Media Releases
Jul 23, 2008 Treasurer Must Guarantee Banks Will Cut Interest Rates
Family First wants Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan to guarantee banks will cut interest rates once the market conditions improve. Today's inflation figures show bank fees and margins have jumped almost 10% in the June quarter.
“I met with the Treasurer this week and told him first-hand the stories I have heard from people really struggling with crushing interest rates and the enormous fees banks are slugging them,” Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Jul 22, 2008 Rudd Government Must Act To Cut Grocery Bills
The Rudd Government could slice a massive 21% off grocery bills for consumers, and help them battle the rising costs of inflation, just by introducing unit pricing to supermarkets.
Industry experts believe the introduction of unit pricing could help cut consumer spending on groceries by $810 million a year, saving shoppers hundreds of dollars.
Click here to read media release
Jul 20, 2008 Family First Gives Lifeline To Murray River
A tunnel from the Upper Yarra Dam to Lake Eildon would feed the starved Murray River and give hope to struggling farmers along the Murray River system, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
Senator Fielding said the Federal and Victorian governments must unite on this issue and build a 30 kilometre tunnel to connect the Upper Yarra Dam to Lake Eildon at a cost of $300 million.
“Only a big nation building project like the Snowy can save the Murray,” Senator Fielding said.
Click here to read media release
Jul 17, 2008 Scrap The Cap And Give Us Doctors
Health Minister Nicola Roxon must scrap the cap on clinical training places for doctors in hospitals and boost the number of university places immediately, Family First Leader Steve Fielding said today.
“Family First has told the Minister it’s time to lift the cap. I’ve asked Ms Roxon how her government can standby and hear the suffering of patients and doctors struggling to cope and do nothing.
Click here to read media release
Jul 16, 2008 Families Bear The Brunt Of Emissions Trading
Family First is concerned families will bear the brunt under the government’s proposed emissions trading scheme outlined in its Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme discussion paper.
“Petrol, power, food, mortgages – these are what matter to everyday Australians. Families will be worried about projected price increases of 16 per cent for electricity and nine per cent for gas and that inflation could be pushed up almost one percent, sending mortgage rates soaring,” Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 15, 2008 Will There Be A Fart Tax Mr Rudd?
As Australians await the Rudd Government’s Wednesday release of its Green Paper on its emissions trading scheme, an important question remains unanswered – will there be a fart tax, Mr Rudd?
Will the Rudd government confirm whether it will do what New Zealand did, which is, propose a fart tax?
The Rudd Government needs to say whether it will include the methane gas produced by cows and sheep in its emissions trading scheme.
Click here to read media release
Jul 13, 2008 Treasurer Too Soft On Banks
Will banks be forced to drop their interest rates once credit squeeze eases?
Banks should have to seek approval from the Treasurer for mortgage interest rate rises above Reserve Bank increases. At the same time, banks should also give undertakings to the Treasurer that they will cut interest rates once market conditions improve.
“Banks are jacking up their mortgage interest rates with no one checking to see if an increase is justified and no one making sure interest rates come down again when times are better,” Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Jul 11, 2008 Wong’s Got It Wrong On Petrol
Climate Change Minister Penny Wong proved she, and her government, are out of touch with ordinary Australians by saying Australians have “started to adjust” to rocketing petrol prices and that families have been struggling with petrol prices only “since the beginning of the year”.
“Frankly it’s insulting for Ms Wong to tell us that Australians “understand” that petrol costs could hit as high as $8 a litre in the future and that Australians have “started to adjust” to massive petrol costs,’’ Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 11, 2008 Prove It's Not A $ Billion Tax Grab, Mr Rudd
The Rudd Government needs to prove its alcopops tax is not just a blatant tax grab amid reports more than $1.75 million of extra tax per day, or a massive $638 million per year, is being raked in by the government.
“The Rudd Government is making $20 every second from the Ready to Drink tax and I challenge Mr Rudd to tell us where that money’s going,” Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 11, 2008 Greedy Government Wins From Skyrocketing Petrol Prices
Petrol has hit a new record of $1.75 a litre and the silence from the Rudd Government over cutting petrol tax remains deafening.
But why would Mr Rudd cut petrol taxes, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today, when his government takes more than 50 cents a litre in petrol tax every time you fill your tank?
“Over the past five years the government’s petrol tax take has jumped by 8 cents a litre to an outrageous 54 cents a litre.
Click here to read media release
Jul 10, 2008 New Ombudsman Powerless To Stop Unfair Bank Penalty Fees
The new Financial Ombudsman Service will do nothing to stop banks slugging families with outrageous bank penalty fees, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
"Families have nowhere to turn when they are slugged by outrageous bank penalty fees, which is why Family First wants to ensure bank fees are for cost recovery rather than a blatant profit grab," Senator Fielding said.
Click here to read media release
Jul 10, 2008 Massive Food Price Hikes Under Emissions Trading Scheme
The Rudd Government must ensure that the introduction of an emissions trading scheme (ETS) will not push basic food prices out of reach of ordinary Australians, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
“Farmers fear that Australia’s food production industry could be crippled because they will have to shoulder massive price hikes in production and energy costs and farmers are warning that higher costs will have to be passed on to consumers,’’ Senator Fielding said.
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Jul 08, 2008 How Can Mr Rudd Justify This?
Massive pay increase is a slap in the face for ordinary Australians
The Government has lost touch with ordinary Australian families, giving a massive pay rise to senior bureaucrats, while struggling pensioners have to wait and those on the minimum wage are thrown a few crumbs.
