Thank you

May I take this opportunity to thank all of the businesses that have supplied me with stationery, electronic equipment, signs, pamphlets and the copious amounts of last minute items that have been required for my campaign.
To each of you who have supplied goods and services during the period of the campaign and to those of you who have ‘dropped tools’ at the last minute - I thank each and every one of you.
I am very proud that during my campaign only local businesses were chosen to provide all of the above items.
Above all I wish to all the many people who have volunteered their time and energy.
The quality of the campaign has been a tribute to the capacity of our local community.

McGirr to Charles Sturt University: Reconsider graduation decision – it could be blow to local business

The independent candidate for the state seat of Wagga Wagga today called on the Charles Sturt University to reconsider its decision to change the time of its graduation ceremonies from March/April to December each year.
The graduation ceremony brings students and their families from all over Australia and is one of the biggest tourist events for Wagga Wagga.
The move to December could be a real blow to businesses in the town.
“Having the ceremony in December will mean that visitors will be competing with Christmas shopping,” Dr McGirr said. “And businesses will not be able to provide as much service to visitors as earlier in the year.”
Weather is also a factor – March and April traditionally being some of the most pleasant months of the year.
“Weather in December can be quite hot and that is not attractive for visitors – we do not get to show Wagga Wagga in the best light,” Dr McGirr said.
There is also the pressure on staff at the university in December as marking and exams have to be finalized. “There does not appear to have been enough consultation especially with the community,” Dr McGirr said.

McGirr Connects To The People of the Electorate ...... "If the issues can't get to Morgan Street, they'll never get to Macquarie Street."

Independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in this Saturday’s NSW state election Dr Joe McGirr is buoyed by the response he is receiving from average everyday people wanting to congratulate him for taking such a strong stance in this election, not only with the Hospital redevelopment program but other electorate issues, that have been without focus till now.
“People are telling me that there are many issues that have not been reacted to and it’s these that grow out of control and eventually become major problems,” Dr McGirr said.
Dr McGirr said that as he has extensively travelled through the electorate over the last three months he has found many issues that smaller communities had with schooling, roads and public transport access. There issues were not only not being fixed – they were not getting the appropriate amount of attention. “If these issues can’t get to Morgan St, they’ll never make it to Macquarie St," said Dr McGirr.

I'll Be Their Biggest Nightmare .....................Says Dr McGirr

Buoyed by the 16,000 signature petition presented to the Kenneally caretaker government last Friday Dr Joe McGirr declared in Wagga Wagga today that being elected to the Seat of Wagga Wagga next Saturday he would instantly become the incoming Government’s..................................biggest nightmare.
Dr McGirr has sent a clear message that as a member of the legislative assembly, on behalf of the people of the Electorate of Wagga Wagga, he will no longer tolerate this part of the state being treated as an insignificant political wilderness.
Dr McGirr said "The time had now been reached for the removal of the shackles of state-wide metropolitan conformity, local representative inaction, and, lack of consideration for what the people of the electorate of Wagga Wagga really want".
Dr McGirr said there had been nothing creditable achieved for the people of this area through the local members chair in the last 11 years that hadn't already been achieved by energetic lobbying by interest groups close to the issue needing rectification.
"The Wagga Wagga Police Station is a prime example" said Dr McGirr. "Recently built is was completed as a result of intense lobbying by the NSW Police Association, and not from the local members chair"
"People power matters" said Dr McGirr "and this has been eminently reflected in the 16,000 signature petition created by the community".
Dr McGirr said "No-one drives forward while looking in the rear view mirror thinking how good they are"
"I will not rest until this electorate gets the attention it deserves - and I would be honoured to kick start the process starting next Sunday."

Parking Totally Unsuitable At New Hospital ……..

Parking and traffic flow have emerged as major concerns for the community in the redevelopment of the Wagga Base Hospital
Dr McGirr said “Many electors in the community have approached me with serious concerns on this issue”.
“People tell me that the parking situation at the hospital now is appalling and they do not see how a redevelopment on site will come even close to fixing it,” Dr McGirr said.
The plans for the onsite renovation of the hospital include provision for over 500 parking spaces, which planners believe will be enough.
“The community remains unconvinced says” Dr McGirr
“We need more information about what will be done to ease the congestion and create a positive flow of inbound and ourt bound traffic. This will need to be done while the building work is going on over the next four years,” Dr McGirr said.
Parking is vital for patients, staff ,friends friends and relatives.
“Too many parking tickets are now being issued to staff and patients” Dr McGirr said.
“People need the support of their family and friends at a time of sickness and high emotion. They do not need their family and friends circling the hospital looking for a park instead supporting them.”
“ I remain resolute that a new hospital with appropriate car parking provision needs to be completed in the first four years of which ever major party gets in."

