www.ruddockmp.com.au

Welcome to Spring E-News

Dear Constituent / Supporter,

As you are aware, the Federal government has responsibility for many important policy areas and in my capacity as your parliamentary representative I can make representations on your behalf in areas such as: Agriculture, Centrelink, Child Support, Defence, Employment and Training, Export/Imports, Foreign Affairs, Health, Higher Education funding, Immigration, Medicare, Postal and Telephone Services, Passports, Television, Broadband and Broadcasting, Taxation, Trade; and Veterans’ Affairs.

In this issue: I have provided some of my recent press releases and statements on particular issues of interest.

1. CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
2. STAY ALERT, BE INFORMED
3. THE SPIRIT OF CARERS WEEK 2010 MUST LIVE ON
4. POSITION OF SPEAKER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
5. MEMBER RAISES COWAN QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT
6. HORNSBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEET AT ‘BRAMHALL’
7. COALITION MOVES TO TACKLE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
8. SCHOOL VISIT TO ARCADIA PUBLIC SCHOOL
9. SCHOOL VISIT BEROWRA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
10. HORNSBY/KU-RING-GAI RURAL FIRE DISTRICT 2010 MEDAL PRESENTATIONS
11. SCHOOLS CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION
12. LAUNCH OF WISEMAN’S FERRY MEMORIAL PROJECT
13. REMEMBRANCE DAY 11^TH NOVEMBER 2010

  FOR YOUR INTEREST – RESULTS FOR THE SEAT OF BEROWRA

1. CAMPAIGN LAUNCH

Saturday 7th August 2010 saw a gathering of motivated people descend on the Pennant Hills Campaign Office of Federal MP Philip Ruddock for the formal launch of his Berowra campaign.

Many came direct from suburban shopping centres where they had been spreading the Liberal message.

Senator Bill Heffernan and Senator Marise Payne spoke of the importance of the current campaign and the need for Australians to return the Coalition to the government benches.

Rallying his supporters, Philip Ruddock spoke of the significant issues now facing the country.

‘This election is clearly about choices. It is a choice between further debt and mismanagement under Labor or a real action plan from the Coalition with which we will pay back the debt incurred by Labor, end the waste and rorting of poorly managed projects such as the home insulation debacle, stop the boats and regain control of our borders and take steps to ease cost of living pressures which effect us all.’

Mr Ruddock also said how pleased he was to see such a culturally diverse group in attendance ‘which reflects well on the engagement and inclusiveness of our society.’

Local MP Philip Ruddock has been reappointed as Shadow Cabinet Secretary and he says ‘the team has already hit the ground running’.

Any disappointment felt regarding the ultimate outcome of the election has been replaced by ‘a feeling of calm determination and reinvigorated energy within the Opposition.’

Mr Ruddock said cracks were already showing in the Gillard Government ‘which could not even put together its Ministry without oversights, omissions and last minute alterations.’

He said that now is the time for the community to be vigilant and to keep informed as to what direction the Gillard Government is taking the nation.

‘I have been pleasantly surprised by the resurgence of interest in Liberal Party membership which has come about since the campaign, but I also recognise that there are many within the community who are sick and tired of all things political!’

‘It is to these people that I address my call to stay connected.’

In one of its first actions, the Gillard Government is again flagging attempts to attack the private health insurance rebate which would be, in Mr Ruddock’s view ‘a total disaster for families and for our already struggling public health system.’

‘The Opposition stopped Labor in its tracks last time it sought to do this, and we will be vigorously fighting such moves again – but we need the electorate to join with us in this and future fights.’

‘I urge you all to make your feelings known – contact me and let me

take your opinions and the fight to the government.’

3. THE SPIRIT OF CARERS WEEK 2010 MUST LIVE ON

The theme of Carers Week 2010 is ‘Anyone, Anytime can become a carer’.

Local Member for Berowra Philip Ruddock MP says he hopes focus on the important role which carers play within the community will not fade with the end of their special week.

‘Statistics can be overwhelming, but there are some which I think are both inspiring and sobering.’

‘There are 2.6 million unpaid carers providing services which might otherwise cost over $30 billion annually.’

‘Through their dedication and practical help, a family member or friend is able to stay in their home and community.’

‘Carers deserve appreciation, recognition, support and encouragement.’

