NSW Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird

NSW GOVERNMENT MAY CELEBRATE, BUT BUSINESS WILL FLEE

Victor P Taffa

The State Labor Government is deluding itself if it thinks the private sector is confident to invest in NSW following the Rozelle Metro debacle, Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird said today.

“While there was a rise in private sector investment from September to December last year, business confidence in NSW is completely shot to pieces following the shambles of the Rozelle Metro project.” Mr Baird said.

“Any new green shoots the Premier and Treasurer are celebrating have been well and truly scorched by the Rozelle Metro debacle.” Mr. Baird said.

“Businesses were rightly cynical that the State Labor Government would ever deliver on the Rozelle Metro so they demanded a written assurance it would go ahead.

“Even with this written assurance, the project ended up being nothing more than another hollow promise that will now cost taxpayers upwards of $330 Million.”

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia said the promising then axing of the Rozelle Metro project “shreds the credibility of the government in delivering projects and will likely make it much harder to attract investment and skills” [1].

The Sydney Business Chamber said: “Over a decade the government has released… $100 billion in projects that have never seen the light of day” [2].

The Australian Constructors Association president Wal King told the Sydney Morning Herald on 12 February: “If it’s not built the industry is going to have a serious issue with this government”.

“Eric Roozendaal and Kristina Keneally are living in a parallel universe if they think NSW is leading the economic recovery.” Mr Baird said.

“We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation and we have had the lowest business confidence in the country for the past six years.

“Investment in NSW will be undermined while the State Labor Government continues to announce unplanned and unfunded projects that are never delivered.” Mr Baird said.

The issue that the Keneally Government would have the public forget is the list of cancelled railway expansion projects dating back to 1995.

15 years is long enough to fool the public and the current State Government cannot be trusted to deliver after so many failures.

[1] ‘NSW taxpayers hit after CBD Metro project shelved’, The Australian 21-2-10

[2] ‘NSW taxpayers hit after CBD Metro project shelved’, The Australian 21-2-10

NSW Shadow Minister for Small Business Don Page

Member for Ballina continues to fight for Mobile Breast Screen Vans

Victor P Taffa

Ballina MP, Don Page, has submitted a petition to the NSW Parliament containing over 1300 signatures of local people opposed to the removal of Mobile Breast Screening on the Far North Coast.

The terms of the Petition brought to the NSW Labor Governments attention –

That the Mobile Breast Screen Units have been removed from many areas of the North Coast Area Health Service; this removal is disadvantaging women in these areas and reducing their chances of an early diagnosis of Breast Cancer due to the difficulty experienced in trying to get to a fixed screening unit; an early diagnosis greatly increases a woman’s chance of survival; and already less than 50% of eligible women are being screened.

Mr Page said it was important to keep the campaign for reinstatement of the mobile breast screening vans active because it would save lives.

“I’ve raised the issue many times in Parliament and I will continue to put this important issue before the State Labor Government.” Mr. Page said.

The issue was first raised by Mr Page in March last year and the campaign to have the mobile service returned has been growing ever since.

“My office is consistently contacted by concerned residents who can no longer access the mobile breast screen service. Many of them have difficulty accessing the fixed services in Lismore or Tweed Heads due to lack of transport, work and family commitments.” Mr Page said.

One in eight Australian women will develop breast cancer with over 12,000 women diagnosed every year.

There is a rally today in Ballina and Byron Bay to protest against the loss of the Mobile Breast Screen Vans since June 2008.

“Parliament is sitting, so unfortunately I can’t be there to support the rally today. I will be continuing to raise this issue in Parliament as I have this week.” Mr Page said.

The lack of Mobile Breast Screen Vans in the North Coast of New South Wales is an issue that should not be ignored lightly.

Over the border in Queensland Australia Post was forced to close a mailing centre when a ‘cancer cluster’ was discovered after numerous female employees were diagnosed with breast cancer recently within a short period of time.

The Federal, Bligh and Keneally Government’s are clearly not taking the issue seriously enough and the Area Health Service method of Hospital administration is only adding to the problem because decision makers who could approve additional Mobile Breast Screen Vans are too far away from the ‘coalface’ of day to day health problems.

New South Wales Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird

KENEALLY CLAIM TRANSPORT PLAN IS ‘FULLY FUNDED’ NOW IN DOUBT

Victor P Taffa

In a clear indication the State Labor Government’s latest transport plan is yet another election scam the Premier failed to explain in Parliament today how her plan is “fully funded”, Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird said today.

“Despite repeated claims to the media that her transport plan is fully funded, Kristina Keneally could not answer in Question Time today where the funds are coming from.” Mr Baird said.

