In the News
Thursday, 27 October 2011
A study of Medicare data by the University of New South Wales has revealed that callous cuts made by the Gillard government to the Medicare Safety Net had prevented couples in the Hills from starting a family through assisted reproductive treatments.
‘Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Health Minister Nicola Roxon stand condemned by these revelations,” Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, said. “There are a lot of young couples looking to start a family in the Hills. The cuts Labor made to the Extended Medicare Safety Net put IVF treatment out of the financial reach of many couples.
“The Coalition, doctors and groups that represent those seeking IVF treatment all warned that this would be the case when they went to make the cuts in 2009. But in typical Labor fashion the government chose to not listen.
“Because of these actions we have seen a 13 per cent drop in the use of IVF technology in the year since Labor made this change. In real terms an estimated 1500 babies were not conceived and born thanks to Minister Roxon’s shameful short-sighted actions.
“Families in the Hills who are used to being let down by Labor will not be surprised to learn that this cruel decision represents yet another broken promise by Labor. In 2007 Labor promised they would not change the safety net, but two years later they capped payments on IVF and obstetric treatments. Working families cannot trust Labor.
“The Minister guaranteed that those seeking IVF treatments would not be worse off under the changes she made. The study confirms that this is once again, another broken promise.
“These changes are forcing some families in the Hills to abandon their hopes of having children because of the increased costs they would face amounting to thousands of dollars.
“Labor poor decisions making consistently makes life harder for families in our area. This financial barrier that the Minister has put in the way of young couples trying to start a family is another horrible example of this,” Alex Hawke concluded.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, has called for nominations from the local community for the National Volunteer Awards.
“These awards are fantastic as they recognise individuals who make an outstanding contribution to their local community through volunteering,” Mr Hawke said.
“Volunteering is an essential part of the Hills community. Volunteering connects us, strengthens our sense of belonging and creates positive relationships that build a stronger local community.
“Mitchell 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 worldwide celebrations is ‘Inspire the Volunteer in You’ – recognising that everyone can be a volunteer and make a valuable contribution to their community.”
To mark this special year we have the opportunity to recognise those individuals who make an outstanding contribution to the Hills through volunteering.
The people of Mitchell will have the opportunity to nominate outstanding local volunteers and organisations in the following award categories:
1. MP’s Volunteer of the Year Award
2. Junior Volunteer Award (17 and under)
3. Young Volunteer Award (18-25 years)
4. Education Award
5. Environment Award
6. Long-term Commitment to Community Service Award
7. Business Volunteer Award
8. Innovation in Volunteering Award (for an organisation or individual)
9. New Organisation Award
10. Emergency Management Award
Anyone who is interested in finding out further information is advised to either contact my office or go to www.notforprofit.gov.au/news/2011-national-volunteer-awards-campaign.
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP is urging all Hills residents to recommit to Remembrance Day. The Recommit campaign is a Coalition-initiated, bi-partisan campaign to encourage more Australians to observe the traditional one minute’s silence on Remembrance Day.
There has been some concern in recent years about the demise of the observation of a traditional one minute’s silence on Remembrance Day. Press coverage last year told of banks, universities, businesses, government departments and others not pausing for the traditional period of silence.
“One of the most important parts of being Australian is to honour the service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country so that we may enjoy the freedom and way of life that we do today,” Mr Hawke said.
“That is why I am such a strong supporter of the Recommit campaign. It encourages all Australians to pause from their daily activities to reflect upon, remember and commemorate the service of all Australians who have been killed in wars in defence of Australian values.
“For those who want to get directly involved there are plenty of opportunities. Castle Hill RSL is having a service on Sunday the 6th to mark Remembrance Day as well as on the 11th.
“Whether you go to a service at an RSL club or not, pausing for a minute at 11am is an important gesture that I encourage everyone to make.”
Originally known as ‘Armistice Day’, Remembrance Day commemorates the dead and injured of all wars. In World War One more than 63,000 Australians were killed and more than 100,000 were wounded. Since Federation, more than 103,000 Australians have been killed in action during war service. Their names are recorded on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial, which was also opened on Remembrance Day and this year turns 70.
“At the same moment in time, when the clock strikes 11am in Australia and across the world, people pause to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of the fallen. Observing Remembrance Day is both a powerful Australian tradition in its own right, but links Australia’s involvement in the defence of freedom with the struggle of others who fought along side us,” Mr Hawke concluded.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, will travel to Canberra tomorrow to meet with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, as part of her 10 day visit to Australia.
Mr Hawke, who has been a long-standing supporter of a constitutional monarchy, says that this is certainly a moment to remember.
“The Queen and the importance of her office to our Westminster-style of parliamentary democracy both have my utmost support,” Mr Hawke said.
“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second has reigned for 59 years and is widely regarded as one of the most successful monarchs and Heads of State in history. She deserves our respect and thanks, a message I hope to convey in person on behalf of the people of Mitchell.
“It is a privilege and an honour to meet such an esteemed Head of State. I have made three oaths to the Queen in my life, once as an army officer, once when I became a Member of Parliament and once as a Justice of the Peace.
Alex Hawke was a strong advocate for the ‘NO’ campaign during the 1999 referendum on the question of becoming a republic, and has been a long-time supporter of the monarch as Australia’s Head of State.
Mr Hawke believes that recent polling on this issue, including a Roy Morgan poll issued last week showing support for the monarchy at its highest since 1991, is a testament to how important that ‘NO’ campaign was.
“A recent poll shows that over 55 percent of Australians are in favour of keeping the monarchy, with just 34 percent supporting a republic,” Mr Hawke said. “Levels of support are just as strong with Australians aged 14-17, which shows that Australians of all ages support the Queen and all that she stands for.”
“Australia is referred to as ‘the lucky country’ by many around the world, but it is more than just luck. Our stable and successful model of government, whatever its weaknesses, has always been an source of envy for other governments around the world. Our ability to uphold traditions and stable government through the constitutional monarchy plays a major part in the way we are viewed by other nations,” Alex Hawke concluded.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, has congratulated Hills Mayor Cr Greg Burnett on putting forward options to give democracy back to the Hills community through a popularly elected mayor.
Mayor Burnett announced that a report will be prepared exploring the way mayors are elected in the area with a popularly elected mayor, where members of the community vote for the mayor, expected to be one of the options explored.
“The Liberal Party in the Hills council made a commitment to look at moving to a popularly elected mayor and it is great to see this important commitment being delivered. A popularly elected mayor will allow local residents and rate payers to choose the mayor directly for a four year term instead of a constant change every year,” Alex Hawke said.
“This is an important democratic step and I am looking forward to seeing how it develops”
Alex Hawke MP has spoken out very clearly in support of a popularly elected mayor in the past. Just last week Mr Hawke called for the Hills Shire Council to take a referendum to the 2012 elections on this issue and has even urged the state government to look at metropolitan council amalgamations as a priority.
“I have always supported a popularly elected mayor and Cr Greg Burnett and the Liberal council team has my full support in the pursuit of this process, Alex Hawke concluded.