Will the Australian media finally admit that Tony Abbott is campaigning buck naked? or The Emperor's New Clothes {revised edition}

“OPPOSITION leader Tony Abbott has conceded the introduction of the carbon tax has not been "absolutely catastrophic" but warned Australians they will be $5000 worse off by 2050 unless it is abolished” reported News Ltd on the 26^th August 2012.

UH? How’s that again? I need to back Tones the Terrible’s race for The Lodge because the carbon tax will take $2.53 a week out of my pocket for the next 38 years?
Now how much is that cup of coffee I see before me?

Animated Gif

Northern Rivers Social Development Council launches survey on the impact of Tesltra closure

Northern Rivers Social Development Council invitation to residents and businesses: Please complete the Northern Rivers Social Development Council telecommunications survey. This survey has been prompted by Telstra’s decision to close the Goonellabah call centre. This closure comes on the back of the recent closure of Telstra’s Grafton call centre. Information gathered from the survey will be used to help inform the debate around the future of Telstra in the Northern Rivers; and to help our community to lobby for the jobs to stay in the region; and to come up with other solutions. We need as many people, businesses and organisations to fill this survey out as possible. Please complete the survey and forward the survey link to other people and organisations within the region. Participation in the survey will take no more than 5 minutes and is confidential. The survey can be accessed via the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SP7KB6X We want to find out how much income Telstra earns from business and individuals in our region; whether these customers are concerned by Telstra’s decision to close the Goonellabah call centre; if so, are they considering a shift to another provider; and whether there are issues, concerns or barriers that prevent people from changing providers. We are also interested in seeing whether there is a critical mass of people and organisations that are willing to back a local provider. There is a strong link between economic opportunity, jobs and community wellbeing across our region. NRSDC has become increasingly concerned about the impact on our region of the withdrawal of major employers, both in government and the private sector, from our towns and cities. We believe that it is important for organisations that earn significant income from our region contribute back to the community. We also need to ensure that proper support is provided to manage the long term social impact of these job cuts.

Those misogynist nut jobs on the Internet are found within the Liberal Party as well. WARNING: Offensive Image

When the Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard referred to those spreading rumours about her on the Internet as misogynist and nut jobs, she could easily have included the Liberal Party’s Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming in that group.

The Liberal Party describes Laming as Australia’s most innovative user of social media in politics.

This is an Andrew Laming post on his Facebook page:

Slanted commentary on Gillard, but within the limits.

However, this is one of a number of crudely photo shopped images of the Australian Prime Minister also found on his Facebook page tagged Photos of Andrew Laming MP

 Fair and balanced political comment? I think not.

To make matters worse Laming has a history of supporting the type of sexist comment of which his party is obviously proud.

Challacombe doing and saying anything to get elected?

Sometimes a candidate, desperate to get a foot on the first rung of that political ladder which they are convinced will inevitably lead to a golden future as an Aussie overlord, will spout the most arrant nonsense.

This is NSW National Party senior vice chair Jeremy Challacombe who is a long-time supporter of disgraced Nationals MP Steve Yes I falsified a Stat Dec Cansdell, and in September last year was a local by-election campaign campaign director for that classic waste of space, Clarence MP Hapless Gulaptis:

“Though he didn't wish to bring party politics into local government, Mr Challacombe clarified his National Party connections, saying he had urged the party to split from the Liberal Party and even form an alliance with Labor if they were to create the right policies for rural NSW.”

Anyone less likely to hold Labor values in high regard it's hard to imagine - with his long history as a Nats party member. Along with his Federal Nationals candidature (Wakefield 1998) and his support of the Nationals agenda to turn east coast rivers inland when he last unsuccessfully ran for Clarence Valley Council in 2008, as well as his willingness to support nuclear options, runs counter to NSW Country Labor’s position but suppports both the NSW O'Farrell Government and the Nationals agenda.

