http://kayhull.com.auRSS feeds for Kay Hull MP60http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8620/Shadow-Minister-for-Infrastructure-and-Water-to-visit-Griffith-Leeton-and-Coleambally-Tuesday-2nd-March.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8620http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8620&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8620/Shadow-Minister-for-Infrastructure-and-Water-to-visit-Griffith-Leeton-and-Coleambally-Tuesday-2nd-March.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, is pleased to welcome the Hon. Ian Macfarlane MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Water to the Riverina, this coming Tuesday 2nd March. “Mr Macfarlane will be visiting Griffith, Leeton and Coleambally and meeting with key industry groups to discuss water and irrigation issues,” Mrs. Hull said. “The Shadow Minister will meet with Murrumbidgee Irrigation, local industries and water representatives in Griffith and he will be taken on a paddy to plate tour with Sunrice and Ricegrowers, as well as meeting with Coleambally Irrigation. “I know Mr Macfarlane will be impressed by the innovative and efficient systems which have been developed by local organisations. “I am pleased the Coalition’s Shadow Minister is coming so that he can see first hand our communities which rely so heavily on irrigation for their economic survival,” Mrs. Hull said.  Mrs Hull said Mr Macfarlane will be available for interview at designated times throughout the day. 10.25am - 10.35am – Riverina Citrus Board Room, Shop 1/490, Banna Ave, Griffith 11.25am – 11.35am – Sunrice Head Office, Yanco Ave, Leeton 3.00pm – Coleambally Irrigation office, Coleambally (media must give notice to Lucy Spora                   on 6921 4600 if they wish to attend this appointment)  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpFri, 26 Feb 2010 06:17:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8620http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8619/RIVERINA-TOWNS-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8619http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8619&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8619/RIVERINA-TOWNS-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx The Rudd Government’s discredited broadband plan continues to exclude towns and villages of less than 1,000 people, The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has said. “In fact Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, West Wyalong, Temora, Coolamon, Junee and Cootamundra are the only towns in the Riverina earmarked to receive the Government’s broadband, but even this could be eight years away,” Mrs. Hull said.   “The list of towns and villages that will miss out is endless.   “Ariah Park, Ardlethan, Beelbangera, Barellan, Barmedman, Beelbangera, Bilbul, Coleambally, Darlington Point, Ganmain, Goolgowi, Gumly Gumly, Grong Grong, Hanwood, San Isidore, Stockinbingal, Tarcutta, Ungarie, Uranquinty, Yanco, Wethalle, and Whitton have all been discarded by the Rudd Labor Government. “The National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere,” Mrs. Hull said.  “The Nationals have been worried about this plan from the start. The Government has now admitted that it is only planning to provide fast broadband to 90 percent of the population, and regional towns of 1000 or less are going to miss out. “This is completely unacceptable. Labor has stripped away more than $3.3 billion that the Coalition committed to building and future-proofing a fast telecommunications and broadband network in regional Australia that would have covered the entire country,” Mrs. Hull said.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:16:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8619http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8618/THE-NATIONALS-PUT-FORWARD-BILL-TO-PROTECT-AUSTRALIAS-BEEF.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8618http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8618&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8618/THE-NATIONALS-PUT-FORWARD-BILL-TO-PROTECT-AUSTRALIAS-BEEF.aspx The Nationals in the Senate have given notice of the introduction of a bill seeking safeguards against the risks posed by the importation of beef from countries that have had outbreaks of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease or BSE).  Australia is currently one of the safest countries in the world to eat beef, The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull said today. “To ensure this remains true, The Nationals in Coalition will put forward a Bill which calls for a full import risk analysis of the Federal Government’s decision to allow the importation of beef products from countries that had been BSE-affected, and that originating countries have in place traceability programs that are at least equivalent to the National Livestock Identification Scheme that we have in Australia. Mrs. Hull said the Food Importation (Bovine Meat Standards) Bill 2010 will be introduced into the Senate on the 9th of March.                                                                                                  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:15:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8618http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8617/COLEAMBALLY-DARLINGTON-POINT-GOOLGOWI-AND-CARRATHOOL-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8617http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8617&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8617/COLEAMBALLY-DARLINGTON-POINT-GOOLGOWI-AND-CARRATHOOL-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx The Rudd Government’s now discredited broadband plan continues to exclude towns of less than 1,000 people, including places like Coleambally, Darlington Point, Goolgowi and Carrathool, said The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull. “In fact it is only towns such as Griffith and Leeton earmarked to receive the Government’s broadband but this could be eight years away,” Mrs. Hull said.   “The National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere,” Mrs. Hull said.  “The Nationals have been worried about this plan from the start. The Government has now admitted that it is only planning to provide fast broadband to 90 percent of the population, and regional towns of 1000 or less are going to miss out. This is completely unacceptable. Labor has stripped away more than $3.3 billion that the Coalition committed to building and future-proofing a fast telecommunications and broadband network in regional Australia that would have covered the entire country.