The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare warns cases of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that are treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation will increase over the next decade.
Australia’s ageing population and increasing rates of diabetes (the most common cause of treated ESKD) are estimated to contribute considerably to the predicted increase.
The findings are included in the report, Projections of the incidence of treated end-stage kidney disease in Australia, 2010-2020.
The report is available online at: www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=10737419875&libID=10737419874
Energy Sales
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission advises that it is concerned about misleading conduct by door-to-door energy firm sales by energy firms, particularly when it involves the elderly and those with a limited skills in English.
The ACCC warns that misleading practices will attract severe penalties for each contravention of the guidelines of up to $220,000 for individuals and as high as $1.1 million for companies.
Retailers need to ensure that the agents they employ for door-to-door marketing are complying with the law. If a retailer’s agent breaks the law, not only is the agent liable, but the retailer is as well.
Details are available at: www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1007291/fromItemId/142 and general inquiries about the issues can be directed to the infocentre at 1300 302 502
Interactive Gambling
A discussion paper has been released for a review of the Interactive Gambling Act 2001, with members of the public invited to have a say.
The discussion paper aims to generate discussion of the various issues relating to the regulation of interactive gambling.
For further information and to view the discussion paper, visit www.dbcde.gov.au/igareview
Submissions close on 21 October 2011.
With the warmer weather arriving, it is time that many people will be getting out their swimmers and venturing back to the beach, swimming pools, creeks and water holes for a refreshing swim.
It is important that water safety is observed at all times, especially with children.
Recently, I had the pleasure to meet again with legendary swimming coach and water safety advocate Laurie Lawrence to help him commemorate the one-millionth copy of his “Living With Water” DVD.
The DVD has been a valuable tool in Mr Lawrence’s ongoing campaign to promote water safety and prevent childhood drowning.
This DVD has a helpful water safety message for parents, grandparents and anyone else who may look after young children.
Copies of the DVD are available from my office.
The Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Senator Michael Ronaldson, spoke at the Sunshine Coast Veterans’ Forum 2011 recently.
A large turnout of veterans, widows, family members and representatives from veterans’ organisations attended the forum, which I organised.
Issues raised included the indexation of the Department of Veterans Affairs payments, insurance issues for serving soldiers, support services for returned soldiers, government support for widows and more.
Senator Ronaldson assured those present that a Liberal National Government was committed to the correct indexation of veterans pensions.
The forum was a great opportunity for the Shadow Minister to share ideas and listen to the issues of concern to the veterans community.
The forum was organised by me to provide an opportunity for ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen and their family members to gain information on topics of interest to the local veteran community, while also giving them a chance to speak directly with the Shadow Minister.
Support has been strong for my petition calling for the Australian Government to widen the Bruce Highway to six lanes between Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast.
Anyone wishing to have a copy of the petition in their offices/outlet to collect signatures for this worthy cause can contact my office at 07-5444 4888.
I have spoken in the Australian Parliament on the issue numerous times and also written to the relevant Minister and the Prime Minister about the issue.
It is very important that we get upgrades to the highway to ensure it is as efficient and safe as possible and able to meet the demands of our growing population.
I’m urging concerned Sunshine Coast residents to make an effort to add their names to the list so we can put pressure on the Government to address this vital need.
The petitions are also available for signing at my office at the corner of Point Cartwright Drive and Nicklin Way, Buddina, and also at the office of Andrew Powell MP, 70 Maple Street, Maleny.
Somalia Military Service
Ex-service personnel former members of the ships’ companies of HMA Ships Tobruk and Jervis Bay may be eligible for the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ‘SOMALIA’. For details visit: www.defence.gov.au/media/departmentaltpl.cfm?CurrentId=11705
Application forms for the award can be obtained from www.defence.gov.au/medals/ or by calling the Directorate of Honours and Awards on 1800 111 321.