http://www.kh.org.au Political Blog of Kris Hanna MP | Independent MP for Mitchell | Caring about Civil Liberties, Human Rights, and the Community of Dovar Gardens, Marion, Mitchell Park, Oaklands Park, O’Halloran Hill, Old Reynella, Reynella, Seacombe Gardens, Seacombe Heights, Seaview Downs, Sheidow Park, Sturt, Trott Park and Warradale. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:18:47 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Last week I raised a number of important State and local matters in Parliament: I drew attention to current inefficiencies in the hospital system, which requires considerable streamlining. This is urgently needed in order to meet the growing demand for surgery considered ‘elective’. I expressed concerns regarding the future of tertiary ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/10/01/address-in-reply-speech/ I introduced legislation in Parliament last week that will tighten laws for doctors issuing death certificates. This follows the tragic story of a lady who died in the Brighton Aged Care Nursing Home in July last year. The doctors who signed her death certificate owned the nursing home and are ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/10/01/changes-to-death-certificate-laws/ A Bill is currently before State Parliament that will bring laws in relation to gene technology into line with the Commonwealth. A key element of the legislation is that the Federal Minister, in consultation with the Gene Technology Ministerial Council, will have the ability to quickly approve the use of ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/10/01/gene-technology-bill/ Dr Irvin Waller was the guest speaker at my dinner last Thursday night.  As an international specialist in the field of crime prevention, Dr Waller referred to proven research to reduce crime rates.  The most effective approach in addressing crime is through programs that offer education, youth development, improvement in ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/10/01/irvin-waller-and-crime-prevention/ I am currently drafting legislation that will address the design features of poker machines that falsely entice people into believing a win is not far away. From my extensive research I have found there is a pattern to many machines that have winning symbols coming up on four of the ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/10/01/banning-poker-machine-trickery/ In response to the Planning Reform recently announced by the Minister for Urban Development and Planning, I have made a submission.  I supported initiatives that maintain open space, enhance water collection and reduce the impact of climate change.  My major objection relates to changes that will compromise local government oversight ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/09/18/planning-reform/ Recently I spoke out over an incident at Westfield Marion where one of my constituents was humiliated while expressing milk for her baby daughter. Sharleen was in the parents’ room behind a thin curtain when the incident occurred. Someone looked behind the curtain and, offended, reported Sharleen to centre security!  ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/09/18/breastfeeding-humiliation/ Homelessness is reaching a critical level, particularly for those with mental health problems or those experiencing extreme poverty.  Currently it is a four month waiting period for emergency housing, which is directly affecting 261 homeless families state wide, including 500 children.  If you have a serious mental or physical disability ... http://www.kh.org.au/2008/09/18/housing-crisis/