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Jul 08, 2008 Booting Jobs Off-Shore Could Increase Climate Threat
Any action resulting from the Garnaut Report must consider the impact on Australia’s future if jobs are pushed off-shore, Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
“We don’t want jobs being booted off-shore because of the increased costs associated with an emissions trading scheme only to have those jobs taken up by other countries whose emissions are far dirtier than ours. All that will do is push emissions up elsewhere and defeat the improvement we are trying to make on a global scale,” said Senator Fielding.
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Jul 04, 2008 Government Dawdling Hands Gambling Industry A Win
The Council of Australian Governments' (COAG) decision to send the issue of problem gambling to another Productivity Commission inquiry is a win for the gambling industry, which is keen to delay action.
"The decision to have yet another report into gambling proves the Rudd Government is asleep at the wheel on problem gamblers," Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 04, 2008 Liquor Companies Can't Pass The Buck
FAMILY First Senator Steve Fielding has hit back at liquor company chiefs who have slammed the idea of health warning labels on alcohol.
“It’s not surprising that the liquor companies have rejected Family First’s calls for warning labels to be placed on alcohol drinks but it is disappointing,” Senator Fielding said today.
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Jul 03, 2008 Pressure Mounts For Changes To Booze Ad Laws
Pressure is mounting on the Rudd Government to agree to Family First’s demands for stricter guidelines to alcohol advertising and warning labels on alcoholic drinks. "Prime Minister Kevin Rudd must see that banning alcohol advertising on daytime television and putting warning labels on alcohol is the only way to go if he is serious about tackling the epidemic of binge drinking that has its grip on so many young people," Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 03, 2008 Homelessness Is A Big Issue - Yes Minister, We Already Know
YES Minister, homelessness is a big issue that needs big action, not just talk, to resolve Australia's homelessness crisis. "`If the Rudd Government is serious about fixing Australia’s homeless problem it will immediately commit serious money to fix the problem," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 02, 2008 AMCOR Tells South Australia To Scrap Container Deposit Recycling Scheme
Recycling giant AMCOR says South Australia would be better off scrapping its drink container recycling scheme.
“It’s absurd that the so-called king of recycling wants South Australia to kill its container deposit recycling scheme when it works extremely well,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jul 02, 2008 One Bank Jumps To Avoid Being Pushed
FAMILY First Senator Steve Fielding is pleased that Westpac Bank has finally agreed to cut back its outrageous bank penalty fees, albeit for only its basic accounts.
“Family First calls on all banks to stop ripping ordinary Australians off and to immediately cut outrageous bank penalty fees for all bank accounts."
Click here to read media release
Jun 30, 2008 Is Labor Fair Dinkum About Cutting Greenhouse Gases?
Today, a Senate inquiry will start to hear evidence on Family First's plan for a national drink container recycling scheme, similar to the 5 cents scheme that has been operating in South Australia for over 30 years.
"This week will be a real test to see if Labor are fair dinkum about cutting greenhouse gases,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 27, 2008 Government Profits From Skyrocketing Petrol Prices
It is scandalous that the government is profiteering from skyrocketing petrol prices.
“Five years ago families in Melbourne were paying 85 cents a litre for petrol, but petrol prices have doubled and now they're paying $1.70 a litre,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 26, 2008 Tougher Laws To Protect Competition
Family First's plan to stop big businesses substantially reducing competition, by softly-softly buying up other smaller businesses over time to dominate an industry, will be investigated by the Senate.
"The problem of 'creeping acquisitions' is a significant one for small business and the Trade Practices Act has to be strengthened to deal with it," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 25, 2008 Senate Consider New Limits On Pokies
New poker machine harm minimisation measures to help cut the rate of problem gambling in Australia will be considered by Senate inquiry.
"Family First's pokies plan will put strict limits on the operation of poker machines and the rate at which people can lose their cash," Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 25, 2008 Family First Considering Dumping Alcopops Tax
The alcopops tax is in doubt, after a Senate committee tabled a report today which calls into question the effectiveness of the tax in dealing with binge drinking.
"Family First has stated that the alcopops tax has merit, but given today’s Senate report raises serious concerns about the substitution to other alcohol products AND the lack of real commitment to other non-tax measures to create a culture of responsible drinking, Family First is considering dumping support for the alcopops tax," Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
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Jun 24, 2008 Farmers Sold Out As Single Desk Is Demolished
Family First voted against getting rid of the single desk, while both the major parties voted to dump a successful system that helped wheat farmers pool their marketing power.
"Family First opposed the Wheat Export Marketing Bill because most wheat growers want a wheat-marketing system that is owned and controlled by the growers," Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
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Jun 23, 2008 Stop Rorting Public Fund
Today, Family First will move to stop Labor and the Coalition from again pocketing $43 million of public funds, just to bombard us with their political spin at election time
Public funding of federal election campaigns has skyrocketed by more than 55% over the last four elections and Labor's proposed Commonwealth Electoral Amendment (Political Donations and Other Measures) Bill 2008 will do nothing to stop it.
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Jun 20, 2008 Family First Is A Growing Force In Australian Politics
Family First has MPs in Victoria, South Australia and now Western Australia
Today, MLA Dan Sullivan announced that he has decided to join Family First as the party's first representative in the Western Australian parliament.
"It's great to have Dan Sullivan on board. This move represents another huge step forward in better representation for Australian families where it counts at the parliamentary level," Leader of Family First Senator Steve Fielding said.
