In the News
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, has said the announcement of Stage 1 of the large-scale rollout of the National Broadband Network recently by NBN Co and the Government is a big slap in the face to the residents of Mitchell.
“The Rollout shows work scheduled to be started within the next three years, yet 75% of suburbs in our electorate are simply not on the map. Too bad if you live in Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Bella Vista, Kellyville, Maraylya, Northmead, North Rocks, Rouse Hill or Winston Hills, said Alex Hawke.
“In comparison the neighbouring marginal electorate of Greenway which sits on just a 0.88% margin will see more than double the amount of suburbs connected with 58% of the electorate set to be connected within 3 years. But also too bad if you live in Acacia Gardens, Glenwood, Kellyville Ridge, Parklea, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds or Quakers Hill, you’re set to miss out.
“Coming in second, the electorate of Parramatta, which sits on a bigger margin for Labor at 4.37% will see 35% of suburbs within the electorate connected in 3 years. But again, too bad if you live in Dundas Valley, Carlingford, Granville, South Granville, Holroyd, North Parramatta, Oatlands, Rosehill, Rydalmere, Telopea, Dundas, Ermington, Guilford, Merrylands, Merrylands West or Northmead.
“Looking at these comparisons it is clear that Labor is distributing the NBN first to the most marginal suburbs in the most marginal seats. But even then, this distribution sees many suburbs miss out altogether, Alex Hawke said.
“For $37.3billion of government expenditure that Labor has poured into this project that it is not good enough. The Labor party continues to play a game of post code pick and choose when it comes to Western Sydney. Local families and small businesses should send a message to Labor that this is not good enough,” concluded Alex Hawke.
Friday, 20 April 2012
Federal Member for Mitchell Alex Hawke MP, is encouraging all constituents of Mitchell to help celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee this year by collecting a free Diamond Jubilee Poster.
“Her Majesty The Queen has been a large part of our history and this year it is a time to reflect upon what can only be described as a truly remarkable reign ” said Mr Hawke.
At the tender age of just 21, the then Princess Elizabeth made what would become a historic promise ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong’ she vowed.
This year as we pay tribute to Her Majesty, as she celebrates 60 years on the throne, we can see that she has kept her promise. She has fulfilled her duty, serving her people always with honour integrity and commitment, Alex Hawke said.
“Australia’s relationship with the Queen has been a special one, strengthened through Her Majesty’s regular visits, from her first in 1954, to her most recent just last year. You only need to look at the large crowds that gathered last year, to catch a glimpse of The Queen to recognise just how much admiration and respect Australia hold for our Monarch, said Alex Hawke.
“I encourage all constituents to take up the fantastic opportunity to secure a piece of history with an official Diamond Jubilee poster, and experience first hand the magic of monarchy,” concluded Alex Hawke.
There are two Official Diamond Jubilee portraits available, one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
To request a copy click here.
“To have this criminal activity in the suburbs of North West Sydney is appalling. The residents of Mitchell have the right to know they will be safe when they go to sleep at night, said Alex Hawke.
Alex re-iterated his calls on the Federal government to increase funding and staff to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
“Under the Howard government 60% of air cargo consignments and 5.7% of sea cargo were inspected. Now only 8.3% of air cargo and 3.8 sea cargo is inspected.
“I urge the Gillard government to reinstate the funding to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service for air cargo and sea cargo screening. To stop the illegal importation of weapons, illicit drugs and contraband that is being smuggled into Sydney.
All three tiers of Government in The Hills are committed to work together to stop this criminal activity occurring in our suburbs,” concluded Alex Hawke MP.
To obtain an Official Diamond Jubilee Portrait please fill out the form below.
Friday, 13 April 2012
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP said the announcement by IPART to increase electricity prices by 10.3% from 1 July is a major blow to Mitchell households and businesses.
Local households will pay on average an extra $182 a year in electricity prices and local small businesses will pay an extra $237 a year. The carbon tax is scheduled to go up further in coming years.
“The carbon tax is the major component of this 10.3% electricity price increase. The carbon tax component represents a 9.5% increase in electricity costs”, said Alex Hawke MP.
“This is one of the biggest electricity shocks ever and it makes a mockery of Julia Gillard’s claim that her carbon tax will only increase prices by 0.7%.
“The carbon tax is based on a lie – and from 1 July we will all be paying for it.
“We will all remember Julia Gillard’s lie “there will be no carbon tax under the government I lead” the next time we pay our electricity bills.
“The average household will pay an extra $3.50 per week directly in their electricity bill – and much more indirectly as others pass on the cost of the carbon tax.
“This is a big hit on households and my concern is that it is only the first wave of price increases that will flow from the carbon tax.
“Households will pay again as councils, schools, cafes, butchers, bakers, restaurants, dry cleaners and supermarkets all pass on their own price increases, Alex Hawke said.
“These prices will go up and up as the carbon tax goes up and up.
Alex Hawke said 1 July will mark the start of tougher times for household budgets with increased electricity prices, carbon tax price increases and increases in the cost of private health insurance due to the Gillard Government’s changes to the private health insurance rebate.
“I repeat Tony Abbott’s pledge – we will seek a mandate at the next election to rescind the carbon tax. Rescinding the carbon tax will be the first order of business for a Coalition Government,” concluded Alex Hawke.