From your

Federal Member for Dickson

PETER DUTTON

As the residents of Dayboro would be aware, the recent Australian Electoral Commission redistribution process has changed the electoral boundaries so that Dayboro will now be in the seat of Longman.  This is a ridiculous outcome and I have objected strongly. The electoral commission has also made other changes meaning the seat of Dickson becomes a notionally 2% seat to Labor.‪‪ Therefore over the course of the last few weeks, my wife Kirilly and I have weighed up all the considerations and arrived at the very difficult decision that I will not contest the next federal election for the seat of Dickson.  Whilst my first instinct is to stay and fight clearly the numbers don't lie. I believe I still have a contribution to make and as such will be seeking LNP endorsement to run in McPherson following Margaret May’s decision to retire at the next election.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Dayboro for their endorsement and support since first electing me as the Federal Member for Dickson in 2001.  I was re-elected for a third term in November 2007 for three years and will continue to work hard for the local community up until the next Federal election.
YEAR OF THE BLOOD DONOR
Peter at the Year of the Blood Donor Exhibition - testing his blood type.
During the last sitting week I attended the Year of the Blood Donor Exhibition held in Mural Hall, Parliament House where Australian Red Cross Blood Service nurses were on hand to ‘prick-a-pollie’.  I’ve found out that like 49% of the population, I’m blood type O.  But because there are a lot of O type people, a lot of O type blood is needed.  O blood types can help other Os and also people with AB, A and B blood types.  Almost anyone aged 16-70 years can give blood and all types of blood are needed.  Find out more at 13 14 95 or at www.donateblood.com.au .
SENIORS WEEK
I would like to thank the Dickson Seniors’ Council for their efforts in providing another successful and informative Dickson Seniors’ Expo.  By far this has been the largest expo with record attendance and a great way to celebrate Seniors Week.  Senior Australians have helped build our great nation and continue to make a meaningful contribution.  The Coalition has launched the ‘Engaging with Senior Australians’ initiative to provide another opportunity for seniors to contribute their ideas to the shaping of our nations future. We would like to hear from you, so tell us your ideas by going to our website www.liberal.org.au/seniors and clicking on the ‘Share your ideas’ button.
FREE TAX HELP FOR LOW INCOME EARNERS
With tax time upon us, local low income earners will again be able to access free help with their tax returns at my office.  A volunteer tax helper will assist residents to work through the process of preparing and lodging their tax return.
Tax Help is available to anyone who is classified as a low income earner, which for individuals, is a person who earns less than $40,000. The income threshold to access this service is higher for people with children, with an additional $2,500 of income allowed for each child.
To make an appointment please contact my office on 3205 9977.  All tax returns must be lodged by 31 October.
FACT SHEETS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) and CPA Australia recently wrote to my office highlighting two fact sheets which have been produced for small businesses.
The two fact sheets are:
Applying for a loan.  One of the key challenges for many small to medium businesses is working out how to approach the bank for a loan.  Small businesses often look to finance their business needs with debt.  This fact sheet will discuss how small to medium businesses can prepare for the bank finance application process.
Dealing with debt – how banks can help if the small business is experiencing financial difficulties.  Recent changes in the financial environment and the domestic economy have affected many bank customers including small business customers.  If you do encounter problems, it is best to get in touch with your bank as quickly as possible and together work out a strategy for keeping on top of your loan.