No Response To Calls For A Public Head to Head Debate

The challenge for a public head-to-head debate put to Daryl Maguire by Dr Joe McGirr to discuss issues within the Electorate of Wagga Wagga cannot now go ahead.
The debate was to be held tomorrow evening Tuesday 22nd March in The Nathan Room at the Wagga Wagga Commercial Club commencing at 7pm. It has now had to be cancelled.
Dr McGirr is furious and said today "Since I raised this last Wednesday with Mr Maguire he has put obstacles in the way to absolve himself of attending. But the last straw was his complete lack of courtesy after I sent a final e-mail to both his Parliamentary Office in Sydney and Electorate office here in Wagga Wagga requesting his final response by 5 pm Friday".
"My campaign office and many people who were interested in the debate had taken a great deal of time in organizing this event - booking the Nathan Room at the Commercial Club - ensuring catering was in place and seeking the involvement of a choice of moderators for the debate". Dr McGirr.
"Mr Maguire's lack of response is disappointing and shows a disregard for the voters of the electorate"
"I cannot believe that a person of his standing would fail to display to the electorate a simple common courtesy to formally respond to my challenge" said Dr McGirr.
Mr Maguire last week told a Daily Advertiser journalist he would consider the challenge but Dr McGirr said "That was obviously a hollow response"
Dr McGirr said "I think he thought I would just go away"
Dr McGirr said Mr Maguire's stalling on the debate has further increased the electors’ view that he is a 'fence sitter'.

Letter to the people of the electorate of Wagga Wagga from Dr McGirr - Thank You

I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the people of the Electorate of Wagga Wagga for supporting the hospital petition that was taken to Sydney last week.
The petition formally brings to the attention of the parliament the failure of "successive governments to fund the complete rebuilding of the now obsolete Wagga Wagga Base Hospital".
As a medical practitioner and candidate in next Saturday's election I, with others, was overwhelmed by such a generous and dedicated response.
Not only does your support send a clear message to Macquarie St but also gives consolation to the doctors, staff and patients who daily have to battle with the substandard conditions at the Base.
I felt great pride in playing a small part in jointly taking the sixteen thousand signatures entrusted to our small delegation to get the message through to Parliament House in Sydney last Friday.
I wish also to thank Matthew Hogg who put so much effort and hours into developing the petition's concept and to Ros Prangnell who accompanied us to Sydney.
This is a sterling result and builds positively on the many attempts previously made to attract attention to this issue.
This time we will not let this rest.
Your mandate to us is to pursue this issue until we succeed.
Sincerely
Dr Joe McGirr

"Bus trip to Sydney for hospital very successful," says Dr McGirr

The independent candidate for the state seat of Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, today described as "very successful" the bus trip to Sydney organised by Matthew Hogg.
The bus left in the early hours of the morning to take the petition for a new WW Base Hospital to the Premier and the leader of the Opposition. More than 16,000 signatures were collected in just two weeks.
"We were the spearhead for those 16,000 people - in fact for the more than 200,000 who rely on the archaic Wagga Wagga Base Hospital," Dr McGirr said.
"It was important to show that we can and we will act to get a new hospital."
"It has been very easy to talk. It is not so easy to act - but today we did. We rallied on the steps of parliament house, we took the petition to the Premiers office and we presented it to the Opposition Leader."
There was some difficulty getting in to the Premier's office but skilled negotiation by Dr McGirr made sure that the petition was delivered to the Premier's personal private secretary.
Daryl Maguire finally contacted the rally group at 2.30pm - only three days after Matt Hogg contacted him to see if he would assist with the presentation of the petition. It meant that the rally group did not leave Sydney till 4pm, although they did receive a cup of coffee and biscuit at Parliament house. Mr Maguire thanked the group and acknowledged the work of those who had collected the signatures, singling out Dr McGirr.

