In the News
Thursday, 01 December 2011
Alex Hawke MP said the Government’s Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) has confirmed that the European crisis is impacting Australia and that Labor’s record of debt and deficit has removed the economic buffer that Australia needs to protect it from international turmoil.
“The Government’s Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) has confirmed that in only four years, Labor has turned $70 billion in the bank into $136 billion in debt.
“Australians are now borrowing $100 million every day and are paying $100 million every week to fund Labor’s debt fuelled wasteful spending spree.
Mr Hawke said given the worsening economic climate, it was now the worst time to introduce a carbon tax and a mining tax.
“The carbon tax and the mining tax will cost jobs, slow growth, hurt exports and increase the deficit all during a time when the world economic positioning was worsening.
“The best thing the government can do to protect Australia from a worsening world economy is to drop the carbon tax and the mining tax. Tony Abbott has made it crystal clear – the Coalition has opposed these taxes in opposition and if elected, we would rescind them in government.
“Wayne Swan has been good at promising surpluses, but not at delivering them, said Alex Hawke.
“Labor talks about delivering surpluses but the record shows they have not produced a surplus in 22 years, since 1989-90.
“By every measure, Labor has taken a reckless approach to economic management over the last four years and that is not going to change in the coming year.
“Responsible economic management is not in Labor’s DNA.
Alex Hawke said only the Coalition will return stability, certainty and competency back to government.
“MYEFO is proof that Labor can’t be trusted when it comes to sound economic management” Alex Hawke concluded.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
An announcement by The President of The United States of America, Barack Obama, that 2,500 American marines along with US Air Force and other personnel will be deployed to Australian military bases will benefit Australia’s economic and security future and should be welcomed by all Australians.
Alex Hawke MP, The Federal Member for Mitchell, was in Parliament House when President Obama became just the 4th US President in History to address our parliament.
“The announcements made by President Obama to deploy defence forces to Australia will strengthen our ties with this great nation as well as securing our position in the Asia-Pacific region.
“When former Prime Minister Menzies and President Truman signed the ANZUS treaty it formalised the very important relationship that our two nations have. The Coalition has always been a strong supporter of strengthening our military ties with the United States.
“Former Prime Minister Howard deserves a lot of credit for President Obama’s announcement. Mr Howard paved the way for Australia by increasing economic relations and trade with China whilst maintaining our relationship with the United States.
“This announcement by President Obama should be seen as vindication for Mr Howard’s work in this area.
“The deployment of United States service men and women to Australia is in our nation’s security interests. The United States are the bedrock of global security and stability and this placement will allow them to maintain a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region whilst they continue to grow their diplomatic relations with China.
Alex Hawke is a long standing supporter of the United States and believes that Australia will play a significant role in determining the future relationship between the world’s two largest super powers.
“By taking an active role in the Asia-Pacific region the United States is opening the door to more bilateral discussions with China. As two of Australia’s largest trading partners we have a lot of economic prosperity to gain from a strong working relationship between these two nations,” Alex Hawke concluded.
Thursday, 17 November 2011
The passage of the carbon tax through Parliament was confirmation in law of the Gillard Government’s betrayal of the Australian people said Alex Hawke MP, Federal Member for Mitchell.
“The carbon tax is toxic tax based on a lie from a Prime Minister who promised six days before the last election “there will be no carbon tax under the government I lead”.
“This new tax is a blow to the future of local businesses in Mitchell and a new burden for families struggling under cost of living increases. The tax will increase but the so-called compensation won’t.”
“On the Government’s own figures, three million Australian households will be worse off under the carbon tax.
“On the Government's own figures, many dual income families will be worse off once they reach the typical income of a school teacher and a shop assistant; or that of a policeman and a part-time nurse.
“The longer this tax is in place, the worse the consequences for the economy, jobs and families. It will drive up the cost of living, threaten jobs and do nothing for the environment.
“In the absence of action by other nations, all that the Gillard Government has done today is export jobs and emissions overseas.
“Julia Gillard has no mandate from the people for this new tax.
“At the next election, Tony Abbott and the Coalition will seek a mandate from the Australian people to repeal this tax.
