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 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 . |
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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. You can also support the Paddledogs by coming to a Trivia Night (see details) Posted 9th February 2009 NEW CLINIC WELCOME, BUT IT'S NOT A HOSPITAL Greg Piper, Member for Lake Macquarie, has welcomed the announcement by Federal MP Greg Combet that a GP Superclinic will be provided at Morisset as an adjunct to existing GP services. "I congratulate Waratah Medical Services on its successful bid for the clinic and thank Greg Combet for delivering the Government's promise" said Mr Piper. According to Mr Piper, the superclinic will be a good first step towards improved healthcare for the area, but it won't be a hospital. "It's good to hear that Morisset will get a boost in general practitioners and related services" Mr Piper said. "It leaves the local community's call for a hospital as the clear priority for this growing regional centre." "The Commonwealth Government is right in choosing to build this new centre where the demand is greatest, but Morisset's growing population will need a broad range of services and planning must continue for a new hospital." Mr Piper proposed a new hospital in 2007 and convened the first public meeting in September that year. Since then he has worked with John Quinlan and the Southlakes Integrated Health Care Committee to develop a plan for a state-run health facility for Morisset. "People in western Lake Macquarie need access to a local hospital without driving over 40km, Mr Piper said. "The NSW Government has planned for regional growth, so it needs to plan for regional infrastructure." Posted 28 January 2009 VALLEYS' MP OPPOSES COAL MINING Independent MP Greg Piper, who represents the Yarramalong and Dooralong Valleys, continues to oppose coal-mining under Wyong's water catchment. According to Mr Piper, Member for Lake Macquarie, undermining the valleys is a risk the Government should not take. "The Opposition has the right view on how mining could affect the area, a risk not worth taking" Mr Piper said. "The Government should just accept that mining poses an unacceptable threat to the water supply, natural and rural values, and to plans for regional growth." "If the Government accepts the Chikarovski Inquiry's advice on judging proposals on their merit, there can only be one result for Wyong's valleys. People here believe that other things are more important than coal and the Opposition is right to accept this." 
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