McGirr challenges Maguire to debate

Independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW state election Dr Joe McGirr has thrown down the gauntlet to the sitting member Daryl Maguire by challenging him to an open public debate.
Dr McGirr said “There are vital time framing and policy issues that many in the electorate cannot understand and I wish to question Daryl, as the incumbent member on many of these and other issues”.
Dr McGirr said that the public debate will not be solely about the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital but on all issues raising concern throughout the electorate.
“Over the last five months I have travelled the electorate extensively and many issues raised to me are problems that are yet to be solved after eleven years of vacillating by the local member”. said Dr McGirr. “And, I am prepared to place myself into a public debating arena in front of all political persuasions, and go openly head to head on each issue that raises concern from the smaller centres of Batlow to the City of Wagga Wagga”.
The format that Dr McGirr is suggesting is 15 minutes for each candidate to put forward their attitudes on existing issues and respective visions into the future, followed by a public question time.
Dr McGirr said ‘To make it easier for a positive response from Daryl I have, in a letter to his office this morning, put to him the names of two highly respected community leaders who are prepared to arbitrate the debate and subsequent public questioning of both of us.
Dr McGirr said “This debate I believe will give the public a final opportunity to see both of us as we the major combatants put our respective views forward”
Dr McGirr said it’s now up to Daryl Maguire to come forward and place himself with me on local public record and stop hiding behind state-wide policy initiatives created by the party.
Dr McGirr said “As soon as Daryl agrees - we will locate a venue and we’ll bring it on.”
Dr McGirr said “I want to challenge Daryl’s commitment to the 47,802 electors in this area and not be such a yes man to Barry O’Farrell and the party. We’ve had enough of his lack of commitment in not to attacking the Keneally government over issues pertaining to this electorate – we want no more of that”.

Loose ended promises not enough...

Independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW state election Dr Joe McGirr has raised the stakes for the coalition by describing coalition candidate and Shadow Health Minister Jillian Skinners visit to Wagga as 'Grandstanding in the most appalling way'. Dr McGirr was today responding to comments made by M/S Skinner in Wednesdays Daily Advertiser.
Dr McGirr said Jillian Skinners offer to quit if the Base Hospital is not built when she is in power is at the very least a hollow political statement that has no depth of commitment and will simply not be accepted at the ballot box.
"Scepticism has now reached the non belief level - The voters of the electorate of Wagga Wagga simply no longer believe what is coming out of Sydney" said Dr McGirr and he added "The reasons are simple"
* A senior coalition representative has offered to quit if the hospital is not completed 'when she is in power' -

Dr McGirr - That simply could be two terms of Government producing a further eight year wait.

* The coalition to allocate $125 Million dollars to stage 1 of the project.

Dr McGirr - Again a repeat of the promise made two months ago. Nothing new in this.

* The coalition according to Jillian Skinner last Wednesday is committing to commence work on the redevelopment in the next 12 months.

Dr McGirr - Daryl Maguire not less than 2 months ago said work would commence as soon as he was elected. Jillian Skinner has now converted that into 12 months The Labor Government were going to start in the beginning of March (that is now 11 days ago)

*Jillian Skinner last Wednesday said "She was confident the Federal Government would find $170 Million to complete the project.

Dr McGirr - There is no current binding agreement between the current labour Government or any kind of pre-amble agreement with a potential NSW coalition Government for completion of funding to satisfy the people of the electorate of Wagga. Furthermore we have now had announcements for Port Macquarie and Tamworth, but not for Wagga Wagga.

* In the event of the Federal Government not finding the balance of funds required to build the Hospital Jillian Skinner said "State funding could pay for additional stages but that funding would not be available until 2015.

Dr McGirr - The coalition should be aware that the people of the electorate of Wagga Wagga will not vote for this lack of a final commitment. Funding available in 2015 means no work on site until 12 months to two years after that - That could put the final stages of the hospital redevelopment of until 2017-2018.