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Jun 19, 2008 Are There Closet Supporters Of A Petrol Tax Cut In The Rudd government Too?
Family First welcomes increasing support for its policy of cutting petrol tax by 10 cents a litre, but wonders if there are closet supporters in the Rudd Government too?
"Given the Coalition missed the opportunity to cut petrol tax by seven months, would the closet supporters of a petrol tax cut in the Rudd government to please step forward now?" Family First leader Steve Fielding asked today during Senate question time.
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un 18, 2008 Drunk On Alcopops Tax?
The Rudd government had no hesitation to create a billion dollar tax grab on alcopops, but has so far refused to support Family First's plan to:
• Ensure alcohol products carry a health warning labels; and
• Close the loophole for live sports that allows alcohol TV ads to appear any time of the day.
Click here to read media release
Jun 18, 2008 Families Are One Step Closer To Getting Help To Cut Grocery Bills
Families are one step closer to getting significant savings on their grocery bills, with the Senate today agreeing to refer Family First's unit pricing bill to an inquiry.
"A Senate inquiry gives families, as well as supermarkets, the chance to make a contribution to the debate over unit pricing and how best to make the system work," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 17, 2008 New Laws Will Slash Number Of Problem Gamblers
Rates of problem gambling in Australia will fall, if Family First's tough new pokies harm minimisation laws were adopted federally and by state governments.
"This week Family First will introduce new laws which will put strict limits on the operation of poker machines and the rate at which people can lose their cash," Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 12, 2008 Bank Penalty Fees Have Pushed People Over The Financial Edge
Evidence given at today's Senate inquiry into Family First's draft laws to ban exorbitant bank penalty fees has confirmed the need for the new legislation.
"Welfare group the St.Vincent de Paul Society said their financial counsellors found that up to 95% of their clients are significantly impacted by bank penalty fees," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 11, 2008 Who Can Families Complain To About Exhorbitant Bank Penalty Fees?
Families have nowhere to turn when they are slugged by outrageous bank penalty fees, which is why Family First has written draft laws to fix the problem.
"Families have no government agency to complaint to about exorbitant bank penalty fees," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "Even the Banking Ombudsman says it has no powers to investigate."
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Jun 10, 2008 Tomorrow's Alcopops Inquiry Must Consider Australia's $15.3 Billion Hangover
Tomorrow the Senate inquiry into the Rudd Government's proposed alcopops tax will hold hearings in Canberra, but we need to do more to combat Australia's $15.3 billion dollar binge drinking problem.
The Senate inquiry will hear from industry groups, welfare groups and other experts to discuss the pros and cons of increasing the tax on alcopops.
"We must change our culture in Australia, which celebrates alcohol and accepts drunkenness and binge drinking, and create a responsible drinking culture," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Jun 10, 2008 Australians $$$ Spend More On Gambling Than On Food
Australians spend nearly twice as much on gambling as they do on food, highlighting the extent of problem gambling in Australia.
"There is something horribly wrong when Australians spend an average of $7,200 per year on gambling, while they spend $4,300 on food," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Jun 06, 2008 Climate Change Is A Social Issue, Not Just An Economic Issue
Focusing on climate change as just an economic or an environmental issue forgets that what we really should be aiming for is a better and more sustainable way of life for Australian families.
"We all know we have to do a lot more to ensure climate change does not threaten family life in the long term," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "But the danger in seeing climate change as just an economic issue is that we push up petrol and power bills to such a level that we crush hundreds of thousands of families in the short term."
Click here to read media release
Jun 02, 2008 Big Oil Giants Squeeze Independents
Lack of wholesale price transparency means independent petrol retailers will be squeezed out of the market
Back in 2006, Labor decided to 'side with the big oil companies' when they agreed to allow changes to the Oilcode without increasing wholesale price transparency.
"The independents should be allowed to collectively bargain and buy in bulk at the same discounts available to the big oil giants", Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "But because the bulk discount pricing is secret independents are left in the dark about how much they need to buy to gain the same discount."
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Jun 01, 2008 Bank Fees Out Of Control
Banks are unlikely to stop charging outrageous bank penalty fees as public is kept in the dark on the "Review of the Code of Banking Practice"
"The issues paper released quietly on Friday for the Review of the Code of Banking Practice has interim recommendations on bank fees," Family First leader Steve Fielding said. "It recommends merely that some words in the code should be changed from 'standard fees and charges' to 'fees and charges' and that the Australian Bankers Association should provide regular penalty fee updates on its website, which it already does."
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May 27, 2008 Ministers Rudd-erless Without Performance Benchmarks
Six months after the election of the Rudd Labor Government and ministers have still not received a letter from the Prime Minister setting out his expectations of them.
"Last year the Prime Minister said that he would be setting performance benchmarks for his ministers, but half a year into his term and cabinet members have still not heard from him," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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May 27, 2008 State Governments Holding Motorists To Ransom
Governments are more interested in a tax squabble than relieving petrol pain
It is crazy to think that petrol tax cuts could be scrapped because state governments want compensation for reducing their tax grab.
"Today we have wall to wall Labor governments across Australia and they are squabbling about who pays for petrol tax cuts," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
"Clearly the states are drunk on petrol tax. State governments have already had a massive GST tax windfall as petrol prices have continued to skyrocket.
Click here to read media release
May 27, 2008 Coles, Woolies & Aldi Support Unit Pricing – What About the Rudd Government?
