LIST MP DR JACKIE BLUE

Dr Jackie Blue welcomes insulation milestone

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:28:55 +1200

The Government’s initiative to help insulate New Zealand homes has been an outstanding success. Today we have reached the milestone of 150,000 homes insulated under Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart, said MP for Mount Roskill Dr Jackie Blue.

“Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart is making a real difference to people in Auckland and throughout the country. To date 35,009 houses in Auckland have been retrofitted under the scheme” Dr Jackie Blue said.

“Each of those homes represents around two to three people so up to 105,027 people in Auckland are now better off.

“Delivering better public services is one of National’s four key priorities, and insulating homes is a great example of this. Insulated homes are easier and cheaper to heat and keep at healthy temperatures. Warmer homes mean fewer visits to the doctor, and less need to take time off work or school.

“The scheme is run by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and offers funding to homes built before 2000 to help homeowners get ceiling or underfloor insulation. The programme is also a key part of our Relationship Accord with the Maori Party and our Memorandum of Understanding with the Green Party.

“I’m pleased that we have reached the milestone of 150,000 homes insulated under the scheme, and particularly delighted that 35,009 Auckland households are now living warmer and healthier lives,” Dr Jackie Blue said.

Media contact: Dr Jackie Blue 04 817 6941

Authorised by Dr Jackie Blue, 1282 Dominion Road, Mount Roskill

The Roskill Report - May 2012

nospam@example.com (admin) — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:51:59 +1200

Upcoming Events in Mt Roskill
•         Ministers Combined Meetings: 24 August at the Fickling Centre. Minister TBC.
•         Molley Green Public Planting Day-16 June

Out and About
The Auckland International Cultural Festival went off with a bang on the first of April. The event was held at War Memorial Park in Mount Roskill and was attended by a large variety of people and cultures representing the huge ethnic diversity in our area. The Cultural Festival was also attended by several members of the Ethnic Team. Dr Cam Calder, Dr Jian Yang and Hon Judith Collins popped along to speak to the locals.

Melissa Lee, MP in Mt Albert and I hosted Hon Jo Goodhew (Minister for Senior Citizens) at a Seniors Morning Tea in Mt Albert last month. The turnout was fantastic, and we had some interesting discussions touching on cultural awareness in rest homes, super gold cards and exciting new policy.

Why I am voting 20-20 for the purchase age of alcohol
Next month there will an opportunity for MPs to cast a conscience vote regarding the purchase age for alcohol in on- license (pubs and bars) and off-license (bottle stores ) premises.

The options are:
•         18 years for both off and on license premises, the status quo
•         A split age – 18 years for on-license premises and 20 years for off-license premises
•         20 years for both off and on license premises

The status quo, the 18-18 option is a failed experiment. Quite frankly the tired arguments that "you can go to war, die for your country, vote , get married at 18 years so you should be able to drink " are just rubbish. Basically alcohol is a drug. If it was discovered for the first time this century it would be banned, prohibited or severely restricted. We might as well pass around valium tablets. All the experts agree that the longer you can keep alcohol away from the developing brain the better.

The split option is a nothing option. There is no evidence that it will reduce harm. It will be an attractive option for some in that it represents a compromise but MPs need to be focused on reducing harm from alcohol not on keeping a faction happy. There is plenty of evidence that reducing the age increases harm and increasing the age will reduce harm. There is nothing the support the split option. But hoteliers will love this option as it will more than likely increase patronage.

I have surveyed the constituents of Mt Roskill and they were overwhelmingly in favour of the 20-20 option. I agree with them whole-heartedly. That is what I will be voting.

Youth Unemployment
I attended a hui on youth unemployment in Mt Roskill last weekend. It was well attended and youth representatives provided a thought provoking presentation.

There is no doubt that youth have been particularly hit hard by the recession. The labour market is tight and I made the point that leaving school without any qualifications just doesn’t cut it. That is why the National Government has put huge resources into keeping youth engaged in education, training or work. But it starts even earlier with excellent early childcare education and national standards to ensure that we can identify and assist those who are dropping behind.

