Petition Launched to Upgrade Dangerous Thornton Intersection

BY  MADELAINE MCNEILL

A petition has been launched calling for urgent safety repairs to a notorious Thornton intersection.

The petition was launched by Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, who has also introduced a Notice of Motion to parliament calling on the Berejiklian Government to make urgent improvements to the site.

Data obtained from Roads and Maritime Services and NSW Police shows eight crashes have been reported at or nearby the intersection over the past ten years, with four Triple Zero calls made at the site between July 2016 and June 2018.

Ms. Aitchison said many residents have complained to her office about the intersection.

"It's a regular feature of all the social media concerns but particularly, the people ringing my office are sending photos of near-misses," Jenny Aitchison told 2NURFM News.

"It's just becoming beyond a joke."

Maitland City Council has plans to improve the Haussman Drive portion of the intersection but Roads and Maritime Services holds responsibility for Raymond Terrace Road, leaving the local MP wondering why nothing has been done.

"This is a busy section of main road connection Maitland to Raymond Terrace and the location is the epicenter of residential boom," Jenny Aitchison said.

"Surely traffic lights are needed here."

Ms. Aitchison is calling on the government to investigate the site's crash history and find a solution before tragedy strikes the intersection.

"We just really want the government to act before someone dies."

Copies of Jenny Aitchison's petition are available here.

Image: Google Maps

It's decided, the new Maitland Hospital will be Public

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's decided.

The new Maitland Hospital will be run as a fully public hospital. The State Government was considering a public-private partnership or involvement from the not-for-profit sector, both ideas which have now been scrapped.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced the plans last night saying after much consideration and weighing up all of the concerns this was the best option.

"After much consideration, we have decided on a public health-led approach from the brand new Maitland Hospital at Metford,"

"I want to reassure the people of Maitland and surrounding areas that they are getting a world-class hospital, and the NSW Liberal Government is focused on making that happen as soon as possible," said Minister Hazzard.

It's been a roller coaster of a decision, in July last year it was announced that a public-private partnership had been scrapped, and the government were looking down a not-for-profit path instead.

The $450 million hospital's construction is already underway, with ground work and the turning of the sod happening before Christmas.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is over the moon, saying she's happier than when she was when she won the election in 2015.

Artists Impression new Maitland Hospital.

EARLIER:

PPP scrapped for not-for-profit model for the new Maitland Hospital
Maitland Hospital To Be Debated in Parliament Today
Spat Overshadows Significant Step in Construction of new Maitland Hospital

Maitland MP slamming Return and Earn Scheme for Failing Small Business

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Maitland MP is fuming that there is no collection point in the electorate for the NSW Government's Return and Earn scheme.

The Hotel Tudor in Woodberry has now stopped operating as an over-the-counter collection point, it comes after the Tenambit Takeaway also stopped operating leaving no collection points at all in the Maitland area.

Jenny Aitchison said both businesses have pulled out of the scheme because of the lack of support they've received from the state government and the botched scheme.

"They've got a scheme which delivers a very small return tot he operators so a huge in cost on their core and primary businesses, it's not viable and in this case, they're just not even providing them with the appropriate support that they need," she said.

Jenny Aitchison is calling on the Environment Minister Gabrielle Upton to immediately intervene and ensure that a reverse vending machine is installed in Maitland.

"Because the process is so flawed the way the government has botched this implementation of the container deposit scheme is just appalling and we're just left wondering here in Maitland, when is the government going to get its act together."

"The return to the operators is fairly small so they obviously want to get a lot of containers but then even getting those containers taken away, I know that was a factor in at least one, or probably that's been a factor in both of these," said Jenny Aitchison.

However, a NSW Environment Protection Authority spokesperson has told 2NURFM News a reverse vending machine will, in fact, be installed in Maitland in February.

The spokesperson also said every effort is made to ensure the containers are taken away.

Statement:

"The network operator, TOMRA Cleanway, is deploying teams daily across NSW to review potential Return and Earn sites, including the Hunter region.

·         TOMRA Cleanaway is also ensuring bins are provided at each reverse vending machine and TOMRA staff will be attending and cleaning sites every day.

·         There has been widespread community support for Return and Earn, with around 50 million containers redeemed since its commencement. RVMs in Cessnock and Medowie have also proved popular."

More Police on the Ground in Maitland

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland Police are expected to be getting a welcome boost to their ranks.

An offer from senior management for ten new officers is expected to be endorsed today.

It comes after the local area command took industrial action in November with frustration over police numbers reached a boiling point.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said it's a good start, but more officers are needed.

"We're very happy that it's looking like we will get our ten new police in Maitland. We were looking for 20 but I'll give credit where credit is due and I'm pleased the government has recognised this and we're just hoping we'll get an announcement on the other ten shortly,"

"Maitland grows by 4 to 5 people every single day, we're the fastest growing community outside of Sydney. Our police numbers have not risen with our population. There's an opportunity in the re-engineering to address some of that, that they add those extra numbers in. That's a really important shift for us," said Jenny Aitchison.

