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Penrith becomes Federal Election’s home ground as fight for votes begins CASSANDRA O CONNOR
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At least 2013 will be a better year than 2012—it will be an election year... We look forward to it very much.” They were the last words of Opposition Leader Tony Abbott before Parliament retired for the year. Such is the tone for the upcoming 2013 Federal Election, a poll in which Lindsay will be a key battleground. In fact, our region is about to become this election’s home ground. Lindsay, currently held by Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury by a slim margin, has already had several high profi le politicians visit its constituents in the past two weeks alone. Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, visited St Pauls Grammar School in Cranebrook to spruik his new discussion paper on cyber safety and support Liberal candidate Fiona Scott, which was Mr Abbott’s third visit to Lindsay this year. The following week, Labor’s Education Minister, Peter Garrett, made a rock star appearance in St Marys to consult with teachers and parents on his Government’s education plans. On Wednesday, the Industry and Innovation Minister, Greg Combet, toured Emu Plains manufacturer, BlueScope Lysaght’s facility to discuss the Federal Government’s new anti-dumping reforms to further support local manufacturing. Announced was a commitment for an extra by $24.4 million so the AntiDumping Commission has the resources
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Battle for Lindsay, and power
On the campaign trail: David Bradbury, Bluescope CEO Paul O’Malley and Greg Combet (left). Helen Walker, Marise Payne and Fiona Scott (right).
to deal with cases speedily and fairly and to make the anti-dumping system easier for small and medium sized businesses. “These latest reforms to the antidumping system by the Gillard Government will strengthen local manufacturing and support local jobs,” Mr Combet said. On the same day, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Brendan O’Connor, announced that Penrith would be one of three sites to launch the Rapid Rehousing project, an initiative to help people into
longer-term stable housing through personal, targeted support. “A joint effort between the Federal Government, the New South Wales Government and not-for-profit organisations, this project will help tackle homelessness in priority locations including Penrith,” Mr O’Connor said. And rivals for the spotlight, Liberal Senator Marise Payne and Ms Scott welcomed Shadow Minister for Disabilities, Carers and the Voluntary Sector, Senator Mitch Fifield to Emu
Plains Community Centre on Wednesday afternoon to host a roundtable for disability advocates at Emu Plains Community Centre. But the best of the 2013 Election Campaign is yet to come with both Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott writing a column exclusive to the Weekender each and every week starting with today’s edition. Turn to page 8 to read all the latest from the campaign trail in the words of Australia’s leaders themselves.
The Western Weekender
| Friday, December 7, 2012
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