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:14:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8617http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8616/BEELBANGERA-HANWOOD-AND-BILBUL-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8616http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8616&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8616/BEELBANGERA-HANWOOD-AND-BILBUL-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx The Rudd Government’s discredited broadband plan continues to exclude towns of less than 1,000 people, including places like Beelbangera, Bilbul and Hanwood, said The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull. “In fact Griffith is the only town earmarked to receive the Government’s broadband in the Griffith Local Government Area, but this could be eight years away,” Mrs. Hull said.   “The National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere,” Mrs. Hull said.   “The Nationals have been worried about this plan from the start. The Government has now admitted that it is only planning to provide fast broadband to 90 percent of the population, and regional towns of 1000 or less are going to miss out. This is completely unacceptable. Labor has stripped away more than $3.3 billion that the Coalition committed to building and future-proofing a fast telecommunications and broadband network in regional Australia that would have covered the entire country.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600.   kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:12:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8616http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8614/GRONG-GRONG-BARELLAN-AND-COROBIMALLA-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8614http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8614&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8614/GRONG-GRONG-BARELLAN-AND-COROBIMALLA-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx The Rudd Government’s discredited broadband plan continues to exclude towns of less than 1,000 people, including places like Grong Grong, Barellan and Corobimalla, said The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull. “In fact Narrandera is the only town earmarked to receive the Government’s broadband in the entire Narrandera Local Government Area, but this could be eight years away,” Mrs. Hull said.   “The National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere,” Mrs. Hull said.  “The Nationals have been worried about this plan from the start. The Government has now admitted that it is only planning to provide fast broadband to 90 percent of the population, and regional towns of 1000 or less are going to miss out. This is completely unacceptable. Labor has stripped away more than $3.3 billion that the Coalition committed to building and future-proofing a fast telecommunications and broadband network in regional Australia that would have covered the entire country.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8614http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8615/YANCO-AND-WHITTON-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8615http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8615&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8615/YANCO-AND-WHITTON-WILL-MISS-OUT-ON-THE-GOVERNMENTS-NBN.aspx The Rudd Government’s discredited broadband plan continues to exclude towns of less than 1,000 people, including places like Yanco and Whitton, said The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull.    “In fact Leeton is the only town earmarked to receive the Government’s broadband in the entire Leeton Local Government Area, but this could be eight years away,” Mrs. Hull said.   “The National Broadband Network is an uncosted $43 billion plan that is seemingly going nowhere,” Mrs. Hull said.  “The Nationals have been worried about this plan from the start. The Government has now admitted that it is only planning to provide fast broadband to 90 percent of the population, and regional towns of 1000 or less are going to miss out. This is completely unacceptable. Labor has stripped away more than $3.3 billion that the Coalition committed to building and future-proofing a fast telecommunications and broadband network in regional Australia that would have covered the entire country.                                                                         (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8615http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8612/RIVERINA-ELECTORATE-EC-EXTENDED.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8612http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8612&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8612/RIVERINA-ELECTORATE-EC-EXTENDED.aspx The current EC areas in the Riverina electorate have been extended until 31 March 2011. The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has said she is extremely relieved by this very sensible decision. “The Riverina has endured eight years of drought with devastating consequences to individuals, families and communities,” Mrs. Hull said.  Mrs Hull said the EC arrangements assist the entire community, and not just the farmers. Communities and towns suffer as a whole during a drought such as this. “The strength and resilience of the Riverina communities never ceases to amaze me though and I am exceptionally proud of them all. “I wrote to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Tony Burke, urging him to extend the Riverina’s EC arrangements saying that to cease funding now would cause devastation beyond belief. “I am pleased the Minister has made this sensible decision,” Mrs. Hull said.   (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:08:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8612http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8610/THE-TRUTH-ABOUT-THE-GOVERNMENTS-YOUTH-ALLOWANCE-CHANGES.