News

22 October 2007: Labor to Help Families with Education

Rana Watson, Labor Candidate for Fadden, today welcomed Kevin Rudd’s $2.3 billion 50% education tax refund that would directly assist families with their children’s education costs.

“Under Labor’s policy, families with school age children in Fadden could be thousands of dollars better off,” said Mr Watson.

“Parents of primary and high school children in Fadden can expect to pay between $58 and $619 on school books per year and around $1500 for computer and internet costs,” said Mr Watson.

“This can be a significant outlay for a family, especially if they have more than one child at school.

“Having a home computer and access to the Internet are now basic needs for our children, who will have to compete in a globally computer-savvy world when it comes time for them to find a job.

“Even now, many young people are required to have advanced skills for their weekend work at many supermarkets and department stores.

“Basic skills are currently learnt at school but the advanced skill level will be achieved by those young people who have computers and Internet access at home.

“With the pressures from rises in the cost of living, this is the type of direct assistance that can really help a family budget.

Kevin Rudd’s 50 % Education Tax Refund will give families in Fadden a refund on eligible education expenses like:

laptops;

home computers;

school text books;

printers;

home internet connection; and

education software.

“Kevin Rudd’s plan will be a great help to local families with their children’s school expenses – this is a practical, positive policy that will benefit Fadden families,” said Mr Watson.

22 October 2007: Labor Announces Affordable Child Care Plan

A Rudd Labor Government will slash parents’ child care costs by lifting the Child Care Tax Rebate to 50 per cent and pay it every three months, Rana Watson, Federal Labor Candidate for Fadden, announced today.

“Families in Fadden are really feeling the pressure of soaring mortgage payments, high petrol prices and the cost of groceries so this kind of direct assistance will help them meet their weekly budget,” said Mr Watson.

“Sending your child to child care can sometimes be a tough decision, so families want to make sure that child care is high quality and affordable.

“Along with Kevin Rudd’s 50 per cent Education Tax Refund recently announced, raising the Child Care Tax Rebate from 30 percent to 50 percent gives families in Fadden the help they need from the time children start child care through to when they finish school.

Mr Howard and his Families Minister, Mal Brough, have denied there is a child care crisis. Mr Brough said: “There is no crisis – I have been saying long and hard there are no crises.” (April 19, 2007 – Canberra press conference)

“Unfortunately, the families in Fadden have had to cope with the cost of child care doubling under the Howard Government with long waits for tax rebates.

“It just isn’t acceptable,” said Mr Watson.

“Under a Rudd Labor Government, families in Fadden will receive a higher child care rebate paid more frequently assisting them to meet their family budget and their ability to secure high quality and affordable child care.

“This is the least we should expect for our young children and families,” said Mr Watson.

Federal Labor’s Affordable Child Care Plan will:

increase the Child Care Tax Rebate to 50 per cent – covering up to $7,500 a year of out-of-pocket costs for every child in Fadden; and

pay the 50% Child Care Tax Rebate quarterly – so parents no longer have to wait one to two years to receive their money.

Under Federal Labor’s Affordable Child Care Plan the combination of Child Care Benefit and Labor’s 50% Child Care Tax Rebate means that:

A family with an income of $80,000 and one child in long day care for 40 hours a week will receive almost $1,500 of additional assistance each year – 66 per cent of their total child care costs will be covered by a Rudd Labor Government.

A family with an income of $50,000 and one child in long day care for 40 hours a week will receive more than $1,000 of additional assistance each year – 76 per cent of their total child care costs will be covered by a Rudd Labor Government.

A family with an income of $35,000 and one child in long day care for 20 hours a week will receive $330 of additional assistance each year - 85 per cent of their total child care costs will be covered by a Rudd Labor Government.

19 October 2007: Dental Health Crisis in Fadden

A Rudd Government would make the dental health of Australians a high priority, Labor candidate for Fadden, Rana Watson, said today.

“The people of Fadden have a need for greatly improved access to dental health treatment and Federal Labor has recognised this as a vital aspect of overall health care,” Mr Watson said.

Unlike Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott, who yesterday labelled the 650,000 Australians speaking out over the dental health crisis as ‘stooges’, Federal Labor has committed to funding an additional 1 million dental consultations and treatments.

“This announcement will be greatly welcomed by the many Fadden residents who have told me of their urgent need to access dental health care,” Mr Watson said. “Some of those residents have been on waiting lists for up to 5 years despite Queensland having the second highest spend per head on dental facilities.”

“Dental care is a vital part of overall health and Labor will not shirk its responsibility in this area” said Mr Watson.

