Kevin Hogan looks for pies in the sky

Clarence Valley Review 29 May 2013:

Nationals candidate for Page Kevin Hogan has called for the Federal Government to push Telstra to decentralise jobs, after the telco locked in a $1.1 billion defence contract with the Commonwealth.
Mr Hogan says since Telstra shut down their Lismore and Grafton call centres and axed 220 jobs, it should be the number one priority of the Federal Government to spread the jobs back to the regions that need it.
The new contract is estimated to create 350 new jobs.
“Telstra says their Defence telecommunications network includes networks at 430 sites in Australia, but it’s as yet unclear where these new jobs will go,” Mr Hogan said.
“I think it’s only fair that the Northern Rivers get a look-in for this work, and I’m calling on the Federal Government to explore all options for returning telecommunications jobs to this region.” 

Oh dear, Kevin Hogan has not thought things through again. 

The 350 new jobs (many for leading IT, network and security experts) will be created for the six-and-half year life of this information communications contract and involve travelling around 430 sites in Australia.

How many of these sites are in the Page electorate?  

Well there appears to be an Army Reserve 41 RNSWR depot in Grafton, another in East Lismore and an RAAF air weapons range at Evans Head. That's it.

I doubt whether upgrading telecommunications for these part-time soldiers and for a training range used by airforce pilots located interstate is going to take long or involve a great many Telstra staff.

Hogan is also yet to explain why he thinks the Australian Government can tell a private corporation how to run its business, eg. spread the jobs back to the regions. 

Especially as the Commonwealth has not had a controlling interest in this telco for years - and its residual 17 per cent shareholding was transferred to the Future Fund in 2007.

Nats king maker warns off Williamson in Clarence

Nominations for National Party pre-selection in Clarence close on Monday and if the chairman of the party's Grafton branch has his way Richie Williamson won't be donning National Party colours at the by-election which is expected to be held in November.

Peter James, the branch chairman, told The Daily Examiner that despite rumours that Williamson would run as a Nationals' candidate for pre-selection he hadn't spoken to Williamson about being a potential candidate.

James believes Williamson's strong stance as an independent during this year's state election has hindered his chances for National Party pre-selection.

James said, "I'd like to think The Nationals won't give Richie pre-selection."

James has given the two known nominees, Karen Toms  and Paul O'Connor his blessings.

When asked about his business partner O'Connor's prospects, James said, "I feel he would be a very capable local member. He is a man of many skills and the appropriate level of integrity. I believe if he was elected he would do an excellent job as the local member."

Read the Examiner's report here.

The talk on the streets is that another nomination for pre-selection was lodged today.