The Gillard Government is providing much-needed financial relief to thousands of Kingsford Smith families in the 2012-2013 Budget. Mr Garrett said the Gillard Government has achieved a surplus, on time and as promised, while also providing unprecedented levels of support to local families.  » media release

Older residents of Kingsford Smith are set to benefit from new tax cuts and increasing payments under the Gillard Government’s 2012-2013 Budget. Member for Kingsford Smith Peter Garrett said he was thrilled to know the Budget would result in a better quality of life for the older residents of Kingsford Smith.  » media release

Member for Kingsford Smith Peter Garrett today introduced legislation into Federal Parliament to protect Malabar Headland as National Park and public open space for future generations of Australians.  » media release

Free financial information sessions are available for people in the electorate of Kingsford Smith to assist people to to make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for their current and future financial needs.  » media release

Peter Garrett has called on NSW Liberal Premier Barry O’Farrell not to raise rents for 4,230 local pensioners living in public housing when the Gillard Government increases their pension in May and June this year.  » media release

The Federal Government's announcement this morning of the go-ahead for an intermodal freight terminal in south-west Sydney is a huge win for our area.

The $1.6 billion terminal will mean that more freight can be transferred from trucks onto trains at Moorebank and go by rail to Port Botany – this is expected to reduce the number of truck trips in Sydney by 3300 a day.

“Having a rail alternative is a welcome step for the people who live around Port Botany. Getting thousands of trucks a day off the roads will be a great relief for local residents,” Mr Garrett said.

 

» media release

It’s a pleasure to join you here in Perth and have this opportunity to outline the background and scope of the most significant Commonwealth reforms to school education for decades. »read speech

2012 is shaping up to be a landmark year in education. We are in a period of unprecedented policy and program delivery, with more happening in our schools than ever before.

 

And this reform is needed. In fact after a decade of neglect, it is overdue.

 

Since 2000 Australia’s international performance in literacy and numeracy has slipped. Too many students don’t do as well as they should and our best students don’t do as well as they are able. Every student with unfulfilled potential reduces our capacity as a nation. »read article

The people of Kingsford Smith and the Labor Party have lost a great servant and a distinguished contributor with the passing away of Lionel Bowen today.

I extend my condolences to the Bowen family whose friendship and support I have greatly appreciated.

Lionel's long and exemplary career, including as Deputy Leader of Labor and Deputy Prime Minister are now the stuff of political legend.

To this day he is warmly remembered in the electorate he served for 21 years as a considerate, wise and ever helpful local Member.

Lionel Bowen provided enduring inspiration to those who take up these roles. His career is a poignant reminder of what a person of great character brings to political life.