“In an answer that showed an embarrassing lack of understanding of the detail, Ms Keneally did not know how much debt would be incurred or what additional taxes would be raised to pay for the plan.” Mr. Baird said.

“Once again the State Labor Government has shown it has no credibility on financial management.

“Simply saying a project is fully funded, doesn’t make it fully funded.

“Ms. Keneally must explain how she will make up her $49.5 Billion shortfall to pay for the plan – is it taxes, debt or fanciful revenue forecasts?” Mr. Baird demanded to know.

“Taxpayers are rightly sceptical this latest plan will be delivered, and Ms. Keneally’s response today does nothing to allay these concerns.”

“The State Labor Government has costed the latest North West rail link in the plan at $6.7 Billion, yet this is more than $3 Billion higher than the last Treasury costing in late 2006.”

“Until the details of all costings, debt and revenue measures that underpin Ms. Keneally’s claim of fully funded are released, the claim cannot be believed.”

“If Kristina Keneally cannot answer the very simple proposition of what role debt will play in funding this plan, how can we trust it will be delivered?”

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals have committed to starting work on the South West and North West rail links in the first term, should we be elected next year.

“We are united, we are determined and we stand in stark contrast to the rabble that parade as the State Labor Government.” Mr Baird said.

When the New South Wales Labor Government recently sold off the NSW Lotteries at a $50 Million LOSS how on earth can anyone believe Labor’s financial claims on accountability?

Lake Macquarie Local Area Command

Police investigating the disappearance of a Newcastle man have focused investigations on the whereabouts of his car.

27-year-old Jay Riley was last seen around 6.30pm on Monday 14 December 2009 at his home in Crocket Street, Cardiff.

Jay is described as white/European in appearance, between 174cm to 179cm tall, with a medium build, short black hair and blue eyes. He has medical conditions that require treatment and medication.

His family and friends have concerns for his safety as his disappearance is out of character. Lake Macquarie Detectives are again appealing for public information to locate Jay.

Jay Riley not seen since 14 December 2009

Their investigations are now focusing on the whereabouts of his missing blue 1991 Toyota Lexcen, with NSW registration plates AM 83 ST.

The vehicle has not been seen since Jay disappeared, despite extensive searches by local Police and detectives.

Anyone with information about Jay’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Detectives on (02) 4942 9999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

All details will be treated in strict confidence.

Vehicle of Missing Person Jay Riley

New South Wales Ambulance Service

Flood Waters Alert

The New South Wales Ambulance Service would like remind the community of the dangers that lurk around flood waters due to heavy rain.

Recently the Service has had to attend motorists trapped in vehicles and people swept away while trying to cross torrent like flood waters. There have also been cases of children playing in dangerous waters that unfortunately have resulted in death.

The community are reminded when around or in flood waters to always assess the risk of undertaking potentially life threatening activities. Parents should also take the opportunity to remind and teach their children of the following safety messages.

Coffs Harbour experienced flooding on 5 occasions during 2009

The Ambulance Service of NSW recommends:

• Do not play or undertake recreational activities in or around swollen estuaries/rivers, drains or flooded areas;

• When driving do not attempt to cross flooded roads or causeways.

• Carry some form of communication with you at all times in case you need Emergency assistance;

• Drive cautiously on the roads that may have been damaged by heavy rain or floods, as sides of the roads can give-way and cause a traffic hazard;

• Be mindful that pets need to be kept safe from flood waters as well;

• Take caution and do not become a victim while attempting to rescue people in trouble, instead call Triple Zero(000) and wait for emergency personnel;

• Always call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance for any medical emergency.

New South Wales Ambulance Service

New South Wales Paramedics were called to rescue a 30yo female yesterday (Tuesday 16 February 2010) after she sustained a fractured ankle canyoning in the Whungee Wheengee Canyon – Mount Wilson.

The Ambulance Service of NSW received the call around 2.30 pm. SCAT (Special Casualty Access Team) Paramedics were winched into the area and had to travel 1km down Mount Wilson to the canyon to rescue and treat the patient. Once on scene it took Paramedics several hours to get the patient back up the terrain of the area including having to abseil down and back up a waterfall.

Three SCAT Paramedics and one Police Rescue Officer decided to camp overnight and get the patient out at first light this morning as her condition was stable.

At 06.30am this morning (Wednesday 17 February 2010) Ambulance Rescue 23 winched up a SCAT Paramedic and the 30yo female patient who was taken to Westmead Hospital for further treatment.

Following this a second Ambulance Rescue Helicopter from Bankstown airlifted the injured patient’s partner and remaining rescue staff up from the camp site in Mount Wilson.

The patient is currently in a stable condition at Westmead Hospital.