Coles, Woolies and Aldi now all support Family First's call for national unit pricing, so when will the Rudd Government agree to support Family First's national scheme?
"Family First has introduced unit pricing legislation into the Senate for a national unit pricing scheme that would allow customers to compare grocery prices on a per unit measure – such as per kilogram or per litre," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 27, 2008 Rudd Government and Supermarkets Can Do More To Help Families
Families would save money on their grocery bills if the government and supermarkets agreed to introduce unit pricing so families can easily compare prices at the supermarket.
"The Rudd Government and supermarkets can act quickly if they want to provide families with unit pricing, so they can easily compare supermarket prices on a per unit measure," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 25, 2008 Rudd Government Enjoys A $100 Million Petrol Tax Windfall
The Rudd Government is enjoying a $100 million petrol tax windfall because of skyrocketing petrol prices since the government was elected.
"Average Melbourne petrol prices over the six months since Labor came to power have increased from $1.33 to $1.50," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
"That has given the Rudd Government a $100 million petrol tax windfall."
Click here to read media release
May 23, 2008 PM Can Do More To Help Families - Cut Petrol Tax
The Prime Minister must do more to help families struggling to make ends meet with skyrocketing petrol prices, grocery prices and mortgage interest rates.
"Mr Rudd says he has done all he can do, but that's just not true," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 22, 2008 Homeless Inquiry Fine, But Government Must Commit Big Money To Fix the Problem
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd must commit big money to fixing Australia's homeless problem, rather than just talk about it.
"Australia has a massive problem with 100,000 people homeless every night," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 21, 2008 Petrol Tax Cut Will Help Pensioners and Put Downward Pressure On Inflation
Family First leader Steve Fielding today called on the Rudd Government to cut petrol tax given that inflation is still the number one concern of the Reserve Bank.
“We all know that cutting petrol tax will help families to cope with the skyrocketing costs of living and is the only thing that will put immediate downward pressure on inflation,” Senator Fielding said.
Click here to read media release
May 18, 2008 Is Alcopops Tax Just A Tax Grab?
If not, then the Rudd government should also support alcohol warning labels & alcohol advertising restrictions
The 2007 National Drug Strategy Household survey reveals that nearly twice as many people support alcohol warning labels and alcohol advertising restrictions as opposed to increasing tax on alcohol as a means to combat problem drinking.
Click here to read media release
May 15, 2008 Family First Gains Assistance Package For Latrobe Aquifer
Months of intense lobbying of the Federal Government on behalf of the farmers who depend on the Latrobe Aquifer has finally borne fruit.
Under questioning today in the Senate from Family First Leader, Senator Steve Fielding, Water Minister Penny Wong finally confirmed an offer of financial assistance for farmers.
Click here to read media release
May 15, 2008 How To Save Thousand On Your Grocery Bill And Offset Inflation Too
Family First will today introduce laws to the Senate that will save Australian families thousands of dollars on their annual grocery bill. Family First’s Unit Pricing (Easy Comparison of Grocery Prices) Bill 2008 will save money, simplify choice and offset the effects of inflation by making it mandatory for supermarkets to display unit pricing on all grocery items sold.
Click here to read media release
May 13, 2008 Budget Helps Working Families But Fails Vulnerable
Australians
Working families will be happy to get the promised tax cuts, but this budget has failed vulnerable Australians.
Failed Pensioners
Failed Families in Outer Suburban and Regional Areas
Failed to Address Short Term Inflationary Pressures
Failed to Give Families Real Choice in Child Care
Click here to read media release
May 12, 2008 A Fair Go For Pensioners
Family First leader Steve Fielding and aged pensioner Shirley from Glenroy have teamed up to hold a protest rally to try to get a fair go for pensioners.
“Australia’s 3.5 million pensioners are our overlooked Australians and are really struggling to make ends meet living off the pension,” Senator Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 11, 2008 How To Cut Your Grocery Bills
Families will be able to cut their grocery bills with new Unit Pricing laws to be introduced into the Senate this week that will allow shoppers to easily compare grocery items and then choose the cheapest.
"Families are spending hundreds of dollars every fortnight on groceries, so savings at the supermarket can make a big difference to a family's budget," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 06, 2008 4 Alcopops = 4 Doughnuts
Health information labels needed for alcohol
A Senate inquiry into alcohol laws was today told that many people may cut back on the amount of alcohol they drink, if only they knew how many calories were in each glass.
"Australia has an obesity epidemic, yet food labelling laws do not require alcohol labels to inform people of the nutritional content of what they are drinking," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
May 05, 2008 Talk Is Cheap – Treasurer Must Act On Bank Penalty Fees
Treasurer Wayne Swan should back his claims that he will be "playing hard ball" with the banks by supporting Family First's bill to abolish outrageous bank penalty fees.
"The Treasurer often says he is going to get tough with the banks, but talk is cheap, he needs to take action too," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "Wayne Swan can take a stand for Australian families today by supporting Family First's legislation to make sure bank penalty fees are for cost recovery only.
Click here to read media release
May 02, 2008 WA Joins Family First's Push For Alcohol Warning Labels
Australia’s food regulation ministers are meeting in Melbourne today to discuss mandatory health information labels on alcohol products. Next week the Senate Community Affairs Committee will hold public hearings in Melbourne into Family First’s Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007. The bill requires health information labels on all alcohol products.
Click here to read media release
Apr 30, 2008 Banks Should Seek Approval For Raising Interest Rates
Banks are a law unto themselves and no one is holding them to account for hiking interest rates above Reserve Bank increases and charging exorbitant penalty rates.