Dr McGirr has put forward the following requirement and says "The people of the Electorate of Wagga Wagga will not settle for anything less"
A written commitment by open letter through the press to the people of the Electorate of Wagga Wagga from Jillian Skinner ( seven days before the 26th March election) that states “The complete rebuild -redevelopment of the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital will be fully completed by the end of the first term of a coalition government' Work will commence in mid 2011 and conclude mid 2015”
Dr McGirr says that anything short of this public statement with the exact wording as above will simply mean that an incoming coalition government still has not got the message as to how the people of this electorate feel about this issue.

Safe helipad for Batlow...

Independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW state election Dr Joe McGirr said a much safer Helipad location is now required in Batlow.
Dr McGirr said in Wagga today that critical care patients requiring air transportation from Batlow to Wagga Base Hospital have a series of ambulatory transfers before they arrive at Wagga for treatment.
Under the present arrangements patients at Batlow Hospital are transferred by road ambulance from the hospital to the local football ground where a waiting helicopter transports them to Wagga or Canberra, as the case may be.
“The current arrangements frequently challenge OH&S standards” said Dr McGirr “There is no concrete helipad at the oval and ambulance and medical staff have to effect transfers in all weather conditions.”
Whilst the distance is only a kilometre Dr McGirr said the dual disturbance within the transfer further compounds the patient’s condition and creates an unsafe working environment for doctors and medical support staff.
Dr McGirr said an all weather helipad is required on the Batlow Hospital Grounds
“There is ample space at the rear of the Hospital for the facility which could easily include the construction of a covered access pathway leading from the Hospital to the Helipad site”.
“This arrangement would satisfy OH&S requirements and at the same time effect a more comfortable transfer for critical care patients” Dr McGirr said.

No fear, no favour, no deals ......Dr Joe McGirr is truly independent

The ALP have decided to preference Dr Joe McGirr - as you would expect - but Dr Joe McGirr has made it clear he will not be allocating preferences - and the major parties can expect no favour from him when it comes to pushing home the issues of the community.

Link to Daily Advertiser article

John Hatton endorses independent Dr Joe McGirr

Read the latest report on John Hatton's visit to Wagga Wagga by clicking here

John Hatton to visit Wagga Wagga, endorse independent campaign, sign hospital petition

Independent candidate for the state seat of Wagga Wagga today announced that legendary independent and anti-corruption campaigner John Hatton will be visiting Wagga Wagga this Friday to endorse the independent campaign and sign the hospital petition.
"John Hatton has an unparalleled reputation as an independent," Dr McGirr said. "His visit is a timely reminder of just how effective an independent can be."
For 22 years as the Independent member for the South Coast of NSW, John Hatton delivered improvements for his electorate, but he also achieved something truly profound.
He instigated the 1995 Wood Royal Commission into the NSW police force, purging it of systemic corruption. A total of 284 police officers were adversely named, 46 briefs of evidence were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and by 2001, 12 officers were facing corruption charges. Seven police officers received jail sentences, including the former Gosford drug squad chief Wayne Eade and a former chief of detectives, Graham “Chook” Fowler.
John Hatton was named a National Living Treasure in 1999, and was awarded the Order of Australia for Service to the Community in 1999.
He cites his proudest achievement as having brought honesty to government.
John is running for the legislative council in the NSW state election. His website is www.johnhatton.com.au.
John Hatton will be at Joe McGirr's election office at 90 Baylis Street at 11am on Friday 11th March."John is very happy to meet with people at the office over morning tea," Dr McGirr said.

