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National Walk Safely to School Day

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Member for the Eastern Region, Mr Peter Hall is encouraging all parents and guardians of school aged children to participate in the National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday the 7th of May.

Mr Hall said the National Walk Safely to School Day is a great way to encourage young people to adopt a more active lifestyle. Studies have shown children need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity a day. By incorporating a walk to school into the daily routine of children it is a helpful measure in reducing childhood obesity.

“Over 25% of Australian children are overweight or obese, which obviously needs to change and this is a great initiative for that change to begin.” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said the objectives for the National Walk Safely to School Day are also noble, some of them being;

  • To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age.
  • To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.
  • To reduce the car dependency habits which will be difficult to change as children become adults.
  • To promote and improve the use of public transport and reduce the level of traffic congestion.

 “Children are our future and we need to encourage them early to undertake healthy habits. An important one being is to walk when possible.” Mr Hall said.

More information is available on the National Walk Safely to School day website which is www.walk.com.au or by contacting Mr Hall’s office on     5174 7066 or by visiting Mr Hall’s office at 181 Franklin Street, Traralgon.
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Nationals Join Local Health Debate

Monday, April 19, 2010

Nationals Upper House Leader, Mr Peter Hall is the latest MP to weigh into the debate on visiting medical specialists and the use of consulting rooms provided by Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS). Mr Hall has called upon the Brumby Government to provide additional financial support to BRHS so as to accommodate the needs of visiting specialists.

Speaking in Parliament last week Mr Hall stressed the importance of maintaining health services in areas distant to Melbourne. He acknowledged Premier Brumby’s rightful concerns with the Prime Minister Rudd’s health reforms and their potential harmful impact on country health services, but said the State needs to better support health providers to facilitate the work of visiting medical specialists.

“I understand the financial constraints on BRHS and their desire to upgrade facilities for visiting specialists. However I also acknowledge that these very highly qualified specialists provide an invaluable service to the region and could well make substantially more money by staying in Melbourne.”

“What is being asked is for a very modest contribution from the State to encourage specialists to travel to places like Bairnsdale and deliver vital services at a local level”, Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall said the health indicators for country Victorians continued to be much lower than those in the metropolitan area. He said this was further reason why State and Federal Governments needed to provide greater support for health services in the country.

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Further Delays May Be Costly: Peter Hall

Thursday, April 08, 2010
Nationals Eastern Victoria MP, Peter Hall has weighed into the Latrobe City performing arts centre debate by expressing his extreme disappointment that Latrobe City Council has again deferred a decision on the project. Mr Hall said that he has refrained from commenting on what is a local government decision, but said he shared the community’s frustration with procrastination and lost opportunity as a result of council’s inability to come to a decision.

“Latrobe City was the preferred location for a regional performing arts centre more than 10 years ago when the then Arts Minister Lorraine Elliot committed Arts Victoria funding to the redevelopment of Traralgon’s Little Theatre. Council stalled on taking up that offer and funding went to Wellington Council for Sale’s performing arts centre,” Mr Hall said.

“Warragul and Sale have excellent facilities and if we are not careful other Gippsland Councils will seize upon available Government funding making it harder to ever establish such facilities in Latrobe.”
Mr Hall said it was important that major art and recreational facilities be spread around Latrobe City towns.

“It has long been a commonly shared view that visual arts with its long tradition in Morwell should stay there and so we have seen the excellent re-development of our regional gallery in Morwell.”
“Moe’s Old Gippstown displays our cultural heritage, Churchill has recreational and educational facilities and performing arts have a traditional base in Traralgon.”

“Council’s own report after an extensive feasibility study confirms the previously expressed view of Arts Victoria that Traralgon is the preferred location for a regional performing arts centre,” Mr Hall said.
“There is no logic in further delaying a decision on location. The feasibility study canvassed all options and made a recommendation that from the out-set has been pretty obvious to most,” Mr Hall concluded.
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Smart Meters Attacked

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Eastern Region MP, Peter Hall has blasted the Brumby Government over the bungling of the roll-out of electricity smart meters. Mr Hall said consumers should not be paying for these meters while there were no immediate or future benefits in their use. Mr Hall’s criticism comes following the Government’s latest decision to defer the implementation of “time-of-use” pricing.

“I want to convey to the Government the ire of many of my constituents about being charged for the so-called electricity smart meters, meters that many of them do not yet have and for meters, which will have no practical benefit for some time, possibly years to come.” Mr Hall said in Parliament.

The Victorian Government has mandated that every Victorian household and business will be compelled to have a smart meter installed. Mr Hall said it appeared that at this stage the meters would deliver nothing apart from extra charges on every electricity bill.

“If there was some benefit to consumers in terms of cost reductions or even convenience, then perhaps you could mount an argument that they be paid for by the consumer.”

