kumar. The Principal Graeme Green of Ingleburn Public presented a positive report and it was informative to see former Principal Stan Smith there still taking an interest. The strong support of the RSL and other local community groups is very much appreciated. It was interesting to hear of a visit to Chile by teachers and efforts for cooperation. Sarah Redfern’s Principal Kerry Sweeney mentioned the extensive work on dance, the Premiers Reading Challenge and other ventures. The school’s Korean connection was amplified by a teacher wearing the nation’s jeogori and chima. Federal Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP has welcomed the Gillard Government’s banking reforms. Mr Ferguson said that these reforms are vital to increase competition and keep the ‘big four’ honest in their dealing with customers. The banning of exit fees will come into force on 1 July 1011. “It is a credit to the strong regulatory nature of our financial system and the Federal Government’s response to the GFC that we are in a relatively comfortable economic environment. This is particularly so in comparison to other first world nations. However, this does not give large banks the right to gouge customers relentlessly. Banning exit fees will give us all the freedom to shop around.” Laurie said. “Too often the big banks take their customers for granted, particularly when they are making the most important purchase of their lives.” He added. The new proposed reforms will build on existing measures introduced by the Government and increase competition between banks, smaller lenders, credit unions and building societies. They include:
These proposed changes to our banking system will not only enable us to choose wisely, it will also benefit smaller financial institutions through increased support and Federal government security. If you would like to find out more about these proposed reforms visit www.treasury.gov.au/banking To find a Credit Union that may suit your family’s needs visit http://www.comesbacktoyou.com.au/ The United Nations International Day of the Volunteer 10th anniversary was recently celebrated by many across the world. I had the honour of hosting an afternoon tea for 15 volunteers who donate their time in the electrate of Werriwa on Tuesday 7th December 2010. Organisations such as Macarthur District Temporary Family Care (MDTFC), Argyle Community Housing, Junction Works-The Fields Neighbourhood Centre, South West Community Transport (SWCT), Disability South West Inc and Outer Liverpool Community Service rely on their volunteers to help enhance their services for the less fortunate, disadvantage, frail age, people with a disability and their carers. The above organisations nominated their volunteers for their caring, determination, and friendless towards clients/members accessing the programs in our community. A special thank you to:
Without these volunteers organisations do not exist, events do not occur and other people have reduced options in life.
A recent poll commissioned by the respected aid agency, Oxfam, has found that over 86% of Australians feel that we need to do more to help our neighbours in the Pacific Islands. The poll also found that 93% of Australians support the sharing of renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar energy with developing nations to help offset the effects of climate change. “When you consider the island of Tuvalu is less than four metres above the ocean, the fact that it is recording an annual sea level rise of 5-6 mm is a stark reminder that change is needed now – the facts are irrefutable”. Laurie said. A report released by Oxfam International titled “Now more than ever” found that 2010 is already one of the hottest years ever recorded with Pakistan registering temperatures of 53.7%C. The highest ever temperature recorded in Asia. The report was released to highlight the effects of climate change at the United Nations conference held in Cancun, Mexico this week. According to Oxfam, the report has also identified that over 21,000 people have died of weather related disasters in the first 9 months of the year alone. This is more than twice the number recorded in 2009. The crisis is clear and the obvious costs of change only get greater if there is inaction. If you would like to find out more about the Oxfam report click on: Member for Werriwa, Laurie Ferguson MP, has welcomed news that the Federal Government have asked the community for their thoughts on the practice of forced or servile marriage. “Sadly, the practice of forced marriage still exists. This practice deserves the strongest condemnation. The use of the words such as ‘traditional custom’ in this context is in reality, a smokescreen for a life of misery, servitude and of freedom denied.” Laurie said. The Attorney General, Robert McClelland and Minister for Justice, Brendan O’Connor announced that the government was seeking the community’s view on the issue. A discussion paper has been released ahead of a National Roundtable between peak stakeholders and the government on how to best meet the needs of victims. A range of possibilities have been canvassed in a discussion paper in the lead up to the roundtable and include a number of possible actions that include: new specific offences targeting those who force another person into marriage, profit from trafficking individuals into a marriage, or coerce or use threats to bring about a marriage;