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8610http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8610&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8610/THE-TRUTH-ABOUT-THE-GOVERNMENTS-YOUTH-ALLOWANCE-CHANGES.aspx The Deputy Prime Minister is being disingenuous when she tells the Parliament families who earn up to $140,000 per annum will be able to access financial assistance through youth allowance to help support their children attend university, The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has said. “This is misleading. In actual truth, a family whose parents combined income is $140,000, who have two children living away from home to attend university, one in their first year and one in their third year, would receive $2.80 per fortnight for each student through the dependent youth allowance,” Mrs. Hull said. “The full amount of dependent youth allowance available for a student who is living away from home to attend university is $371.40 per fortnight. “These amounts have been calculated from the Student Assistance Estimator on the Government’s Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Website. “Technically, the Deputy Prime Minister is correct in saying a family who has a combined income of $140,000 would be eligible for assistance, but what she doesn’t say is that they will only receive a minimum payment and not the maximum payment. This minimum payment is less than $3 per fortnight. “Not all families who are eligible for the dependent youth allowance will receive the full amount for each of their children who are studying. It is calculated on a sliding scale dependent on the parents combined income.  “The Deputy Prime Minister’s choice of words is misleading students into thinking they will be supported by the Government’s changes to youth allowance. Yes, they may be eligible for the assistance, but technically many of them will only receive enough money per fortnight to buy one loaf of bread,” Mrs. Hull said. (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600.   kayhullmpThu, 25 Feb 2010 06:06:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8610http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8613/HULL-URGES-GOVERNMENT-TO-SPLIT-THE-YOUTH-ALLOWANCE-BILL.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8613http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8613&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8613/HULL-URGES-GOVERNMENT-TO-SPLIT-THE-YOUTH-ALLOWANCE-BILL.aspx The Government is mischievously blaming the Coalition for students not being able to access scholarships to attend university.   The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, said this is absolutely not true.   “The Government’s Youth Allowance Bill, which contains the new scholarships, also contains the detrimental changes to the eligibility criteria for independent Youth Allowance,” Mrs. Hull said.    “We have been calling for the Labor Government to split the bill, to separate the scholarships from the rest of the legislation, but thus far they have refused to negotiate.   Mrs Hull said anger and frustration is growing as students are still unsure of their eligibility for financial assistance. The students are also concerned the rules will change retrospectively and are worried whether essential Commonwealth scholarships will be available in 2010. This situation is entirely of the Government’s making.   Mrs Hull has said since the Budget was handed down last year, we have made it clear that the Coalition will hold firm on our two primary concerns with regard to the Youth Allowance Bill:   (1) The Coalition cannot support legislation that cuts out the ‘gap year’ pathway to Independent Youth Allowance for students who must leave home to attend University, unless a realistic alternative provision/pathway is put in place.   Mrs Hull said regional students under Labor’s proposed changes will not be able to find the required 30 hours of work per week for 18 months that will be needed to qualify for the independent rate of youth allowance, as work in rural communities is scarce.   (2) The Coalition would not support in principle, retrospective legislation which effectively changes the goal posts on students who made a good faith decision to take a year off in order to earn Independent Youth Allowance based on the advice of Centrelink Officials and their schools’ careers advisers.   A mischievous Rudd Labor Government has left many Australian tertiary students financially stranded and wondering how they will afford to go to university.   “The Government must separate the Bills,” Mrs. Hull said.   (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6277 4723 kayhullmpWed, 24 Feb 2010 06:09:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8613http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8611/UP-TO-300-A-WEEK-PAY-CUT-FOR-AGED-CARE-NURSES-DUE-TO-LABORS-AWARD-MODERNISATION.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8611http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8611&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8611/UP-TO-300-A-WEEK-PAY-CUT-FOR-AGED-CARE-NURSES-DUE-TO-LABORS-AWARD-MODERNISATION.aspx The NSW Nurses Association has revealed that under Labor’s Award “Modernisation” 15,000 aged care nurses in Queensland and NSW will face a $300 a week pay cut. The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, said the reports of nurses working in aged care facilities losing up to $250 to $300 a week under Julia Gillard’s Fair Work Laws will only worsen the shortage of aged care nurses and is another blow to the aged care sector. Mrs. Hull said the number of aged care nurses in Australia is already at very low levels with 40% of aged care homes operating in the red.  “We cannot afford more aged care nurses to leave the profession,” Mrs. Hull said. “The short fall of nurses and a lack of viability are crippling the aged care sector and the Government’s Fair Work Laws have made it even harder,” Mrs. Hull said. It was revealed at Senate Estimates earlier this month that the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has commissioned Access Economics to do an analysis and modeling of the financial impact of award modernisation on the aged care sector.  Mrs. Hull has questioned why the Minister would spend $144,320 on a report if she thought that nurses would not be worse off? The Coalition has called on Minister Elliot to release the report without delay and prove to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, that there is a problem that must be addressed. (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpWed, 24 Feb 2010 06:07:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8611http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8609/HULL-EXPRESSES-CONCERN-WITH-BEEF-IMPORT-CHANGES.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8609http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8609&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8609/HULL-EXPRESSES-CONCERN-WITH-BEEF-IMPORT-CHANGES.