May2015_DICKSON NEWS
From your Federal Member for Dickson, PETER DUTTON
Ph: 3205 9977
Email: peter.dutton.mp@aph.gov.au
No jab, no pay
The Government last month announced our “No jab, no pay” policy. We will end the conscientious objector exemption on children’s vaccination for access to taxpayer funded Child Care Benefits, the Child Care Rebate and the Family Tax Benefit Part A end of year supplement from 1 January 2016.
Immunisation requirements for the payment of Family Tax Benefit Part A end-of-year supplement will also be extended to include children of all ages.
Existing exemptions on medical or religious grounds will continue, however a religious objection will only be available where the person is affiliated with a religious group where the governing body has a formally registered objection approved.
More than 39,000 children aged under seven are not vaccinated because their parents are vaccine objectors. This is an increase of more than 24,000 children over 10 years, and it’s unacceptable.
The choice made by families not to immunise their children is not supported by public policy or medical research nor should such action be supported by taxpayers in the form of child care payments.
National Ice Taskforce
Crystal methamphetamine, known as “ice”, is a growing problem for our nation. Ice poses the highest risk of all illicit drugs to our community, and it is ruining individuals and destroying families.
The Abbott Government is working with the States and Territories to develop a National Ice Action Strategy. The first step is the establishment of a National Ice Taskforce, overseen by Assistant Minister for Health Fiona Nash and Minister for Justice Michael Keenan. Leading the taskforce is Ken Lay APM, the former Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police.
The Taskforce will examine all existing efforts to address ice and identify ways to take a systematic, comprehensive and coordinated approach to education, health and law enforcement.
The Taskforce will provide an interim report to the Prime Minister by the middle of this year.
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea – 28 May
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is an opportunity for friends, family or workmates to come together, share a cuppa and some delicious food, and help those affected by cancer.
While the official date for this year’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is Thursday 28th May 2015, you can hold your tea any time during May or June.
I encourage locals to get involved in this fun way to help win the fight against cancer.
You can find out more online at biggestmorningtea.com.au
National Volunteer Week – 11-17 May
National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of volunteers and volunteerism in Australia, and provides an opportunity to highlight the role of volunteers in our community and to say thank you to the more than 6 million Australians who volunteer.
The theme for 2015 is Give Happy, Live Happy. Research suggests that that those who volunteer are happier as a result. So this National Volunteer Week, help Volunteering Australia make our country the happiest place on earth, by giving as much of your time as you can.
You can find out more at the website volunteeringaustralia.org
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
