In the News
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell said the Coalition will restore certainty in superannuation by ruling out any negative, unforeseen changes to superannuation in the next term.
“It is clear that the Gillard Government is planning superannuation tax increases in the May Budget and if Labor is re-elected, they will introduce more taxes on superannuation. When it comes to super, Wayne Swan has form having already increased super taxes by over $8 billion”, said Alex Hawke.
“Labor has a $120 billion budget black hole and has refused to rule out more superannuation tax increases after the next election. Retirees, and those approaching retirement need certainty. I believe that we should be encouraging people who save for retirement rather than penalising them.
Alex Hawke said the Coalition has made a clear commitment in its Real Solutions plan there will be no negative unexpected changes to superannuation in the next term.
“I repeat Tony Abbott’s pledge for the record and so the people of Mitchell can hold me to account – a Coalition Government will not make unexpected changes that are detrimental to superannuation in the next term.
“I call on the government to come clean about its plan for superannuation. My concern is that Labor will say one thing before the election on super, and do another after the election – just like Julia Gillard did with the carbon tax.
Alex Hawke said the government also needs to come clean about the low income superannuation contribution.
“Labor promised a low income superannuation contribution as part of ‘spreading the benefits’ of the mining tax. Instead, the mining tax has raised next to nothing and the Budget continues to languish in deficit. There is no doubt, Labor will scrap this superannuation benefit.
The Coalition would scrap the mining tax and any ‘spending’ linked to the mining tax and that includes the low income superannuation contribution – the difference between the Coalition and Labor is that we are being upfront about it.
“Mitchell residents who are approaching retirement, retirees and indeed everyone receiving employer super want certainty and confidence in superannuation and the time had come for Labor to agree to no negative changes to superannuation in the next term,” concluded Alex Hawke.
Private Members' Business on Iran will be debated in the Federation Chamber on Monday 11th February.
Click here for further details of the motion.
MR L.X SIMPKINS:
To move – That this House.
(1) Notes that: a. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct Presidential elections on June 14 (Khordad 24 on the Iranian calendar) of 2013.
b. Within Iran, political activists, journalist, and political opposition leaders are imprisoned, and often tortured, for attempting to express their freedom of speech, political and media freedom, and for attempting to hold their government accountable for its actions.
c. Iran continues to refuse international inspectors free and unfettered access to its nuclear program and this raises suspicions that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
(2) Recognises that: a. The upcoming Iranian elections will see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad replaced as President by another Supreme Leader endorsed candidate.
b. Political prisoners being held in violation of human rights must be released as a first step towards holding free and fair elections.
c. Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons poses a serious threat to the Middle Eastern region, and especially to Israel, and could lead to nuclear proliferation.
d. The Government’s decision in sending two senior officials to the Non-Aligned Movement in Iran in August has potentially undermined efforts to isolate the nation. Iran’s Supreme Leader has viewed the participation of nations from around the world at the NAM in Iran as affirmation of sanction failure and as a level of endorsement for Iran.
(3) Calls for: a. The release of political prisoners in Iran in order to take a step towards the nation conducting legitimate elections, and as an attempt to begin to resolve some of Iran’s human rights issues.
b. The taking of all possible steps to increase sanctions and isolate the regime and pressure it to allow free and unfettered access to International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.
Australia Day is a time for us to celebrate who we are, how far we have come as a nation and appreciate the wonderful country we live in. There are many activities being held in the Hills District that you can participate in. You can start the day attending a Flag-raising ceremony, join in and enjoy the family friendly events held throughout the day, and be entertained in the evening with live bands and fireworks.
Flag Raising Ceremonies:
WINSTON HILLS – Third Settlement Reserve, Edison Parade – 7:00am
NORTH ROCKS - North Rocks Park, North Rocks Road – 8:00am
CASTLE HILL – Heritage Park Castle Hill – Heritage Park Drive – 8:00am
KELLYVILLE – Kellyville Rotary Park, Cnr Mediati Rd & Glenrowan Avenue – 9:00am
ANNANGROVE – Annangrove Park, Cnr Annangrove Rd & Curry Ave – 11:00am
CASTLE HILL - Outside Castle Towers Piazza, Old Northern Rd – 11:30am
The Hills Shire Council’s main event will be held at Balcombe Heights Estate from 4pm and ending with fireworks at 9pm.
Treasury Amendment Bill Federation Chamber
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