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, voiced her concern about the impending relaxation of laws from 1 March, 2010, that will allow beef to be imported from countries where mad cow disease had been detected. “I find it absolutely bewildering Australian beef producers will be subject to some of the most stringent identification regulations in the world, whilst beef will be able to be imported without the same standards applied,” Mrs. Hull said. Nationals Senator for NSW, Fiona Nash, Chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs Committee, has led the inquiry into the BSE import restrictions. The Committee has found there would be “negligible risk” if beef from countries with a history of mad cow was allowed into Australia. “The fact is there is a risk, regardless of it being negligible, there is a risk. Australia is envied the world over for its tough quarantine laws, and our agricultural produce is renowned for its clean and green image. The potential damage to Australia’s beef industry would never be undone if mad cow were to ever break out here,” Mrs. Hull said. “Australian producers are rightly asking why a double standard is being applied – why they are required to operate under the National Livestock Identification Scheme, and why imported beef would not be.” Mrs. Hull said this was one of those common sense situations that beggared belief. “The Nationals are asking for equivalency standards to be applied and for Minister Tony Burke to urgently order his Department to conduct an Import Risk Assessment.” The Coalition will be introducing a Private Members Bill into both Chambers of Parliament to protect Australians and our beef industry from BSE. (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpTue, 23 Feb 2010 06:05:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8609http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8608/HULL-QUESTIONS-MINISTER-GARRETT-ON-FAILED-INSULATION-PROGRAM.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8608http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8608&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8608/HULL-QUESTIONS-MINISTER-GARRETT-ON-FAILED-INSULATION-PROGRAM.aspx Yesterday in Parliament, The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, questioned Peter Garrett on the specific details of the Government’s arrangements to inspect faulty insulation jobs. Home Insulation ProgramHULL, Mrs Kay Elizabeth, Riverina2.28 pmHull, Kay, MP83ORiverinaNATS0Mrs HULL My question is to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Given that at least 93 house fires have now been directly attributed to the faulty installation of roof insulation through the minister’s failed home insulation scheme and, Minister, given your own department’s admission last Friday that up to 240,000 homes have either unsafe or substandard insulation installed, what specific arrangements have been implemented to ensure the completion of proper safety inspections on the nearly one million homes that are currently at risk? When will the inspections be completed, Minister, for the nearly one million Australian households, many of whom cannot sleep for worry that they have a fire hazard within their roof? Mr GARRETT—I am advised that there are 87 identified risks in relation to fire under this program, but I will go on to say that the announcement that I made today in relation to the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme and this program as it transitions made clear that a number of factors will be taken into account in relation to the assessment process as it pertains to those who are installing insulation under the scheme from June of next year. In relation to the existing program of monitoring, audit and compliance, can I advise the House—as I began to again today—of the decisions that I have taken today in relation to the rollout of an amplified audit, risk and compliance program under the existing audit and compliance measures that the department has in place. We will accelerate and amplify that audit and risk assessment. It will be done initially to capture some 15 per cent of those targeted homes, and it begins, as a matter of course, on top of the existing program of an audit compliance that is already underway. Mrs. Hull said she was disgusted the Minister did not directly answer her question with details of the inspections. “Nearly one million Australians are scared to sleep at night because they do not know if their house is safe,” Mrs. Hull said. “The mess this program is in is absolutely appalling and the Minister should be ashamed of himself,” Mrs. Hull said.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600.   kayhullmpTue, 23 Feb 2010 06:04:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8608http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8607/INQUIRY-INTO-AUSTRALIAS-RURAL-RESEARCH-AND-DEVELOPMENT-CORPORATIONS.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8607http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8607&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8607/INQUIRY-INTO-AUSTRALIAS-RURAL-RESEARCH-AND-DEVELOPMENT-CORPORATIONS.aspx The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry into Australia's Rural Research and Development Corporations. The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has said she is concerned about the intention of the Government’s inquiry. “I would be very concerned about the Government looking at ways to cut funding to agricultural research development,” Mrs. Hull said. “The Minister for Agriculture has already cut agriculture research dollars in his first two budgets, with a $63 million cut from agriculture research within the CSIRO, abolished Land and Water Australia, and cut RIRDC budget by 25 percent. “It takes roughly fifteen years to get a new plant variety from the lab to being used commercially in the paddock, yet Labor Governments around the country are destroying productive research capabilities and the new varieties we need to cope with climate variability in the near future are simply not being developed. “The ability of a nation to feed itself is the cornerstone of any civilised society. Already the Labor party at both a State and Federal level have been compromising Australia’s food security by cutting funding for agricultural research. “Over the years our agriculture scientists have provided Australia’s farmers the tools to make them the best food producers in the world. “With the worlds population set to soar to 9 billion by 2050 and Australia’s own population set to increase to 35 million, farmers will be forced to grow more with less. Mrs Hull said it was extremely hypocritical of the Minister for Agriculture to on one hand claim food security will be threatened by climate change yet he is cutting research funding which will allow farmers to adapt to variable climate conditions. Amongst other things, the inquiry will examine the: rationale for Commonwealth Government investment in rural research and development appropriateness of current funding levels and arrangements - particularly levy arrangements, and matching Commonwealth contributions extent to which Rural Research and Development Corporation (RRDC) funded projects provide for an appropriate balance between industry-specific and broader community benefits effectiveness of the RRDC model in enhancing the competitiveness and productivity of Australia's rural industries scope for improvements to the RRDC model - and any alternative models that could deliver better outcomes. The terms of reference can be found at http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/rural-research Mrs. Hull encouraged anyone interested in the inquiry to go to the above website and register their interest. Submissions will be invited in the coming weeks.