PRIORITIES FOR OUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT

Thursday, 12 May 2011 00:00

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

HEALTH, Education, Transport and Police numbers were among the key priorities Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson laid down to the parliament during his inaugural speech today.

And in a taste of big ideas and projects to come, he raised a university for Tamworth and commercial airport for Gunnedah as projects of significance.

During a speech that was warmly received by members as well as family, friends and supporters watching from the full gallery, Mr Anderson praised the skill and dedication of our existing Nurses, Doctors, Teachers and Police.

"If we are to continue to grow and prosper then we need to embrace new ideas and explore boundaries, we need a vision, a roadmap on how to get there and the communication plan to keep our communities informed and give them ownership," Mr Anderson told Parliament.

"In the area of health, we need to break down the tyranny of distance and look at providing safe sustainable services closer to home.

"The recruitment and retention of doctors and dentists is critical, looking after staff and building facilities that have the capacity for training and population growth.

"We have an excellent Minister for Health in Jillian Skinner and I am very pleased to say that we have already honoured our election promise of delivering $100m dollars to the redevelopment of Tamworth Base Hospital - thank you Minister.

"In education we have fantastic schools manned by some of the best teachers and administrators in the state, but our students need to be offered every opportunity to thrive and given the tools to chart their course.

"We must provide flexible options for those looking to further their education and training whether it's through TAFE or a University – and Tamworth needs to have both.

"Our communities are growing and with that comes the need to ensure our police are resourced to manage that growth.

"A new approach needs to be taken regarding how we resource our commands which will enable visible policing – a community should not be left without their police to protect

Transport is fundamental to any regional area’s economic growth and sustainability – I will push for rail lines to be re-opened and more efficient and cost effective means of carting goods and cattle to be implemented.

We are fast approaching the need to revisit our air travel options – Gunnedah is on the radar with the expansion planned in the coming years, whilst for Tamworth I am looking forward to leading the discussion about the Sydney route and options available to us."