Bankstown Local Area Command

Police release photographs of unidentified man found unconscious – Villawood

Police continue to seek public assistance and have released photographs to identify a man found unconscious on a street in Sydney’s South-West on the weekend.

A member of the public found the man lying unconscious on Gundaroo Street in Villawood about 8.30pm on Saturday 6 February.

Man found unconscious

They called Triple Zero (000) and the man was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he remains unconscious and on life support.

The man did not have any form of identification on him at the time.

Man found unconscious

Despite following a number of procedures, including canvassing the area where he was found and checking with the Missing Persons Unit, officers have not yet been able to establish anything about the man’s identity.

Man found unconscious

He is described as being of white/European appearance, 35 to 40 years of age, slim to medium build, 80 to 85kg, 180 to 185cm tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and a full beard.

Man found unconscious

The man was wearing green cargo shorts a black ‘Fila’ brand T-Shirt and size nine brown lace-up shoes.

He does not have any tattoos nor was he wearing jewellery of any kind.

Unconscious man's shorts

Investigations are continuing and Police urge anyone information about the man’s identity to contact Bankstown Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Unconscious man's T-Shirt

Fairfield Local Area Command

CCTV released following investigations into fatal shooting at Fairfield – Homicide Squad

CCTV images can be viewed on YouTube by visiting the website at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocohngzhtKA

Homicide Squad detectives have today released CCTV images as part of on-going investigations into the fatal shooting of a man at Fairfield on 24 November 2009. 

Strike Force Richardson comprises detectives from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad and was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

Detectives believe about four vehicles, each containing a number of occupants, were driven to a service station at Pendle Hill, before the vehicles were parked in side streets near Cathcart Street at Fairfield.

The occupants are believed to have exited the vehicles before going to a home on Cathcart Street.

A number of shots were fired into the home injuring the 35 year old. He was taken to Liverpool Hospital where he died a short time later.

Detectives have today released CCTV images of the vehicles, including a black Holden Astra, a blue Hyundai, a green Mitsubishi, and a blue Toyota.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen these vehicles at the service station at Pendle Hill or in the vicinity of the crime scene on 24 November 2009.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be treated in strict confidence.

Lake Macquarie Local Area Command

Renewed appeal to find missing Cardiff man

Lake Macquarie Detectives are again appealing for public information to locate a man who has been missing for two months.

Jay Riley, 27, was last seen at his home in Crockett Street, Cardiff on Monday 14 December about 6.30pm when he went to the shops.

Neither Jay or his blue 1991 Toyota Lexcen with NSW registration number AM 83 ST – have been seen since that day, despite extensive searches by local police and his family.

Jay is described as being of white/European appearance, between 174cm to 179cm tall, and of a medium build. He has short black hair and blue eyes.

Jay’s family and friends have told police they are concerned for him and that his disappearance is out of character.

Jay has medical conditions that require treatment and medication; there are real concerns for his welfare.

Anyone with information on Jay’s whereabouts is urged to contact Lake Macquarie Detectives on (02) 4942 9999, or via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

All information will be treated in strict confidence.

Eastern Beaches Local Area Command

Partygoers warned against anti-social behaviour at Good Vibrations Festival – Centennial Park

Police are urging party goers attending this weekend’s Good Vibrations Music Festival to obey the law and enjoy the day safely.

A high-visibility Police operation will be in place at the music festival, targeting:

• Anti-social behaviour,
• Alcohol-related crime,
• Illegal drug use and supply.

CCTV coverage will also be used to enhance the safety of people attending the festival.

The operation will take place in and around the venue involving:

• Police from Eastern Beaches Local Area Command,
• Drug Detection unit,
• Licensing Police,
• Mounted Police unit,
• Police Trail Bike units.

The Good Vibrations Festival will be held between 12pm and 10pm within the Centennial Parklands this Saturday (13 February). Event organisers are expecting thousands of music-lovers to attend.

The NSW Police event commander, Superintendent Allan Sicard, said all festival goers needed to know anti-social and criminal behaviour would not be tolerated on the day.

“Our aim is to ensure that everyone attending this music festival has a fun day out with their mates,” Supt. Sicard said.

“If you do the right thing you will have fun but we must ensure it is a safe environment for all those attending. I especially want to discourage anyone thinking they can bring and take drugs at this festival. Recreational drugs are dangerous, illegal and potentially life-threatening.”

“Those in possession of illicit substances can expect to be caught. We will have drug detection dogs as well as a large number of overt and covert Police resources aimed at catching those taking or dealing illegal drugs.”

NSW Police encourages anyone under the influence of drugs or excessive amount of alcohol who feels unwell to seek professional medical attention. First Aid officers will attend this weekend’s event.