Comment on the discussion paper, which can be obtained at www.ag.gov.au/forcedandservilemarriage is open until 4 February 2011. Alternatively you can contact Laurie’s office on 9829 7477 or e-mail Laurie.Ferguson.mp@aph.gov.au Congratulations are due to Sub Branch President, Don Keefe and his team on this important event. The address by Brigadier Phil Winter, CSC was especially impressive. His effort was very contemporary as he mentioned current overseas conflicts, the Fromelles burials and the effort of Australian tunnellers recently commemorated in film. As a person who grew up in the area he also displayed a keen local knowledge. Also prominent was Ingleburn High with both School Captains present. It is fitting remembrance to the over 400,000 Australians who enlisted overseas in World War I, the 60,000 who lost their lives and those who suffered deep post war medical problems. 100 Years of Labor Government in NSW 6pm for 6.30pm Monday 15 November, 2010 Trades Hall Auditorium 4 Goulburn St (entry through 377 Sussex St) Sydney In 1910 the first Labor Government was elected in NSW, led by James McGowen, a boilermaker by trade, who represented the seat of Redfern. To mark this event the Sydney Branch of the ASSLH and the NSW ALP Central Policy Branch is hosting a talk by two eminent Labor historians, Michael Hogan and Lucy Taksa. A large number of cancer cases among workers who paint and maintain Sydney Harbour Bridge has led to concerns that the work may be literally killing them. Workers and their unions met with RTA management and told them they were concerned about the prevalence of cancer. RTA management agreed to “investigate if there is a cancer cluster on the bridge” as well as review current work practices to ensure they are not contributing to the problem. CFMEU State Secretary Mal Tulloch said there was at least eight known cases of cancer recently (including five deaths) and the number of cases could be higher. “We are concerned the increased casualisation of Sydney Harbour Bridge workers is covering up the true extent of the issue,” he said. “When casual workers get sick, they leave so we have no way of tracking the true extent of the problem.” The building unions representing the riggers, painters, carpenters and crane operators who continually maintain the bridge believe lead paint may be the cause of the cancers. Mr Tulloch said two cancer sufferers were still working on the bridge while they dealt with the disease. “These guys love working on this iconic site and they recognise that it is a dangerous occupation to be painting and sand-blasting 100 metres above Sydney Harbour,” he said. “But getting ill because you are inhaling lead particles is totally preventable and the RTA needs to show it is serious by acting on this quickly.” Mr Tulloch said the unions had other unresolved industrial matters with the RTA that were not being dealt with quickly so they were concerned it would continue its go-slow approach on this critical issue. The following resolution was passed unanimously at a meeting of the workers on the Sydney Harbour Bridge on October 14; That this meeting of workers calls on RTA Sydney Harbour Bridge Management to; 1. Immediately convert all limited duration, casuals and contractors who have worked at the Sydney Harbour Bridge for 6 months or longer to permanent employment. This meeting acknowledges that permanent employees make for a more efficient workforce. 2. That the RTA along with the Unions (AWU, AMWU & CFMEU) investigate the likelihood of the development of a cancer cluster amongst previous & current Bridge workers. Also the RTA conduct an immediate review of safe work systems in relation to the removal of lead paint and all employees on site be paid lead paint removal allowance. 3. That all industrial issues are resolved quickly and adhered to and whatever the agreed resolution, be put in writing. Authorised by Malcolm Tulloch, State Secretary, Construction Forestry Mining Energy Union The Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union has welcomed NSW Premier Kristina Keneally’s intervention in the debate over working conditions at the proposed Barangaroo development. CFMEU State Secretary Mal Tulloch says the development could play a critical role in turning around a race to the bottom in the NSW building industry in terms of safety standards and decent working conditions. Mrs Keneally has written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard to ask for the right to exempt Barangaroo from the Fair Work Act to establish a project agreement for the $6 billion development on Sydney’s harbour foreshore. “We welcome the Premier’s commitment to ensuring stronger safety standards,” Mr Tulloch says. “NSW safety laws are the toughest in the country and as a result we have fewer deaths in the construction industry than other states. “Yet unfortunately in its push to nationalise OH&S laws the Federal Government has chosen to adopt the system used in Victoria ¬– where workplace deaths escalated last year.” The experience of the Sydney Olympics shows that a project agreement is the right approach for a development the size and importance of Barangaroo, Mr Tulloch says. “The Olympic venues were delivered on time and on budget under a regime of the highest safety standards. “The legacy of Barangaroo should not be a wall inscribed with the names of workers who have died or been injured building another iconic Sydney site.” Mr Tulloch says the policies of State and Federal governments had also led to the proliferation of sham contracting and non-payment of superannuation and long service leave benefits. “The industry is sliding backwards at a time when we need to be encouraging young people to take up a trade so the nation has the skills it needs for the future. “The State Government needs to take the lead role by insisting that on government jobs minimum standards are enforced and workers receive their proper pay entitlements.” Rally Wednesday 3rd November, 2010 11:30am SYDNEY TOWN HALL |
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