Welcome to Winter E-News

Dear Constituent/Supporter,

The past month has been a busy and dynamic one. During recent Parliamentary sitting weeks, we saw thousands of Australians make Parliament House the focal point for their protest rallies. Voices were raised on issues such as the toxic carbon tax, live animal exports, the same sex marriage debate and others. To my mind, the ability to voice our opinion be it for or against government policy, is fundamental to our democratic system. The level of engagement which the electorate is showing with federal issues is both healthy and encouraging.

My Electorate Office at Pennant Hills has been swamped with letters and emails on the issues of current concern, as well as hundreds upon hundreds of replies to the survey which I recently distributed with my regular Ruddock Report. Let me assure you that each and every reply is of real value to me as your Parliamentary representative.

As I prepare these few lines, the Gillard Government has just introduced its carbon tax legislation and is allowing less than one minute per member per bill to consider the legislation in the Parliament. Having just written of the pride we have as Australians in our freedom to voice our views this action makes a farce of that democracy.

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

To read recent speeches made in Parliament log on to my website www.ruddockmp.com.au

1. CARBON TAX 'THE DEATH KNELL FOR THE F3 - M2 LINK'
2. THE HON. TONY ABBOTT VISITS CHERRYBROOK
3. JULIA GILLARD'S TOXIC CARBON TAX
4. 1ST SITTING OF SPRING PARLIAMENT AN INTERESTING WEEK!
5. OFFICIAL OPENING OF MARK DONALDSON VC HOUSE
6. OPENING OF NILA LEWAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
7. NEW ZEALAND APPLES ON THEIR WAY TO OUR SHORES!
8. AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
9. THE HON. CHRISTOPHER PYNE VISITS THE ELECTORATE
10. AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY-110TH ANNIVERSARY
11. NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS

1. CARBON TAX 'THE DEATH KNELL FOR THE F3 - M2 LINK'

The imposition of the Gillard Government’s carbon tax could be the death knell for construction of the ‘F3-M2 missing link’.

Federal Member for Berowra Philip Ruddock pointed out that the new carbon tax would add up to 5% more to the cost of building roads due to the increase in the price of construction products. ‘The Master Builders Association has already issued warnings that ‘some roads, schools and hospital projects will simply not go ahead as a result of this ill considered tax.’

‘Given the lack of commitment the Federal Labor Government has already shown towards this vital project by delaying funding for necessary design work, an increase in cost would probably result in it being shelved indefinitely.’

With so much debate raging about the pros and cons of the carbon tax, Mr Ruddock said there were several points he wanted to stress, particularly following the volume of calls he has received at his Electorate Office from locals wanting to understand the issue.

‘First of all, Australia and the rest of the world face a genuine challenge to arrest the growth of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions. This is not in dispute. We also have no disagreement with the target set. The Opposition’s commitment to the 5% reduction in Australia’s emissions is the same as the Government’s.’

‘The debate we need to have is one about the right system for the right time in history, under the right circumstances.’

‘Where is the logic in the action being proposed when the three great emissions sources of the world, China, India and the USA are not about to adopt a carbon tax or equivalent system?’

‘The Gillard carbon tax is actually a tax on electricity and will be ineffective in changing either demand or supply in any meaningful way – unless of course it is done at a radically high level that would cause widespread social damage and deep economic disruption’.

Mr Ruddock explained that as we do not import electricity, prices will inevitably be passed on to every pensioner, every family, every farmer, and every small business owner. ‘We will see a 10% hike in electricity bills and a 9% increase in gas bills in the first year alone.’

Mr Ruddock ended by saying the Opposition will do everything possible to fight ‘this toxic tax.’

“We will oppose it in Opposition and rescind it in government.”

The Hon Philip Ruddock was pleased to welcome the Federal Opposition Leader, The Hon Tony Abbott MP, to Cherrybrook one Sunday Morning in August.

Mr Abbott was visiting Peter McBeath at Peter McBeath’s Family Pharmacy in Cherrybrook shopping centre. Mr McBeath expressed concerns as to the impact the Carbon Tax would have on his business and all small businesses around the country.

Responding to his concerns, Mr Abbott said “The Pharmacy Guild estimates that a typical pharmacy’s power costs alone will go up by at least $2,000 a year. That’s the direct costs. The indirect costs will go up and up and up because power and transport are embedded in the price of everything.”

Mr Abbott, highlighting the ongoing ramifications of the Carbon Tax stated “It’s bad for consumers, it’s bad for jobs, its bad for Australia’s international competitiveness, it is all bad and it should just be stopped.”

Mr Abbott was warmly welcomed by many locals, stopping to greet him and express their delight in seeing him in Cherrybrook.

