From your
Federal Member for Dickson
PETER DUTTON

Budget

Mr Rudd and Mr Swan have failed to deliver a credible plan for recovery for Dickson.
Labor pretends the destruction of our nation’s balance sheet is an unavoidable consequence of the global recession.  But Labor has lost control of the public finances.

This budget reveals the high price all Australians will pay for Labor’s reckless spending spree over the past 18 months.
One million unemployed by 2010-11, a record $58 billion deficit, and a record net debt of at least $188 billion by 2012-13 are all key outcomes of the Rudd Government’s economic management.
The annual interest bill paid by the Australian people in 2012-13 will be $8 billion, more than the Commonwealth spends each year on infrastructure and housing combined.
It took Paul Keating 13 years to rack up $96 billion of debt.  It has taken Kevin Rudd 18 months to rack up $188 billion.
The 2009-10 Budget is a classic tax and spend Labor exercise, but on a far more reckless scale than ever seen before.  The Australian people will pay a high price, in terms of higher future taxes, higher future real interest rates, higher future foreign debt and higher unemployment.
Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
If you did not get the opportunity to donate to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal on May 23 and 24 it is not too late to do so.
In 2009 we have seen the importance of the Salvation Army’s work in the wake of the bushfires in Victoria and floods in Queensland.
If you are able to help you can donate by calling 13 72 58, online at www.salvos.org.au/rsatogether or at any Westpac Branch.
Tourism Grants
The Australian Tourism Development Program has been renamed the TQUAL Grants funding program.  The program provides grants to Australian tourism businesses.
Applications close on 11 June 2009. 
Further information is available by calling the hotline on 13 28 46 or by going to www.ret.gov.au/tourism or www.ausindustry.gov.au/tourism .
Think Climate Think Climate Change Schools Competition
Primary and secondary students are invited to use their creative talents to answer the question “What does climate change mean to me?”
Entries can include short stories, poems or artwork and judged on creativity, originality and attention to the theme.
The competition will close on 24 June 2009.  For more information go to www.climatechange.gov.au
Local Sporting Champions Program
The Local Sporting Champions Program offers up to $500 for individuals and $3000 for a team competing in an official state or national sporting competition that is endorsed by the relevant Australian Sports Commission (ASC) recognised national sporting organisation, or national school sport competition.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 12 and 18 years of age at the time of the sporting competition, have to travel greater than 250km return to participate, be an Australian citizen and must not be participating in a professional competition that involves prize money.
Individuals and teams apply directly to the ASC via the website, www.ausport.gov.au/champions or by obtaining a hard copy from my office or by contacting the ASC on 02 6214 1111.