Tolley Talk: April 2015

Hon Anne Tolley MP

It was back to the Beehive this week after a three week recess full of electorate visits, ANZAC events, and meetings with community groups and providers.

ANZAC Day

There was strong turn-out for ANZAC Day commemorations last week, with events across the electorate pulling large crowds to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli landings. Around 2,000 people came out for the Gisborne service, while the Whakatane sound system was not large enough for the crowd.

The recently restored Gisborne cenotaph was re-dedicated and a bed of poppies and wreaths laid in remembrance at its base.

I was able to attend three services – the dawn and civic services in Gisborne and the civic service in Tolaga Bay – as well as the official blessing of the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne. I was pleased to see such strong participation and support for these events which honour and remember the sacrifices our armed forces – both past and present.

Welfare numbers

The number of people dependent on welfare continues to fall, with the latest quarterly benefit figures showing an overall decrease of 3.7 per cent across the country.

We’re also seeing this in the wider East Coast region with 4.7 per cent fewer people on Jobseeker Support and 7.3 per cent fewer people receiving Sole Parent Support compared to last year.

Getting off welfare and into work is good for individuals and good for families. It reduces long-term welfare dependency, allows families to thrive and is good for taxpayers.

Health Minister visits

It was a pleasure to host Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman in the electorate recently where he launched the Healthy Families East Coast Initiative. The $40 million initiative encourages people to make positive lifestyle choices through healthy eating, moderating alcohol consumption, and being smoke-free and active.

We were also able to visit the Tūranga Health mobile unit and Gisborne Hospital’s Tele Unit. The East Cape is well served by Tele Health with both sides using technology to bring health services to these small communities and saving unwell patients from travelling.

As always, feel free to contact me or my office if you have any questions or would like to share your views.

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