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpTue, 23 Feb 2010 06:03:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8607http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8606/200910-AGED-CARE-APPROVALS-ROUND-ACAR-NOW-OPEN.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8606http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8606&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8606/200910-AGED-CARE-APPROVALS-ROUND-ACAR-NOW-OPEN.aspx The 2009-2010 Aged Care Approvals round is currently open for applications, The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has advised.  Mrs. Hull said she is disappointed at the number of allocations for the Riverina/Murray area for 2009-10 but is encouraging aged care providers to apply for what is available. “Two Extended Aged Care at Home Dementia Packages are available for the Riverina/Murray area. This number is disappointing as we were allocated seven packages in the Riverina alone last year,” Mrs. Hull said. “Thirty seven Community Aged Care Packages are available for the Riverina/Murray. These packages are designated for Griffith, Leeton, Lockhart, Narrandera and Wakool,” Mrs. Hull said. Applications for services specifically designed to cater for the needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will be considered in regions where poor access to services by this group currently exists. Applications for services able to cater to the needs of people who live in rural and remote areas, people who are financially or socially disadvantaged and veterans will be considered where there is a demonstrated need in a region for additional services for the special needs group. Applications from services seeking to provide flexible care packages to improve access to the whole community, including the provision of services to retirement village residents will be considered in any region. “For the second year now, Riverina has received no new residential places for aged care and it appears we will receive no Extended Aged Care at Home Packages for 2009-10 either which is extremely disappointing,” Mrs. Hull said.  “I have called on Governments time and time again to address the issue of aged care as it is a major issue for our communities,” Mrs. Hull said. “The aged care providers in the Riverina are terrific with the care that they provide, but they need more funding so that they can provide care to more people in need,” Mrs. Hull said. “Our population is ageing rapidly. We already have a situation where not enough places are available to meet the demand. It is only going to get worse if the Government does not act now,” Mrs. Hull said. Further information is available from the Department of Health and Ageing’s website www.health.gov.au  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpTue, 16 Feb 2010 06:01:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8606http://www.kayhull.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=58&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=8605#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8605http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8605&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=58&articleType=ArticleView&articleId=8605 The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, is urging all households who installed foil insulation through Peter Garrett’s failed home insulation scheme to seek an urgent safety inspection to ensure their homes are safe. Mrs Hullsaid an audit by Peter Garrett’s own department has revealed as many as 1000 homes that had foil insulation installed through this failed scheme may have deadly electrical currents in their roofs. "Safety is paramount and I encourage any homeowners who have been part of Peter Garrett’s failed insulation scheme to seek urgent information by calling the hotline on 131 792. “Homeowners should not try to check things for themselves. Tragically, four people have already died, and there is a real risk of more fatalities. "I am committed to doing all I can to ensure homeowners who have installed foil insulation under the program have access to safety inspections and upgrade of the insulation if required under the program," Mrs. Hullsaid. If you have not installed insulation under the program but have any concerns about electrical safety and insulation, you should contact a licensed electrician to arrange an inspection.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpMon, 15 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8605http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8604/HULL-CONGRATULATES-MCWILLIAMS-WINES.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8604http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8604&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8604/HULL-CONGRATULATES-MCWILLIAMS-WINES.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has congratulated the family wine company McWilliam’s Wines on their outstanding result at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. “They have walked away with an amazing five trophies, winning the Sydney Royal Wine Show for the 16th consecutive year and have taken home the McCarthy Shield for Most Successful Exhibitor. “This is a terrific result and I am extremely proud of their achievements,” Mrs. Hull said. Mrs Hull said amongst the awards won was the JJ McWilliam Memorial Perpetual Trophy for the Exhibitor of the Best Bandy, named after the current Chairman Doug McWilliam’s great grandfather. The McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate in the Riveirna was established in 1913 by John James McWilliam and is just one of the many winery estates across the country owned and operated by McWilliam’s Wines. “We have so many success stories here in the Riverina, and this is just one example.” Mrs. Hull said.      (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpMon, 15 Feb 2010 05:59:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8604http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8603/HULL-WELCOMES-SENATE-INQUIRY-INTO-PROPERTY-RIGHTS.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8603http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8603&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8603/HULL-WELCOMES-SENATE-INQUIRY-INTO-PROPERTY-RIGHTS.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, is extremely pleased the Senate’s Finance and Public Administration References Committee will conduct an inquiry to asess how certain policies and legislation impacts upon farmers and landholders.  “The Senate Inquiry will assess the impact of native vegetation laws and legislated greenhouse gas abatement measures on landholders, as well as the impact of the Rudd Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the Coalition’s Direct Action Plan on the Environment and Climate Change,” Mrs. Hull said.  “The Nationals have fought hard to ensure Australian farmers and landholders have a voice and the opportunity to provide feedback on current laws and policies. “The inquiry is open to all Australians, and I encourage people to take the time to make a submission,” Mrs. Hull said. Submissions should be received by 05 March 2010. Further information, including the inquiries terms of Reference and how to make a submission can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/Committee/fapa_ctte/index.htm     (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpFri, 12 Feb 2010 05:58:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8603http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8601/HULL-CALLS-ON-GOVERNMENT-TO-COVER-THE-FULL-COST-OF-REGIONAL-AVIATION-SECURITY-UPGRADES.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8601http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8601&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8601/HULL-CALLS-ON-GOVERNMENT-TO-COVER-THE-FULL-COST-OF-REGIONAL-AVIATION-SECURITY-UPGRADES.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has acknowledged the Government’s announcement of funding for regional airports to upgrade their security, to comply with changes in aviation security measures released in the Government’s own Aviation White Paper, but has again called upon the Government to cover the full cost. The Government has said they will provide $32 million to bring forward screening at a number of additional airports that are currently served by larger passenger turbo-prop aircraft The full cost to prepare at least 20 airports for mandatory screening is estimated to be $100 million. “The Government must cover the full cost to ensure regional aviation is not disadvantaged by the changes,” Mrs. Hull said.  “When the Government’s Aviation White Paper was released last December and it was clear the changes to security measures could potentially impact upon regional aviation, I immediately called on the Government to cover the cost of any security upgrades, just as the previous Howard Government did when they introduced stricter security measures. “I stated that if they did not, regional flight prices will rise dramatically, due to the increased costs to the airlines having to land at these airports,” Mrs. Hull said. The new rules stipulate that passenger and baggage screening are compulsary for both jet turbine powered aircraft and turbo propeller powered aircraft providing RPT services, as they will now be assessed on their maximum take off weight, as opposed to the type of aircraft.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpWed, 10 Feb 2010 05:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8601http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8602/HULL-WELCOMES-SENATE-ENQUIRY-ON-ACCESS-TO-SMALL-BUSINESS-FINANCE.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8602http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8602&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8602/HULL-WELCOMES-SENATE-ENQUIRY-ON-ACCESS-TO-SMALL-BUSINESS-FINANCE.aspx Normal 0 false false false EN-AU X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The Senate has agreed to the Coalition proposal for an inquiry into the difficulties small businesses continue to face in accessing adequate and affordable finance. The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, said the Coalition has listened carefully to the widespread concern in the small business community. “I am more than aware of the struggle small business owners in the Riverina are facing in trying to access adequate finance,” Mrs. Hull said. A recent survey undertaken for the Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) confirmed that the cost and availability of finance is the top concern of small to medium Australian enterprise. “From speaking to many local businesses in the Riverina, I know access to adequate and affordable finance is a major concern,” Mrs. Hull said. The Senate inquiry will enable the financing challenges faced by small businesses to be highlighted, with possible ways of addressing this obstacle to economic recovery and jobs growth to be examined. If small business is to play its part in driving economic recovery and jobs growth, timely access to finance on reasonable terms is an important pre-condition. Mrs Hull said small business survival and success is crucial to the economic security of the Riverina, and the sustainable recovery of Australia’s economic and employment prospect. Mrs Hull said she encouraged the small business community to make submissions to the inquiry through the Senate Economics References Committee, who will report by 30 June 2010. Specific aspects of the Senate inquiry that will be proposed by the Opposition include: (i)     the costs, terms and conditions of finance and changes to lending policies and practices affecting small businesses; (ii)    the importance of reasonable access to funding to support small business expansion and the sector’s contribution to employment growth and economic recovery; (iii)   the state of competition in small business lending and the impact of the Government’s banking guarantees; (iv)    opportunities and obstacles to other forms of financing e.g. equity to support small business ‘start ups’, liquidity, growth and expansion; (v)     policies, practices and strategies to enhance access to small business finance that exist in other countries; and (vi)    any other related matters. Submissions should be received by 31 March 2010. Further information is available at www.aph.gov.au/Senate/Committee/economics_ctte/index.htm or by calling 02 6277 3540.