In the News
Thank you to all those who have contacted me expressing views about the leadership struggle between Kevin & Julia. It is clear people are disheartened by the behaviour of members of the Government. I agree with the overwhelming majority of people’s views that this vote will not resolve anything and that the time has come for a fresh election.
Also of great concern to many locally is the Gillard Government’s breach of another election promise, this time over private health insurance. Click here to read my speech.
108,300 Mitchell residents covered by private health insurance will be hard hit by the decision by Julia Gillard to break another promise and apply means testing to the rebate. Because of the means test, it is estimated 1.6 million Australians could drop private hospital cover over the next five years and another 4.3 million Australians could downgrade their level of coverage.
The Government’s decision to means test private health insurance will also have a significant impact on the public hospital system. It is estimated that 845,000 new procedures will be forced onto the public hospitals system, putting further pressure on waiting lists that already force thousands of people to wait years for surgery.
Thursday, 24 February 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, presented National Volunteer Awards to eleven recipients who received their International Year of the Volunteer (IYV +10) certificates and an IYV+10 commemorative stamp and coin set.
2011 marked the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers. The theme was ‘Inspire the Volunteer in You’ – recognising that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution to their community.
“Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build stronger local communities, Alex Hawke said.
“Last year the people of Mitchell had the opportunity to nominate people in their community who were deserving of recognition. Eleven nominations, one for each category were assessed by the Panel judges; John Ebbott, Peter Gangemi, Bev Jordan, Yvonne Keane, Clr Robyn Preston and Dr Jim Taggart OAM, said Alex Hawke.
The eleven successful recipients of the National Volunteer Awards were:
· Cathy Aird received the Long Term Commitment Award
· Mike Blair received the Innovation Award
· James Butler received the MP’s Volunteer of the Year Award
· John and Jenifer Eland received the Hills Choice Award
· Sanji Fernando received the Junior Volunteer Award
· Barry Gobbe received the Emergency Management Award
· Natalie Hanlon received the Business Award
· Yvonne Keane received the Education Award
· Taylor Page received the Young Volunteer Award
· David Sommerlad received the Environment Award
· Philip Waesch received the New Organisation Award
“It gave me great pleasure to present the nominees with their certificates and to honour these incredible men and women who make a significant difference to the lives of so many in our community,” concluded Alex Hawke.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
The 108,300 residents covered by private health insurance will be hard hit by the decision of Julia Gillard to break another promise and means test the rebate.
Mr Alex Hawke said every person in Mitchell with private health insurance will pay more because of this legislation.
“Because of the means test, it is estimated 1.6 million Australians will drop private hospital cover over the next five years and another 4.3 million Australians will downgrade their level of coverage. This will have a dramatic impact on the costs of everyone who remain in private health insurance. The loss of younger members is estimated to increase all premiums by 10 per cent.
“The means test provides that singles earning over $83,000 and families over $166,000 will pay up to $1,000 more, said Alex Hawke MP.
“The Government’s decision to means test private health insurance will also have a significant impact on the public hospital system.
“It is estimated that 845,000 new procedures will be forced onto the public hospitals system putting further pressure on waiting lists, Alex Hawke said.
“Along with the carbon tax this represents another major cost on Australia’s forgotten Australians and the latest act of betrayal by the Prime Minister.
“Local households are paying a heavy price for Labor’s waste and incompetence and its failure to manage the budget”, Alex Hawke concluded.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Julia Gillard and the Labor government have broken yet another promise by attempting to slash the rebate available to those using private health insurance.
As Health Minister, Nicola Roxon MP, told Australians “Federal Labor has made it crystal clear that we are committed to retaining all existing private health insurance rebates”. In what has become a trademark of this government that promise has been scrapped and Labor is set to cut all Private Health Insurance Rebates causing a damaging affect on Hills families and the already overstretched public health system.
Alex Hawke MP, The Federal Member for Mitchell, has condemned Labor for again going back on their word. “All the Labor party does is lie,” Mr Hawke said. “First the Prime Minister tells us that “There will be no Carbon Tax under the government I lead” which was of course a lie, then that Labor would be tough on Border Protection, another lie, then Gillard breaks a written promise she had with Andrew Wilkie (MP, the Member for Denison) and now Labor is breaking a commitment they made in regards to retaining Private Health Insurance rebates.
“The fact that we have a Prime Minister that the whole nation knows is dishonest and untrustworthy, is very destabilising for working families and the economy in the Hills area.
“Young families, seniors and small business owners that I meet always speak to me of the uncertainty they have for the future. They do not know which promise Labor will break next.
“Cutting private health insurance rebates will force many local residents to drop their private cover or move to cheaper policies with more procedures excluded. This will send more people into the overstretched public health system and force up private health insurance premiums making it even more expensive.
“This ill thought out Labor policy will lead to added stress on NSW Health. Labor is trying to herald this as a cost saving initiative but in reality they are just shifting the cost of health care from the Federal government to the state government and our already overburdened public hospitals.
“Unlike Labor, The Liberal Party has a clear agenda to bring Hope, Reward and Opportunity back to healthcare.
“As a result of the introduction of private health insurance rebates, the Medicare Levy and Lifetime Health Cover by the previous Coalition government, private health insurance coverage increased significantly from 34 percent in 1996 to over 44 percent in 2007.
“The Coalition believes all Australians should have access to affordable healthcare and real choice in managing their healthcare needs. Hills residents will receive real choice through affordable private health insurance,” Alex Hawke concluded.
Monday, 6 February 2012
Bernie Mullane’s contribution to the Hills Shire will long be appreciated and felt by residents throughout our community, said Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP.
Mr Hawke offered his sympathy to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr Mullane following his passing last week. His influence and impact over so many decades has helped shape our community.
“Bernie Mullane was a respected small business owner in our community. In 1958, he was the first to establish a Chemist in Baulkham Hills, now located in Stockland Mall, Alex Hawke said.
Bernie was a councillor with the Baulkham Hills Shire Council from 1959-1991. He held the office of Shire President from 1963-1983, and again from 1987-1991. Due to his long-term reign as Shire President, Bernie was often referred to as the “Father of the House”.
“In 2003, the Bernie Mullane Sports Complex in Kellyville was named after him in recognition of his leadership, passion and commitment to the community he represented, said Alex Hawke.
“He was a great character whose reputation for common sense and practical problem solving became Hills Shire legend. His work throughout the Hills, will long be remembered”, concluded Alex Hawke.