| starcommunity.com.au
Connecting people and communities
Friday, 5 December, 2014 Page 7
MP at rally as ‘payback’ starts By NOEL MURPHY NEW GEELONG MP Chris Couzens’ first day at work - at a union rally - was “just a taste of things to come� under the new Andrews State Government, according to South Barwon Liberal MP Andrew Katos. Ms Couzens, who stormed home ahead of Liberal contender Paula Kontelj to retain Geelong for Labor, spent Monday with pro-
testing members of the Maritime Union of Australia, CFMEU and Australian Workers Union. Mr Katos said the protest had nothing to do with state issues and Ms Couzens’ participation was the start of a “payback� process for union support at the election. “The unions very, very strongly supported the Labor party with manpower and resources and now the favours have all got to be called
in and paid back. This is just taste of things to come under a Andrews’ Labor government,� he said. “During the campaign Christine Couzens had her signage on the CFMEU building in Fyans St - now the paybacks begin. “The Government owes a series of paybacks to all manner of unions, not any one union in particular. They take donations in one hand and their orders in the other -
this is just a little tidbit. “From an economic management perspective, the budget will blow out. I’m not sure what negotiations will be held in future but there are a lot of favours to pay back and the unions will demand payback in full.� Ms Couzens rejected Mr Katos’ claims, saying she was simply supporting workers. “Very few unions helped me
out in my seat, they were targeting other seats,� she said. “I’m about assisting working people in Geelong who are about to lose their job or in fear of losing their job. “People like Mr Katos forget workers in our city are members of unions and they don’t take kindly to being victimised by the likes of him, which is why the Napthine government lost power.�
RALLY: Christine Couzens.
Inspect a gadget keeping Deb on the road despite MS Jobs growth By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN ‘slower here’ By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
DRIVING ON: Deb Haygarth behind the wheel with the help of her NDISsupplied gadget, pictured above. 131826 Picture: Reg Ryan
chair that's easier to transport. Partner Joe Micallef said he relieved Deb was able to maintain her independence. “It’s a great piece of technology designed for people with one arm to use,� Joe said. “It makes it so much easier for Deb to drive. It’s something we would never
have been able to afford without the NDIS and it’s done wonders for her confidence and self-esteem.� The pair was keen to share their story as part of International Day for People with a Disability, this year focussing on assistance technology. “We’ve had nothing but great outcomes dealing with the NDIS and, to be
honest, it’s been a breath of fresh air for us,� Joe said. “While we can’t find a cure for Deb’s condition yet, it’s good to know there’s an organisation out there helping to make life easier for her.� Geelong conference to discuss NDIS outcomes - page 11
SUPER SUMMER SPECIAL
DON’T MISS OUT!
t 5JFS 5%( 8 1BOFMT t %FMUB *OWFSUFS (NC)
4kW 5kW
PAY CASH PAY LESS
$
4,749 $ 6,449 $ 7,149
t :FBS 1BOFM 8BSSBOUZ t 2VBMJUZ 5JFS 1BOFMT t (FSNBO *OWFSUFS :FBS 8BSSBOUZ t $PNNFSDJBM TZTUFNT BWBJMBCMF
CALL THE SOLAR POWER
EXPERTS
REC 18385
(FFMPOH #FMMBSJOF BOE 4VSG $PBTU T /P 4PMBS $PNQBOZ 6OCFBUFO PO WBMVF RVBMJUZ BOE XPSLNBOTIJQ
1163513-46-14
SOLAR POWER HAS NEVER BEEN MORE AFFORDABLE GOVERNMENT GRANT ABOUT TO BE ABOLISHED
SOLAR PACKAGES 3kW
THE BARWON region has the slowest projected employment growth in the state, according to Victoria University figures. Senior research fellow Janine Dixon predicted average annual jobs growth for the region of 1.62 per cent until 2020. The highest regional growth rates would be in the Wimmera at 2.77 per cent and Western District, 2.61 per cent. Melbourne’s job growth would be 1.7 per cent, Ms Dixon predicted. “In Barwon, including Geelong, the manufacturing sector has a relatively large representation of motor vehicle manufacturing. As a result, Barwon’s manufacturing sector is forecast to grow more slowly than the state average and Barwon is forecast to be the slowest-growing regional economy. “However, growth is still positive in Barwon manufacturing.� Ms Dixon said the region’s major industries for employment growth were health and social assistance and retail trade. Differences in the underlying structures of regional economies meant overall performance was varied, she said.
GUY 0422
393 725 t 4*.0/ 0419 879 803 '3&& 0/4*5& 2605&4 www.futurefriendly.com.au
ADVERTISING_A32425
A NIFTY gadget on her car’s steering wheel has made a world of difference to Belmont’s Deb Haygarth. With multiple sclerosis gradually stealing her mobility, the digital driving knob allows her to keep motoring. “My left arm is pretty buggered and I was having trouble so this gadget lets me drive with one hand,� Deb explained. The digital device allows her to control the indicators, lights, wipers and horn, all with the touch of a finger. Deb admitted the prospect of giving up driving was upsetting. “It was the loss of independence more than anything. "It’s not as if I drive great distances. I visit my mum an hour or so away and that’s the furthest I go, so I was really happy to be able to keep driving for now. "It took a little adjustment to my driving technique but now I use it without thinking.� National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provided the solution to her driving predicament and included some other pieces of assistance technology to help overcome the creeping MS symptoms. She now has an electric wheelchair that can be pulled apart and put in her car's boot as well as a lightweight wheel-