Congrats to the Stags

It was a bittersweet moment for Otago supporters last Thursday as Southland lifted the Log of Wood from Canterbury. I was speaking at a meeting in Christchurch and the mood was somber to say the least. While delighted for Southland, one wonders at the number of former Otago players (7?) and what might have been for the Blue and Golds had they stayed in Otago. On the other hand, the Stags broke a 50 year drought - next year it will be Otago's turn to do the same!!!

Securing the future of ACC

ACC has become financially unsustainable and reform is needed to secure its future for New Zealanders.
ACC lost $4.8 billion this year on top of $2.4 billion last year. Its unfunded liabilities have ballooned from $4 billion to $13 billion and its claim costs by 57 per cent in just four years.
That’s why we’ve moved to tighten up some entitlements. This week the Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Amendment Bill passed its first reading. The changes in this Bill are needed to make the ACC scheme affordable, sustainable and fair. Our changes will see ACC's proposed levy increases reduced by half.
We hope the public will engage with the select committee. There needs to be an open and honest conversation as to how we’re going to fund ACC’s shortfall.
For more information: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/injury+prevention+rehabilitation+and+compensation+amendment+bill+2009

Herceptin helping more women

Just weeks after taking office National honoured an election promise to publicly fund
12 months of Herceptin for women with HER2 breast cancer.
We started the funding from the day we were sworn in and by the end of last month, 191 New Zealand women had received Herceptin under this Government's policy.
Our commitment allows patients and their doctors to have a choice. The nine-week treatment option also remains funded and available. Women who began treatment as private patients have also been reimbursed their costs from the day the Government was sworn in.
The 12-month course is being funded from the extra $40 million the Government is spending on pharmaceuticals this year.
At this time of economic restraint, National is working to achieve better access to medicines for patients.
For more information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+women+taking+12+month+herceptin+course

Hunt for proceeds of crime

A team of hardened fraud investigators will be formed to hunt down and seize the millions of dollars in profits made by organised crime.
The new 22-strong Assets Recovery Unit will be at the sharp end of our fight against organised crime and methamphetamine.
The unit will support new laws that give police the power to detect and seize the assets and profits gangs and organised crime obtain illegally. By taking away their vast profits, organised crime will have less reason to exist.
The proceeds will be used to fund methamphetamine rehabilitation, Youth Aid programmes and other initiatives that prevent kids from joining gangs.
For more information:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new+unit+hunt+assets+organised+crime

Engaging youth in learning

National is committed to giving students every opportunity to achieve and meet their potential.
Five trades academies will open their doors across the country in 2011.
Trades academies are a key part of our Youth Guarantee and will help keep more students engaged in learning.
They’ll provide more career choices for 16- and 17-year-olds, and give them greater opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and talents through trades and technology programmes
Academies will be opened at Northland College, Waikato Institute of Technology and Cambridge High School, Wellington Institute of Technology, Taratahi Agricultural Centre and Catlins Area School.
For more information go to:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/five+new+trades+academies+more+come

More help for victims of serious crime

National knows that victims of crime, and in particular victims of serious crimes, face significant financial and emotional costs as a result of the crimes committed against them.
We have made a commitment to increase the amount of support available to victims from November 2009.
Initiatives include:
A significant increase in the funeral grant to families of homicide victims.
A daily court attendance grant of $124 per person for up to five adult members of a homicide victim's family.
An increase in the discretionary grant for families of homicide victims which are suffering financial difficulties, from $1500 to $5000.
A court service for victims of sexual violence which give them access to a trained adviser who understands the dynamics of sexual violence cases and the needs of victims.
Funding for the initiatives will come from the Offender Levy and the disestablished Sentencing Council.
For more information go to:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more+help+way+victims+serious+crime

MMP Referendum at 2011 election

National is delivering on its pre-election promise to hold a referendum on MMP no later than 2011. We want the public to have their say on this important issue.
At the 2011 general election voters will be asked two questions – if they want to change the system, and what alternative voting system they would prefer.
If a majority of voters want to change the system, a further referendum will be held in 2014 asking voters if they prefer MMP or the alternative voting option that receives the most votes in 2011.
The 2017 general election will be held under the alternative system if more people prefer that option.
If voters want to change the system, there will be plenty of time for the public to discuss the merits of MMP and the alternative option before the second referendum.
For more information go to:
http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/mmp+referendum+be+held+2011+election