We can’t magically create jobs out of thin air and that is why the Government is determined to create the right economic landscape to give business the confidence to grow and expand. We are succeeding - slowly but surely. The 90 day trial legislation will give those without a work history such as youth, migrants and women returning to the work force to get into the workforce.

The Government has had huge success with its Job Ops programme and Community Max programmes. We have opened many new Trades Academies and created thousands of Youth Guarantee places. We have introduced a new starting-out wage for young people which will provide young people with the chance to gain skills, earn money and get valuable work experience they need.

We are determined to get youth off benefits because we know that is a road to nowhere The welfare reforms announced recently will do just that.

The Government has put huge resources into our youth because they are our future and we are determined to back them.

Contact Information
I hold Constituent Clinic’s every Monday morning, to book an appointment please contact my office.
1282 Dominion Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland.
PH: 09 629 4982 FAX: 629 5942
E-mail: drjackieblue@xtra.co.nz
http://www.facebook.com/jackiebluemp
http://twitter.com/jackiebluemp

Video update

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:51:00 +1200

In this video update Jackie talks about the upcoming debate on alcohol reform and how she will be voting on the issue.

Building a more competitive economy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 03 May 2012 08:22:00 +1200

3 May 2012

To run a successful business, farm, school, or household, you need a good plan and you need to budget responsibly – especially when times are tough.

The Government is no different. In the past three years we have delivered on our plan to put the economy on a sound footing based on more savings, exports, and productive investment, and on less debt, housing speculation, and unsustainable government spending.

At the same time we have protected the most vulnerable and taken the sharpest edges off the recession for families and businesses. National’s responsible management means the Government’s books are set to be back in surplus in 2014/15, the first time since the global financial crisis and worldwide recession.

Returning to surplus means we can start reducing debt. That is no small achievement. It has taken disciplined fiscal policy and a willingness to make trade-offs. We have a plan to rebuild and strengthen the country. We have stuck to that plan and it is working.

Budget 2012 will reflect our four priorities in this term of government:

Responsibly managing the Government’s finances.
Building a more productive and competitive economy.
Delivering better public services.
Rebuilding Christchurch.

We’ll announce a range of initiatives that show we are getting things done while staying on course to return to surplus. We’ll continue to spend in priority areas. This Budget will protect and grow areas of public spending that are important in delivering real results to New Zealanders.

We will continue to invest more in health and education. We’ll invest more in science and innovation, as we promised at the election, to help build the research and innovation base of the economy. We’ll keep student loans interest free but we are determined to reduce the cost of the loan scheme to taxpayers. Savings will be reinvested in improving teaching and research within our universities and other tertiary institutions.

We’ll keep up entitlements to welfare and superannuation, and continue with large programmes such as Working For Families. National will invest money up front to support New Zealanders out of welfare.

We will also remain strong on law and order and demand better, more innovative, public services.

Budget 2012 will be about building a more competitive economy that supports more jobs, higher incomes, and ensures New Zealand earns its way in the world.

Prisoners' and Victims' Claims (2012 Expiry and Application Dates) First Reading - Part 7

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:44:00 +1200

Question 6: Dr Jackie Blue to the Minister of Justice

nospam@example.com (admin) — Wed, 02 May 2012 10:35:00 +1200

Dr Jackie Blue:

How will the Alcohol Reform Bill provide for better community involvement in managing alcohol?

Trade at the heart of National’s plan for the economy

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:58:00 +1200

26 April 2012

It’s important that local businesses, farmers, and growers have good access to their overseas markets.

New Zealand has always been a trading nation. Our productive sector and niche companies provide the world with high-quality unique products. As efficient producers with a small domestic market, our focus has to be on larger markets beyond our shores.

Enhancing and growing trade links is a key part of National’s plan to build a stronger economy and create more jobs with higher incomes.

New Zealand has a history of reaching high-quality free trade agreements with our international partners. National is building on that legacy. We’ve committed to leading at least 28 high-level trade missions in this term of government.

