In the News
Private Kyle Wilson of Castle Hill received a
Commendation for Gallantry, for his service in
Afghanistan, in the 2013 Australia Day honours.
Click here to read my speech honouring this incredible young man,
who is one of only 30 recipients to have received the
Commendation for Gallantry over the past two decades.
Wednesday, 15 May 2013
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, said this year’s Budget delivers more debt, more deficits, more taxes, more broken promises and more uncertainty for the residents of the Mitchell electorate.
"At a time when Australians are desperately seeking stable and competent economic management, the Budget just delivers more chaos, debt and spin", said Alex Hawke.
"For Mitchell families, this Budget does nothing to help deal with cost of living pressures, economic uncertainty and poor services.
"Labor has again broken its word to the people of Mitchell. They promised no carbon tax and a surplus. Instead we got a carbon tax, record deficits and in this Budget, Labor scrapped tax cuts, family payments and the baby bonus.
"Wayne Swan said this Budget was about "jobs and growth" but the Budget actually forecasts an increase in unemployment (up to 5.75%) and lower growth (down to 2.75%).
This Budget means less jobs and slower growth.
Alex Hawke said key areas of concern in the Budget include:
- total gross debt to breach the $300 billion debt ceiling in coming years;
- no credible path back to surplus;
- at least a $4.7 billion blowout in the management of Australia’s borders since last year’s Budget;
- new borrowings of $49 million every single day, and
- more than $25 billion in higher taxes over the next four years – with 99% of these new taxes starting after the next election.
"Families and businesses have to live within their means, but this government doesn’t.
Over the last 5 years, the Gillard Government has spent $191 billion more than it has raised.
"Only the Coalition has the Plan, experience and discipline to return the Budget to sustainable surpluses, reduce debt and provide real support to Australian families to help them get ahead again", concluded Alex Hawke.
Tony Abbott’s Budget Reply to be delivered on Thursday night would provide more details of the Coalition’s Real Solutions Plan that will build a strong, prosperous economy and a safe, secure Australia.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, today announced the opening of the ‘My First Speech’ competition as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Australian Parliament House.
The competition is open to year 10 to 12 students across Australia.
"This competition will provide the opportunity for two lucky students to come to Canberra in its centenary year and deliver a speech at Parliament House during our 25th anniversary Open Day being held on 24 August," Alex Hawke said.
"It is a great way for schools around the country to connect with our federal parliament and our national capital during an important year for both."
The competition asks year 10 to 12 students to consider what they would say if they were a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives and record themselves presenting a 3 minute speech on video. From the entries received, two students will be selected to come to Canberra and deliver their speeches at Parliament House Open Day on Saturday, 24 August 2013.
"This is a great opportunity for talented individuals and groups from across Mitchell to get involved with our parliamentary processes and speak on issues that they are passionate about." Alex Hawke said.
Alongside the trip to Canberra, the winning students and their schools will also receive a cash prize.
A website has been established for the competition at: www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech
To enter the competition, submit your video on CD or DVD along with a written transcript of your speech and completed competition forms to:
My First Speech competition
International and Community Relations Office
PO Box 6021
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Entries close Friday, 26 July 2013.
Details of the competition will be sent to schools across Australia. When the competition was first held in 2011 it attracted 176 entries from 68 schools across Australia, and the winners were applauded by MPs during Question Time in the House,
"What better way to celebrate our anniversary than to give our next generation of community leaders the opportunity to have a say right here in the people's House," Alex Hawke concluded.
Alex Hawke's first speech to parliament.
Friday, 3 April 2013
Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, welcomes the completion of the section of the Hills M2 Upgrade west of Pennant Hills Road.
"The completion of this section of the upgrade is welcome. It is true to say that the Hills M2 is the most significant motorway operating in Western Sydney and the many residents of our area who use the M2 will be pleased to see these upgrades completed",
"My congratulations to all involved in the upgrade of the Hills M2." Alex Hawke said.
When the upgrade is fully completed, AM peak hour travel times are estimated to reduce by 40% with PM peak hour travel times by 24%.
"Motorists will appreciate that travel and transport times will be reduced by this upgrade. It has always been of my opinion that people are prepared to pay tolls for a reduction in travel time",
"For example, I have never received a single complaint about the M7 Motorway while the major criticisms I received from residents who were regular users of the Hills M2 were about travel delays and having to pay a toll to sit in traffic." Alex Hawke said.
"I am a strong supporter of encouraging greater private sector investment in infrastructure because of the outcomes achieved for our community in the provision of better infrastructure. Given the huge national backlog, governments of all levels need to encourage more investment by ensuring that this process is easier, competitive and transparent",
"Now that this section of the upgrade is complete and other sections near completion, motorists will reap benefits of potential reduction in travel times and an easier commute to and from work." Alex Hawke concluded.
Friday, 10 May 2013
Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell, today welcomed proposals for light commercial use at the Richmond RAAF Base in North West Sydney.
“While I do not support a second Sydney airport at Richmond, this is the subject of a long term debate; I do support proposals for certain domestic carriers operating
from Richmond in the medium term.
“This could only work with the necessary infrastructure upgrade of the airport itself, importantly upgrades of existing road and rail connections.
“A RAAF base joint model is already in existence and working at Williamtown, a similar model could successfully be implemented at RAAF base Richmond.
I believe the people in North West Sydney would prefer to commute locally to Richmond to catch a flight to Gold Coast or Melbourne or other centres rather than travel to Kingsford Smith.
“Airports are valuable economic drivers and employment centres and are an essential component of modern society.
“An airport in this region would bring great economic benefits, travel time reductions and job generations for our local economy”, concluded Alex Hawke.