18 October 2007: Labor to Provide More Nurses

Labor Candidate for Fadden, Rana Watson, today congratulated Kevin Rudd for his announcement that a Federal Labor Government would invest $81 million in the health system to put 9,250 extra nurses into our hospitals.

“With the growth we are experiencing here on the Gold Coast, we all know that our local health system has been under a great deal of pressure,” said Mr Watson.

“As we’ve seen in the media recently, both our local public and private hospitals desperately need more nurses and Kevin Rudd’s plan will ease that shortage by investing $81 million to get more new graduates and trained nurses into the hospital system.”

“While Kevin Rudd and Labor are putting forward fresh ideas to improve our health system by getting more nurses into our hospitals, John Howard and Tony Abbott think that employing 7,500 more health bureaucrats is the way to fix Australia’s hospitals.”

“This shows once again that the Howard Government is out of touch with what we really need to improve the health system.”

“Labor understands that nurses are the backbone of our hospitals, and we believe that it is vital that we support them.”

“That is exactly what Kevin Rudd’s $81 million plan to will do” said Mr Watson.

18 October 2007: Labor Helps Small Business and Family Life Balance

Labor’s Candidate for Fadden, Rana Watson, today applauded the announcement by Labor’s Deputy Leader, Julia Gillard, that a Rudd Labor Government would provide grants to assist small business to implement family friendly work practices.

“John Howard tells small business that Labor doesn’t look after their interests – but this announcement shows that once again he is wrong,” said Mr Watson.

“The Rudd Labor Government $12 million programme will help small business to implement family friendly work practices.”

“This plan will cut costs for small business by reducing employee turnover, and make it easier to attract staff in a tight labour market.”

“Labor’s plan will also help small business employees balance their family obligations as well as improve their motivation and productivity at work.”

“This plan is excellent news for small businesses in Fadden, who tell me that it is always a challenge to help their employees keep a healthy family life balance at the same time as keeping their business successful.”

A Rudd Labor Government will invest $12 million in a national initiative that will:

Provide grants to small business to meet the set up costs of family friendly measures such as flexible rosters, school holiday leave arrangements, family rooms and mentoring.

Distribute business and industry specific information to support work-based family friendly practices.

Ensure experts are available through Fair Work Australia offices to help small business develop new family friendly arrangements in their workplace.

“Small businesses employ a high percentage of our local workforce, but often lack the time and resources to keep their own family life balance,” said Mr Watson.

“A Rudd Labor Government will work to build a stronger economy with high levels of productivity and participation. That means there must be support for parents to balance their caring responsibilities with their work.”

“This has always been a high priority for my wife and I, so it is very welcome news that I am please to share with the residents of Fadden.”

17 October 2007: WorkChoices Advertising Hits $121 Million

The Howard Government has squandered $121 million advertising their harsh and unfair Work Choices legislation to the Australian public.

The people of Fadden have every right to be outraged by this extravagance. It has been reported that Fadden has the highest implementation of Work Choices of all of the SEQ electorates.

Working families in Fadden who have been ripped off by these laws are also the taxpayers who have been ripped off by these ads.

It’s no wonder Australian working families think Mr Howard has lost touch - if only they had the choice between paying for groceries, fuel and rent rather than these ads.

The appendix of the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook details that $66 million has been spent on the second wave of Work Choices advertising since earlier this year.

This second wave was an extravagant attempt to repair Mr Howard’s image after the first $55 million Work Choices campaign only served to remind Australians how unfair his laws were.

In effect, Mr Howard wasted $55 million to launch Work Choices and another $66 million to bury it.

This is the campaign that brought Australians such memorable moments as the actor who had himself underpaid workers and actors pretending to be Workplace Authority staff.

These ads were as phony as the Howard Government’s fairness test - which it turned out was administered by backpackers.

Here in Fadden that money could have been better used to provide high speed internet for residents and local businesses, care for our elderly or better schools for our kids.

16 October 2007: Veterans Issues

The Labor candidate for Fadden, Rana Watson, today expressed his concerns over the way in which veterans and their families had been treated by Government.

Mr Watson said, “As I have been working throughout the electorate of Fadden I have come across many military veterans who have expressed concerns over their pensions, health entitlements and the bureaucratic mistreatment of their community.

“I am embarrassed, as an Australian, to find out that since the Vietnam War governments had blocked, reduced and removed entitlements from this proud community of soldiers and their families.”

Mr Watson welcomed the Rudd Labor initiative to increase military pensions by indexing them to the Adult Male Wage or the CPI, whichever is the greater.