Already this year we’ve led successful trade missions to China, South Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore. These missions are a part of our plan to raise the profile of our exporters in rapidly expanding consumer markets. They have helped develop our networks and open doors in these markets and are reinforcing the importance of Asia to the future of New Zealand.

The Prime Minister recently led a successful trade mission to Indonesia and Singapore. The Deputy Prime Minister and senior ministers have been in Australia furthering the single economic market. Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has just returned from the Middle East where he led a delegation promoting New Zealand’s profile as a destination for international students. And Trade Minister Tim Groser has led a mission of trade companies to China and attended the G20 trade ministers meeting in Mexico.

A major part of our economic development plan is refocusing New Zealand Trade and Enterprise on Kiwi exporters and strengthening our NZ Inc strategies. These are designed to create the conditions that encourage successful companies to do more business globally.

During the Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia an airline agreement was signed and Fonterra announced it will open its first processing plant in Indonesia. In Singapore, our sixth largest export partner, we built on our on-going collaboration towards the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

We are developing the single economic market agenda with Australia to remove regulatory barriers to trans-Tasman trade, and for businesses operating on both sides of the Tasman. The 30th anniversary of CER next year will celebrate the strength of our trans-Tasman business environment.

With stronger trade links a central part of our economic plan, National is driving our economy towards a brighter future for our exporters – and all New Zealanders.

Dr Jackie Blue supports immunisation week

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:02:06 +1200

Dr Jackie Blue
National Party List MP

Media statement

24 April 2012

Dr Jackie Blue says Immunisation Week, taking place April 23-29, is a good reminder for Mount Roskill families to check that their kids’ immunisation is up to date.
“Getting children immunised on time has always been important, but is especially so now as New Zealand combats a whooping cough outbreak,” Dr Jackie Blue says.
“Under National, immunisation rates have been raised to record levels. In 2007 just 67 per cent of two-year-olds had the recommended vaccinations for their age, that has risen to an all-time high of 92 per cent.

“But we need to lift our game even further. The World Health Organisation recommends that 95 per cent of children be immunised by two years of age and New Zealand’s immunisation Health Target of 95 per cent reflects National’s commitment to meeting world standards.

“From July the health sector will focus on National’s new immunisation Health Target – 95 per cent of eight-month-olds fully immunised by December 2014. This new target is deliberately ambitious, but protecting children from infectious diseases is a goal worth working hard for.

“Parents tell us that one of the biggest factors in their decision to immunise is the conversation they have with trusted health professionals about vaccination. The message I want to give to parents this week is to make an immunisation appointment for their child or to talk through any concerns with their Plunket nurse, practice nurse, or WellChild/Tamariki Ora provider”.

Information about immunisation is available at http://www.health.govt.nz/ or at the Immunisation Advisory Centre website http://www.immune.org.nz/. Parents can also call a free immunisation helpline 0800 IMMUNE.

Media contact: Dr Jackie Blue, 04 817 6941

Authorised by Dr Jackie Blue, 1282 Dominion Road

Focus on families and young children

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:32:00 +1200

19 April 2012

Our kids are our future. It’s important they get the very best start in life, and support when they need it.

National is focused on supporting parents and families.

In tight economic times we have preserved income support for families. We’re maintaining paid parental leave at 14 weeks. We’ve reduced income tax across the board, leaving the average family about $25 better off each week. And a 5 per cent adjustment in Working For Families payments this month means higher payments for most families.

Mortgages are often the biggest cost for families. Under National, the average homeowner with a mortgage is $200 better off each week due to lower interest rates.

It’s important to all families that we return to surplus and get government debt under control. This will help us build a growing economy that creates more jobs, boosts wages, and provides the higher standard of living that families deserve.

One of National’s four priorities – and a central part of our plan for a brighter future – is improving frontline public services. Our work is already getting results.

