June2014_DICKSON NEWS
From your Federal Member for Dickson
PETER DUTTON
Ph: 3205 9977
Email: peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au
BUDGET 2014
The Abbott Government delivered its first Budget which will lay the foundations for a strong and prosperous economy with less debt. In this Budget we announced a significant number of initiatives and changes, with a focus of reform and revitalisation.
In my portfolio of Health and Sport, we made the changes needed to ensure our health system remains strong into the future. We currently provide 263 million free health services to 23 million Australians, but we need to make sure that our costs are sustainable.
To ensure we have an efficient and effective health system that delivers quality care now and into the future we have established a new Medical Research Future Fund which will be invested and managed by the Future Fund Board of Guardians, meaning it will be preserved. The Fund will rise to a total of $20 million by 2020 and the net earnings for a given year will be available to fund medical research priorities.
Locally, the Budget committed over $1 million to local projects, which includes $250,000 for a feasibility study into a Pine Rivers Hospital. The government was elected to clean up Labor’s debt and deficit disaster. Labor started with money in the bank and no debt. They left us with a monthly interest bill of $1b and total debt heading toward $667b. So we have had to make tough decisions in the country’s best long term interests.
RED SHIELD APPEAL
I hosted the annual Red Shield Appeal Breakfast for the Pine Rivers District on the 2nd of May. The event, as always, was a great success and raised almost $12,000 to help the Salvation Army continue their great work within our community. We had the privilege of listening to our guest speaker, Anthony Kerridge, share his inspirational story about how the Salvation Army changed his life.
The support the Salvation Army provides every week is amazing. They supply over 100,000 meals and 2,000 beds for the homeless, and support over 500 victims of abuse, as well as their support in natural disasters.
I have been a strong supporter of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal for over 10 years and encourage all Dickson residents to donate generously during the Red Shield Doorknock Appeal on the 24th and 25th of May. If you would like any further information, or to volunteer for the doorknock weekend please visit http://salvos.org.au
SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SPORT
I recently met with AFL Queensland CEO, Michael Conlan, to learn more about the AFL’s community umpiring program. This program is a great way for children to make new friends, get fit, learn new skills, encourage healthy growth and development. Kids receive training and necessary equipment when they sign up to be a community AFL umpire. If you would like to know more about the program you can visit www.umpireafl.com.au
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is celebrating its 21st year this year and, to date, has raised an incredible $110 million dollars towards research and programs to help fight cancer. The official date for the morning tea this year is the 22nd of May, but events can be held anytime in May and June. If you would like to host a morning tea or find a local event close to you, visit the website: www.biggestmorningtea.com.au . Alternatively, you can donate directly to the Cancer Council online. Cancer Council Australia works closely with the states and territories to fundraise much-needed money, to support patients and their families, as well as research to find the cause of cancer.
MARQUEE HIRE
I have a 6 x 9m marquee available for community organisations to hire, free of charge. If you are interested in hiring the marquee for your community event please contact my office on 3205 9977 or email peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au