Jenny Aitchison said originally the proposal was some of Maitland's senior officers would be moved onto other roles, and their positions would be filled by junior officers on the ground.

Nevertheless, she's just happy that at least for now there are more boots on the ground.

Maitland Police Station Image triplem.com.au

Spat Overshadows Significant Step in Construction of new Maitland Hospital

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A traditional turning of the sod ceremony at the site of the new Maitland Hospital at Metford has been overshadowed by a spat between Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

In front of gathered media yesterday afternoon, Scot MacDonald made it abundantly clear he wasn't happy Jenny Aitchison was there.

He asked her if she was invited and said he wasn't "really happy" she was there because she'd been trying to derail the project for the last two years.

"She hadn't been invited to the sod turning so, you've got to be suited up, we said to her, were you invited, she said no. It's very clear it's not appropriate to have people on the site who are just there to cause mischief," said Scot MacDonald.

He toured the site with representatives from Health Infrastructure and Hunter New England Local Health District inspecting the preliminary work and looking at the concept design for the new hospital.

Concept design for new Maitland Hospital at Metford. Image supplied.

Jenny Aitchison has hit back this morning, accusing Scot MacDonald of spreading lies.

"There's no basis in fact of it, everyone knows that I have been in favour of the hospital for the last two years, the lobbying that I've done has actually secured another $50 million for the project than what the government promised in the first place,"

"It's ensured that the commencement of the works actually happened before the end of this year, something that the government earlier this year said would only start in 2018," said Jenny Aitchison.

Scot MacDonald makes no apologies and didn't back down, calling on Jenny to get on board with the plan because really it's too little too late.

"She's being led by her shadow minister who is actually potentially causing a roadblock to this so you know, my call would be to Jenny, get on board, its a very very large project, there have been enough delays the money is on the table, let us get on with it."

The State Government announced in July it would seek a not-for-profit organisation to operate the hospital and providers are being invited to give their proposals for the site in partnership with the NSW Government.

Jenny Aitchison said Scot MacDonald is just being a bully.

"He's been a bully from the start really and it was just interesting that finally, I guess the media was there when he's launched one of his tirades and that's all it is, there's no basis in fact with it, everyone knows I've been in favour of the hospital for the last two years."

A part from the shock war of words between the two parliamentarians, yesterday was a significant step forward for the hospital's construction.

The enabling works at the site being carried out by Donnelley Constructions Pty Ltd and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

A new roundabout will be built on Metford Road as a part of the enabling works. Fencing and signage have been erected to establish the site and services will be upgraded including a new water main and the relocation of the above and below ground services such as gas main, power and communication cables.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald with Gavin Thompson, Project Director,
Health Infrastructure and Eddie Pirillo, Executive Lead - New Maitland Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District

Final Push to Save Maitland Hospital

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

In one final push to save the new Maitland Hospital from privatisation, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is rallying together with her community at the weekend.

She's encouraging everyone to turn up at 12:30pm in Maitland Park on Sunday, demanding the Government walk away from a public-private provider (PPP) model once and for all. She recently presented a petition to Parliament with more than 20, 000 signatures asking for just this.

Jenny Aitchison says the community's efforts to turn things around have been successful in the past and there's no reason they won't be able to convince the Health Minister to keep their hospital public.

"We've won on the increased funding, we've won on the escalated time frame for delivery, we've won in getting corporate for-profit PPP partnership. We just need the community to really come together for one big final push to reject the not-for-profit public-private partnership.

"We want a fully public hospital."

Community Protests over Maitland Hospital. Image: Maitland Mercury

However, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has fired back at Ms. Aitchison, saying that Labor has failed to get behind the project and they're not committed to the delivery of a new hospital.

"Unfortunately, we've got Labor undermining the prospects for a new hospital and any new hospital that we get underway could have the rug pulled out from underneath it. This is bad, bad news for the people of the Lower Hunter and I am calling on the Member for Maitland to get behind our $450 million commitment."

He says despite concerns about the availability of medical services under a not-for-profit provider, this model won't change a thing.

"The signage is up there on the new hospital site that guarantees full public access just as people are used to today so there's [sic] no changes to the levels of service and their accessibility. All the normal things that they would expect from a public hospital will be there. It will just be built and operated by a not-for-profit provider."

But according to Jenny Aitchison, this is not only inaccurate it's simply incorrect. She claims there will be a difference in services under a public-private model and public patients will be the first to suffer if the hospital is at capacity. 

"Public patients will be the first to be moved when there are vacancies available. Now, do we want people being moved in hospital because of their treatment needs or because of their capacity to pay?" she said. 

"We've already got a private hospital in Maitland. We do not need another private hospital."

