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Tasmanian Government Concessions 2008 - 2009 The Tasmanian Government offers a wide range of concessions to those members of our community with the greatest need - people on low or fixed incomes, those with a disability and their carers, seniors, veterans, widows, sole parents and students. Download the 08-09 Guide . (PDF, 1MB)Results of Survey Now Available. Issues I am passionate about that are important in my electorate Education Healthcare and Our Hospital Healthcare is one of the most important issues in Denison and Labor is on the path to meet the challenges faced by our health system. We have already been making amends to the appalling state of the health system left by the Liberals in 1998, when they had sold off part of the Royal Hobart Hospital, sacked hundreds of nurses and raided the Hospital's charity trust funds. Our 2007-08 budget initiatives deliver a record $1.4 billion to be spent on health and human services, including an additional commitment of $9 million in 2007-08 to continue the redevelopment of Tasmania's Child Protection Services to help provide better protection and support for Tasmania's at-risk children and their families. The establishment of a new Royal Hobart Hospital is a key aspect of the State Government's long-term reform strategy to meet the future health needs of all Tasmanians. A commitment of $5 million in 2007-08 has been made for the next phase of this project - planning and evaluation. I will continue to focus my energies on listening and working with the community and medical experts to help further improve services and continue to work on the reduction of waiting lists.A Quality Affordable Childcare System. Childcare is an important issue in Denison , it needs to be more affordable and reflect the changing needs of working families. The State Government has been at the forefront of providing integrated care with onsite centres at schools such as Bowen Road Primary School, and Howrah Beach . These centres make the transition from childcare to school seamless and prevent the “double drop off” that many parents find stressful and time consuming. Affordable Housing I find it unacceptable that some Tasmanian families struggle to keep a roof over their heads. I will continue to support and foster new ways of providing sustainable affordable housing. The State Government does see affordable housing as a core social responsibility, and high on the priority list, and there is ongoing work to be done in this area. The $40 Million senior citizens development in Glenorchy, reached through a signed agreement with OneCare, is going to accommodate around 200 people – providing much needed housing for seniors and in the heart of Glenorchy - close to services and amenities. The new Shared Equity Scheme also creates opportunities for existing public housing tenants to buy their own homes, removing the barriers to home ownership for disadvantaged Tasmanians. I look forward to the new organisation, Affordable Housing Limited, pushing for more affordable housing opportunities like this, so that we reach the target of 700 new homes. Aged Care There are a number of elderly residents living in Denison and as the member for Denison I will continue to work with aged care providers so that our aged care system is affordable and respects the needs of our senior generations. As a board member of the Lady Clark Centre in Claremont that provides low cost independent living to the elderly, I care very much for the ongoing provision of housing and services for our elderly population. I will continue to listen to the elderly and lobby on issues of safety, access and increased service provision. Protecting our Unique Lifestyle As a proud Tasmanian I am passionate about enjoying and protecting our unique lifestyle. I will continue to work on encouraging more community partnerships to foster local innovative environmental management projects. As the member for Denison I will also listen to the Hobart community to hear what you want for responsible and sustainable development for our local icons such as the Hobart Waterfront. Arts and Culture Tasmania has a vibrant and thriving arts community. We also produce some of the finest food and wine in Australia . Festivals such as “Ten Days on the Island” and the “Taste” are important platforms from which to showcase the very best of Tasmania. I believe in supporting our cultural activities which help bring Tasmania to the world. It is also vital that we continue the patronage of artistic endeavour, particularly in relation to emerging artists. A strong artistic presence in Tasmania will continue to enhance the development of identity and community pride and spirit. Renewable Energy I am very supportive of renewable energy initiatives and the issue of climate change. While John Howard is disgracefully abandoning renewable energy targets, the rest of the world is coming to grips with the imminent threat of greenhouses gasses. In a future where emissions will inevitable become a tradeable commodity, Tasmania 's ability to generate and supply renewable energy means that the State is well positioned to survive and thrive in a carbon constrained future. This State Government takes seriously our responsibility to anticipate and respond to energy policy issues. I know we will continue to pursue energy reform, and encourage entrepreneurial and innovative solutions to Tasmania 's future energy needs. The Rights of Every Tasmanian John Howard's abysmal workplace relations changes places the rights of working people under threat. These are rights for which many have fought for over 150 years. As a member of the Tasmanian Parliament's Workplace Scrutiny Committee I am receiving submissions and hearing from all parties and will gain first hand knowledge of how the Howard Government's legislation is impacting on Tasmanian workers. I am also working with the local community and the Attorney- General Steve Kons on encouraging discussion about a proposed Charter for Human Rights that will protect the rights of every Tasmanian. Our Economy and the Future Many Tasmanians have benefited from out growing economy, booming real estate market and record jobs growth. But I firmly believe that we have only just experienced a taste of Tasmania 's true potential. I want to work towards an even more diversified and innovative Tasmanian economy that will not only protect our current economic good times but harness a more exciting future. I want to encourage our brightest and finest to work and live in our magnificent state and to attract newcomers with skills and services that will benefit Tasmania as a whole. However, not everyone has benefited from our growing economy. Social and economic prosperity can only be reached if support is given to all those in need. As the member for Denison I will continue to work towards improving the lives of every Tasmanian. |
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