“After 11 years of a Howard Government ruthlessly removing the measure of ‘fairness’ from so many sections of our community the need exists for a change. Australia needs a strong leader with fresh ideas and fresh thinking to give this great country a vision for the future. Kevin Rudd is that leader,” he said.

“If elected to the seat of Fadden I will vigorously argue that our service men and women should be treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve and that action is needed to rectify the inadequacies of the past.“ Mr Watson said.

Mr Watson supports Federal Labor’s plans to

conduct a study of suicide within the ex-service community

remedy the new tax hike imposed on military Super Members

reduce the administrative burden on veterans dealing with multiple agencies
The details of the above are available at the ALP web site http://www.alp.org.au/policy/index.php#veterans

2 October 2007: Mr Howard Must Assist Residents Hit Hard by Mortgages and Petrol Prices in Fadden

Families in the electorate of Fadden are some of the worst affected by high mortgage repayments and rising petrol prices, according to an academic study released today.

Griffith University research has found that families are

“feeling the combined pressures of volatile transport costs, rising general prices, and steadily ratcheting mortgage costs”. (2 October 2007)

Rana Watson, Federal Labor Candidate for Fadden, is calling on Mr Howard and Mr Costello to outline their plans to help families under pressure in Fadden.

“Nine back-to-back interest rate rises since 2002 - five of these since the last election – have had a devastating impact on many households,” Mr Watson said.

Suburbs that have been identified as the worst affected in Fadden include:

Coomera

Nerang

“The study today confirms what families in Fadden have already known for a long time – they are doing it tough every day.

“Local families know they are under pressure from high mortgage repayments and skyrocketing petrol prices, grocery bills and child care.

“Mr Howard has recently said Australian families’ have never been better off.’

“Families are left wondering how Mr Howard can say this when things are so tough and it’s hard to balance the household budget.

“Mr Howard and Mr Costello have lost touch with the community in Fadden.

Federal Labor’s plans to help ease the financial pressure on Australian families

1. Establish both a $500 million Housing Affordability Fund to save up to 50,000 new home buyers up to $20,000 on their home
2. Establish a $603 million National Rental Housing Affordability Scheme to provide new rental housing to 50,000 middle and low income families at 20 percent below market rents.
3. Keep a permanent watch on petrol prices by appointing a new Petrol Commissioner to the ACCC;
4. Give the ACCC the power to monitor grocery prices and to publish regular surveys of prices to inform consumers; and
5. Build 260 new child care centres in areas of need to help reduce child care costs.

 Griffith study: http://www.australianreview.net/digest/2007/election/dodson_sipe.html

26 September 2007: Massive Campaign Update

We have been very busy over the last month with a variety of functions, community groups, shows and shadow Ministerial visits. The campaign is in full swing now with letterboxing teams and doorknocking teams regularly working the electorate.

The reaction from residents has been positive and if we maintain the momentum there is a good chance that we will make a significant impact in the election.

Doorknocking:
We have been doorknocking Upper Coomera and Pacific Pines, focusing on the enrolment issue. On average we deliver over 20 forms to the AEC each week. Residents are mostly supportive.

Letterboxing:
We have been letterboxing in Arundel, Paradise Point, Upper Coomera, Coomera, Jacobs Well, Labrador and Runaway Bay over the last month.

Campaign Trailer:
We now have a campaign trailer with two core flutes on each side and a message in the middle. The message is on a bright yellow background with black print that stands out. The trailer gets towed to everything now.

Senator Kate Lundy: Local Government Spokesperson
Senator Lundy was on the Gold Coast last month to attend the Local Government Conference that was held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. I can be seen in the background of the media shots taken at the function. Kate is happy to come to the Gold Coast to meet residents, we just need to send her an invitation.

Gold Coast Show:
The Gold Coast Show was a huge success and I would like to thank our helpers for doing a great job in arranging the booth and the kits. I would also like to thank all of the Gold Coast Labor Party Branch members who came along to help out.

The stall was also attended at various times by Senator Claire Moore, State Member for Gaven Phil Gray, State Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Federal Candidate for Moncrieff Sam Miszkowski.

We were next to the Liberals and the contrast between their approach and ours was dramatic. They had lots of bags and balloons while we had lots of fliers and information. A large number of people complete our survey, aiding our knowledge and understanding of local issues and concerns.

MotorX Extravaganza:
The MotorX Extravaganza was held at the Parklands Show Grounds two weeks after the Gold Coast show. I had a stall set up right in the thick of all the action and met many supporters. I was able to push the need for enrolment and subsequently had line-ups of people at the table checking their enrolments.

