O'Farrell Liberals sell off the family silver in a move that could send petrol prices soaring for families

The O’Farrell Government’s decision to sell off Port Botany and Port Kembla could send petrol prices soaring – with the money raised just a drop in the ocean when it comes to building major projects like the WestConnex.

“The O’Farrell Government has sold off the family silver,” Shadow Treasurer Michael Daley said today.

“The Government promised it wouldn’t sell off our public ports at the election because they knew it wasn’t in the long term interests of NSW, but they have done it anyway.

“Industry has already warned petrol and LPG prices could soar under the privatisation of the ports because new fees and charges will be imposed by the private operator.

“Under the O'Farrell Government's legislation to privatise Port Botany and Port Kembla, the new monopoly operators will have the power to impose unlimited rents and charges on companies responsible for importing, transporting and distributing petrol, gas and jet fuel from Australia's major port.”

Industry has warned the O'Farrell Government's privatisation will lead to:

"Raising petrol and jet fuel prices across NSW, due to the impact on storage and transportation costs of independent retailers, distributors and importers of petrol, diesel and jet fuel."

(Letter from the primary users of Port Botany, 23 October 2012)

“The money raised by this dual privatisation is a drop in the ocean when it comes to the infrastructure needs of NSW,” Mr Daley said.

“Putting just $1.8 billion into what could be a $15-$20 billion WestConnex project isn’t going to see this project built anytime soon for the motorists of Sydney.

“To fatten up the port for sale, the government has also removed the cap on the number of components that can move through the port each year. This will mean a massive increase in trucks in and around Port Botany and the airport.

“With no money being invested in improving rail infrastructure, the roads will become choked costing the state millions in productivity each year.”

Shadow Minister for Ports, Ron Hoenig said: "Barry O'Farrell's decision to flog off our public ports to the private sector comes at the expense of families and businesses who will all be hit with higher petrol and gas prices.”

Soaring Power Bills under Mr O'Farrell's Liberals lead to record household disconnections

The record number of household disconnections in NSW are a direct result of Barry O’Farrell’s failure to put downward pressure on electricity prices, Opposition Leader John Robertson said today.

According to a new report by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, 23,000 people had their electricity cut off in the past year – including 44 per cent in paid employment.

In just two years, the O’Farrell Government has inflicted electricity price rises of up to $594 a year on NSW families. This includes:

• An 18 per cent increase signed off by Barry O’Farrell in July 2011
• An additional increase in July 2012 of 10 per cent for customers with Ausgrid, 9.5 per cent with Essential Energy and 2 per cent with Endeavour Energy.

The Government is also putting upward pressure on power bills by gouging a record $1.153 billion from the electricity companies – breaking its promise to freeze dividends.

"Mr O’Farrell promised to tackle the cost of living – but the electricity price rises under his Government have been relentless,” Mr Robertson said.

“The report by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre should serve as a wake-up call to anyone concerned about rising cost of living pressures in NSW."

“With winter approaching, thousands of households are having their electricity turned off because they simply can’t afford it.”

Premier O’Farrell has no concern for ordinary families battling to make ends meet. The State Government has got to show mercy and stop these power bill increases.

Sydney Credit Union at Mascot officially re-opens

After a six month refurbishment, I had the great pleasure of cutting the ribbon at the official re-opening of the Mascot branch of Sydney Credit Union (SCU). Located at 1197 Botany Road, this branch provides banking facilities to 3100 members, most of whom live or work locally. The new look branch coincides with a new website and the same friendly service for which SCU are well known. 

Next month SCU celebrates its 50th year in operation and I wish Chair, Brian Nevin, CEO, Ashley Jennings and Branch Manager, Elizabeth Oshana every continued success.
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=LA96e3HnqVw

Eva Tahtouch, Area Director, Elizabeth Oshana, Manager, Brian Nevin, Chair, Ron Hoenig MP, Dominic Dunn, Abacus, Ashley Jennings CEO

Public Housing Pensions Hit as O'Farrell snatches pensions back

Pensioners, war widows and veterans in my electorate who live in public housing have had their recent Commonwealth pension increase snatched back by the O’Farrell Government.  My electorate has the highest public housing tenants in the state.

On March 20, pensioners across Australia received  fortnightly increase of $35.80 for singles and $54 for couples. 

However, the O’Farrell Government has confirmed it will raise public housing rents to take into account the pension increase – raiding money meant to help pensioners cope with the rising cost of living. 

Pensioners in my electorate received a payment increase on March 20 – but the O’Farrell Government has snatched it away. This is a mean and predatory act by the State Government. 

With winter around the corner, pensioners in my electorate could have really done with a little extra money to help pay the electricity bill. When you scrimp and save on a fixed income, every dollar counts. 

