From Meryl's Desk 2024 has brought with it challenges and chances to celebrate. I know there are many in our community who are struggling, and I want to acknowledge that. Things have been difficult off the back of events such as Covid and international conflicts and this has placed pressure on our supply chains and increased the cost of many goods and services we all rely on. Despite this, our Government has halved inflation, given a tax cut to every worker, provided energy rebates to every home and small business, provided fee free TAFE training to half a million Australians, and cut HECS fees. Locally we are Delivering the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace. A project that will remove up to 25,000 vehicles a day away from key congestion areas, saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip. Supporting the Defence Industry by providing $5.4 million for a Veterans' and Families' Hub in Maitland, and establishing a defence manufacturing facility near Newcastle Airport that ensures hundreds of new jobs for our region. Making education more accessible through Free TAFE, and the delivery of the Kurri Kurri Study Hub. Reforming our Aged Care sector, so that older Australians can stay in their communities for longer through targeted support services. Secured a 3.1% rise in bulk-billing rates, meaning that over 75,000 more visits to the GP were bulk-billed. Funded a 15% pay rise for Early Childhood Educators, so that mums and dads could rest assured knowing their kids are getting quality care. Supported grants for over 100 local young athletes to follow their dreams by participating in state, national or international championships But I know there is more to do such as establishing a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. 2025 will see us head toward an election. I'm looking forward to talking to many of you about our future. The festive season is right around the corner, filled with sun, sand and good times with family and friends. Here's to a cracking New Year with plenty of adventures and memories made in the Aussie summer heat. I encourage you to take care and stay safe on our roads and remember to Slip, Slop, Slap. I know I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family. Here's to a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As your Federal Member, I can assist you with: Centrelink Medicare Communications (including NBN) Immigration Tax Veterans' Affairs Superannuation Child Support NDIS Aged Care Allanyl MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON 35 Sturgeon Street 4983 2401 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 meryl.swanson.mp@aph.gov.au www.merylswanson.com.au Authorised by Meryl Swanson ALP Raymond Terrace AW7412046 From Meryl's Desk 2024 has brought with it challenges and chances to celebrate . I know there are many in our community who are struggling , and I want to acknowledge that . Things have been difficult off the back of events such as Covid and international conflicts and this has placed pressure on our supply chains and increased the cost of many goods and services we all rely on . Despite this , our Government has halved inflation , given a tax cut to every worker , provided energy rebates to every home and small business , provided fee free TAFE training to half a million Australians , and cut HECS fees . Locally we are Delivering the M1 Extension to Raymond Terrace . A project that will remove up to 25,000 vehicles a day away from key congestion areas , saving motorists around nine minutes off their trip . Supporting the Defence Industry by providing $ 5.4 million for a Veterans ' and Families ' Hub in Maitland , and establishing a defence manufacturing facility near Newcastle Airport that ensures hundreds of new jobs for our region . Making education more accessible through Free TAFE , and the delivery of the Kurri Kurri Study Hub . Reforming our Aged Care sector , so that older Australians can stay in their communities for longer through targeted support services . Secured a 3.1 % rise in bulk - billing rates , meaning that over 75,000 more visits to the GP were bulk - billed . Funded a 15 % pay rise for Early Childhood Educators , so that mums and dads could rest assured knowing their kids are getting quality care . Supported grants for over 100 local young athletes to follow their dreams by participating in state , national or international championships But I know there is more to do such as establishing a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic . 2025 will see us head toward an election . I'm looking forward to talking to many of you about our future . The festive season is right around the corner , filled with sun , sand and good times with family and friends . Here's to a cracking New Year with plenty of adventures and memories made in the Aussie summer heat . I encourage you to take care and stay safe on our roads and remember to Slip , Slop , Slap . I know I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family . Here's to a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! As your Federal Member , I can assist you with : Centrelink Medicare Communications ( including NBN ) Immigration Tax Veterans ' Affairs Superannuation Child Support NDIS Aged Care Allanyl MERYL SWANSON MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON 35 Sturgeon Street 4983 2401 Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 meryl.swanson.mp@aph.gov.au www.merylswanson.com.au Authorised by Meryl Swanson ALP Raymond Terrace AW7412046