Dickson News Oct 2008

• October 11, 2008
• Politics and Council
• Editor

From your  Federal Member for Dickson

PETER DUTTON

Single pensioners can’t live on $273 a week Mr Rudd

Many pensioners continue to struggle with high costs of living.  In particular, single pensioners who still have rates or high rent to pay, deserve an increase in the pension.  The Liberal Party has proposed an increase of $30 per week for single aged pensioners and will introduce a bill to that effect in Parliament.  There are about 850,000 single aged pensioners and it is about time Mr Rudd and Mr Swan supported them.

Dickson Seniors’ Expo

Once again the Dickson Seniors’ Expo was a huge success with a record number of people through the doors, displaying the important contribution this Expo makes to our senior community.  Over 900 people attended and feedback has been extremely positive.  I started this Expo five years ago and want to thank the committee who have worked hard to expand it each year.

Bikes for Schools Program

Students at Dayboro State School have been working hard to raise money for the future developments and enhancement of the School’s educational facilities and services.  The recent Walkathon saw a total of $6,462.60 and I was happy to provide a bike as the prize for the student who raised the second highest funds.  Trinity De Beer from Year 1 put in a mammoth effort by raising $241 and is the winner of one of the bikes.  Congratulations Trinity on your hard work and the wonderful contribution you have made to your school.

National Secondary School Computer Fund

I encourage all schools in the Dickson electorate to apply to Round Two of the National Secondary School Computer Fund which closes on 9 October. For further information on the Fund visit www.digitaleducationrevolution.gov.au

Free Tax Help

The Australian Taxation Office’s free tax help service is available at my Strathpine office for individuals whose income is less than $35,000 and $2,500 for every dependent child.   A volunteer is available to help constituents lodge by E-tax every Tuesday and Thursday until 31 October.  To make an appointment or check eligibility please call my office on 3205 9977.

Cartoon competition for schools

The National Museum of Australia invites upper primary and secondary schools students to participate in a national political cartooning competition, in conjunction with the Museum’s annual exhibition Behind the Lines:  The Year’s Best Cartoons.  Students must submit a black and white or colour cartoon, on A4 paper, dealing with a recent political issue of national significance.  A selection of the best entries will be displayed on the National Museum’s website.  Entries must be postmarked on or before 17 October 2008.  For further details visit www.nma.gov.au/education.

Don’t be a money mule

A money mule is someone who allows their bank account to receive stolen funds which are transferred to a designated account using a money-remitting or wire service, minus a certain commission.  The mule is usually approached online via e-mail, instant message or criminals may advertise on legitimate employment websites.

The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA), the Australian Federal Police’s High Tech Crime Centre, State and Territory Police have worked together to produce a fact sheet which provides some useful advice which may prevent you becoming involved in criminal activity.

Banks and police advise that if you are offered an opportunity of making easy money and the offer seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Be cautious about unsolicited offers or opportunities offering you the chance of making easy money.

Be wary of offers from people or companies overseas as it makes it harder to check if they are bona fide.

Take steps to verify any company which makes you a job offer, for example, address, phone number, e-mail address and website.  You could check if it is a registered company.

Never give your confidential banking details to anyone.

If you would like to read the fact sheet visit the ABA website www.bankers.asn.au or the AFP’s High Tech Crime Centre website www.ahtcc.gov.au or freecall the ABA on 1800 009 180.

National Stroke Week

In conjunction with National Stroke Week the Stroke Foundation’s FAST wallet cards are now available.  FAST is a simple way of remembering the signs of stroke and what to do if you experience them or see the signs in another person.  FAST stands for Facial weakness, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties, Time to act FAST – calling 000 immediately could prevent death or severe disability.  To obtain your free wallet cards contact my Strathpine office on 3205 9977.

Volunteer Grants Program

Funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 is available to eligible not-for-profit organisations including P&C Associations, to purchase small equipment.  Community groups who use their cars to transport others around can also apply for help with fuel costs.  Application guidelines and forms are available from www.fahcsia.gov.au or by calling 1800 183 374.  Applications close Friday 17 October 2008.

Trinity De Beer and the Deputy Principal Neil McMahon – 2008 bike winner