|
|||
 |
 The NSW Government, in the recent mini-budget, introduced a charge to private hospitals for the provision of blood and blood products. I understand this decision was taken without consultation with private hospitals, the National Blood Authority (NBA) or the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Read more ... Download a blank petition Download a form letter . |
|
Posted 5th March 2009
Greg Piper Asks Government to Improve Police Stations
Greg Piper, Member for Lake Macquarie, today told Parliament that outdated and inadequate police stations need to be improved to provide safe and productive workplaces that meet the needs of police officers and a growing population.
Mr Piper called for urgent action to improve Toronto Police Station, which operates from a cluster of old and unsuitable buildings that don't provide adequate space and facilities.
"Toronto Police Station has cramped and uncomfortable working conditions and no facilities for the public," Mr Piper told Parliament. "This is a third-world quality police station in an area that the NSW Government has targeted for the largest part of projected population growth under the Lower Hunter Regional Strategy."
According to Mr Piper, the 2008-9 Budget included $250,000 for commencement of a new $17 million Local Area Command Police Station at Glendale.
"While this is welcome, there is a need to make sure other stations are at a reasonable standard," said Mr Piper. "The Lake Macquarie Local Area Command also services the electorates of Swansea, Charlestown, Wallsend and Cessnock. It is physically large, difficult to service, and has a relatively low number of police for the population. The low standard of a number of Police Stations just makes the job for our police more difficult."
Mr Piper welcomed the support of the Opposition and other Independent members, however the Government used its numbers to defeat the motion.
Posted 6th March 2009 Greg Piper Defends Drivers Greg Piper, Member for Lake Macquarie, last night told Parliament that he would like to see the review of the demerit points system include giving power to the courts to dismiss points penalties. Under the current system, a court can dismiss a fine, but not demerit points. Mr Piper has previously raised the matter in Parliament and in response Premier Rees said that there will always be exceptional circumstances and therefore the law should be flexible. According to Mr Piper, this flexibility should apply when drivers have committed minor breaches and there are extenuating circumstances. "It is reasonable that such cases should be resolved without even going to court" said Mr Piper. According to Mr Piper, the new rules proposed by Minister for Roads, the Honourable Michael Daley, include reduced points for minor speeding offences but no option for courts to dismiss points. "Occasionally there are circumstances where the judiciary dismisses a fine but the RTA still imposes the points penalty," said Mr Piper. "If a driver can convince a judge, why is this not good enough for the RTA?" he asked. Mr Piper has asked the Minister for Roads to restore the judiciary's authority to make such decisions when a driver has presented convincing evidence against a penalty. Posted 19th February 2009  Greg with Lake Macquarie Landcare Coordinator John Hughson and pupils at Teralba Public School LANDCARE FUNDING DELIVERED Greg Piper, Member for Lake Macquarie, today presented Lake Macquarie Landcare a NSW Environmental Trust grant of $75,000 to deliver educational and hands-on activities in schools. A handover and tree-planting ceremony was held at Teralba Public School at 10 am today. The L4Y program targets the 25 and under age group attending schools and colleges in Lake Macquarie and provides resources for on-site landcare projects. The aim of Landcare for Youth is to develop knowledge and skills in restoring damaged environments and protecting biodiversity. According to Mr Piper, Teralba is one of sixty schools already signed up for the new Landcare program. "Landcare for Youth will be an important step in restoring the lake and its catchment," Mr Piper, said. "Population growth and increasing urbanisation puts more pressure on the lake and the areas around it," said Mr Piper. "We want to keep the lake in good condition for the future and involving young people in this is vital." Posted 18th February 2009  Troy McDonald, Brendan Clark, Greg Gambrill, Paul Cramford and Robin Hay Why Kayak Bass Strait, 5 mates, 1 strait, 1 life...why not? Over 300 kilometers of notoriously unpredictable seas and weather in little more than a plastic tub doesn't seem like much fun to most people. But to the five crew of the Paddledogs, the idea of kayaking across Bass Strait is inspiring. Five middle-aged professionals from Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast of NSW are in training to cross the eastern side of Bass Strait in March 2009 in their sea kayaks. Their mission is to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and funds to support research by the Black Dog Institute. The sea kayaks are between 5 and 6 metres long, a little over half a metre wide, and will hold all of their food and equipment for the trip. Risks include huge seas, ferocious winds, sharks, fatigue and injury. But Paul, one of the 'Dogs', counters this with "the awe inspiring natural beauty, the thrill of adventure, and the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause". The Paddledogs are all 'mates' that have enjoyed outdoor adventure pursuits to "get them out of the office" for many years. The idea of paddling across Bass Strait snowballed in early 2008 with the idea of combining adventure with supporting a good cause. The Paddledogs have witnessed the impact of mental illness on families and are keen to support research that helps with early detection of bipolar disorder in adolescents. Private and corporate donations can be made online at www.paddledogs.org , where there is fascinating reading about the Paddledogs' plans. |
|
|
|||||