Share the Dignity

BY MATT JOHNSTON

The festive season is a time for indulgence and spending time with friends and family. But tragically, incidences of domestic violence skyrocket at this time of year. And when women are forced to flee dangerous situations, important things are all-too-often left behind.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is calling on the community to support Share The Dignity's holiday campaign #It'sInTheBag. Women are encouraged to donate old (or new) handbags in reasonable condition, along with toiletries, to the charity.

Share The Dignity will then distribute the bags to local charities who help women in need. Ms Aitchison says when women are fleeing domestic violence or dangerous home situations, small but important things like shampoo or tissues are often forgotten.

"Coming up to Christmas it's usually a peak in numbers of domestic violence incidents. Often [the women] will just leave with perhaps their wallet and their keys and that's about it."

She says during this stressful time, mothers trying to look after their children and hold down their job can't afford to focus on the small items needed to stay comfortable and clean. This year, It's In The Bag needs shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and sanitary items.

 "This is just a small part everyone in the community can play in trying to help these women feel that they are cared for."

She says the items don't need to be expensive or fancy, and everything helps in making women feel " clean and comfortable and safe" and to help keep their dignity.

Drop-off locations for donations include Ms Aitchison's office 34 Church Street Maitland, or any Bunnings Warehouse. The full list and more information is available at the Share The Dignity website. The campaign is running until December 2nd.

Hunter Police Restructure Not Pleasing Anyone

BY TYLER FARDELL

It's the biggest re-engineering of the Hunter's police force in over 20 years, but it seems as if the government ignored the main issue politicians, police officers and residents have been making for years.

The proposed restructure hasn't confirmed whether any new police officers will be allocated to the Hunter.

According to Hunter police and local MP's, the Hunters police force is at least 20 officers short and police are under 'constant strain and pressure'.

But despite the government being well aware of this issue, it was never touched upon when announcing the proposed restructure of the Police force.

It's frustrating for Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison, who says her area is already dealing with increasing rates of crime and police officers and resources are stretched thin.

"I can't fathom why the government didn't announce any new officers to the Hunter", she said. "We've already had to deal with two police stations in our area closing down (Lochinvar and Beresfield) and we sorely need more police on the ground".

Announced in the restructure is plans to move the headquarters of the Central Hunter Local Area command from Maitland to Raymond Terrace, as well as making Cessnock and Kurr-Kurri part of the Hunter Valley police jurisdiction.

"The government has been saying this will put more boots on the ground but that is not the case", Ms Aitchison said. "They're only replacing strategic officers with operational officers".

Maitland Hospital To Be Debated in Parliament Today

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A bus load of Maitland locals are heading down to Parliament House in Macquarie Street today to hear the Maitland Hospital issue debated on the floor.

The debate has been triggered by a petition headed by Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison which was submitted with 17,000 signatures from people who want a 100% public hospital, not a Public Private Partnership (PPP), which is the current plan.

Jenny Aitchison says Health Minister Brad Hazzard has visited Maitland on the issue, but this debate gives him the chance to hear directly from residents and for the residents to hear from him.

"We want to have the Minister hearing directly some of the words and voices of the Hunter. There's a busload of people coming from the Hunter who'll be there to witness that. So that will be very good because they'll be able to see for themselves how weak the government's arguments will be."

Image hunterindependent.com.au

Among those heading down today for the debate in the lower house at around 4:30pm, include members of the Maitland Community Alliance, medical staff, union delegates and concerned local residents.

A local nurse from the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association said the resources at Maitland Hospital are being drained and it's time the government acted.

"We can't be squeezed any further. Any attempt to find further savings is dangerous. Our community deserves a publicly funded and publicly run hospital that provides unbiased access to care."

Jenny Aitchison says the community have been loud and voiced their opinions at rallies and public meetings, and someone has to be listening.

"I've had doctors calling me saying 'keep up the fight Jenny, keep that hospital in public hands'. You know, there's a lot of risks for us not being able to attract doctors if we don't have a public hospital in Maitland. We already have a private hospital - there's really no sense in them retaining this failed PPP model," said Jenny Aitchison.

Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison Pushes to Increase Domestic Violence Leave

BY SARAH JAMES

Maitland MP and Shadow Minister for Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Jenny Aitchison, is calling for the NSW Government to extend existing paid domestic leave entitlements to 10 days.

Five days paid domestic violence leave was introduced by the Kristina Keneally Labor government in 2011, but not all public servants are eligible for the leave. Employees must also exhaust all paid leave before accessing domestic violence leave. 

The Council of Australian Governments in December 2016 expressed the importance of encouraging employers to provide workplace support for employees experiencing domestic violence. This leave can be used to seek counselling and attend court appearances. 

The Berejiklian Government at this stage has no plans on extending the leave to 10 days. This follows the Fair Work Commission's decision to dismiss an application from the Australian Council of Trade Unions to include an entitlement of 10 days paid domestic violence leave in all modern awards at this time.

Jenny Aitchison