Federal Budget
The Budget was always going to be predictable when the Government has spent the last 4 years wasting and giving away money.  The fact the Carbon Tax hasn’t been included indicates Julia Gillard and Labor are keen to keep the true cost from families and small businesses.  Families and small businesses are doing it tough at the moment and this government is just making it harder at every turn.
Families in Dickson know that since Labor was elected, electricity prices are up 51 per cent, gas up 30 per cent and water up 46 per cent.  Education costs have risen 24 per cent, health 20 per cent and rent 21 per cent.  Grocery prices are up 14 per cent.  A $26–a- tonne carbon tax will add 25 per cent more to electricity bills and 6.5 cents a litre more to fuel bills that are already skyrocketing.
The Coalition has a clear plan to get Australia back on track.  To help families we’ll increase the education tax rebate for all families to $500 a year for primary and $1000 a year for secondary students and make it available for all expenses connected with education including school and sports fees. The Coalition will protect the private health insurance rebate which Labor and the Greens have committed to cut back. The Coalition will oppose the carbon tax in Opposition and repeal it in Government and implement our Direct Action Plan on the Environment and Climate Change.  For further details on these policies go to www.liberal.org.au  
Red Shield Appeal
If you did not get the opportunity to donate to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal on May 28 and 29 it is not too late to do so. In 2011 we have seen the importance of the Salvation Army’s work in the wake of the cyclones and floods in Queensland where not only shelter, food and clothing but also emotional and mental support to for those affected was provided.  For 130 years the Salvation Army has helped not only the homeless and addicted, but ordinary, working Australian families who never expected to need their help.
As Chairman of the Pine Rivers District Red Shield Appeal I hope that you may be able to help us reach our goal of $73,000 for 2011. You can donate online now at www.salvos.org.au/rsasee or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
Volunteer Grants 2011
Applications for the 2011 volunteer grants are now open.  Volunteer grants were first introduced by the Howard Government in recognition of the valuable contribution voluntary groups make to the community and 2011 marks the tenth year of their operation.  The grants provide funding of between $1000 and $5000 to voluntary organisations to help support their work in the community.  Applications close on June 8.  For further information on Volunteer grants call 1800 183 374 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
My First Speech
A competition for high school students in years 10, 11 and 12 is being run by the International and Community Relation’s office in Parliament House, Canberra.  Students are asked to write a three minute speech on an issue or issues they think important.  They then video their speech and send in a CD or DVD of their speech along with a written copy.  The winner will receive a cash prize of $250 for themselves and $500 for their school with the runner up receiving $100 and $250 for their school.  Both students will be invited to Canberra to attend the opening of a public exhibition on first speeches in Parliament House in July 2011. Competition closes on Thursday 16 June and details can be found at www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech .
Telstra Business Women’s Awards

Nominations for the 2011 Telstra Business Women’s Awards are now open to all business women whether owners, executives and employees or leaders in community and government organisations.  Our community has many local business women who make a positive impact on countless lives every day. Entries are open until 20 June and nominations can be made at:
 www.telstrabusinesswomensawards.com