“Less than eight months ago the Bradfield by-election produced a swing to the Liberal Party – and marked the start of Kevin Rudd’s collapse from stellar poll ratings to being ignominiously dumped by his party,” Paul said today.

“Now we have a general election.

“We’ve got a battle hardened campaign outfit here in Bradfield and we are off and running.

“This election is critically important for Bradfield and Australia – our future is at stake.

“Labor has changed leaders – but they haven’t changed their policies.

“Julia Gillard was up to her neck in all the Rudd Government disasters.

“She is accountable for Labor’s waste and mismanagement - on the pink batts program which caused over 100 house fires and four deaths before it was abandoned; on new school halls whether needed or not (a $16 billion program of which billions were wasted); on computers in schools which has overspent by at least sixty six per cent. 

“She is accountable for Labor’s mixed messages on border security – encouraging thousands of people to take risky journeys to Australia in boats run by people smugglers. 

“She is accountable for Labor’s three huge deficits in a row (including a $57 billion deficit in 2009-10) and a government debt which is racing towards $90 billion.

“Now Australians have the chance to throw this hopeless government out. 

“In government the Coalition will do what we always do - and fix up Labor’s mess.

“We will stop Labor’s great big new taxes; end the waste; stop the boats; and pay back the debt.

“I urge the people of Bradfield to do their part – by voting to get Australia back on track.”

New South Wales Planning Minister Tony Kelly has failed to respond to Paul Fletcher's letter on the issue of development in Bradfield.

To view Paul's correspondence with Mr Kelly, please click below:

Letter sent by Paul to Mr Kelly - 22 April 2010 (PDF 129KB)

Acknowledgment by NSW Planning outlining a response will be arriving 'shortly' - 7 May 2010 (PDF 23KB)

Follow up letter sent by Paul to Mr Kelly requested a response - 1 July 2010 (PDF 28KB)

The question of the proposed Northern Eruv is generating a lot of discussion in our community.

As I noted in a press release earlier this week, the decision on the Eruv is one for Ku-ring-gai Council.

An Eruv is an area as I understand it where Orthodox Jews would be able to carry out certain activities on the Sabbath within the bounds of the Eruv which would otherwise be prohibited under their faith – such as pushing young children in strollers.

Council will need to weigh up various factors, including the amenity or benefit to flow from the development, and the visual impact of the development.

My understanding from public statements and press reports is that around 85% of the Eruv will consist of existing facilities such as electricity and telecommunication cables.

The remaining 15%, I understand, will require new construction.

A number of development applications (“DAs”) have been lodged with the Council seeking approval for this construction. Obviously the Council’s decision will be heavily dependent on what is proposed in those DAs.

It seems to me that the Eruv offers significant benefits for orthodox Jews who live in St Ives.

Obviously Council needs to weigh up that benefit against any visual or environmental detriment the new development may cause. For my part, I hope it is possible to design the works required to complete the Eruv in a way that is minimally visually intrusive, in turn allowing the Council to reach a decision to approve it.

I have sought a detailed briefing on the Eruv and I will be particularly interested to learn more about its design.