“I believe the Coalition’s position is principled, it is clear to all and it will free the economy from the red tape, costs and job losses that the carbon tax will produce,” Alex Hawke concluded.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Successful applicants for the 2010-2011 year of the Mitchell Local Sporting Champions Program were awarded their grant certificates by panel convenor Alex Hawke. Panel members, Cathy Aird, Jane Cooke, Larry Jacka, Helen Lowe and Mark Payne were on hand to assist in the presentation.
“The guest speaker, Penny Morgan is the Secretary of Kellyville Bushrangers Rugby League Club and the winner of the Rugby League One Community Award for the 2011 Toyota National Volunteer of the Year. Penny spoke about the value of young people participating in sport and encouraged them in achieving their goals and dreams for the future in their chosen sport,” said Alex Hawke.
All of the successful applicants competed in a variety of national and state competitions. They were:
- Nicholas Ballard of Baulkham Hills who competed in soccer;
- Luke Collyer of Baulkham Hills who competed in cycling;
- Rylee Field of Castle Hill who competed in cycling;
- Ebony Gallant of Baulkham Hills who competed in swimming;
- Hayden Ivers of Baulkham Hills who competed in judo;
- Sarah Marvin of Winston Hills who competed in athletics;
- Kirstie Meertens of Baulkham Hills who competed in swimming;
- Alexandra Morrison of Baulkham Hills who competed in hockey;
- Brittany Morrison of Baulkham Hills who competed in hockey;
- Ryan Papenhuyzen of Kellyville who competed in touch football;
- Taylah Pollard-Hughes of Castle Hill who competed in swimming;
- Erin Pridmore of Beaumont Hills who competed in soccer;
- Ryan Roche of Castle Hill who competed in swimming;
- Danni Sanders (posthumous) competed in gymnastics;
- Stephanie Schweitzer of Baulkham Hills who competed in athletics;
- Jordan Smith of Castle Hill who competed in tennis;
- Brandon Starc of Baulkham Hills who competed in athletics;
- Alicia Van Arkel of Castle Hill who competed in swimming;
- The Parramatta Under 14 Representative team who competed in Rugby Union; and
- Silver Stars team who competed in gymnastics/cheerleading.
“It gave me great pleasure to present the successful applicants with their grant certificates and to hear about their sporting achievements and hopes for the future, Mr Hawke said.
“These grants help local teams and aspiring young athletes to realise their goals. It is a way of supporting the next generation of Australian sporting champions.
“Applications for grants can be made through my electorate office at any time, and successful applicants will be determined by a local sports panel,” Mr Hawke concluded.
Grants of $500 per individual or $3,000 per team are available to help meet costs such as travel, equipment, uniforms and accommodation.
In order to be eligible to receive a Local Sporting Champions grant applicants must:
- be aged 12 to 18 years (inclusive);
- be required to travel a return distance of 250 kilometres or more;
- be an Australian citizen; and
- be participating in an official national sporting organisation (NSO) endorsed state or national sporting competition, or national school sporting competition.
For more information call Alex Hawke’s office on (02) 9899 7211.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, last week presented veterans with Certificates of Appreciation, recognising their service in wars, conflicts and peace operations since the Second World War. Major General Warren Glenny AO RFD ED, President of the Castle Hill RSL Club, assisted with the presentation of the certificates.
Certificate of Appreciation recipients included Eric Callow, for his efforts during World War II, the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Japan) and the Korean War; Rees John, for his efforts during the Vietnam War, and posthumously, Paul Briscoe for his efforts during the British Commonwealth Occupation Force (Japan).
“Australians will always be thankful for the dedication and sacrifice the men and women of our defence force have shown during times of war, conflict and peace. The Certificates of Appreciation are just one way that we can show our gratitude,” Alex Hawke said.
Certificates for Appreciation are available to those who served during:
· World War II
· British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (Japan)
· The Korean War
· The Malayan Emergency
· The Indonesian Confrontation
· The Vietnam War
· The Gulf War
· The Iraq War
· Peace Operations
“For the first time, veterans of the Iraq War will also receive certificates in recognition of their service. The certificates are also available to civilians and those who served in the defence forces or on the homefront during the Second World War,” Alex Hawke concluded.
For more information, people can call Alex Hawke’s office on (02) 9899 7211.