By Pyc Fitness
©2004-2008
The first punches were thrown in the Cowper electorate’s federal election campaign as local candidates brought in big guns from Canberra this week.
National MP Luke Hartsuyker and Labor’s candidate Paul Sekfy traded blows about debating the Government’s industrial relations policy, new tax policies and nuclear reactors.
Mr Hartsuyker visited Kempsey with deputy prime minister Mark Vaile on Tuesday, where they announced a grant of $60,000 for fitness equipment at the Macleay Vocational College.
The day before, Mr Sekfy had toured parts of the electorate with shadow Minister for Water and Infrastructure Anthony Albanese.
On Tuesday Mr Sekfy was in Kempsey where he visited The Macleay Argus, was interviewed on Tank FM, and met local people.
Visiting the Macleay Vocational College on Tuesday, Mr Hartsuyker announced the grant of $60,113 for the purchase and installation of a shade structure and fitness equipment.
The construction of an outdoor gymnasium under a shaded cover to allow students to participate in a thirty minute exercise program, three times per week.
A submission from the college for funding from the Government’s Regional Partnerships program led to the announcement.
“It’s only day two of a six week election campaign and I will certainly need the strength and endurance,” Mr Hartsuyker said on Tuesday.
“I couldn’t think of better equipment to be using than the gym here at Macleay Vocational College.
“I congratulate principal Jann Eason on the work being done at Macleay Vocational College,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Sekfy is challenging Mr Hartsuyker to debate him on the Government’s controversial WorkChoices policy.
“I hope Mr Hartsuyker has more respect for local working families than to simply ignore the issue,” Mr Sekfy said.
“I want to give him the chance to explain to local working families why he voted for WorkChoices 23 times,” Mr Sefky said.
“The simple fact that he voted for John Howard’s extreme industrial relations laws shows how much he has lost touch with what’s important to locals.
“He voted for these laws 23 times – despite local working families asking him not to, because they know these laws are putting their basic working conditions at risk.
Mr Sekfy, a local small business operator, said new leadership was needed to deliver fresh ideas for the future of Australia’s industrial relations system.
“Local working families want a fair and flexible industrial relations system and a modern economy demands it,” Mr Sekfy said.
“Under Kevin Rudd’s plan the rights of local workers will be protected, but small business will have the flexibility it needs to grow. I look forward to a positive response from Mr Hartsuyker.
“Let’s hope he has more belief in his convictions than his National Party colleagues further north.”
Mr Hartsuyker has labelled Mr Sekfy’s call for a public debate on workplace laws as nothing more than a cheap political stunt.
“We’ve been told nothing by the Labor candidate,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
He said the WorkChoices policy has provided more jobs, higher wages, greater opportunities for young people and lower unemployment.
“What the people of this electorate want to know is his plan.
“So far the Labor Party has released no tax plan. Why isn’t the candidate questioning the Opposition leader on when he’s going to put out his party’s tax policy?”
But Mr Sekfy had questions of his own, about the Government’s intention to build 25 nuclear reactors.
He said he was worried the Government would develop a nuclear reactor at the old fuel depot site at South West Rocks if re-elected.
o If you’re already on the electoral roll but need to update your address details, you have until 8pm next Tuesday to fill in an enrolment form and return it to the Australian Electoral Commission at the Argus Business Centre in Elbow St, West Kempsey.
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