Peter McBeith with the Hon. Tony Abbott and the Hon. Philip Ruddock

3. JULIA GILLARD'S TOXIC CARBON TAX

The Gillard Government’s toxic carbon tax is still the main issue within the media and the community. My Electorate Office is receiving call after call from locals concerned about the implications of its implementation. The Prime Minister and her government are spending $25 million of taxpayer funds on advertisements to promote a tax they have not yet legislated. If she is so convinced of the benefits her carbon tax will bring, why won’t she take it to an election? Clearly, no amount of spin can wipe out the healthy scepticism within the community. Let’s take a look at just one area which will be of concern to many readers.

For the education sector, it is glaringly obvious that the impact of a carbon tax has not been addressed. Nowhere in its Treasury modelling has the government made information available on either the direct or indirect costs associated. Nor is there compensation.

Calculations suggest both government and non-government schools could be facing an additional cost impost of around $200 million, just for gas and electricity price increases due to the carbon tax, over four years.

Now parents and grandparents reading this will know that there are only two places from which schools can get money. They can either increase their fees or, in the case of government schools, it can come out of the state government budgets. Neither is a satisfactory solution.

The Gillard Government’s carbon tax will impose pain for no gain. Professor Richard Lindzen, an internationally eminent meteorologist provided this comment –
“Australia could sink into the sea without affecting the CO2 balance significantly. Why your politicians have gotten so wrapped up in this – I would assume they are desperate for taxation and they’re hopeful this will be something that people will willingly assent to but I would suppose, I hope, that they are underestimating the intelligence of the electorate.”

4. FIRST SITTING WEEK OF THE SPRING SESSION

The adage ‘a week is a long time in politics’ certainly holds true at the moment. The first sitting week of the Spring session of Federal Parliament has been a dynamic one, at a time when the community is more engaged with politics than it has been for many years.

Rallies and convoys to the national capital have seen many thousands of Australians take time out of their daily lives to converge on Parliament to make known their views on a range of subjects – the live cattle export trade, the carbon tax debate, the issue of same sex marriages to name just a few. It was my pleasure to greet so many people from the Galston-Glenorie district who had made the trip.

By comparison with so many countries, these should be seen as a healthy display of democracy in action. Given the strongly-held opinions of so many who made contact seeking a ban on the live export trade, I am aware that the vote taken in the Parliament this week came as a disappointment. However, I can assure you that the comments and views given were taken into account by the Coalition and the Labor Party before a bipartisan position was taken to support the continuation of the trade. Both parties believe that banning it would not be in the best interests of animal welfare, either domestically or internationally. The economic impact was also taken into account.

By Australia being a major player in the export market and only supplying those facilities known to be upholding correct standards, we hope to drive animal welfare reform in developing countries.

On a different topic, the Gillard Government is keen to introduce legislation to means test the 30% private health insurance rebate. The Coalition continues to oppose this ill-conceived idea. With the government requiring two additional votes, it is encouraging that, at this time, Independent Rob Oakeshott and Independent National Tony Crook have indicated real concerns about the issue.

Finally, a warning to parents and supporters of non-government schools. The Gillard Government has given a strong indication that non-government school funding will be cut in the next funding agreement. Labor voted against a Senate motion which endorsed current non-government school funding levels and indexation as the minimum benchmark for any new funding agreement.

5. OFFICIAL OPENING OF MARK DONALDSON VC HOUSE, ROWLAND VILLAGE, GALSTON

The official opening of Rowland Village’s new aged care facility, Mark Donaldson VC House, took place recently.

It was a moving ceremony, reflecting both the pride Australians have in the sacrifices made by our service personnel and our gratitude to those who paid the ultimate price and gave their lives in service of the nation.

Local Federal MP Philip Ruddock said he was especially proud to share the event with Corporal Mark Donaldson VC the Newcastle-born soldier awarded the Victoria Cross for ‘most conspicuous acts of gallantry as part of the Special Operations Task Group’ in action in Afghanistan in 2008.

‘He is an exemplary soldier and citizen and I think it highly fitting that the new facility at Rowland Village should bear his name.’

Mr Ruddock said there is‘poignancy’ in having this new unit which will be of such benefit to elderly folk named after a such a brave young man. ‘Age is a gift which many service personnel did not receive. We owe them gratitude and ongoing recognition.’ The official function included the performance of ‘I Am Australian’ by the Galston High School instrumental group ‘Stella Soundz’, official comment from Rod White AM RFD Chairman of RSL Life Care, Don Rowe OAM RSL State President, Philip Ruddock MP and Corporal Mark Donaldson VC.

Philip Ruddock MP, Don Rowe, OAM State President RSL of Australia, Matt Kean MP, Member for Hornsby, Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, Rod White AM, RFD Board Chairman RSL LifeCare

6. OPENING OF NILA LEWIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE AT PENNANT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

Local MP Philip Ruddock attended the recent opening of the Nila Lewis Performing Arts Centre, a much-valued facility for Pennant Hills High School.

