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Thursday 26 November 2015

Member for Brindabella Nicole Lawder will open the Lifeline Canberra
Christmas Book Sale at the Calwell Shops tomorrow morning. The sale of
books will run tomorrow and Saturday.

“This is an excellent opportunity for residents to find Christmas gifts and help one of
Canberra’s great organisations at the same time. The sale is being run with the help
of the South East Tuggeranong Residents Association (SETRA) and will focus on
children’s items and fiction,” Ms Lawder said.

“Lifeline does an incredible job answering calls from people in our community who
are in crisis. They also do a fantastic job running three book fairs across the year
and the volunteers who make them happen are to be congratulated.

What: Lifeline Canberra Christmas Book Sale Opening

When: 8:45am Tomorrow - Friday 27 November

Where: Calwell Shopping Centre - Off Webber Crescent

“I encourage not just Tuggeranong residents but all Canberrans to drop in to the
Calwell Shops to browse and buy some of the great books available ahead of
Christmas,” Ms Lawder concluded.

Contact: Joe Prevedello 0402768432

17 November 2015

Today the Canberra Liberals will lead a Legislative Assembly debate on the importance of the ACT’s regional community councils. These councils play a vital role promoting democracy and citizenship in Canberra, Member for Brindabella Nicole Lawder said today.

“It was disappointing to hear Andrew Barr discredit the community councils in recent Assembly Annual Reports hearings where he claimed they were unrepresentative. It’s a put down to the members of these councils who volunteer their time and energy standing up for their region of the ACT,” Ms Lawder said.

Andrew Barr, Public Accounts Committee Hearing, 4 November 2015 - “The idea that a community council is in any way representative, given that most of the attendees are of one particular gender in some councils and, again, way out of connect with the demographic distribution of people living in particular regions…”

“Community Councils play a fundamental role in promoting and engaging in grassroots democracy. I can speak for the members of the Tuggeranong Community Council for whom I deal with regularly; they are proud advocates for the community.

“Mr Barr’s position is also highly hypocritical given the government provides resources for the councils.

“The Canberra Liberals believe in greater representation and the vital role of community councils, which is why we’re bringing on this Matter of Public Importance (MPI) debate today. It’s disappointing Andrew Barr and his government don’t share the same view,” Ms Lawder concluded.

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

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

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

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