So committed is Challacombe to the National Party, that it was only last month that he tried to blame the public service for the NSW Lib-Nats Government’s recent round of job cuts which rocked Grafton.

Clarence Valley Local Government Election 2012: Karen Toms

Karen Toms 2012 Local Government Election Flyer

Clarence Valley Local Government Elections 2012: Only Grafton would come up with this idea

The Clarence Business Enterprise Advice Service and the Grafton Chamber of Commerce and Industry are holding a breakfast for business people on Wednesday 5 September 2012 - between 7 am and 8.30 am at the Grafton TAFE restaurant, Grafton. 

Choosing what is probably one of the most difficult times of the day for most candidates and many Lower Clarence business people to attend a forum – presumably to create a venue favourable to those Grafton business owner/operators who just happen to be candidates at the 8 September Clarence Valley local government election.

This excerpt from the 24 August invitation more or less indicates this:

 All candidates will be invited and asked to speak for 2 minutes on the topic - what I will do to promote and grow business and opportunities if elected to the Clarence Valley Council.  After all candidates have spoken, the floor will be open to question on Business and Economic Development.   People attending the "meet the candidates" will be business owner/operators only. Questions from the floor will be limited to business related questions.

The format is basically arrival 7 - 7.30 am open presentation at 7.30 and subsequent 

questions from the floor until 8.30 am.  [my bolding] You are welcome to mix and mingle prior to and after the presentation and question session.  The cost to candidates for breakfast is $15 (cost price).   The event is to be moderated by CBEAS president Trevor Hageman.   At this stage, order of speaking will be names drawn from a hat.

We are aware some candidates may not be able to attend, [my bolding] so you are invited to prepare a written presentation that will last one (1) minute, which will be read to the meeting on your behalf.  Please use the time carefully, Introduce your name, and present on the topic - attendees will be directed to the Daily Examiner profile for more background and general information.  We feel this is fair because those attending will be available for further scrutiny from the floor.

We hope you are available to attend, please RSVP asap to allow us to promote the candidates attending and catering.  Any further questions should be directed to myself, either email or mobile number below. 

Best Wishes
James Patterson
Executive Officer
Grafton Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Recreational fishers praised by Saffin and Ludwig

Janelle sees a strong future for recreational fishing

FEDERAL Member for Page Janelle Saffin has welcomed the Australian Government’s comment of their continued commitment to work with the recreational fishing sector to ensure its sustainability and economic benefits into the future.

Ms Saffin said the National Recreational Fishing Conference on the Gold Coast at the weekend underlined the important role played by recreational fishing in strengthening the local economy, particularly in towns like Ballina, Evans Head, Iluka and Yamba.

“Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig opened the conference and applauded rec fishers from across Australia who came to discuss issues such as keeping our fishing culture strong and protecting our marine environment,” she said.

“Minister Ludwig told delegates that the Australian Government’s network of marine reserves will have little or no impact on recreational fishing.

“His message was clear; these new reserves will not stop rec fishers from doing what they love doing -- fishing.

“These reserves are about protecting the sustainability and health of our oceans so that rec fishers and their families can continue to enjoy them for generations.”

Ms Saffin welcomed Minister Ludwig’s announcement that 10 recreational fishing projects had received a total of $1.74 million in Federal funding to support the National Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy.

“These projects will aim to support the sustainability of the sector by providing national education, identifying climate change issues and solutions, and monitoring fish stock,” she said.

Ms Saffin also praised the work of former Page MP, The Honourable Harry Woods, who chairs the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.

The FRDC has just released its latest report which shows that three eastern Australian game-fishing regions contributed more than $28 million to their local communities.

For more information visit the DAFF website www.daff.gov.au/fisheries/recreational

Monday, August 20, 2012

The Daily Examiner exposes weaknesses in Clarence Valley LGA election candidates

Beeby wouldn’t know a council budget if she fell over one, Baker’s only after the main chance, McKenna trod water rather than offering solutions, McIvor and Parkinson obviously didn’t realise that Clarence Valley councils have had 'buy local' policies in the past which were of limited bugetary value and Challacombe remains mum on protecting the Clarence River from a bloody great dam to water northwest NSW.

