In the News
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, helped launch the Coalition’s nationwide survey on broadband speeds, to help find which suburbs are in most need of upgrades.
Together with the Shadow Minister for Communications and Broadband, the Hon Malcolm Turnbull, Tony Eades, President and Robin Baird, Executive Officer of Sydney Hills Business Chamber visited Wayne Lazarides, owner of Inkredible Art located in the Norwest Business Park to launch the Coalition Nationwide Broadband Survey.
“Norwest Business Park is home too many big and small businesses that rely on access to fast internet connections. Businesses like Inkredible Art, rely on broadband to provide their services in a competent, timely and efficient manner, are presently disadvantaged as their wireless internet speed is currently 8mg when the minimum speed should be 24mg, said Alex Hawke.
“The NBN is taking too long to be rolled out and costs too much. But on top of that, it is not prioritising the areas with the worst broadband today.
Alex Hawke said the Coalition is committed to upgrading broadband sooner, cheaper and more affordably for consumers.
The Coalition’s plan for better broadband will encourage competition among infrastructure providers rather than stamp it out.
It will see existing infrastructure used where possible and will use a mix of technologies, meaning broadband speeds will be upgraded much sooner and at less cost to taxpayers.
“And using the results of this survey, the Coalition will prioritise the areas with the worst broadband in Mitchell so that they don’t have to wait another decade for Labor to deliver on its promises”, concluded Alex Hawke.
The survey is available online at www.alexhawke.com.au.
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, and Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson together with Senator Marise Payne, met with 100 veterans from across Western Sydney, including representatives from Blacktown RSL Sub-Branch, Castle Hill RSL Sub-branch, Merrylands RSL Sub-branch and Parramatta RSL Sub-branch.
“The Community Veterans’ Forum was a great opportunity for veterans’ to make their views known across many issues including; the fair indexation of the Defence Force Retirement Benefit, the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit pensions, the Centenary of ANZAC and better assistance for our Veterans.
“Another issue raised was the role of the 39th Battalion during the Second World War. I am an advocate for this important part of our history to be taught in our schools, in raising the awareness of the 39th Battalion’s role in securing the Kokoda Track and for the bravery of those who served to protect our nation, said Alex Hawke
"The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation for military superannuants. The Coalition believes DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensioners aged 55 and over should have their pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensioners.
The Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, joined with Mitchell MP, Alex Hawke, to sign the fair indexation pledge.
“A Coalition Government will deliver the fair go our veterans and their families deserve.”
“It is now clear that in order to deliver this reform we must change the Government”, concluded Alex Hawke.
Thursday, 19 September 2012
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke recognises the significance of Dementia Awareness Week and the ongoing contribution of Alzheimer’s Australia in supporting and advocating for those living with dementia, their carers, family and friends.
Alex Hawke said almost 280,000 people live with dementia with approximately 1,600 new cases diagnosed each week.
“Dementia has been singled out as the biggest cause of disability amongst older Australians and the third leading cause of death.
“When last in Government, the Coalition committed $320 million in the 2005 budget to help fund the Dementia Initiative – Making Dementia a National Health Priority, said Alex Hawke.
“Despite this initiative proving invaluable help to dementia sufferers, and a Government evaluation in October 2009 finding the initiative successful, Labor deliberately dropped the funding for this program.
“I am, however pleased to see that at a recent meeting of health ministers, dementia has now been made a National Health Priority,” Alex Hawke concluded.
The Coalition remains committed to addressing the growing numbers of dementia in Australia.
“We have all seen the horrific impact of terrorism on our citizens abroad and the ongoing horrific effects on their lives and the lives of their families, said Alex Hawke.
“The government recently passed legislation providing payments for any future terrorist events, but not for the events since 11 September 2001. Sadly, this has left the victims of September 11, the Bali bombings, the London and Jakarta bombings and the Mumbai terrorist attacks with no assistance.
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Friday, 21 September 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP believes that the Australian victims of overseas terrorism atrocities should receive victim compensation payments just like domestic victims of crime receive.
“We have all seen the horrific impact of terrorism on our citizens abroad and the ongoing horrific effects on their lives and the lives of their families, said Alex Hawke.
“The government recently passed legislation providing payments for any future terrorist events, but not for the events since 11 September 2001. Sadly, this has left the victims of September 11, the Bali bombings, the London and Jakarta bombings and the Mumbai terrorist attacks with no assistance.
“This legislation leaves a gap in the legislative framework, and requires retrospective law in dealing with the victims of terrorism. The Coalition has a commitment to action, to seeing something actually done for all victims of terrorism, said Alex Hawke.
“Our proposal is to provide a modest sum of $75,000 to the victims or their next of kin, which is in keeping with the level of assistance provided to domestic victims of violent crime.
“In a few weeks, we will be commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Bali bombing and I believe it is appropriate for the victims of terrorist events overseas to receive support just like the victims of crimes committed in Australia receive”, said Alex Hawke.
“Many of the victims of the terrorist attacks still to this day suffer physically and emotionally from these atrocities. While compensation can never bring a victim back, or heal a physical or emotional injury, it is a way we can support those who have suffered and send a message that the Australian people will always look after their own.
“I believe this matter is above politics and I would welcome and applaud any decision by the government to provide support to the victims of all terrorist attacks. We should always be united in supporting Australians who have been the victims of terror.” Alex Hawke concluded.
To obtain a petition, calling for compensation for terrorist victims, please visit www.alexhawke.com.au and click on the download petition button.