"Banks are slugging families with interest rate increases independent of the Reserve Bank and charging outrageous bank penalty fees that bear no relation to their costs," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 28, 2008 Public Wants Tougher Alcohol Advertising Restrictions & Alcohol Warning Labels
The 2007 National Drug Strategy Household survey released on the weekend reveals that nearly twice as many people support the proposed laws in Family First’s Alcohol Toll Reduction Bill 2007 as opposed to increasing tax on alcohol as a means to combat problem drinking.
“72% of the population support restricting TV advertising of alcohol products until after 9.30pm and 71% support adding health information labels to alcohol products,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 23, 2008 Fix Inflation Pain By Lower Petrol Prices & Lower Grocery Prices
Families continue to be slugged at the supermarket checkout and the petrol pump by soaring inflation, while the Federal government refuses to cut petrol tax and refuses to implement "comparative pricing" on supermarket shelves. Both these measures will help counter the crippling effects of inflation on family budgets and put downward pressure on inflation.
Click here to read media release
Apr 17, 2008 Australia On the Verge Of An Historic Breakthrough For The Environment
Today all state and federal environment ministers will meet to consider implementing a national container deposit recycling scheme as part of the Environment Protection and Heritage Council.
“This is an historic and unique opportunity for the federal and state environment ministers to reduce greenhouse gases and reduce litter in our streets and creeks,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 15, 2008 Family First Wins Huge Victory For Families On FuelWatch
The Federal Government's announcement today of a national FuelWatch scheme is a victory for families struggling with skyrocketing petrol prices, after strong lobbying from Family First.
"Family First has been campaigning for families to get petrol price relief for the past two and a half years," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 15, 2008 Alcohol-Fuelled Violence Costs $190 Million Every Year
Research released today reveals alcohol is a major factor in violence in the Australian community and exposes the urgent need for the government to take action to curb binge drinking.
"Confirmation that alcohol is a major factor in violence across Australia shows the government must take action to cut problem drinking," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 13, 2008 Cheaper Petrol Through FuelWatch
Family First will introduce national FuelWatch laws to cut petrol prices by 2 cents per litre
Family First will introduce new laws for a national FuelWatch scheme, when the Senate returns in May.
"FuelWatch saves families two cents a litre in Western Australia and a two cent saving across Australia will save families a massive $300 million a year," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 11, 2008 Premier Rearranging The Deck Chair On The Titanic
Pokies changes will make it worse for problem gamblers
"The Brumby Government's changes are a disaster for problem gambling and will lead to more problem gamblers" Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "You will have the same number of poker machines but just in more and more local pubs and clubs – it's like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Click here to read media release
Apr 10, 2008 Lost Lives, Lost Health, Lost Productivity
But the $15.3 billion alcohol toll is not a lost cause.
Now that the Federal Government has acknowledged the enormity of the $15.3 billion alcohol toll facing Australia, there is no excuse for not restricting alcohol advertising and mandating health information labels on all alcohol products.
Click here to read media release
Apr 09, 2008 If Mr Rudd Is serious, He Would Commit
$1.5 Billion Dollars To Tackle Australian's National Disgrace - Homelessness
Family First wants the Federal Government to commit $1.5 billion in the next budget to fixing Australia's homeless problem. "If the Prime Minister is serious about helping Australia's 100,000 homeless people, he needs to back that concern with serious money to fix the problem," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Apr 08, 2008 Farmers Under Threat As Their Dreams Sink
Family First wants action on new report into falling water levels
Family First continues to fight for a fair go for the Gippsland farmers under threat from falling water levels in the Latrobe aquifer.
"Individual farmers are spending up to $150,000 each in lowering their bores just to survive as the Latrobe aquifer continues to sink." Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "The government needs to realise that falling water levels not only put livelihoods of individual farmers in danger but the broader community is at risk because the district's economy relies on the farmers.
Click here to read media release
Apr 07, 2008 Banks Fail 1st Test of Code of Practice
Major review of banking ‘code-of-practice’ kept quiet, limits public scrutiny
A major review of the banking code-of practice will be finalised next month, but the review has been so quiet that few Australians have had a chance to complain about outrageous mortgage exit fees and bank penalty fees.
"The banks are doing a major review of their code of practice, but haven't bothered to publicise it," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "The banks are not fair dinkum about hearing from the public about what they think of being charged outrageous bank fees.”
Click here to read media release
Apr 02, 2008 Families Could Save $1,000 Or More On Their Grocery Bills
Family First to introduce legislation for a mandatory "unit pricing" system
Family First is working on federal legislation that would make it mandatory for supermarkets to display "unit pricing" which allows easy comparision of prices in supermarkets and retail outlets.
Under Family First's proposal, supermarkets will be required to display the price of the product in a per unit form, like the price per kilogram, per litre or per item.
Click here to read media release
Mar 30, 2008 Stop The $300 Million Petrol Rip Off
Rudd Government not serious about lower petrol prices
The Rudd government has been in power for 127 days and still refuses to commit to a national Fuel Watch scheme that could save motorist 2 cents a litre or more. "Prime Minister Kevin Rudd could save families a staggering $300 million a year at the bowser by adopting a national Fuel Watch scheme." Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
Click here to read media release
Mar 27, 2008 COAG Fails To Tackle Binge Drinking And The Pokies Plague
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) has gone soft on binge drinking and the pokies plague, deferring these issues for further discussion.