Beenleigh Show:
The Beenleigh Show was held on the same weekend as the MotorX Show, so I would like to thank the Forde Campaign for their assistance in booking and manning the stall. I attended the Beenleigh Show in the evenings on Friday and Saturday.

Coming Events:
Broadband Forum
On Thursday 28th September we will be hosting a forum on broadband with special guest speakers Senator Stephen Conroy and Senator George Campbell for the Broadband Taskforce.

We have invited all of the local schools, some local businesses and many residents.

Where :- Buzzy’s Café Restaurant
433 Brisbane Rd
Biggera Waters
Map Ref 17 R12 GC Yellow Pages

When :- Thurs 28th September 2007
6:30pm

Who :- All residents are invited to have their say on current and future services.

Guests :- Senator Stephen Conroy
Shadow Minister for Communications and IT
ALP Broadband Taskforce

Senator George Campbell
ALP Broadband Taskforce

RSVP :- Wednesday 27th Sept 12:00pm
Linda Watson
rana@ranawatson.com

P.O.Box. 1243
Paradise Point
Qld 4216

Campaign Launch:
We are currently speaking to various offices seeking a special guest to come and launch the campaign. When a date has been locked in we will send out invitations to supporters.

The Election:
The election itself is rapidly approaching and we still need volunteers for pre polling and postal voting. If you are able to assist please e-mail rana@ranawatson.com .

Special Congratulations :
I would like to extend my congratulations to Anna Bligh on her appointment as Queensland Premier. I am sure that Anna will do a tremendous job as our first female Premier in Queensland.

19 September 2007: Thousands Waiting for Dental Care to be Helped by Labor’s 1 Million New Appointments

Rana Watson, Labor Candidate for Fadden, today welcomed the announcement that a Rudd Labor Government will fund up to one million additional dental visits under a new Commonwealth Dental Health Program.

“There are 650,000 Australians suffering while they wait for public dental care. Many of them are right here in Fadden

“Meanwhile, John Howard has ignored the country’s dental crisis for 11 long years following his axing of the Commonwealth Dental Scheme in 1996.”

“Federal Labor will fund the Queensland Government to provide more services at local public dental clinics or to pay for private dentists to provide additional services.

“People are increasingly frustrated by delays in getting their teeth fixed, with some people waiting years” Mr Watson said.

“I know that many families in Fadden are under financial pressure and can’t access affordable dental care.

“With rising mortgages, higher child care costs, grocery costs and petrol costs, families in Fadden are being forced to make tough choices between looking after their teeth and other day-to-day necessities like rent and groceries.

“Federal Labor’s pledge to fund one million dental visits will help ease the pressure at local public dental clinics, and allow them to use their resources better.

“Many patient Australians who have been waiting for dental care in my community will finally receive the dental treatment they need if Federal Labor is elected” Mr Watson said.

“Healthy teeth are important to a person’s overall general health. It is impossible to have a healthy body when you have sick teeth.

“This first instalment in Labor’s dental plan will clear the waiting lists, and help families in Fadden get the dental care they deserve.”

31 August 2007: Labor's GP Super Clinics in the Community

“Federal Labor is acting to bolster frontline health care for Australian families – providing opportunities for local improvements to health care in local communities," Labor Candidate for Fadden, Rana Watson said today.

Mr Watson’s comments follow the weekend’s announcement that Federal Labor will invest $220 million in the primary care to establish GP Super Clinics in local communities across the country.

Labor’s investment will ensure more Australian families have access to doctors, nurses, specialists and allied health professionals, such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, dieticians and psychologists - all in one centre, in their local community where they need them.

“We have many health problems that need tackling, and in the twenty-first century, it’s not acceptable that families in local communities like Coomera, Helensvale and Runaway Bay are missing out on vital health services.” Mr Watson said today.

“GP Super Clinics are an important part of the solution.”

GP Super Clinics will:

Provide infrastructure to attract doctors and health workers into regions where there are workforce shortages,

Include teaching facilities to encourage young and newly graduated doctors to work in areas where they are needed most,

Help to tackle the challenge of chronic disease at a local level,

Provide much greater convenience for busy families, and

Help take the pressure off our public hospitals.

Mr Watson today launched an appeal to health professionals, service providers and families in the Helensvale area to contact him with their ideas and local solutions to local health problems they believe need tackling.

“Labor is committed to addressing the real health needs of our community,” Mr Watson said.

“Over the next few weeks, Labor’s Health and Hospitals Advisory Group will undertake a national tour to consult with health professionals and local communities. Submissions made to me will be passed on to that Advisory Group.

“Labor is listening – and acting – on community health needs.

“We’re committed to ensuring that local communities can get the health care they need, when they need it.” Mr Watson said today.

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