Going to a kindy, k?hanga reo, or playcentre is crucial to help children learn and develop. Our target is that 98 per cent of under-fives attend early childhood education (ECE). Despite tight finances, we’ve boosted ECE spending by 40 per cent since 2008. We’re also focusing on expanding ECE opportunities for those children who are most in need.

National is improving the quality of maternity services for expectant mothers. We’re investing $54 million more over four years to better support vulnerable families and give first-time parents extra support and information.

We’re also providing an average of three extra WellChild visits for 18,000 new mums in need during the first three months of their baby’s life. And we’ve established seven teen parent homes, and invested $15 million to ensure that vulnerable teen parents get the support they need. Calls to PlunketLine have increased thanks to our fully-funding a 24/7 service. There were 110,000 calls in 2010/11, compared with just 69,000 in 2007/08. A record 92 per cent of under-twos are now fully-immunised, up from just 73 per cent in 2008.

We’re on track to achieve our target of 95 per cent for two-year-olds, so we’re setting a new target to have 95 per cent of eight-month-olds fully immunised with three scheduled vaccinations by the end of 2014.

National is committed to helping children and families. We want every young Kiwi to have the best possible start in life – and a bright future.

Driving Innovation and Growth in the Primary Sector

nospam@example.com (admin) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:09:00 +1200

13 April 2012

Our rural communities are a big part of our economy. Our rural industries generate two thirds of New Zealand’s export dollars and provide one in nine Kiwi jobs.

National is committed to lifting long-term growth in our rural economy. We want to ensure that New Zealand farmers and rural businesses stay at the top of the global game. This is a key element in our plan to build a more competitive and productive economy.

We’ve cut red tape. We’ve reformed the Resource Management Act to reduce costs, uncertainties, and delays, and we’re moving on to our second stage of reforms to achieve the right balance between our environmental responsibilities and economic opportunities.

We’re reforming local government to get council debt and spending under control. We’ve reduced company tax and income tax across the board, providing incentives for hard work and innovation. On 1 April, we reduced ACC levies for farmers and rural businesses.

We’re providing $35 million through the Irrigation Acceleration Fund to support the development of irrigation proposals that could boost exports by $1.4 billion a year by 2018, and by $4 billion a year by 2026. We will be investing up to $400 million to support the development of new water harvesting, storage, and distribution infrastructure

We also have committed $75 million in a Joint Border Management System between MAF and Customs to improve biosecurity.

The Primary Growth Partnership is a government/industry investment and so far we have invested over half a billion dollars in primary sector research and innovation. We’re investing in rural health and education, and we’re creating the conditions for ongoing innovation as we continue to invest more in new technologies. We’re providing $300 million for rural broadband.

National has developed country strategies in our key growth markets, such as India and China, to increase support for our exporters and make the most of the trade opportunities we have. We are also working towards free trade agreements with South Korea, Russia, and India, and with the United States through the Trans Pacific Partnership.

This year we’ve introduced New Zealand’s first electronic livestock tracing system. This will improve protection for our rural businesses in the international marketplace and strengthen our biosecurity system.

Through sensible policy development, sound financial management, and industry consultation, National is delivering a smarter and more efficient primary sector. This is an important step towards building a brighter future for our rural communities – and all New Zealanders.

There's a Better Way

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:03:46 +1200

There's a Better Way-Youth performing Random Acts of Kindness.

It was inspiring to see this group of young people working together to help out a member of the community.

There’s a Better Way is about working together and building positive, improved communities. Its about inspiring one another in finding better ways of working together. Its about not allowing unlawful and anti-community behaviour to sneak into our homes & families.

Its about team work in thinking outside the box, in creating pathways for positive change, with our combined resources. Its about standing in the light and proactively contributing in a positive way effecting not only today but creating a platform for tomorrow.

Click on this link to join up, set up a programme, or support an existing programme in your region.

Auckland International Cultural Festival

nospam@example.com (admin) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:15:00 +1200

Nat stall at the Cultural Festival

With the Kiwi Latino.

With National List MP for Manurewa, Dr Cam Calder.