Mr Ruddock said he felt sure most people know or know of an individual who is caring for a loved one, either in their home or through daily support activities. ‘Let’s all look for a chance to say thank you – or offer some practical service to lighten their load.

‘Over 450,000 carers are over the age of 65 and, with our ageing population, this figure is likely to continue to grow.’

Mr Ruddock commended the work of Carers Australia, the peak national body which, together with state-based associations, work to improve the lives of carers.

Carers Australia state that more than one in eight Australians are providing unpaid care and support for family members and friends who have a disability, mental health issue, illness or who are frail.

Mr Ruddock said as a community we need to care for our carers and encourages contact with the Carer Advisory & Counselling Service available on 1800 242 636.

When Parliament resumed on September 28th, the position of Speaker in the House of Representatives became the focus of intense speculation.
 
For the benefit of readers, I would like to comment on the Opposition’s stance and the reasons for it.
The proposed arrangement for the ‘pairing’ of the Speaker has never existed before in the Australian Parliament and is inconsistent with the Constitution of Australia.
   
(For those who may not be familiar with the term, ‘pairing’ is the practice whereby members proposing to vote on opposite sides of a question in the House abstain from voting so that their votes, in effect, cancel each other out.  Such arrangements are made by the Party Whips usually in order to enable a Member or Minister to be absent from the House for reasons including Ministerial travel, personal illness or emergencies without affecting the result of a division.)
       
Section 40 of the Constitution deals with the manner in which voting in the House of Representatives is conducted.  It states, ‘Questions arising in the House of Representatives shall be determined by a majority of votes other than that of the Speaker. The Speaker shall not vote unless the numbers are equal, and then he shall have a casting vote.’

The Opposition will not be party to any agreement, be it a so-called gentleman’s agreement or otherwise, which has the effect of breaching our foundation stone, the Constitution.

It is for the Government to provide the Speaker in accordance with orthodox constitutional practice. If the Labor Government did not believe it was in a position to form a government, they should not have sought the Governor-General’s commission to do so.
 
These are dynamic and historic political times, and I urge all Australians to be aware of what is happening in the national Parliament.

5. MEMBER RAISES COWAN QUESTION IN PARLIAMENT

The issue of Cowan Public School losing the demountable classroom they have been using as a school hall was raised in Federal Parliament by local MP Philip Ruddock.

Mr Ruddock asked Simon Crean MP, Minister representing the Minister for Tertiary Education, if “in the light of the Cowan example of quite inadequate management in the school hall program, will the government commit to supporting a judicial inquiry into Building the Education Revolution?”

Mr Ruddock’s opinion of the Minister’s reply that “no, we will not be committing to a judicial inquiry” could perhaps be judged by his interjection – ‘we want a hall not a whitewash’.

6. HORNSBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEET AT ‘BRAMHALL’

Professor Geoffrey Sherington recently addressed a meeting of  the Hornsby Historical Society at the Pennant Hills property known as ‘Bramhall’. The Sherington family were early Pennant Hills settlers who built the substantial residence in Britannia Street.

The family established a manufacturing business, producing as its principal product the well –known Globite suitcase. Up until the 1970’s most Australians, particularly of school age, had a Globite case. Initially it was made as a travelling case for use on sea travel between Australia and Britain.

Professor Sherington outlined the Globite history and offered recollections of his family history and their many friends, including the Bradman family of Bowral.  He was able to confirm that Sir Donald Bradman played on Pennant Hills No 1 oval and frequented the family residence.

The sons of the Sherington family had distinguished war records and the Sherington name is honoured at Pennant Hills Primary School with a scholarship recognising the family’s early history.

Those attending the meeting were entertained in the garden by the present owners of ‘Bramhall’, Philip and Heather Ruddock.

An important motion, put forward by the Coalition, seeking strong action on mental health has been passed by the Senate and is moving to the House of Representatives for consideration. Local Federal MP Philip Ruddock says that mental health is an important issue which impacts tremendously on the lives of many Australian families.

‘Right now through my Electorate Office I am seeking to assist four local families with problems that have arisen as they battle to support loved ones suffering mental illness.’

‘All four are young adult males. This is symptomatic of the national problem, with younger Australians between 16 and 24 bearing the brunt.’