Rehearsal and storage space is provided in the building which has been named in honour of retired Deputy Principal Nila Lewis, who worked with students at Pennant Hills High for 19 of her 40 year teaching career.

Mr Ruddock and his State colleague, Greg Smith SC MP praised the enthusiasm and talent of the performing arts students, particularly those involved in the very well-respected school bands which had not only toured China, Japan and the USA but had performed at showcase events at the Sydney Opera House.

Mr Ruddock also congratulated the school which met, from its own resources, $50,000 of the total $150,000 project cost.

Greg Smith SC MP, State Member for Epping, Nila Lewis, Philip Ruddock MP & Geoff Wing, Principal Pennant Hills High School.

7. WE DO NOT WANT 'BAD APPLES'

Confirmation recently that a consignment of New Zealand apples on its way to our shores has already been rejected ‘should be a matter of concern to us all’ according to local Federal MP, Philip Ruddock.

‘Australian apple growers have been validated. The concerns they have been expressing about biosecurity risks were right.’

It seems the consignment has been found to contain leaf trash and a leaf curling midge.

‘The trash can carry fire blight and European canker and could conceivably decimate domestic apple crops.’

Mr Ruddock said our pest and disease-free status has been achieved through vigilance and a lot of hard work and ‘the government’s rubber stamping of New Zealand apple imports without the same checks and balances which are applied to other countries, sets a dangerous precedent and makes our home-grown apple industry vulnerable.’

‘It will be most interesting to see how the Gillard Government responds and what action they take to ensure the Australian apple industry is not put in jeopardy.’

8. AUSTRALIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Recently, Federal Member for Berowra Philip Ruddock MP hosted a ceremony at his Pennant Hills Electorate Office at which he presented official Certificates of Appreciation to a number of locals who had been nominated, under the “Australian Volunteers for International Development Program”, by the organisation with whom they had served overseas.

‘Volunteers play an enormously important role in the fight against poverty and I suspect few people realise that some 12,000 Australian volunteers have represented Australia in foreign lands as either volunteers or Youth Ambassadors’.

Mr Ruddock said these volunteers are ‘the human face of Australia overseas’ and are ‘often the first contact many people in developing countries have with Australia’.

‘The Certificates of Appreciation presented at the ceremony are simply a small yet tangible expression of thanks to these caring people who have found a practical way in which to express their concern for the wider world community.’

At the Ceremony, Habitat for Humanity had three recipients,
Ms Neowool Kwon (from West Pennant Hills) whose volunteer service was undertaken in Malaysia,
Stuart Ryan (from Pennant Hills) whose volunteer service was undertaken in Vietnam and,
Ms Eleeza Hooker (from Mount Colah) whose volunteer service was undertaken in Fiji.

Joseph Doyle, from Pennant Hills represented the ABV Foundation and received his Certificate for work in Papua New Guinea.

‘Volunteers undertake a variety of tasks overseas, from construction work to teaching practical skills.’

Mr Ruddock said volunteers from groups such as HOPE Worldwide, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Young Adults Fellowship who were unable to attend the ceremony would receive their Certificates by mail.

Philip Ruddock with Australian Volunteers for International Development Program-left to right-Stuart Ryan, Eleezer Hooker, Neowool Kwon & Joseph Doyle

9. THE HON. CHRISTOPHER PYNE VISITS THE ELECTORATE

Visit to the Berowra Heights Christian School by the Hon. Christopher Pyne

10. THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL FLAG DAY-110TH ANNIVERSARY - HELD IN MARTIN PLACE SYDNEY

Every year on or around the 3rd September the Australian National Flag Association celebrates the birthday of our Australian Flag with a ceremony in Martin Place. This year Mr Ruddock was honoured to be their guest speaker at this 110th Anniversary event.

A national open public competition was announced by the Prime Minister’s office, on 29 April 1901 inviting participants to design a Federal flag. Our Australian National Flag was chosen from 32,823 entries. The winning design was unveiled by the Countess of Hopetoun (wife of our first Governor-General) at a ceremony held at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne on 3rd September, 1901. This date is now celebrated annually as Australian National Flag Day.

Philip Ruddock speaking at the Australian National Flag Day-110th Anniversary -Martin Place

11. AUSTRALIANS ENCOURAGED TO NOMINATE FOR IYV+10 NATIONAL VOLUNTEER AWARDS

Volunteers who give their time to the local community will be recognised with awards in 10 different categories. The awards will help celebrate United Nations tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYN+10).

Philip Ruddock is pleased to support the National Volunteer Award campaign which will recognise the many individual volunteers who have made an outstanding contribution to our local community and acknowledge organisations with innovative models of volunteering. Throughout August and September, members of the community are asked to nominate outstanding volunteers and organisation within our local community.

Please contact the Electorate Office on 9980 1822 for more information a copy of the nomination form.

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