Let's continue to get behind local small business - Donato
Support Small Business
I really value the care-factor that comes through shopping local; supporting local small business not only supports the region's economic wellbeing, but I also receive a level of personable service that just doesn't compare to the big mega chains.
Last week I had the pleasure of visiting several small business owners in the Canowindra area, and I made sure I had a coffee or two (and a hearty meal!) while I was there. The drought isn't over yet - let's continue to get behind local small business!
Seniors Scam
Remember back to when the Nats posted "Vote 1 the Nationals to get your $250 Regional Seniors Transport card" in the mail just before the 2019 state election? Another attempted "carrot" with an intent to force our region's voting decision. Now the card has finally being made available, well - kind of.
Sadly, and perhaps unsurprisingly, for many seniors in our community the offer was too good to be true. I've had many seniors come to my office to say they would otherwise be eligible as they are well into their retirement years, but their pension is not called an "Aged Pension", but is a pension with another name, so they are swiftly deemed ineligible.
One elderly member of the community who receives a Partners Pension pointed out, "If I hadn't married a veteran, my pension would be called an Age Pension and I'd be eligible for the $250. This would mean I could travel to Sydney and see my son more often."
I have made representations to the Government urging them to fix this inequity and provide all seniors with the travel card.
It's a shame that our government needs people outside their circle to constantly call them into account to do the right thing, but as long as I'm in the position to do it, I'll gladly step up and say what needs to be said.
Teachers in Drought Affected Communities
I've regularly pointed out to the Government that the drought needs to be treated as an emergency because it has flow-on effects to the whole of communities. When farmers suffer, discretionary spending is reduced and local small businesses suffer, too. When small businesses suffer, people pack up and leave small country towns to go elsewhere. This, of course, can lead to a loss in student numbers at local schools, and therefore a reduction in teacher numbers and non-teaching support staff.
Last year I asked the Minister for Education and Childhood Learning what the Government planned to do about retaining existing teaching and non-teaching staff. I am told the Department will now provide assistance to drought-affected rural communities which may have their enrolments decline due to population movement.