Linda’s “Vine” Lines: State Member for Kurwongbah
May is festival time for Dayboro and I am looking forward again to celebrating Dayboro Day with you on Sunday 25th May. I’m also looking forward to joining members of the Dayboro Ladies Bowls Club on 12th May. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums – I hope you enjoy your special day.
BUY SMART 2008 – STUDENTS SHARPEN SHOPPING SKILLS
School students are being challenged to test their consumer and financial literacy skills with the Buy Smart Competition 2008 and I encourage young people to take part. The Buy Smart competition gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their consumer and financial skills for the chance to win cash prizes. To enter, students need to research a consumer or money-related topic and present what they have learnt to their fellow students in a creative way. Last year there were some very creative entries including videos, board games, posters, mobiles, a song and our first ever MySpace page entry. Young people are active consumers in the modern marketplace and it is vital they learn smart consumer and financial literacy skills so they can be wise with their money.
There are cash prizes for winners and runners up in each of the four categories. Prizes include up to $500 for the student and $1500 for their school or organisation. For more information visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/buysmart or email buysmart@justice.qld.gov.au. The website also has resources to help teachers incorporate the competition into classroom activities.
RECYCLE MOBILE PHONES
If you have any old mobile phones and are thinking of throwing them away…..DON’T. Bring them to my office where you can place them in a collection box for recycling. For every mobile phone donated, Kidney Health Australia receives income to help thousands of Australians suffering from kidney disease through counselling, personal assistance programs and extensive patient information services. For more information visit www.kidney.org.au.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK
National Volunteer Week is being celebrated from 12th to 18th May. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who volunteers in some capacity in our community. As the theme for this year states, “Volunteers change our world!” Volunteers play such a huge role in our community – without their constant hard work and support, many community groups and organisations would be unable to operate.
TRADESPEOPLE ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER TEACHING CAREER
Plumbers and mechanics are being encouraged to consider a career change and share their skills with tomorrow’s tradespeople. The State Government is offering fully-funded teaching training to qualified tradespeople to become trade teachers so that more apprentices can get trained in skills shortage areas. We currently have a shortage of teachers in the plumbing and refrigeration and air-conditioning trades – we need more teachers in this area to meet demand. Interested tradespeople can visit www.teachyourtrade.com.au or phone 1800 654 447.
ROAD SENSE
Micro-sized motor bikes – recently micro-sized motor bikes have become popular, so users must know the road rules. Riding them in parks or on footpaths, roads and public property is not allowed. These bikes can not be registered or insured and they do not have compliance plates for road use. Some of these bikes can reach speeds of over 100 km/h, making them a high risk toy if correct safety gear is not worn. Be aware that there are fines in place for those caught riding on public property.
U-turns – there is a common misconception that it’s all right to do a U-turn at traffic lights. Queensland road rules state that you cannot make a U-turn at traffic lights unless there is a sign that specifically allows it. U-turns can be risky at the best of times and an improper U-turn can result in a serious crash. You must always give way to all other motorists and pedestrians when making a U-turn and only do so when it is necessary, you are legally allowed to, and it is safe to do so.
MANAGING THE COST OF CONSUMER CREDIT – INTEREST RATE CAPS
Legislation has been introduced into Parliament that will ensure Queensland consumers have access to credit at a fair and reasonable price. Many people at risk of financial stress resort to high cost loans because they are unable to obtain credit from mainstream lenders such as banks and credit unions. The changes will introduce a cap of 48% inclusive of interest, fees and charges under credit contracts ensuring all consumers, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalised, are protected. The problems that arise from high cost loans can be serious and the Government has moved to help protect consumers.
In addition to introducing the rate cap, the State Government will fund the expansion of a no interest loans scheme in Queensland to help people in need access money without the risk of crippling debt from excessive interest, fees and charges. Funding will be provided to support the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service to help community groups administer and expand its no interest loan schemes (NILS). This means more people will be able to get off the debt merry-go-round sooner because they won’t be subject to interest rates of up to 1600%. The National Australia Bank has generously donated $1.9 million in Queensland to service Good Shepherd’s NILS.
Until next month
Linda