Read more here.

Anyone else beginning to feel an urge to run screaming into the night rather than face the polling booth?

Sales skewers Abbott - the interview video and the cartoon

First Dog on the Moon

refines the art of interview transcript

Click on cartoon to enlarge

The ABC 7.30 televised interview

BirdLife Northern NSW invites you to a meeting about the fate of the Coastal Emu, Grafton 31 August 2012



Media release

BirdLife Northern NSW, has been joined by local residents, ecologists and local environment groups to call a meeting with the RMS (formerly RTA) to discuss the proposed Pacific Highway Grafton Bypass route.

A Public meeting has been arranged for 6pm on 31^st August at the Community Centre 59 Duke Street, Grafton.

This route will travel from Glenugie to Tyndale via the Pillar Valley and Tubacia wetlands and then beside the Coldstream River east of Tyndale to the Harwood bridge.

Birdlife Australia,  Northern NSW spokesperson Dr. Greg  Clancy said “The only suitable route that will reduce the impact on the ecosystem is the ‘Orange’ route, which approximates the existing highway.  It was rejected by the RMS on social and economic grounds.”

“The preferred route of the bypass intersects the home range of the last significant population of the threatened Coastal Emu. There are only about 100 emus left in this isolated population.  As well it transects the habitat of over 80 threatened flora and fauna species. Ecologically the RMS could not have chosen a worse route.  Will this drive our local icon to extinction?”

If you have concerns on this route you are encouraged to attend this meeting.

Contact:Dr Greg Clancy 66493153 0429601960 gclancy@tpg.com.au    

Shame, Mr Editor, shame!

Mangling the Queen's English: a case study
 

 In an opinion piece in this week's Coastal Views the editor, Graham Orams, has shown he prefers incorrect spoken English rather than correct written English.

Orams was writing about Prince Harry (the subject matter doesn't warrant mentioning here) when he wrote, "Actually, if I really had of said that I would probably be writing Coastal Comment from the comfort of a hospital bed."

Orams hedged his bets with his next paragraph and wrote "Instead, I think I may have said something like "What about me, sweetie; don't you find me sexie? Well, don't you?""

An editor he might be, a wordsmith he ain't.

Who edits the editor?

Image credit: Dave's Mechanical Pencils

Clarence Valley Council Election 2012 Candidate Scorecard: Week Three

Candidates standing for the nine councillor positions at the 8 September 2012 Clarence Valley Local Government Election are being rated on their individual campaigns to win over voters.

The score range is -10 to 10. Every candidate starts at zero (0)

Scoring began in the week ending 10 August 2012.

This week it’s all about fronting the forums and what candidates told the local media which affect the score.

Name        Designation         Running Score

Rod Morrison Independent 0.5 + 1 + 0.5  = 2 this candidate increased his score by attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) with a little extra on the side for his commitment to his village.

Margot Scott Independent 1 + 1 + -0.5 = 1.5 Margot scores for attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1). However she also whittles away at her score with a hint that underneath the campaign rhetoric this inexperienced newcomer thinks local government is really just about roads, rats and rubbish.

Paul Parkinson  -5 + 1 + -3 + -3 = -10 this candidate scored for attending Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1)  but left many open-mouthed when he stated that he couldn’t make any election promises as there was no way of knowing what Clarence Valley Council’s budget was like – completely ignoring the fact that he can inspect budget papers going back years online or at council chambers (-3). More points went when he displayed a defeatism which appears to indicate a reluctance to fully support Clarence Valley communities' stand against coal seam gas mining (-3)

Craig Howe Independent 0.6 + 1 = 1.6 Craig’s score increased because he attended Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1), however it is hard to forget the many times he voted for developers over the objections of local communities.