Mr Ruddock said that with early and targeted treatment, many young people can overcome mental illness or at least lower the incidence of progression or relapse.

The motion to be considered seeks to expand the number of Headspace and Early Psychosis Prevention & Intervention Centres available.

Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. Their nearest centres to the Berowra electorate are located in Sydney and at Mt Druitt.  The Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centres (EPPIC) is a Melbourne-based organisation.

‘The time to tackle mental health issues is when they first occur. More mental health services would ease the current squeeze on public hospital emergency departments.’

‘The need is urgent and so should be government action’.

‘Labor’s first term came and went with no action on mental health. The Coalition wants action rather than talk.’

Mr Ruddock said the Coalition hoped the Independents in the House of Representatives would support the motion and show their commitment to improving mental health services.

8. VISIT TO ARCADIA PUBLIC SCHOOL-OFFICIAL OPENING OF TWO NEW CLASSROOMS CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE BUILDING EDUCATION REVOLUTION

BEROWRA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL-OPENING CEREMONY TO DEDICATE AND OFFICIALLY RECOGNISE THE PROVISION OF THE NEW BER FUNDED FACILITIES

10. HORNSBY / KU-RING-GAI RURAL FIRE DISTRICT 2010 MEDAL PRESENTATIONS

11. MEMBER DELIGHTED BY STUDENTS’ EFFORTS

Federal Member for Berowra says he is delighted by the response to the invitation he issued to local primary schools to have their pupils design his 2010 Christmas card.

‘I received lots of wonderful entries from a range of local schools including Hornsby North Primary School, Hornsby South Primary School, Tangara School for Girls, Arcadia Public School,  and Pennant Hills Public School.’

Mr Ruddock said it had been ‘uplifting’ to see the message of Christmas depicted by the children.

‘Some were whimsical, some traditional, some depicted the spirituality of the season, while others showed their artistic talents with a riot of colourful concepts.’

After much careful consideration and discussion, Mr Ruddock said he and his wife Heather had chosen an entry submitted by a Kindy student from Tangara School for Girls.

‘It is a wonderful line drawing by Matilda Dineen whom I am looking forward to congratulating personally when I present her prize.’

 12. LAUNCH OF WISEMAN’S FERRY MEMORIAL PROJECT

Local Parliamentarians, including Philip Ruddock MP and Louise Markus MP, joined with the dedicated band of locals spearheading the project which aims to have a Memorial in place for the Centenary of Anzac Day, on April 25 2015.

The project aims to record the names of men and women who departed from Wiseman’s Ferry and surrounds to serve their country in time of war.

Using the names listed on the Nominal Roll Scrolls at the Wiseman’s Ferry Bowling Club as their starting point, painstaking research is underway to ensure the accuracy of the names.

Local identities including Wayne & Susan Moore, Margie & Kevin Pratt, the Rev Peter Goldstein and Barry Roberts are tirelessly working to gain both community and financial support to see this project come to fruition.

The preferred site for the Memorial is adjacent to the Bowling Club and directly opposite the entrance to the Wiseman’s Ferry Golf Club.

The Memorial is intended to display a peaceful garden atmosphere with the Hawkesbury River escarpment in the distance.

Kevin Pratt assisting Secretary, Wayne Moore President, Philip Ruddock MP & Louise Markus MP

13. REMEMBRANCE DAY 11^TH NOVEMBER 2010 – REMEMBERING TROOPER JASON BROWN FORMERLY OF WESTLEIGH

This Remembrance Day, Thursday November 11, the names of 10 fine Australian soldiers will be added to the Roll of Honour at the Australian War memorial in Canberra.

One of those names will be that of Trooper Jason Brown, formerly of Westleigh who was Killed in Action in Afghanistan on 13th August 2010.

Local Federal MP Philip Ruddock hoped that everyone paused at 11am on Thursday to remember the fallen of all wars, but especially Trooper Brown and those who have died this year.

‘Buy a poppy and wear it with pride on Remembrance Day to show how much we value the ultimate sacrifice which they made in our service.’

LEST WE FORGET

Heather and I take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy and Safe Christmas and New Year

Best wishes for the Festive Season

Heather and  Philip Ruddock

Visit Philip Ruddock's website at www.ruddockmp.com.au