Continue reading "Auckland International Cultural Festival"

Building a Safer New Zealand

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:35:00 +1300

Building a Safer New Zealand

We all deserve to feel safe in our homes and our communities. And people who have been victims of crime deserve to feel protected.

National is building a safer New Zealand. We’ve embarked on a comprehensive programme of reform to protect communities, prevent crime, and put victims first.
We have made great progress. We are staying tough on criminals, and keeping record numbers of Police on the beat.

Recently we’ve taken several further steps in law and order. We have announced progress on our first public private partnership at Wiri Prison, which will have an incentive programme to help reduce reoffending. And we’re upgrading several prisons to bring them into the 21st century and make them better suited for rehabilitation.

On the 28 March we announced that the number of prisoners testing positive for drugs has reached a record low. The latest figures, for the eight months to end of February, show that only 4.3 per cent of prisoners tested positive after random drugs tests. This is a significant drop from 13 per cent in 2007/08.

Our investment in addiction treatment and prison security is paying off. Since 2008, we have doubled the number of prisoners able to attend specialist drug treatment units, and introduced new laws that increase search powers for Corrections officers and provide new offences relating to contraband.

To assist Police, and agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and Customs, we have passed National’s search and surveillance bill through Parliament.
The act brings certainty, clarity and consistency to the messy, unclear, and outdated search and surveillance laws. We now have a regime fit for today that achieves the right balance between the need for effective powers and tools for our enforcement officers, and protecting the rights of our citizens.
Finally, on the 19 March National’s changes to the Crimes Act came into effect to better protect the vulnerable in our community.

The new law makes it an offence to stay silent if you know a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of death, harm or sexual assault. It is no longer acceptable for a person, such as a family member, to claim they were not involved in the abuse of a child when they knew a child was at risk.

The changes also double the maximum penalty for cruelty to a child from five years to 10 years' imprisonment, and extend the penalties to cover vulnerable adults as well.

National promised to build a safer New Zealand. We’re delivering on that promise.

Better Local Government for New Zealanders

nospam@example.com (admin) — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:52:00 +1300

Better Local Government for New Zealanders

We all need to know that our local councils are spending money wisely, on services that our communities need.

New Zealand’s 78 councils make up 4 per cent of New Zealand’s economy, spend $7.5 billion dollars of public money each year, and manage $100 billion dollars’ worth of assets. We need to make sure they are operating as efficiently as they can.

Since 2002 – when council roles were significantly expanded – council debt has quadrupled from $2 billion to $8 billion. Over the same period, council rates have gone up an average of 7 per cent a year, far outstripping inflation. This has to stop.

Local government, like central government, needs to deliver better services within tight financial constraints.

National’s reform package rebalances the changes made in 2002. It focuses councils on their core roles of providing local infrastructure, local public services, and local regulatory functions, at the least cost to households and businesses.

The reforms will give councils more tools to help keep debt down and rates affordable.

They will make councils more fiscally responsible, strengthen council governance provisions, and streamline council reorganisation processes.

Councils will need to limit spending growth to no faster than inflation and population growth. These are similar to the restrictions that the central government will be placing on its own spending.

The new regulations will be developed in consultation with Local Government New Zealand. Benchmarks will be set for council performance on income, spending and debt levels.

Stronger council governance provisions will mean that central government will be able to assist a struggling council before the situation becomes critical. Elected council representatives will get stronger powers. And councils will be required to report salary information in their annual reports.

Our councils must be able to play their part in economic growth. That means cutting red tape, minimising the rates burden on households and businesses, limiting debt, and providing high-quality infrastructure.

National’s “Better Local Government” reform package will come into effect in two stages. The first stage will be passed into law later this year.

Our local government reforms are an important part of our programme to build a more productive, competitive economy, and to deliver better public services for our communities. We want to work with local government in these challenging financial times to deliver efficient and affordable local government services for Kiwi families.

Auckland International Cultural Festival

nospam@example.com (admin) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:25:14 +1300

Continue reading "Auckland International Cultural Festival"