"The COAG meeting was a wasted opportunity to take strong and decisive action to combat binge drinking and the pokies plague," Family First leader Steve Fielding said. "COAG has dropped the ball. Family First has plans to deal with both problems.
Click here to read media release
Mar 26, 2008 Kids Under the Age of 12 Are Exposed to 1 in 3 TV Alcohol Ads
Teenagers are exposed to high levels of alcohol advertising equal to young adults, according to a submission to the Senate's inquiry into Family First's alcohol bill.
"Family First believes that the system of the alcohol industry regulating its own advertising has failed," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Mar 24, 2008 COAG – No More Blame Game
With an all Labor COAG it's time for real action not just a cosy chat
Now that we have Labor in government across all states and federally, this Wednesday's Council of Australian Government (COAG) meeting has to stop the "blame game" and get on and address issues with real actions. "For the first time there is a real opportunity at this week's COAG meeting to get on with the job and for each State government to put aside their own self interest for the common good of all Australians," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
Click here to read media release
Mar 20, 2008 Senate Inquiry Into Family First's Drink Container Recycling Bill
Let's turn "trash into cash".
The Senate has today agreed to refer Family First's drink container recycling laws to a Senate committee for inquiry.
Click here to read media release
Mar 19, 2008 Family First Gets A Sentate Inquiry Into Outrageous Bank Penalty Fees
Family First had a victory today with the Senate agreeing to an inquiry into its legislation to stop banks charging customers exorbitant penalty fees.
"Families are being ripped-off by outrageous bank penalty fees that are way above bank costs," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Mar 16, 2008 Should Alcohol Advertising Laws Be Extended To The Internet?
Family First today called for submissions to the Senate inquiry on its alcohol bill to examine whether the laws should also be extended to internet advertising.
"Alcohol companies are increasingly turning to the internet for advertising, so the question is whether Family First's legislation to regulate alcohol advertising should be broadened to include internet advertising?" Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Mar 13, 2008 New Drink Container Recycling Laws Introduced Today
Today, Family First will introduce its Drink Container Recycling Bill 2008 as an important environmental measure to boost the recycling of drink containers across Australia.
The legislation implements a national container deposit scheme similar to the one operating in South Australia for the past 30 years. Only South Australia operates such a scheme where there is a 5 cent (soon to be 10 cents) container deposit that is redeemed when the container is returned for recycling.
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Mar 13, 2008 Senate Inquiry To Give Australians A Say On Pokies Plague
Family First is claiming a victory for Australian families with the Senate agreeing to an inquiry into bold new laws to take action against Australia's pokies plague. Family First leader Steve Fielding said Australians would be able to have their say on the country's poker machine problem.
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Mar 12, 2008 A Responsible Budget Would Cut Petrol Tax
Why? Because it puts immediate downward pressure on inflation
The Rudd Government's first budget must include a petrol tax cut, to put downward pressure on inflation.
"The Government does not get it," Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
"A petrol tax cut will ease the petrol price pain inflicted on families, but it also puts immediate downward pressure on inflation. That's why any responsible budget that wants to fight inflation should include a petrol tax cut of 10 cents a litre."
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Mar 10, 2008 Binge Drinking & The Alcohol Toll
Still more needs to be done to create a culture of responsible drinking
Family First welcomes the Rudd government’s announcement today to back Family First’s call for a hard hitting TV alcohol education campaign to tackle Australia’s our $15.3 billion dollar binge drinking hangover.
“It costs Australia $15.3 billion dollars a year mopping up after excessive alcohol drinking and the loss in productivity and reputation is damaging Australia,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. “It also makes sense to help local sporting groups put in practice 'codes of conduct' through the Good Sports programme to re-enforce a responsible drinking culture.”
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Mar 10, 2008 2,000 More Jobs and 25% Less Litter
And community groups can earn millions of dollars a year
This week, Family First will introduce legislation for a national container deposit scheme similar to the one operating in South Australia for the past 30 years. Only South Australia operates such a scheme where there is a 5 cent container deposit that is redeemed when the container is returned for recycling.
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Mar 07, 2008 State Governments Out Of Touch With Community Concerns About the Pokies Plague
Brumby shows why Federal intervention on Pokies is urgently needed as the States are dangerously addicted to pokies
The revelation that the Victorian State Government is going ahead with multi billion-dollar 20 year pokie licences is out of step with the bulk of Victorians said Family First Leader Steve Fielding today.
“Most Victorians want them out of their pubs and clubs because of the overwhelming evidence of harm that these pokies are causing to families,” Senator Fielding said.
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Mar 07, 2008 Support For Carers Should Not Be Cut
Family First is concerned about reports today that the Federal Government will slash money for carers in the May budget.
"The Rudd Government should be increasing support for carers, not cutting it back," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "Carers are already under strain and any cut back will just make their lives more difficult.
"Research published last year shows many carers suffer depression, which is a serious concern. The research also revealed carers have the lowest well-being index score on record.
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Mar 05, 2008 ACCC Should Have Phone Tapping Powers To End Petrol Price Gouging
Family First leader Steve Fielding today called on the Government for additional powers to be given to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission head Graeme Samuel in order to stop once and for all possible petrol price gouging.
ACCC chair Graeme Samuel revealed in a Senate Estimates hearing recently that he was not convinced by the explanations from petrol company executives to his questioning on petrol prices differences.
