25 June 2010
THE MARANOA MEMO
Bruce Scott – Bringing you up to date on what’s happening around the electorate
New PM should scrap mega mining tax
The Federal Labor Government’s new leadership provides the opportunity to axe the punitive $12 billion Resources Super Profits Tax.
This great big new tax has already costs local jobs, stalled billions of dollars of investment which had the potential to bring great prosperity to Maranoa’s local communities, and threatened the health of the superannuation accounts of Australia’s retirees.
I’m calling on the Federal Prime Minister Julia Gillard to make a decision that will differentiate herself from her predecessor, and announce that this Federal Labor Government will axe this mega tax.
Parliament goes into Winter Recess
Well, after a tumultuous week in Canberra, the Parliament has now gone into its winter recess. We are due to return in late August, unless of course an election is called! I’ll be using this time as I usually do to hit the road to visit the communities of Maranoa. Next week I’m in Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, Muttaburra, Winton, Blackall and Tambo. If you have any issues or concerns of a Federal nature that you would like to discuss, please call my Dalby office on 4662 2715 to arrange a meeting with me.
Were you, or do you know, a National Serviceman?
To recognise their vital and distinguished service to Australia, all National Servicemen are entitled to claim two service medals – the Australian Defence Medal and the Anniversary of National Service Medal. Unfortunately, many men who served our country have not yet claimed their medals.
I encourage those who served as National Servicemen to claim the medals they have earned through their service in the First Scheme (1951-1959) and the Second Scheme (1965-1972) . All National Servicemen are entitled to receive these medals whether they served overseas or completed their service entirely in Australia.
Former National Servicemen may wish to visit the Nashos’ website www.nashos.org.au for more details and to download application forms for the medals.
In September at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, the Governor General will unveil a memorial dedicated to the 212 National Servicemen who sacrificed their lives while serving overseas and to honour the contribution made by all National Servicemen who served our country.
Policy Spotlight: Bridges in Maranoa to benefit from new Coalition program
If the Liberal-National Coalition is elected to Government we will create a $600 million program to rebuild and repair thousands of ageing and decaying bridges around Australia.
The Bridges Renewal Program will receive a $300 million contribution from a Federal Coalition Government over four years, to be matched on a dollar-for-dollar and case-by-case basis by local or state governments.
This is a very important program because some regional councils in my electorate of Maranoa simply don’t have the funds to upgrade every bridge in their vast administrative areas. This will help them to upgrade small road bridges, which often form part of secondary freight routes.
The federal money will be distributed on a competitive application basis, giving priority to community needs and economic return, and will be part of the AusLink programs.
Did you get your calendar?
My 2010/2011 Financial Year fridge calendar should arrive in your letterbox very shortly, if it has not done so already. If you haven’t got one or would like an extra calendar for work or in your home office, please call my Dalby office on 4662 2715.
That’s all from me for now!
Kind Regards,
Bruce
Authorised by the Hon Bruce Scott MP, 59 Condamine Street, Dalby Qld 4405