AFTER legislation to allow offshore processing passed Parliament, attentions turned back to the carbon tax and the toll it is now taking on businesses – big and small - right across Australia.
By the Prime Minister’s own admission, households will be hard hit as businesses pass on their costs to the consumer.
Blayney Foods, which operate a packing and storage facility for small and large producers, recently received an electricity bill itemising a $5000 increase, solely attributed to the carbon tax. Much of this produce is sold on international markets to countries not burdened with the carbon tax and now Blayney Foods must work out how these cost increases will be met.
In question time, I asked the Prime Minister exactly how Blayney Foods was supposed to do this. In reply to my question, the Prime Minister accused me and Blayney Foods of misrepresenting the facts, however she would not allow me to table the electricity bill to prove my point.
The Gillard government is the one that continues to misrepresent the facts to the public about the impact this exorbitant tax will have on every one of us.
Rio embraces Parkes
LAST week I had the great pleasure of once again meeting Governor Marie Bashir, as we attended a function to celebrate the Northparkes Mine opening of the Block Cave Knowledge Centre.
Parkes council hosted an excellent mayoral reception and I was heartened to hear that Rio predicts continued growth in the region, a positive sign in these turbulent times. Thank heavens Rio committed to this project before the introduction of the carbon tax.
The facility will train the next generation of underground miners from across Rio’s operations, bringing in mining professionals from around the world and boosting the contribution North Parkes already makes to the local communities.
Lithgow Aquatic Centre opening
THIS week I was able to see the success of a Howard government donation of $700,000 to the renovation of the Lithgow Aquatic Centre.
This is wonderful new facility for the local community and I’m sure the residents are looking forward to a dip in the heated pool. A fantastic aspect of this development is the focus on kids and learning to swim initiatives, with the construction of the hydro-play area and water toys.
We now need to find funding for stage two, which will include a 25-metre pool.
Senate supports medical school
I WELCOME the recent Senate committee report which looked at “The factors affecting the supply of health services and medical professionals in rural areas”.
It is widely agreed that rural and regional areas suffer from a shortage of medial professionals and I will continue to support initiatives that work to correct this imbalance in rural areas.