Paul Toole's Column

3rd May 2012 

Fire Prevention Week

This week is Fire Prevention Week and the aim is to educate people about how to prevent a fire in the home. Each year fire fighters work tirelessly to remind the community that winter is the most dangerous time for home fires. These fires have a devastating impact on families physically, emotionally and financially and it pays to be prepared - a working smoke alarm will alert your family and a home escape plan will assist in getting you to safety.

I urge people to do the online home fire safety audit – at www.fire.nsw.gov.au - to identify areas of risk in your homes and to help you take steps to address them.

The FRNSW Open Day is held on Saturday May 5, where fire stations across the electorate open their doors to the community. I encourage you to take the time to visit your local station. Among the attractions are fire safety demonstrations, fire station tours and the chance to inspect fire fighting equipment. Residents can also speak to fire fighters about ways to install and maintain smoke alarms and how to develop a home escape plan.

Carbon Tax on Schools & Hospitals

I was concerned to learn of the expected impact of the carbon tax on schools and hospitals as reported by the NSW Treasury.

Analysis shows that the carbon tax will cost the average NSW public hospital up to $120,000 and the average NSW public school up to $9,100 every year. All this when New South Wales schools and hospitals are already struggling and at a time when the State can least afford it.

It is clear that this State, our electorate and residents will bear the brunt of the carbon tax. Alarmingly, Victoria is getting $2 billion in compensation, whereas New South Wales is getting zero compensation. This is money that could have been spent on vital resources for our schools and hospitals.

The people of this state and electorate deserve better and we intend to continuing the fight against this tax and ensure NSW receives the funding to which it is entitled.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

I would like to encourage people with a disability, their families and carers to register for the final round of consultations on reforms to Disability Services Funding.

This significant reform of disability services, aims at empowering people with a disability to pick and choose the services they want through individualised packages. Every individual has the right to choice, to respect and to the best support that can be offered.

There will be consultations held at the Bathurst Memorial Centre on May 30 from 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. To register go to www.adhc.nsw.gov.au.