Andrew Baker Independent 0 + -10 = -10 this candidate excelled himself during the week by failing to give any undertaking that he would support Clarence Valley communities (-4) and for expecting voters to accept that a man - who as a director and major shareholder allowed two companies to rack up what sounds like millions of dollars in debt until the bank called in the receiver – should be allowed anywhere near the local government annual budget (-4). While he wasted the time of every voter at the Maclean meet the candidates forum as he trailed an imaginary broken wing (-2).

Ursula Tunks Independent 2 + 1 = 3 Ursula moved up the scoreboard for attending Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1). She doesn’t increase her score beyond that because this week she denied she was an Independent and instead described herself as “party-less” - which begs the question as to which political party she may next decide to join.

Joy de Roos  -1 + 1 = 2 added to her score by attending Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1).

Jim Simmons Independent 0 + 1 + 1 = 2 gained for attending Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) and with a long history as a councillor putting some of the new to local government candidates to shame by comparison.

Greg Clancy Independent 3.5 + 1 + 2 = 6.5 this candidate increased his score again this week. Firstly for his attendance at the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) and secondly because he is the only new candidate who truly understands the relationship between a healthy environment, sustainable infrastructure and a viable economy (2).

Jane Beeby Independent -3 + 1 + -2 = -4  this candidate both won and lost points this week. She attended the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1), however the alleged vague conspiracy against herself she expounds rather than honestly explaining her anti- vaccination stance continues to worry some voters (-2) . Which is somewhat of a pity as she has taken an anti-coal seam gas stance.

Sue Hughes Independent 2.5 + 1 + 2 = 5.5 her score grows as she attended the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) and, in doing so, reminded residents that she has come through for the Valley with regard to moving a successful resolution against coal seam gas exploration before impacts from this type of mining are known and other votes in the Chamber.

Karen Toms 2.5 + 1 + 2 + 1 = 6.5 increased her running score by attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) and, in doing so, reminded voters that she has always been good value for local communities (2). She earns an additional point for calmly campaigning no matter what stumbling blocks are placed in her path by ill wishers hinted at in The Daily Examiner online comments (1).

Michael McIvor Independent 1 + 1 = 2 this candidate remains a bit of a dark horse who attempts to explain himself in slogans and clichés. So although he adds to his score for attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) that is the only positive, which sadly is offset by his fairly high opinion of his own untested capabilities.

Jeremy Challacombe Independent -1 + 1 + -3 = -3 he scores for attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1) but loses points for those stale ideas and for continuing to pretend that being a senior member and office bearer of the NSW Nationals will not politicize his position on Council if elected (-3).  It didn't assist his candidature to find local media reporting that he had been caught breaking CVC rules for farmers'  markets by having campaign literature displayed on his own produce stall. What else can be said about a candidate who thinks in two-word slogans?

Richie Williamson 2 + 1 – 0.5  = 2.5 Richie scores for attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1). He only loses half a  point this week for pretending he doesn’t have political ambitions which potentially affect his attitude as Mayor and councillor – simply because most of the election field is so abysmal that this classic fence sitter’s time in local government  is beginning to look rosy by comparison.

Margaret McKenna Independent -2 + 1 + -2 = -3 scored for attending the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1). However, Margaret lost what had been gained by pretending that she actually gave a hoot about the badly planned West Yamba re-zoning. When she has been quite happy to go along with private developers virtually creating the draft Development Control Plan for that same urban expansion, after previously voting in 2009 for that joke of a Yamba Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan which had to be endorsed so that the West Yamba Local Environmental Plan could be passed as approved on the same day (-2).

Jason Kingsley Independent 1 + 1 = 2 this candidate talks easily but in the end says very little. He slowly increases his score on the basis of attendance at the Maclean and Grafton meet the candidates forums (1).

