The Federal Government has allocated $35 million over 5 years for research into juvenile diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong auto-immune disease that usually occurs in childhood but can be diagnosed at any age. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and most newly diagnosed cases are in children under 15 years of age.  

Australia has a strong history in medical research and this initiative will provide the means for investigation into this disease. More information about the initiative can be found at:

http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/sri/diabetes.htm

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The Australian Taxation Office has issued a timely reminder to residents to be wary of possible scams as they put together their financial information for their tax returns this year.

The ATO has reported cases of phone scams where individuals have been told that they have a fake tax debt. In some cases the scammers, who impersonate ATO officials, have threatened individuals with arrest or penalties if they do not comply with demands.

I urge residents to remain cautious of scammers. If you are concerned that a call you receive is not genuine the ATO advises that you should ask for the caller’s name and then contact them through the ATO switchboard on 13 28 69. Anyone who thinks they may have fallen victim to the phone scam should contact the ATO on 1800 060 062.

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This week is National Farm Safety Week. A lot of work has been done in the last 20 years to increase farm safety but with 59 farm fatalities in 2013 there is still more work to be done.

Traditionally accidents involving tractors and quad bikes have contributed to accidental deaths on farms. Children are also identified as being at a high level of risk on farms. This years’ Farm Safety theme is “Safe Farms- Healthy Farmers”. Farmers are being urged to consider the practical ways in which they can promote safety on farm.  

The Federal Government has committed $375,000 to the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety (ACAHS) based in Moree.  Research and investment in farm safety is necessary to ensure that we continue to improve in this area.

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Last week the Coalition followed through on the election commitment to repeal the carbon tax. This will not only provide relief of an average $550 per household every year, it will also release the handbrake on Australian businesses.

There was no mandate for a carbon tax and it provided no benefit to the environment as emissions just shifted offshore to Australia’s competitors. The Coalition will now continue to get on with the job of governing.