“But there are no benefits and according to a newspaper report this morning, it seems there will be no benefits for some time to come.” Mr Hall said in Parliament.

Despite the announced moratorium on time-of-use pricing, the Government is persisting with its roll out of smart meters into 2.5 million Victorian homes and small businesses.

“This is another example of Victorians paying for the incompetence of this Brumby Government.” Mr Hall concluded.
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Hall Wants Submissions Into Planning Fiasco

Monday, March 15, 2010

Eastern Region MP, Peter Hall is calling for people to send submissions to his office for consideration by the Committee on Finance and Public Administration which Mr Hall is a member of. The committee will be investigating the decisions made about planning in Victoria under the Planning Minister the Hon Justin Madden.

Mr Hall said the Upper House Inquiry is seeking input into whether Minister for Planning Justin Madden has acted in the best interests of all members of the state, particularly those affected by his “plans”.

“Mr Madden’s “Media plan” is an example of how this Government and Minister, runs the Planning process. They have already made up their mind, and then call for submissions to say they have consulted with members of the communities affected. It is however just a sham, for they are asking for these submissions for simply how it looks in the media and public eye.” Mr Hall said.

“Our region has been affected by some of the Planning Minister’s decision, these are evident throughout the region, and include:

  • The Desalination plant near Wonthaggi
  • The Bald Hills Wind Farm
  • The C48 planning scheme amendment across South Gippsland
  • The Coastal planning fiasco right along the Gippsland coast
  • The Tambo Bluff East Gippsland development
  • The Bastion point boat ramp
  • The Dollar Wind Farm

 

“I recall that with Dollar Wind Farm I made an extensive submission to the planning panel, but I think there was a predetermined position with that project.”

“The latest is the minister’s unilateral decision, without consultation, to alter the permit conditions for the Bald Hill wind farm, where he simply increased the maximum height of the wind turbines from 105 to 125 metres and suggested that there was absolutely no need for any further public consultation on that. Despite the fact that the increased height now required aviation lights to be put on the top of each of the wind turbines.”

“One would like to think that sort of change to a planning condition warrants at least some consultation if nothing else. But no, there was no consultation with the South Gippsland council nor with the South Gippsland community; the Minister, simply chose to do what he wanted, without consulting with the people of Victoria.  This is a further example of the shambolic planning processes employed by this Minister and the Government.”

“I urge anyone who would like to present their views to the inquiry to contact my office.” Mr Hall concluded.
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Free Public Transport Travel on Sundays for Seniors

Monday, March 15, 2010

Local National MP's Peter Hall and Russell Northe have welcomed clarification from the Government that free Sunday travel on LVBusline Services is available for eligible local residents.

"Seniors with a Sunday travel pass can now use their Myki card to travel across two consecutive sections within Latrobe City. This will also apply for Carers and Disability Support Pensioners," Mr Hall said.

"The Minister confirmed in Parliament last week that eligible travellers can travel free of charge on bus services that take them from Moe to Morwell or Traralgon to Morwell or Churchill to Morwell and like trips" Mr Hall said.

"This includes travel to Latrobe Regional Hospital from all towns, but does not include a continuous trip from Moe to Traralgon as this would cross three sections. In such situations travellers would need to swipe-off at some point in their journey then re-enter the bus to continue their trip.

Mr Northe and Mr Hall have long campaigned for this free service, bringing Latrobe valley residents the same benefits that have been available to people living in Melbourne, Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat for some time.

Mr Northe said the local public had been kept in the dark as to the availability of this free service.

"Even the bus operators were not aware the Government was funding this service and quite frankly I am disappointed that the Government has not made any effort to promote free local Sunday travel in our community" he said.

"It has only been with the assistance of local seniors and people with disabilities that we have finally got new Public Transport Minister Martin Pakula to confirm the free service in the Valley."

The response to Mr Hall in Parliament indicated that once the myki card system was fully operational the Sunday travel pass would be available State-wide. Mr Hall hoped V/Line services would then be included.

Mr Hall has encouraged those who are eligible for free Sunday travel to apply for the pass and apply for a Myki card if they do not already have one so as to take up the free rides on offer.

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066

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Hall Urges for Incident Free Duck Season

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Eastern Region MP, Peter Hall is calling on hunters, protestors and enforcement officers to make this year’s duck season a safe and incident free event.

Mr Hall spoke in Parliament yesterday on the issue; “With duck season opening on 20 March, I call upon everyone with an interest in duck hunting to do all within their respective powers to see that the season is conducted in a safe and lawful manner.”

Mr Hall made the statement as a result of several incidents from last year’s season brought to his attention by constituents.

“While I acknowledge the right to protest, I urge those opposed to duck hunting to make the protests known away from game reserves. Conflict within areas where firearms are in use is particularly dangerous and should be avoided.” Mr Hall said in Parliament.