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Mar 04, 2008 Rudd'S First Budget Must Put Downward Pressure On Inflation
The Rudd Government's first budget must put downward pressure on inflation to help families with the soaring cost of living.
"Cutting petrol tax does two things, it puts downward pressure on inflation and it helps families to make ends meet," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "Petrol prices and inflation-driven interest rates are two of the biggest impacts on family budgets and the May budget must help families deal with those costs.
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Mar 02, 2008 PM Should Announce 'Cash for Trash' Recycling Scheme On Clean Up Australia Day
Family First to introduce legislation for a national “cash-for-trash” recycling scheme.
Family First will introduce federal legislation for a new uniform container deposit scheme nationally. Clean Up Australia and the Boomerang Alliance (a coalition of most environment groups and local councils in Australia) have backed Family First’s move.
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Feb 29, 2008 Staggering $300 Million Petrol Saving For Families
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd could save families a massive $300 million a year at the bowser by adopting a national FuelWatch scheme.
"Family First has been calling for action on the skyrocketing cost of petrol for more than two years and urges the Prime Minister to implement FuelWatch," Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
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Feb 29, 2008 100 Days Gone With No Performance Benchmarks For Ministers
The Prime Minister must finalise and publish performance benchmarks for his ministers, so the public can judge if they are working effectively or not. "Last year the Prime Minister promised that ministers in his Government would be subject to performance benchmarks," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
"These benchmarks should be set before the Rudd Government reaches the milestone of its first 100 days in office. The benchmarks should be published so the public can measure ministers' performance.
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Feb 28, 2008 PM Should Announce 'Cash For Trash' Recycling Scheme On Clean Up Australia Day
A coalition of groups has called on the Prime Minister to commit to a national plan to pay money to families for the recyclable material they collect, to mark Clean Up Australia Day.
Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding and the Boomerang Alliance, (a coalition of most environment groups and local councils in Australia), made the call in Sydney today.
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Feb 27, 2008 Gillard And Family First Agree
Binge Drinking Culture Must Be Changed
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Family First leader Steve Fielding agreed today that there needs to be a public awareness campaign on the effects of binge drinking.
Senator Steve Fielding re-iterated his call to the Government to commit in this year’s budget an additional $25 million each year for the next 5 years on a new TV alcohol education campaign to tackle our $15.3 billion dollar binge drinking nightmare.
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Feb 26, 2008 Binge Drinking - the Next Grim Reaper
Government must launch new TV alcohol education campaign to create a responsible drinking culture
Family First calls on the Government to commit in this year’s budget an additional $25 million each year for the next 5 years on a new TV alcohol education campaign to tackle our $15.3 billion dollar binge drinking nightmare.
“Television advertising is very powerful and can be used to counter our binge drinking culture and help develop a new responsible drinking culture,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
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Feb 25, 2008 Pokies Plague
Senate Inquiry Needed to Fight Pokies Addiction
Family First wants a Senate inquiry into its bold new poker machine laws which would phase in a new federal tax on poker machines to get them out of suburban clubs and pubs and into racetracks and casinos.
"A Senate inquiry would allow families and community groups to comment on Family First's proposed laws and document the impact of poker machine addiction," Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
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Feb 25, 2008 The Alcohol Toll - A National Disaster
With 1 in 5 kids binge drinking we need urgent action to address Australia’s growing alcohol toll
A new report released today showing up to one in five teenagers are binge drinking clearly demonstrates the need for Family First's tough laws to crack down on alcohol advertising.
"Family First wants to tackle our alcohol toll to help change our binge drinking culture to a healthy drinking culture," Family First leader Steve Fielding said.
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Feb 20, 2008 Urgent Action Needed On Alcohol And Pokies Plague
Family First welcomes the Prime Minister’s comments today on Australia’s alcohol toll and pokies plague given on a Brisbane radio station.
Prime Minister Rudd said that Australia has “an epidemic of binge drinking across the country” and “… I don't like because I'm concerned about gambling dependency …”.
“Pokies and alcohol are big issues that need action now,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said. “That is why Family First introduced two bills into the Senate last week to tackle both problems.”
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Feb 20, 2008 Stop The $300 Million Petrol Rip Off Now
Australian families could save a staggering $300 million a year at the bowser if the Rudd Government takes immediate action to implement a national FuelWatch scheme.
Family First leader Steve Fielding today called on the Government to direct the new Petrol Commissioner, Patrick Walker, to implement the FuelWatch scheme nationally.
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Feb 19, 2008 State Governments Dragging Their Feet On Litter
Family First to introduce legislation for a
national “cash-for-trash” recycling scheme
Family First will force the hands of State Governments to lift their drink container recycling rate from 35% to 85% through a deposit scheme similar to South Australia’s.
Family First is working on federal legislation to introduce a uniform container deposit scheme nationally.
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Feb 14, 2008 New Laws To Get Pokies Out Of Suburbs
Family First leader Steve Fielding today introduced strong new poker machine tax laws into the Senate.
Senator Fielding met with the Prime Minister earlier this week to discuss the party’s bold plan to get pokies out of pubs and clubs and restrict poker machines to racetracks and casinos. Senator Fielding said he was encouraged by Mr Rudd’s response.
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Feb 14, 2008 Senate Inquiry To Give Australians A Say On Binge Drinking
Family First is claiming a victory for Australian families today with the Senate agreeing to an inquiry into tough legislation to cut Australia's alcohol toll.
Family First leader Senator Steve Fielding said for the first time Australians would be able to have their say on the country’s alcohol problem.