Rents for the poorest pensioners have already gone up $618 a year under the O’Farrell Government – even before this latest increase. The Liberals and Nationals have lost all sense of compassion for pensioners doing it tough. 

Pensioners, veterans and war widows have supported this country through thick and thin –Barry O’Farrell should respect that instead of milking them for cash. 

I encourage any pensioner affected by the increase to contact my office on 9699 8166.

Commonwealth Puts Pensions Up - Will O'Farrell Gouge Seniors Again?

As the Premier marks his two year anniversary, pensioners and war widows are waiting to hear if the State Government will again gouge their recent Commonwealth pension increase by jacking up public housing rents.

On March 20, pensioners across Australia received a fortnightly increase of $35.80 for singles and $54 for couples.

In Parliament last week the NSW Minister for Finance and Services failed to clarify whether the O'Farrell Government will again increase public housing rents for pensioners. The O'Farrell Government has already lifted rents twice – effectively penalising pensioners for having slightly more income. 

"Barry O'Farrell has form on this issue – whenever pensioners are about to receive a little extra financial assistance from the Federal Government, he snatches it away," Shadow Minister for Housing Sophie Cotsis said.

"The Government raised pensioners' public housing rents in 2011, it did it again in 2012 – so the Premier must clarify his intentions regarding this latest pension increase.

"Under the O'Farrell Government, public housing rent for pensioners has gone up by $618 a year.

"Mr O'Farrell promised to tackle the cost of living.

"So why does he keep attacking the most defenceless members of our community – people who have loyally paid into our tax system all their lives and today subsist on fixed incomes?

“When asked in Parliament today to assure seniors that the Government won’t gouge their most recent pension increase by jacking up public housing rents, Minister Greg Pearce refused to provide any clarification.

“A Government that repeatedly resorts to this kind of cash grab clearly lacks compassion for those struggling to keep a roof over their heads.

"It's a simple question, Minister. Will you raise public housing rents – yes or no?"

O'Farrell's Sobering Up Centres - A dangerous Stunt

NSW Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Linda Burney has condemned the O'Farrell Government's proposed "Sobering up Centres" as a dangerous and costly waste of resources – and a band-aid solution to alcohol-related violence.

As detailed in a Bill under debate in Parliament today, the O'Farrell Government is planning to trial three centres – one in Sydney City, one in Coogee and one in Wollongong – with two starting in July.

Ms Burney said the idea that locking a group of intoxicated people together would reduce drunken violence was misguided and dangerous – particularly for Kooris.

"While every State and Territory Government over the past 20 years has worked hard to reduce the number of Aboriginal people in custody, in NSW we are finding new and innovative ways to lock people up," Ms Burney said.

"This is a crazy idea. There is a strong likelihood of fights within the centres – so the Government will have to pour huge resources into trying to keep people safe.

"The health and wellbeing of detainees will also have to be monitored carefully – taking up the valuable time of doctors and nurses.

"Under the proposed legislation, some of the most vulnerable in our community – including those sleeping rough – could be locked up against their will without being arrested or charged with anything at all.

"The cost recovery provisions are particularly cruel – many people detained in these centres will already be suffering from financial hardship.

"What's more, I have not seen any evidence that the O'Farrell Government has seriously considered the particular impact that these centres could have on Aboriginal people – who, for a range of reasons – may attract more attention.

"This is a simplistic approach to a complex issue and is likely to cause more problems than it solves.

"It has been 22 years since the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody – have we learned nothing?

"NSW Labor opposes this plan and I will continue to speak out against this dreadful legislation in the Parliament."

NSW Labor calls for Sydney's Taylor Square Rainbow Crossing to Stay

NSW Labor has thrown its support behind the community campaign to keep the rainbow crossing at Taylor Square as a way to permanently celebrate the contribution of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex people and their families to the city.

Shadow Minister for Transport, Penny Sharpe said Oxford Street was known worldwide as the hub of the GLBTI community in Australia.

“Oxford Street is famous around the world and I am confident that the rainbow crossing will become another attraction for Sydneysiders and tourists to come and see when they are in the city,” she said.

“The Shadow Minister for Roads and I have written to Duncan Gay today urging him to keep the rainbow crossing.

"I hope that common sense prevails and the crossing can become a permanent part of Oxford Street." 

Shadow Minister for Roads, Ryan Park said: “This crossing has become a symbol of inclusivity and it makes no sense to paint over it – not least because it has been reported to cost up to $30,000 to have this work undertaken."

“There may be some individuals in the bureaucracy who will try and convince the Government that this can’t be done – but we need to take a common sense approach.

"The rainbow crossing is an attractive addition to Taylor Square that the community is enjoying – why would you get rid of it?"