HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 114 December 2024 | Page 18

POLITICS

Supporting the Hawkesbury River Dragons

with Julian Leeser MP
With the end of the year fast approaching , there ’ s been no slowing down .
There ’ s been lots of local community groups hosting events and making the best use of the warm weather and it ’ s been a real delight to get along and see so much of the good work that so many people , almost all volunteers , have been doing around our area .
In addition to community events , I ’ ve been getting around to many local sporting clubs across the area and in some cases , trying my hand at a new sport !
One sport I tried recently was dragon boat racing . I was really grateful to the Hawkesbury River Dragons to get out on the water with them at one of their regular training sessions . I got a crash course in this sport which dates back 2,000 years and enjoyed one of the most beautiful parts of our local natural environment .
While there , I heard from President Steph Hague , Kavita Kuczynski and Helen Wood , along with Beverly , Jane , Leanne ,
Ryan , Vio , Martin and so many others about their love of the sport and being on our beautiful Hawkesbury River .
I also heard about the state of their current storage facilities . I saw the old shed where they store their equipment . It isn ’ t what the club needs as more and more people recognise the physical , mental and social wellbeing benefits of being part of an active group like the Hawkesbury River Dragons and as that great club continues to grow . The Hawkesbury River Dragons presented me with an idea – a well thought out , modest but practical storage solution .
Being your local MP I ’ m fortunate to get a good look at the work sporting clubs do and the positive impact on our community and that ’ s why I ’ m always keen to back them so they have what they need . So , while I ’ m awaiting for the Hawkesbury River Dragons ’ call up to lead them to success at their next competition — I think I ’ ll be waiting a while for that call !— I ’ ll be working on a plan to support this great local club to get the facilities it needs so it can continue
Julian with members of the Hawkesbury River Dragons
bringing our community together and bringing that great competitive spirit that the 2,000-year-old sport of dragon boat racing has . As the boat crews at Hawkesbury River
Dragons tell me – life ’ s short , paddle hard .

Big win for Australians with Student Loans

with The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Education should empower , not burden , Australians .
That ’ s why the Albanese Government ’ s decision to cut 20 per cent off all student loan debts is a crucial step toward a fairer , more accessible education system that helps millions nationwide .
For these hardworking Australians , this reform will make a real difference .
Whether juggling rent , childcare , or daily living expenses , students with HELP debts now have the opportunity to see their financial load lightened significantly .
From June next year , anyone with an existing student loan — whether from university , TAFE , apprenticeships , or vocational education — will benefit from a 20 per cent reduction .
For someone with the average HELP debt of $ 27,600 , this means around $ 5,520 simply wiped away , freeing up that money for other vital expenses .
This isn ’ t just relief — it ’ s recognition of the importance of education and the heavy cost that can come with it .
Many Australians struggle with the added pressure of repaying loans while managing housing , living expenses , and family needs .
This 20 per cent reduction , combined with our recent indexation reform , aims to ease this burden in a practical way .
Beyond debt relief , we ’ re adjusting the repayment system to allow Australians to keep more of their earnings before they start repaying their student debt .
This is a holistic approach to ease the financial strain on graduates and working Australians , allowing them to put money toward their lives and futures .
With 500,000 fee-free TAFE places , expanded University Study Hubs , and a new framework to ensure managed growth and needs-based funding for universities , we ’ re building an education system that works for everyone .
Reducing student debt is about more than just money — it ’ s about delivering real , lasting change for Australians .
We believe in an Australia where no matter where you live or your financial background , education is within reach , opening doors to opportunity and prosperity .
Together , these reforms ensure a brighter future for all Australians , especially those in Greenway , empowering our community to build the future our country deserves .
Michelle Rowland MP is the Federal
Member for Greenway and Minister for Communications . If you need assistance with any Federal issue , you can contact Michelle by phone on 02 9671 4780 or by email at
Michelle . Rowland . MP @ aph . gov . au .
18 ISSUE 114 // DECEMBER 2024 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT