Invitation issued for Prime Minister to visit

Thursday, 7 July 2011

Federal MP, Alex Hawke, has issued an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit the Mitchell Electorate and hear first-hand local residents’ views and concerns about a Carbon Tax.

“Prime Minister Gillard this week in Parliament said she would be willing to engage with the public about her Carbon Tax,” Mr Hawke said. “She said she would be wearing out her shoe leather in coming times in order to discuss her new Tax.

“I am offering the Prime Minister a chance to come to the Mitchell electorate. Here is her chance to hear how a Carbon Tax will impact on local families, seniors, and small businesses.

“Here is her chance to put some substance into her rhetoric.”

Mr Hawke said that the Mitchell Electorate has the highest incidence of families in the nation. If the Prime Minister was sincere in her desire to hear the concerns of families, she would find her way to the Hills Shire.

“Many local residents, those new to the electorate and those who have been here for some time, tell me about how difficult it is to pay for the increases in electricity prices that have taken place under NSW Labor in the last decade,” Mr Hawke said.

“A Carbon Tax will impact on the cost of electricity. It will surge right through our society.

“I hear from residents in Kellyville, Castle Hill, Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, to Baulkham Hills—household budgets are already under strain. “

Mr Hawke said there was additional incentive for the Prime Minister to visit the Mitchell Electorate, as this would provide her the opportunity to hear about the need to redirect Federal Government funding to the North West rail link.

“The efforts to have the Prime Minister come and see how important this rail infrastructure is to our local community have so far been unsuccessful.

“My hope is that the Prime Minister’s eyes can be opened to the importance of this project and why it should receive Federal Government support.

“Prime Minister Gillard, this is your chance to hear the concerns of our local community,” Mr Hawke said.