Published: 02 April 2015

Media Release Thursday 2 April 2015

I welcome the ACT Redistribution Committee’s announcement today of the new electoral boundaries for the ACT. As of the October 2016 election, the number of MLAs will increase from 17 to 25, with five electorates each returning five members.

The seat of Brindabella has not dramatically changed, although it is now solely Tuggeranong-based, and I am looking forward to representing Brindabella with the same passion that I have so far. Some suburbs are moving from Brindabella (Kambah, Pearce, Torrens, Farrer and Chifley) to the new electorate of Murrumbidgee, and I am confident that my Liberal colleagues will provide the same level of representation to these areas after the next ACT election on 15 October 2016.

Full details of the proposed redistribution can be found at the ACT Electoral Commission website at www.elections.act.gov.au. Objections to the redistribution can be lodged with the Commission until 28 April.

Published: 23 February 2015

Media Release, Friday 6 February 2015

Canberrans are still paying the highest childcare costs in Australia according to today’s Report on Government Services (ROGS), Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services Nicole Lawder said today.

 “The report shows that Canberra families using long day care services had the greatest out of pocket costs in Australia, shelling out on average $80 more than the national average. These costs add to the spiraling cost of living for average Canberra families, doubling over the past six years,” Ms Lawder said.

 “Rising childcare costs is just one example contributing to the rising cost of living across Canberra.

 “Joy Burch needs to address the high costs of childcare in the ACT. These costs have risen since 2014 and will continue to climb under the ACT Labor government which doesn’t seem to be addressing cost of living,” Ms Lawder concluded.

Published: 06 March 2015

Media Release, Friday 6 March 2015

“These upgrades will make a real difference for commuters from Tuggeranong Area. I congratulate the federal government on this announcement. Fixing these black spots will prevent many accidents and is expected to bring considerable economic benefits to the area,” Ms Lawder said.

“There will be new animal fencing, roadside lighting, signage, line marking and barriers. It is good to see the federal government investing in southern Canberra’s infrastructure and I call on the ACT Government to also act to maintain infrastructure that residents are frequently complaining about.

“While rates and taxes continue to go up, residents are reporting that they are seeing less and less maintenance of their parks, footpaths, roads and other facilities.”

Published: 10 February 2015

Media Release Friday 6 February 2015

The ACT government’s wind farm power deal will contribute to rising energy costs for Canberrans who are already struggling with an increasing cost of living, Shadow Minister for Environment Nicole Lawder said today.

“Simon Corbell’s announcement to provide 33 percent of Canberra’s renewable electricity from wind farms will lead to a $93 per year increase in power bills. It’s unfair to be lumping this burden on Canberra families which are already struggling with cost of living,” Ms Lawder said.

“As ACT Labor proceeds with its 90 percent renewable energy target, Canberrans can expect to see more and more of these cost increases. The government needs to prioritise cost of living issues for Canberrans.

“The Canberra Liberals are committed to addressing cost of living issues and will balance that with sound environmental practice. Simon Corbell should take a step back and realise the impost he’s placing on families who will be forced to bear the brunt of his actions,” Ms Lawder concluded.