Salmat Closing Points to Need for A Technology Hub ....…..says Independent

Independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW state election Dr Joe McGirr said the closure of Salmat reinforces the need for the City to embrace a Technology Hub to advance the development of computer hardware, software and medical and general industrial programs and keep jobs and growth locally.
Dr McGirr said part of his election platform was the introduction of a Technology Hub based in Wagga Wagga which when fully developed would see the city as a major manufacturer of specialised software and computer programming to be marketed across Australia.
“I announced this initiative at the opening of my campaign office last Friday and have since received support for the concept” said Dr McGirr.
“We must extend our range of thinking and embrace new concepts and ideas” said Dr McGirr. “The closing of Salmat must not sidetrack our communities’ ability to become invigorated into producing a bigger and more locally controlled replacement enterprise”.
The building currently occupied by Salmat could become the catalyst for the development of a completely new industry.
With the Salmat building the technology is already in place and a workforce with multi – task abilities is ready and willing to work. The first requirement is to attempt to quickly find a company that specialises in call centre management, and one that has a commitment to the future development of Australian business.
“Wagga is within 500 kilometres of 75% of Australia’s population” Dr McGirr said “And our city and regional area needs a fresh concept to drive overall development into the future”.
A Technology Hub would provide and create an environmentally friendly manufacturing, supply and marketing platform for Individuals and companies to establish and develop equipment, software, data and ancillary products, which from Wagga can be easily marketed worldwide.
Dr McGirr said “Wagga is perfectly placed for such a venture”.
“Technology is now the driving force behind the supply of information and communication and is embraced within all industries.”
“The development of this concept and the technology, products and services resulting from such an initiative would be utilised in all industries including Medical, Education, Transport, Communication and Agriculture through to the Travel, Real Estate and smaller service/supply industries” said Dr McGirr
“We have the land for manufacturing development – a perfect lifestyle - a city and regional area that already has the right mix of infrastructure to attract companies. And, because of the nature of the end product no adverse transportation costs that would retard the attraction these companies would have to the area”.
And said Dr McGirr “We now have in place with the Salmat building the perfect location as a home base to drive the Technology Hub forward.
Dr McGirr said he was so committed to the development of this initiative that if elected to office on March 26th he will be ready to immediately establish a steering committee made up of Local government, industry and community representatives to initiate the program. He would also enter into discussions with whichever major party won the election to discuss decentralisation initiatives that would assist in driving the project forward.

Wagga To Become Technology Hub Of Australia

Independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW state election Dr Joe McGirr said if elected he will move quickly to have Wagga Wagga developed as the Technology hub of Australia.
Dr McGirr said in Wagga today that his initiative which will be formerly announced today at the opening of his campaign office at 90 Baylis St.
“Wagga is within 500 kilometres of 75% of Australia’s population” Dr McGirr said “And our city and regional area needs a fresh concept to drive overall development into the future”.
The Technology Hub would provide and create an environmentally friendly manufacturing, supply and marketing platform for Individuals and companies to establish and develop equipment, software, data and ancillary products, which from Wagga can be easily marketed worldwide.
Dr McGirr said “Wagga is perfectly placed for such a venture”.
“Technology is now the driving force behind the supply of information and communication and is embraced within all industries.”
Dr McGirr said that he has had discussions with local industry leaders about the concept and there is support to use the facilities and unique advantages of Wagga Wagga to build such a centre – the presence of defence facilities, the growing of air services and the strong agriculture and bio technology sectors.
“However the development of this concept and the technology, products and services resulting from such an initiative would be utilised in all industries including including Health, Education, Transport, Manufacturing, Communication and Agriculture through to the Travel, Real Estate and smaller service/supply industries” said Dr McGirr
“We have the land for manufacturing development – a perfect lifestyle - a city and regional area that already has the right mix of infrastructure to attract companies. And, because of the nature of the end product no adverse transportation costs that would retard the attraction these companies would have to the area”.
Dr McGirr said he was so committed to the development of this initiative that if elected to office on March 26th he will be ready to immediately establish a steering committee made up of Local government, industry and community representatives to initiate the program. He would also enter into discussions with whichever major party won the election to discuss decentralisation initiatives that would assist in driving the project forward,
Dr McGirr said “This electorate needs to become pro-active through the local members chair - For far too long the people of the electorate of Wagga Wagga have seen nothing but reaction from lower house representation. It’s time that exciting projects such as the Technology Hub are created and driven forward.

“Stunning Result on First Day of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Petition,” says Dr Joe McGirr

NSW Leading Independent, Dr Joe McGirr, today described as “stunning” the response to the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Petition on the first weekend of collecting signatures.

 “Six hundred signatures were collected within the first 24 hours,” said Dr McGirr.

 “We were collecting these signatures at our Wagga Wagga campaign office and at the Tumut show,” Dr McGirr said.

 “The response has been exceptionally positive.”

 “People are absolutely livid about the lack of attention to the state of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital – which is a major regional referral hospital.

 “They are adamant that we need a complete new hospital finished in the next four years”

 “This time people want not just stage one but stage finish”

 Dr McGirr believes that his campaign office alone will register a third of the signatures needed.

