Figures don’t lie
Very disappointed to read the outrageous letter by Mike Kelly MP (Magnet, July 18) containing so many clearly deliberate errors. The following referenced facts prove him wrong. Don’t take my word for it, check them out.
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The reality is, Commonwealth funding of hospitals is at record levels – the federal Liberal/National government is providing over 50% more than Labor provided; there has been no cut (National Health Reform Public Hospital Funding website). Commonwealth funding to health was $54billion under Labor. The Liberal/National government has increased this by more than 30% to $72.5billion, we should be celebrating.
The Federal Liberal/National government contributes more to government schools than did Labor. ACARA’s National Report on Schooling in Australia 2016 shows that in the Labor government’s last year (2012/2013) they contributed $4.5billion to recurrent costs in government schools. Three years later, under a Liberal/National government, it had grown to $5.9billion, an average annual increase of 9%. Under our current Liberal/National government, the contribution per student is more than it was under Labor, the proportion of the recurrent funding to government schools provided by the Commonwealth government has grown, there have been annual increases and a commitment to a further 50% increase for the average student over the next 10 years. I do not understand how any mathematics could conclude this was a cut.
How is the 18% increase in funding to universities provided under the Liberal/National federal government a cut? Why would Mike Kelly fail to mention the extra $42million and other initiatives the government is providing to assist regional students to access higher education?
Why did Mike Kelly fail to mention Labor’s plan to remove franking credits and negative gearing? Both of which will adversely affect everyone with superannuation, every self-funded retiree. Why fail to mention Labor’s plan to increase corporate tax – another constraint to local small business? These figures don’t lie; Eden-Monaro deserves the truth.
Fiona Kotvojs, Dignams Creek
Now a state election issue
Anyone living in the Bega Valley Shire would be aware of the proposal for a large scale flying school at Frogs Hollow. The development application was submitted to the Bega Valley Shire Council last year.
The developer has since resubmitted an amended application to council which reveals that, should it go ahead, the flying school will destroy forever the tranquility and amenity of the Bega Valley and beyond. The developer has shown scant regard for concerns about noise and environmental damage raised in submissions, and dismissed them as “irrelevant”.
As the decision on the development is a matter for a state government planning committee, concerned residents have met with the local state member Andrew Constance, and Labor’s candidate, Leanne Atkinson. This is now a state election issue.
Amanda Richmond, Bega
Names for archive
In the Bega Valley there would be a lot of people who would remember Bill Easdown who had a photograph shop in Carp St. He took many beautiful photos in his studio like weddings, families and children.
In later years Kevin Tetley joined him also taking lots of photos around the area. Kevin later bought the business. When Kevin passed, he left all the photos to the Bega Valley Museum. Unfortunately the photos are unnamed, so the museum is asking people to call in to identify some of them. They can get copies if they wish.
During the war years, Bill was in the Air Force so his cousin Lorna Plumb kept the business going, not able to take studio photos, but was able to develop the films for customers.