December 4, 2008

I would like to add my voice to those of my National Party colleagues in relation to the issue of availability of television reception for people in regional and rural areas.

December 1, 2008

Mr Hartsuyker (Cowper) (12:19 PM) —by leave—It gives me great pleasure to speak in the Main Committee on the Nation-building Funds Bill 2008, the Nation-building Funds (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2008 and the COAG Reform Fund Bill 2008.

December 1, 2008

Despite the best efforts of a dedicated staff, the North Coast Area Health Service has been buckling under the strain of inadequate resources for too long. A rapidly-growing population, an ageing population and inadequate resources—it is a formula for failure in a health system.

November 25, 2008

A society is judged by the way in which it cares for those people who cannot care for themselves. The assurance that any elderly Australian who needs care will have access to safe, secure and compassionate aged care is of the utmost importance.

November 10, 2008

I find it quite extraordinary that we are here in this House tonight being asked to commend the government for its performance on the economic playing field. When a crisis hits, Australians look to their elected leaders to provide strong leadership and to make the right decisions.

October 22, 2008

Consumer confidence and business confidence in this country have collapsed. Businesses are reporting plummeting sales. Households fear for their future. At such times Australians look to their leaders to make the tough decisions. At such times Australians look to their Prime Minister to get it right. They expect their Prime Minister to call on the very best expertise available. But what happened on 12 October?

October 21, 2008

I rise in this parliament to speak on the issue of Kempsey District Hospital. Kempsey hospital is a good hospital. It has dedicated staff, but it is under-resourced and the buildings are years out of date. Services at Kempsey hospital have been eroded year after year. But people who live in regional areas have a right to quality services where they live; they should not have to drive hours to find appropriate medical treatment. It is essential that Kempsey hospital be upgraded.

October 20, 2008

During the 2007 election campaign, the then Leader of the Opposition, Kevin Rudd, bombarded our TV screens with promises to put downward pressure on the cost of living. When he came to power, he very quickly forgot those promises. On coming to government, what was Labor’s policy response on the cost of living? The response was to be seen to be doing something when, in fact, Labor is doing nothing at all.

October 16, 2008