•  Week Two Candidate Scorecard
• Week One Candidate Scorecard

Did Gulaptis tell anyone in his electorate about the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry Into The Establishment Of Special Economic Zones?

Between February and April 2012 the Legislative Assembly Committee on Economic Development started and apparently finished a public inquiry looking at ways the NSW Government can contribute to the sustainability and growth of regional economies by stimulating business investment and job creation. With an emphasis on the viability of establishing special economic zones providing state tax and financial incentives to promote economic growth, employment and investment in regional and rural New South Wales.

The NSW Nationals MP for Clarence Chris Gulaptis, whose electorate is experiencing ongoing job losses and economic stress, is on this committee and attends its meetings and was present at its one and only public hearing this year.

The inquiry received thirty-eight submissions and only one was identifiable as coming from the NSW North Coast, but it was also from outside his electorate.

Did this MP even bother to send out a media release or write an opinion piece for a regional newspaper informing local government, chambers of commerce, community organisations and interested residents that they could put a case to this committee for their region receiving special consideration?

Perhaps Mr. Gulaptis might like to explain his apparent lack of action.

Red Rocks 4 Eva!

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard in this full length video takes all press conference questions regarding the never-ending “sexist and vicious" rumours about her spread on the internet by "misogynist nut jobs" and the factually incorrect and defamatory statements made about her in News Limited’s flagship newspaper and serial offender, The Australian.

Pic from Google Images

What sort of management culture did Richie Williamson & Co import into the Clarence Valley?

The Daily Examiner 12 August 2011:

SCOTT Greensill has been appointed the general manager of the Clarence Valley Council.

Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson yesterday announced the appointment of the father of three and Singleton Council general manager to the council’s top job.

Cr Williamson said the job was one of the most important in the Clarence Valley and welcomed him to the position......

The Daily Examiner 15 December 2011:

CLARENCE Valley Council general manager Scott Greensill said he had nothing to fear from a Supreme Court judgment handed down on Friday in a case involving his former employer, Singleton Council……

Judge Schmidt was critical of Mr Greensill, pointing out he "certainly acted inconsistently" with the council's code of conduct by delegating "all responsibilities" in the Nichols matter to assets manager Gary Thomson yet continuing to still work on the case. Her judgment said she would have had more to say about Mr Greensill, but as he had resigned from the council just prior to the Supreme Court hearing four months ago that requirement had "disappeared"…..

The Singleton Argus 9 March 2012:

A SECRETIVE group of men and women has been overheard regularly in a Singleton café, at times, discussing sensitive Singleton Council affairs.

The gatherings have occasionally included up to five councillors and a former senior council staff member…..

General manager Lindy Hyam was told of the apparently clandestine get-togethers on Monday, several hours before a regular open council meeting was set to consider three anonymous code of conduct complaints against Cr Alison Howlett…….
The allegations arose from 2010 when Cr Howlett sought details from Mr Greensill of the appointment of Henry Wilson as the council’s assistant general manager…..

The Daily Examiner 27 April 2012:

A LEGAL wrangle, which will cost a NSW council more than $1 million and involves Scott Greensill, has no impact on his current position as general manager at Clarence Valley Council.

"What happens at Singleton Council is completely a matter for Singleton Council," CVC Mayor Richie Williamson said yesterday……

The second of two judgments involving Mr Greensill's former employer, Singleton Council, was handed down by the Supreme Court last week…….

Judge Monika Schmidt quashed the report and ordered the council to pay Cr Nichols' legal fees.

"The only reason that it was not necessary to make orders against Mr Greensill was because he left the council's employ," her judgment said…..

The Newcastle Herald 14 August 2012:

The Supreme Court case also revealed that former Singleton general manager Scott Greensill had not disclosed to councillors his involvement in the handling of the complaint against Cr Nichols.

Mr Greensill resigned from the council days before the Supreme Court case.

The Singleton Argus 17 August 2012:

THE state government has thrown out the $1million code of conduct complaint against Singleton deputy mayor Paul Nichols.

There was no evidence to support anonymous allegations that came from a council meeting two years and five months ago…..

Cr Nichols’ barrister, Robert Lovas, told the August court hearing that the person who made the complaint may have been beholden to Mr Greensill and they may have collaborated…..

Looking back with hollow laughter as Bazza's razor gang wields the blade on NSW North Coast communities

As around 150 former Grafton public servants ponder their futures, Clarence Valley voters might recall this....

The Daily Examiner on 15^th October 2004

“THE State Opposition yesterday called on the Carr Government to guarantee the jobs of Grafton jail staff.

Opposition justice and emergency services spokesman Andrew Humpherson voiced concern for jail jobs during a visit to the correctional centre with the Nationals Member for Clarence Steve Cansdell.”

The Daily Examiner on 26th December 2006

"PUBLIC sector jobs in regional areas will be safe under NSW Opposition Leader Peter Debnam's plans to trim down the Labor Government's 'bureaucratic empire', says Clarence MP Steve Cansdell.

Mr Cansdell made the promise after hearing Clarence Labor candidate Mark Kingsley's criticisms of the State Opposition's plans to cut thousands of NSW public service jobs."

The very predictable Andrew Baker tells Clarence Valley something it already knew - he has more hide than Jessie

Clarence Valley local government election candidate, hotelier, real estate agent and land developer, Andrew Baker’s virtuoso performance as he massages voters to accept the proposition that he should be elected to what is the largest single economic unit in the valley, despite the fact that he is a director of not one but two failed local corporations which appear to have gone into receivership owing millions…..

The Daily Examiner on 22^nd August 2012: “MACLEAN developer and council candidate Andrew Baker was heartened by the reaction to a difficult announcement he made at the candidates forum on Monday night.

In fact, it has inspired him to stay in the race for council.”

Australians prove that they are sensible souls at heart

The Canberra Times,12 August 2012:

Only 5029 people have joined the federal government's controversial $466 million eHealth system since it was launched on July 1.

That means that despite the misleading advertising, there are at least 18 million other Australians who still recognise the intrusive nature of and digital security flaws in this federal Government attempt to grow a poorly designed national data base of information about them and their families.

A little bit of Tony in the air

http://youtu.be/K2fRMy5rxuM

http://youtu.be/efqaQ0nU5IM

More jobs to go - this time at Lismore

9 News on 21st August 2012:

“Telstra's decision to axe jobs at its customer service centre in Lismore is devastating, the city's mayor says….

Ms Dowell said she had been personally assured that jobs in her city were safe after Telstra closed its Grafton call centre in 2011.

Most Lismore locals would know someone affected by the job losses, she said.

"I understand that at this call centre there are couples, a husband and wife who will both lose their jobs," she said.

"The ripple effect of this is huge."

So far Nats MP for Lismore Thomas George is keeping mum on the subject of 116 local jobs being flushed down the drain by a telco whose "net income climbed to $3.41 billion in the year to June 30".

Worried about mining in the Clarence River Catchment? Then read this before voting in the Clarence Valley Local Government Election 2012

Paul Parkinson, a candidate in the Clarence Valley Local Government Election 2012 apparently taking a pro-mining stance when he was a Kempsey shire councillor.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ABORIGINAL NETWORK CONFERENCE

17-18 MARCH 1999

Howard as G-G? Over my dead body!

Little Godwin Grech – you known the right-wing leaning ex-Treasury bureaucrat who while on the job faked that email for the political benefit of the Opposition in 2009 and was brought undone by a Senate inquiry – well he is (a) writing for Granny Herald and (b) laying the groundwork for one of his alleged fellow-conspirators to make John Winston Howard Australia’s next Governor-General.

Jackboot Johnny as G-G? no and no and no and No and NOOOO!