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Feb 14, 2008 Government Fails To Commit On Compensation For Farmers
Yarram farmers disadvantaged by falling water levels in the Latrobe Aquifer are no closer to knowing whether they will be awarded compensation following questioning by Family First in the Senate today. Party leader and Victorian Senator Steve Fielding demanded to know whether the Rudd Government was committed to compensating farmers and fixing the falling groundwater levels.
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Feb 11, 2008 Family First's Bold New Laws To Get Pokies Out Of Suburbs
Family First has declared war on poker machines in a radical plan that will see pokies phased out of pubs and clubs and restricted to racetracks and casinos. “Everyday Australians are ambushed by the temptation of poker machines at local pubs and clubs,” Family First leader Steve Fielding said. “Family First wants pokies to be restricted to racetracks and casinos, which are dedicated gambling venues where people go to have a flutter, not community venues where families go to eat dinner.” Family First will introduce legislation this week to phase in a new federal tax on poker machines in pubs and clubs to push pokies out of community venues.
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Feb 07, 2008 Family First Hopeful Government Will Back Alcohol Bill
Family First will introduce laws to reduce Australia’s alcohol toll when Parliament sits next week. Party leader and Victorian Senator Steve Fielding said he was hopeful the Government would support the bill.
“I have spoken with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Health Minister Nicola Roxon and both are definitely concerned about our alcohol toll and want to do something about it,” Senator Fielding said.
“What Family First has proposed is common sense and I can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t support it.”
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Feb 06, 2008 Family First Bill To Stop Outrageous Bank Penalty Fees
Family First will next week introduce legislation into the Senate to stop outrageous bank penalty fees.
"It is appalling that banks can charge penalty fees that one study found were up to 16 times the cost of processing dishonoured cheques and 92 times the cost of processing dishonoured direct debit transactions," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
"Banks refund many of these fees when challenged by customers, so they know they are in the wrong."
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Feb 04, 2008 Family First Says Fight Inflation By Cutting Petrol Tax
The Rudd Government can’t fight a war on inflation without cutting petrol tax, Family First leader Steve Fielding said today.
The Victorian Senator said skyrocketing petrol prices was one of the biggest contributors to rising inflation.
“We know that one of the most significant drivers to inflation has been skyrocketing petrol prices. Then why doesn’t the Rudd Government cut petrol tax to put immediate downward pressure on inflation?”
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Feb 03, 2008 Will Rudd Make Family Impact Statement Public?
Family First wants the Rudd Government to make Family Impact Statements public when the new Parliament sits next week, party leader Steve Fielding said today.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promised Family Impact Statements for every Cabinet decision. But Senator Fielding said these statements would be useless unless they are made public so families can read them.
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Jan 29, 2008 Family First Secures Last Defence Against Fire Blight
Ground-breaking research into the threat of fire blight being introduced from imported New Zealand apples may go before the World Trade Organisation, following Family First leader Steve Fielding’s meeting with Agriculture Minister Tony Burke today.
The Victorian Senator received assurances from Minister Burke that the independent research commissioned by Apple and Pear Australia would be given full consideration by the new Rudd Government.
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Jan 24, 2008 Government Should Help Wimmera-Mallee Kids Get To University
Family First wants the Federal Government to help more Wimmera-Mallee kids get to university. Family First has backed calls from Mallee Family Care for the State Government to focus on western Victoria in its investigation into why fewer people in country areas go on to tertiary education. But Family First also wants the Federal Government to help. Family First Leader and Victorian Senator Steve Fielding said country students studying in major cities should be given extra money on top of their Centrelink payments to help them cope with the cost of living far away from home.
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Jan 23, 2008 Petrol Prices Drive Up Inflation
Any "war on inflation" must include cutting petrol tax
"The Australian Bureau of Statistics singles out petrol as the most significant of the factors contributing to inflation, with petrol prices surging by more than 7 per cent in the December quarter," Family First leader Steve Fielding said today. "Family First has a plan to cut petrol tax by 10 cents a litre, which would provide immediate relief to families struggling to make ends meet while also cutting inflationary pressures".
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Jan 23, 2008 Family First Wants Rudd Govt To Be Tough On Fire Blight
Family First has called on the new Rudd Government to publicly state where it stands on fire blight amid a World Trade Organisation investigation into Australia's ban on New Zealand apples. Family First Leader and Victorian Senator Steve Fielding said the Labor Party remained silent in Opposition when apple and pear growers’ fought with the Howard Government to refuse imported New Zealand apples or demand tougher controls. Senator Fielding said to date the new Government has said little on the issue.
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Jan 09, 2008 Family First Calls On Rudd To Stop The Great Australian Bank Fee Rip Off
The new Rudd Government has a chance to get tough with Australia’s banks and support Family First’s proposed laws that would stop banks ripping off Australians through outrageous bank penalty fees. Some bank penalty fees are as high as 92 times the bank’s costs. Australians are looking to the Rudd Government for help to stop banks from charging exorbitant penalty fees. The previous Howard Government did nothing in 11 years. Will the Rudd Government be any different?
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Jan 03, 2008 Family First Wants Answers On Aquifer
Family First wants answers from the new government about the Latrobe Aquifer, party leader Steve Fielding said today. The Victorian Senator has written to Labor’s Agriculture Minister Tony Burke seeking a meeting to resolve compensation and water security issues on behalf of Yarram farmers. Senator Fielding said farmers have been waiting more than 10 years for action on the Aquifer and should not be left in limbo with the change of government.
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