3 November, 2015
Tomorrow Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services Nicole Lawder will be holding a forum with community organisations to discuss issues with the Working with Vulnerable People Card scheme.
“I have been contacted by constituents including community organisations who have experienced difficulty with the Working with Vulnerable People Card scheme and it’s important we canvass the issues so they can be addressed,” Ms Lawder said today.
“As Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services, I want to ensure that the Working with Vulnerable People Card scheme operates as efficiently and effectively as possible. That’s why I will be meeting with community organisations in Canberra, to get their feedback on what issues are important to them.
“Community consultation is an important element of being an elected representative. I look forward to meeting community organisations and discussing their concerns and feedback on Wednesday,” Ms Lawder concluded.
The forum will be held tomorrow November 4th at 2:30pm in the Reception Room at the Legislative Assembly.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
3 November, 2015
Yesterday in Legislative Assembly Annual Reports hearings, Andrew Barr conceded that six months have passed since the government conducted its review of the ACT Concessions Program and that submissions have still not been made publicly available, Shadow Minister for Community Services Nicole Lawder said today.
“This lack of transparency is of concern. Many Canberrans rely on concessions for things like utilities, access to venues and events and bus fares. It’s disappointing the government is dragging the chain,” Ms Lawder said.
“The Barr government waxes lyrical about how transparent and consultative it is. Yet here we are, six months since it initiated its review of the ACT Concessions Program, and we still don’t know what submissions or findings have been made.
“As Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services, I want to ensure that those most vulnerable in our community are provided with the support they need. Leaving them in the dark for six months isn’t a fair way to conduct government business,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
Nicole Lawder MLA, Member for Brindabella, ACT Legislative Assembly
Scot MacDonald MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Parliament of NSW
Chris Picton MP, Member for Kaurna, Parliament of SA
Invite you to
Enjoy breakfast and help raise awareness & funds for Obstetric Fistula
Mabinti Centre, Tanzania
In May 2014, Nicole, Scot and Chris visited the Mabinti Centre in Tanzania, whilst on a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation, to see firsthand the extraordinary project at the CCBRT Hospital, Dar es Salaam.
Young women who were once outcasts in their own communities throughout Tanzania, are recovering from fistula surgery and alongside their rehabilitation program, are being trained in screenprinting, sewing, beading and crochet.
Obstetric fistula is a hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labour without prompt medical intervention. The woman is left with chronic incontinence and in most cases a stillborn baby.
These young women are transformed into healthy, happy. thriving and confident members of their communities through this sustainable endeavour.
The course runs for a year, and trainees develop the knowledge and skills needed to establish an income and become financially independent. At the end of their course each graduate is supplied with a starter kit containing a sewing machine, scissors, a supply of fabric and a calculator. Graduating, the Mabinti women are ready and equipped to start their own business.
Nicole, Scot and Chris together would like to raise awareness of this issue in a bi-partisan event and to assist CCBRT with this very important life-changing project for women in need worldwide.
All proceeds go to the Mabinti Centre in Tanzania. To attend please go to https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mabinti-centre-tanzania-fundraiser-tickets-19138872884
After the Barr government failed to support Auslan interpreter access to the Legislative Assembly last month, changes have now been passed to allow interpreters onto the Assembly floor without special permission, Member for Brindabella Nicole Lawder said today.
“In September I moved an amendment to the Assembly’s standing orders to allow Auslan interpreters onto the floor of the Assembly when it is sitting. Disappointingly, the Barr government did not support my motion, but voted to refer it to the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Administration and Procedure for consideration. Despite the delay, I am pleased that the Committee supported the change and that the Assembly has now approved it,” Ms Lawder said.
“It’s critical that we achieve better access for Deaf people in our community. I employ a young Deaf woman in my office. There are many communication barriers faced by Deaf people in our community on a daily basis. It is essential that we, as elected representatives, lead by example.
“I want to work to continue to break down the barriers faced by Deaf people in Canberra’s community and am proud the Canberra Liberals and subsequently the Assembly has lead the way,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
Tuesday, 27 October 2015
The Barr government needs to explain why it has purchased ageing properties in O’Connor for public housing tenants at a cost of $2.5 million, while at the same time it continues to run the argument that ageing properties along Northbourne Avenue need to be demolished, Shadow Minister for Housing Nicole Lawder said today.
“The Barr government needs to admit that the real reason they’re offloading Northbourne Avenue public housing stock is to suit their light rail agenda, not because they’re ageing,” Ms Lawder said.
“Today in the Assembly Minister Berry confirmed that Housing ACT recently purchased a property in O'Connor for public housing at a cost of $2.5 million. That property was built in 1958, making it 57 years old. This suggests the government isn’t too concerned about ageing public housing stock.
“Much of the Northbourne Avenue public housing such Owen Flats, was also built around this time and is a prime example of ageing stock, but it’s apparently not good enough for the government. The fact is the government has allowed public housing along Northbourne Avenue to decay.
“The government is buying properties built in the 1950s for public housing while at the same time demolishing public housing properties in the same area that were also built in the 1950s. This government is saying one thing about renewal and doing another. Minister Berry needs to explain,” Ms Lawder concluded.
Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432
Authorised by Nicole Lawder, Canberra Liberals, 4/50 Geils Court Deakin ACT 2600