Baker likely to quit run for Clarence Valley Council

Tonight's meet-the-candidates forum in Maclean was the venue for the startling announcement that property developer Andrew Baker is unlikely to continue to chase his dream to secure a seat at the table of the Clarence Valley Council.



The Daily Examiner website reports:

Andrew Baker conceded his bid for a seat on Clarence Valley Council all but ended (tonight) when he announced to a packed candidates forum in Maclean that two of his companies had gone into receivership.

"I didn't want to start tonight on false pretences," Mr Baker said. "Today, two of the companies I'm a director of have been placed in receivership.

"I'm in the development industry and everyone knows the development industry is doing it tough."

Mr Baker said the development didn't legally rule him out as standing as a candidate, but conceded it would be difficult for him to continue.

See the Examiner's online report, including video coverage of Baker making his announcement about his companies going into receivership here.

Credit: Text and image from The Daily Examiner

Deaths from major trauma in NSW trauma centres have declined since 2003 - but you're still more likely to die in regional NSW

Deaths from major trauma in NSW trauma centres have declined since 2003, and definitive care at a Level 1 trauma centre was associated with a survival benefit according to a recent article in The Medical Journal of Australia.

Level 1 trauma centres are confined to large metropolitan centres. On the NSW North Coast in 2009 there were 'adult patient' regional trauma centres listed at Coffs Harbour Base Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital and The Tweed Hospital. These appear to remain the only trauma centres in the region.

During the period studied the number of interhospital transfers between regional trauma centres and Level I centres did not increase significantly despite such transfers being shown to potentially halve the mortality rate.

Because of the systematic neglect of regional NSW by successive state governments and across the board cuts to public service delivery by the current O’Farrell Coalition Government, this is the risk North Coast residents are exposed to if they are involved in a serious motor vehicle/work/sports/in home accident:

Regional trauma centres play an important role in the delivery of trauma care, but often lack specialty resources. Most are located outside Sydney, and road travel time from regional trauma centres to a Level I centre ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours. In a recent single region study in NSW, morbidity was significantly higher in a regional trauma centre compared with a Level I centre.10……..

Patients admitted to a regional trauma centre had a significantly higher mortality rate compared with those admitted to a Level I centre. The survival benefit at Level I centres could be explained by the presence of greater resources, such as the availability of surgically trained staff 24 hours a day, a multidisciplinary trauma service14,15 and higher patient volumes, resulting in enhanced expertise in trauma care.16 Deficiencies in trauma care, regardless of trauma centre level, may occur at multiple points of care and are more likely to occur when there is failure to comply with protocols, poor communication and/or delayed referral.10,14,17,18 However, without reviewing each of the deaths in this study, it is not possible to comment on factors contributing to mortality.

The benefits of primary transport or early interhospital transfer of patients with major trauma to a Level I trauma centre are confirmed in our study. In 2008 Ambulance NSW introduced “Protocol T1”, which specifies that patients with major trauma should be taken directly to a Level I centre, bypassing lower-level centres, if transport time is within 1 hour.19 The impact of Protocol T1 on patient transport practice and outcomes requires evaluation.

The geography of NSW means that regional trauma centres will continue to play an important role in initial stabilisation of patients with trauma. Our study suggests that improved adherence to transfer guidelines will contribute to improved patient outcomes consistent with the experience in Victoria17 and the United States.20 In recent years, a series of standardised transfer guidelines for patients with major trauma have been implemented in NSW, with variable compliance.10,21 The low numbers of transferred patients could also result from some patients with critical injuries being deemed too unstable for transfer, transfer being considered futile, or patients dying before a transfer decision was made.10,21

Initial trauma response and hospital transfers in regional areas are under pressure as the Ambulance Service of NSW is being asked to respond to increased demand with existing staff numbers.

Trauma services are one aspect of the true cost to local communities and local families of public service job cuts currently underway in the Clarence Valley and elsewhere and, why the almost cavalier attitude of North Coast Nationals MPs to these cuts is unacceptable and offensive.