In the News
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.
For more information go to the Hills Shire Council website http://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Australia-Day-2012.html
It is also a time of reflection. Many of us lead busy lives which makes it important at this time of year to take a step back and reflect on the positive things we have done over the past year as well as looking forward to what we hope to achieve over the next 12 months.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with and for our local community in 2011, I await 2012 with anticipation. The Hills area is filled with many special people be they the volunteers who tirelessly help others in need or our business owners and entrepreneurs generating employment and wealth, or the mums and dads working hard to raise children in the best way that they can. The Hills district has a lot to be proud of this year.
Rebecca and I sincerely wish you a Happy New Year and a great 2012
December is a flurry of activity; including attending school presentations and community Christmas events. These events are great as I get the opportunity to meet so many families and people from the electorate and to catch up with friends throughout our community.
The holiday period is a time to spend quality time with family and friends and to enjoy our summer (when it arrives) and be refreshed for the year ahead.
On behalf of Rebecca and myself I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, safe and prosperous 2012.
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.