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpTue, 09 Feb 2010 05:55:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8602http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8590/GOVERNMENTS-ETS-A-CONCERN-FOR-RIVERINA-SMALL-BUSINESS-OWNERS.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8590http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8590&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8590/GOVERNMENTS-ETS-A-CONCERN-FOR-RIVERINA-SMALL-BUSINESS-OWNERS.aspx Small business owners in the Riverina should be concerned as to why the Government’s Small Business Minister, Craig Emerson has refused to explain why small business concerns regarding Labor’s ETS continue to be ignored by the Rudd Government, and why the vast bulk of small businesses have been excluded from receiving compensation for the steep electricity and input cost increases under their scheme. The Rudd Government’s Small Business Minister has not once addressed the punishing small business impacts and worrying implications of Labor’s ETS in Parliament.  On every occasion, the Minister has failed to defend why the vast bulk of small businesses facing up to 24% higher electricity costs and input cost rises will receive no compensation under Labor’s huge $114 billion ETS ‘new tax and cash merry-go-round’. The Coalition has challenged the Government as to why only ‘medium to large’ manufacturing and mining businesses consuming in excess of 300 megawatt hours of electricity per year might be eligible for limited and transitional price compensation. This limited eligibility and need to consume twice the electricity of a typical small business leaves hundreds of thousands of small businesses and millions of employees nationally exposed to and uncompensated for significant increases in electricity prices and input costs accumulated at each step in the supply chain under Mr Rudd’s great big new tax on everything ETS. Labor is not going to listen to the needs and concerns of the small business community in the design of their ‘great big new tax on everything’. The Nationals support small businesses, as we recognise regional Australia depends on small business to drive its economy and regional prosperity. (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600.   kayhullmpFri, 05 Feb 2010 06:06:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8590http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8588/30-MILLION-WASTED-NATIONAL-BROADBAND-NETWORK-MARK-I-TENDER-PROCESS.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8588http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8588&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8588/30-MILLION-WASTED-NATIONAL-BROADBAND-NETWORK-MARK-I-TENDER-PROCESS.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, said today that according to an Auditor-General’s Report revealed earlier this week, the total cost of the Labor Government’s failed National Broadband Network Mark I tender process was in excess of $30 million. Mrs Hull said it is clear from the Australian National Audit Office report into the National Broadband Network Request for Proposal Process that the Rudd Government has inexcusably failed to manage its own process. For nearly 18 months from December 2007 until April 2009, more than $30 million went down the drain. After more than two years of Rudd talk the fact is not one new broadband service has been delivered to the Riverina through Labor’s NBN. The Labor Government cancelled the previous Coalition Government’s OPEL contract which would have delivered new and affordable broadband services to 900,000 under-served households across Australia by the end of last year. Now after this catastrophic policy failure, the Government is still charging ahead with a $43 billion NBN proposal without any cost-benefit-analysis or business plan. Mrs Hull said this report should ring alarm bells for Riverina residents about the failure of Rudd Labor to assess risk and ensure value for money.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpFri, 05 Feb 2010 06:04:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8588http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8587/HULL-WELCOMES-SENATE-INQUIRY-INTO-PROPERTY-RIGHTS.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8587http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8587&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8587/HULL-WELCOMES-SENATE-INQUIRY-INTO-PROPERTY-RIGHTS.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, is extremely pleased the Senate’s Finance and Public Administration References Committee will conduct an inquiry to asess how certain policies and legislation impacts upon farmers and landholders.  “The Senate Inquiry will assess the impact of native vegetation laws and legislated greenhouse gas abatement measures on landholders, as well as the impact of the Rudd Government’s proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme and the Coalition’s Direct Action Plan on the Environment and Climate Change, Mrs. Hull said.  “The Nationals hace fought hard to ensure Australian farmers and landholders have a voice and the opportunity to provide feedback on current laws and policies. “The inquiry is open to all Australian’s, and I encourage people to take the time to make a submission. Further information and the inquiries Terms of Reference will be available shortly at http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/Committee/fapa_ctte/index.htm  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpFri, 05 Feb 2010 06:03:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8587http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8589/HULL-BACKS-FARMERS-LOBBYING-FOR-COMPENSATION.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8589http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8589&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8589/HULL-BACKS-FARMERS-LOBBYING-FOR-COMPENSATION.aspx The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has said she has enormous sympathy for the farmers  affected by the NSW Government’s native vegetation laws, and supports the NSW Farmers’ in their fight for compensation.                 Mrs Hull said insensitive and indiscriminate land clearing and vegetation management laws such as those introduced by the New South Wales Government have significantly affected land values.  “While the Federal Constitution obligates the Commonwealth to pay compensation when property rights are devalued, I am informed that the States are under no similar obligation,” Mrs. Hull said. “It is unconscionable for the States to devalue property or to remove rights without paying appropriate compensation. “If a State considers that it is in the community’s interest to use land for a public purpose, or to make it unusable to a landholder who purchased the property in good faith, then the Government on behalf of the community should pay compensation.  “In Government, the Liberal and National Parties agreed to work through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to secure investment certainty for landholders through property rights in land and vegetation. It is time that Mr Rudd made the same commitment to help reassure property owners that the value of their land is secure and will be protected.  “The New South Wales and other State Labor Governments must commit to respecting property rights and to compensating those whose rights are compromised or restricted by government actions. “Land holders must be compensated where the use of that land is regulated retrospectively by Government. “The protest rally involving 3000 farmers from right across eastern Australia on Tuesday was a stark representation of the desperation of our farmers. “In a world where food security issues are becoming paramount, it is high Labor State and Federal Governments recognised the value and importance of Australian agriculture. Our farmers are amongst the cleanest and greenest food producers in the world, and are exceptional managers of their land. “The Nationals will continue to take every available opportunity to pursue these matters, regarded as fundamental to the Australian way of life,” Mrs. Hull said.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpThu, 04 Feb 2010 06:05:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8589http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8594/LADIES-DO-YOU-KNOW-THE-SYMPTOMS-OF-OVARIAN-CANCER.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8594http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8594&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8594/LADIES-DO-YOU-KNOW-THE-SYMPTOMS-OF-OVARIAN-CANCER.aspx February is Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Awareness Month, The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, has advised. “Every year in Australia around 1,500 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and more than 850 women will die from the disease –that’s 1 woman every 11 hours,” said Mrs Hull. “However, if ovarian cancer is discovered in the early stages, the majority of women will make a full recovery. “I will be joining the Ovarian Cancer Australia Teal team by wearing a teal ribbon on February 24th to help meet their target of ensuring every woman in Australia knows the symptoms of ovarian cancer. The four most frequently reported symptoms from women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are: persistent abdominal pain or pelvic (lower abdominal) pain; a noticeable increase in abdominal size or abdominal bloating; needing to rush to the toilet to urinate often or urgently; and feeling full quickly and finding it difficult to eat. Mrs Hull said there is no early detection screening test for ovarian cancer. A pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. This is why awareness of the symptoms is critical.  “Woman who experience symptoms should consult their GP,” Mrs. Hull said. Please visit www.ovariancancer.net.au for further information on ovarian cancer, 2010 Teal Ribbon Day and a more detailed listing of ovarian cancer symptoms.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpMon, 01 Feb 2010 06:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8594http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8591/CATARACT-REBATES-RETAINED.aspx#Comments0http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=58&ModuleID=376&ArticleID=8591http://www.kayhull.com.au/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=8591&PortalID=0&TabID=58http://www.kayhull.com.au/MediaHub/MediaReleases/tabid/58/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/8591/CATARACT-REBATES-RETAINED.aspx Cataract sufferers will no longer be hit with hundreds of dollars in extra costs when they undergo surgery. The Nationals Member for Riverina, Kay Hull, said the Coalition supported by crossbench Senators had forced the Rudd Government to back-down from imposing the extra costs. Labor has confirmed that it would no longer seek to reduce Medicare rebates for cataract surgery by a staggering 51 per cent. After negotiations with ophthalmologists the rebates will be reduced by just 12 per cent and leading doctors have said its likely most practitioners will absorb that cost leaving few patients out of pocket. “This is great news for the estimated 120,000 Australians who undergo cataract surgery each year,” Mrs Hull said.  “The Rudd Government and Health Minister Nicola Roxon attempted to impose harsh financial burdens on cataract sufferers without one thought for the impact their actions would have on patients. Mrs Hull said Labor first outlined drastic reductions in Medicare rebates in last year’s Budget. “The Coalition told them it was the wrong thing to do, crossbench Senators told them it was the wrong thing to do, so too did doctors, pensioners and seniors’ groups, but they ploughed on and from November 1 last year rebates paid to patients dropped from just over $600 to around $300. “That left patients – mostly our seniors – the very people who least can afford to pay more, to find an extra several hundred dollars from their own pockets to pay for this vital surgery,” Mrs Hull said. Mrs Hull said the Coalition told the Government its harsh measures weren’t acceptable. “We twice disallowed these cuts in the Senate, forcing the Government to twice increase the rebate. However we said from the start that it should be returned to its initial level and would have rejected the Government’s actions again when Parliament resumed this month. Facing a third rejection in the Senate the Health Minister late last year began negotiations with specialists who carry out cataract surgery. “That was something she should have done at the outset,” Mrs Hull said. Mrs Hullsaid at no time did the Rudd Labor Government consider the impact its actions would have on patients, instead it was determined to inflict its ideological views on ordinary Australians at any cost. “Commonsense has finally prevailed which will enable patients to afford cataract surgery. “It means people can stay living in their homes, continue to drive their cars and enjoy a normal social life – things the Rudd Government was prepared to deny people who could not afford to pay more for their healthcare,” Mrs. Hull said.  (End) For further information please contact Lucy Spora on 02 6921 4600. kayhullmpMon, 01 Feb 2010 06:07:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:8591