“As well as calling on protestors to stay away from game reserves, I call upon duck hunters to exercise responsibility in the conduct of their chosen recreation with respect to the adherence to laws and regulations governing the activity and to demonstrate tolerance to others.”

Mr Hall said recent rain in Gippsland will improve duck hunting conditions and he expects Gippsland game reserves will prove popular for hunters.

“There will be a lot of activity within local hunting venues and I urge protestors and hunters alike to cooperate with DSE offices and Victoria Police in the conduct of the 2010 season,” Mr Hall concluded.

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066

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Rock Eisteddfod is Over Because of Brumby Government

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Nationals Eastern Region MP, Peter Hall conveyed his disappointment in Parliament last week over the Brumby Government’s decision to not provide additional funding to the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge and as a result the challenge will not happen in 2010.

Mr Hall raised the issue in parliament last week after it was revealed the 2010 Rock Eisteddfod Challenge will not be going ahead.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted two weeks ago when I learnt that the decision had been taken to cancel the 2010 Victorian schools Rock Eisteddfod.” Mr Hall said in Parliament.

“More so, I was disappointed with the reason why it was being cancelled. I thought that an event of this size would attract some significant government funding and support. The facts of the matter are, it does not.”

“I simply could not believe this government would put at risk such a significant event in the area of the performing arts over less than $100,000. Quite frankly, it is chickenfeed in terms of the total budget in this state which is somewhere around $36 billion.” Mr Hall said in Parliament.

Mr Hall has now called on the Government to give a clear commitment that it will find the funds necessary to ensure that the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge for 2010 goes ahead as planned.

The “Save the Rock Eisteddfod” petition in its numerous forms; they being, facebook groups, Website petitions, and written petitions have an estimated total of 10,000 people, who have all expressed their own disappointment at the event being cancelled.

Petitions are still available to be signed at Mr Hall’s office at 181 Franklin Street, Traralgon

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066

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Hall Warns Electorate About Unsafe Curtain and Blind Cords

Monday, March 01, 2010
Member for the Eastern Region, Peter Hall is encouraging all young families to be vigilant with young children around curtain and blind cords.

Mr Hall said that children, particularly infants can die from strangulation after becoming entangled in loose curtain and blind cords.

“Tragically, at least 15 Australian children have died in strangling incidents related to blind and curtain cords, since the early 1990’s, including two Victorian infants in August and September last year.” Mr Hall said.

“A free safety kit is available from Consumer Affairs Victoria, they are available on 1300 55 81 81 or through their website www.consumer.vic.gov.au ” Mr Hall said.

“The aim of this is to inform parents of the risks of unsafe curtain and blind cords and all parents are encouraged to request a free safety kit.” Mr Hall concluded.

Information can be picked up from Mr Hall’s office at 181 Franklin Street, Traralgon, or any questions can be conveyed via telephone 5174 7066, or by email to peter.hall@parliament.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Peter Hall (03) 5174 7066 or 0427 747 066
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Students Can't Dance To The Tune of The Brumby Government

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Local Nationals MP’s, Peter Hall, Member for the Eastern Region, and Russell Northe, Member for Morwell, have united in slamming the Brumby Government for its inability to fund the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge. Mr Hall said thousands of students would miss out on the opportunity to participate in the Rock Eisteddfod because of John Brumby’s funds been spent on the 1.3 billion dollar failure that is the Myki system.

“The Rock Eisteddfod asked for $200,000 from the Victorian Government so that this year’s event could go ahead, instead they were offered $101, 818 which is less than what they received 15 years ago.” Mr Hall said

“Traralgon College is one school from within Gippsland that will suffer because of Brumby’s dismissal of the Rock Eisteddfod; they usually have a minimum of 110 students taking part in the event.”

“I have been contacted by teachers, parents and students who are extremely irate with what is happening. We as a party will not let this stand, and will continue to support, and fight for what the community wants.” Mr Northe said.

“Traralgon College has excelled at the Eisteddfod in years past; the 2009 Melbourne Premier Grand Final was example of that, they won 3 awards whilst competing. They have competed for 19 years and have been voted by their peers as the “friendliest school” 11 times.” Mr Hall said.

“In 2009, the Rock Eisteddfod Challenge celebrates it 30th year as Australia’s leading, and longest serving advocate of youth health promotion and performing arts event. The Liberal-National Coalition is quick to recognise this and has thus pledged $800,000 over the next four years, to keep this music dance, and drama spectacular alive. ” Mr Northe said

“The Premier needs to work out what is important to all Victorians when distributing funds. $20 million of our taxpayer dollars were spent on fairy lights for the West gate Bridge. All the organisers asked for was $200,000 to run an event that allows over 300 schools across Australia to showcase their talent.” Mr Hall concluded.
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Contact: 181 Franklin Street,(PO Box 1506) Traralgon Vic 3844 | Phone: (03) 51 747066 | Fax: (03) 5176 1266