Dr Joe McGirr Election Office Opening

Dr Joe McGirr opened his campaign office on Friday 4th March to the enthusiastic response of supporters and fans.
On a perfect Autumn day, the warm colours of Dr Joe's office radiated across the main street of Wagga Wagga. With balloons, music, great sandwiches, cake and slice, there was a real atmosphere celebration.
Dr McGirr in his speech highlighted the key issues for his campaign: a complete new Wagga Wagga Base Hospital built in the next four years and dynamic local leadership. As an illustration of the latter, Dr McGirr announced his support for Wagga Wagga to become a technology hub for Australia.
Work also began on collecting the 10,000 signatures needed for a petition to go to Parliament requesting a complete new WW Base Hospital

The Daily Advertiser covered the opening

Is Re-development Of The Current Base Hospital Site The Right Outcome.....................Asks McGirr

NSW leading independent candidate, Dr Joe McGirr, today promised, if elected he would instigate wide consultation with the electorate on the future of the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, including the potential of a greenfield development of the facility.
Dr McGirr said that while door knocking and meeting with the community he was picking up on widespread concern about the staged development on the current site.
“People are concerned that work on the current site will mean insur- mountable traffic and parking problems.”
Dr McGirr said “The fundamental areas of concern were based not only on the cost of the redevelopment of the current site, but disturbances caused during construction, and the whole project getting bogged down in stages that may not see an end result for years.”
“Clearly if a Coalition Government gets into power, their seed capital offer of $125 Million simply guarantees a staged process that can be stopped at any moment” said Dr McGirr.
Neither the Coalition or Labour are listening to the electorate and according to Dr McGirr and that very simply is why the community no longer believes any figure that is put forward. “This community wants a fully renovated or greenfield site built hospital (if that is the preferred option) now. Either way the electorate wants it completed within the next four years” said Dr McGirr

"Wagga Wagga Courthouse A Disgrace," says McGirr

NSW leading independent candidate, Dr Joe McGirr, today promised, if elected, he would put pressure on whichever party took office to immediately instigate a report into the functionality and future viability of the Wagga Court House.
Dr McGirr said that he had received numerous complaints not only from the legal profession but members of the public who were concerned that the current member Daryl Maguire had not raised concerns sufficiently enough about the state of the building and its inability to provide the proper accommodation for the hearing of court matters.
“Whilst there are plans for a new facility – nothing has happened” said Dr McGirr
“Legal Practitioners were concerned that the hearing of all matters from the simple to the more complex District Court hearings taking several days were now becoming arduous exercises to the extreme.”
Dr McGirr is aware of at least 15 issues, documented by the South West Slopes Law Society in correspondence to him, that range from the buildings structural incapability to adequately defining areas of security for Judges, legal representatives and victims.
Dr McGirr said “On any given court day numbers of people requiring the services of the courthouse are forced to wait outside before being attended to.” “There are no proper client – legal practitioner interview rooms. Climatic changes are severe and because of the cramped space perpetrators and victims of crime often confront each other”
“The current building built in 1902 is simply not adequate” said Dr McGirr.
“Since then our regional population has dramatically increased and these facilities are simply outdated”
Dr McGirr has made no bones about the need for new facilities and says that if elected he will fight to the bitter end to correct the indifference that has been shown by the current sitting member. “This is not a time to be sitting on the fence with this issue” said Dr McGirr.

Wagga Wagga Missing Out Again

Dr Joe McGirr independent candidate for the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW election has today slammed the inactivity of local member Daryl Maguire over failing to secure up to 400 jobs for Wagga Wagga by challenging the Keneally government’s decision to support an infrastructure investment by Quickstep Technologies at Bankstown Airport.
Dr McGirr said the Keneally Government had assisted in providing incentives to composite manufacturer Quickstep Technologies so it could re-locate its operations from Perth to Sydney. Quickstep Technologies will supply aircraft components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and is establishing its facility at Bankstown Airport in Sydney creating up to 400 jobs and injecting $180 into the NSW economy.
“Why had we as a community not challenged this proposal……….the people of the electorate of Wagga Wagga are well aware of how the Keneally government has ‘talked the talk’ on decentralisation but for this electorate nothing has been forthcoming and worse still sadly even challenged... said Dr McGirr.
”This was the perfect opportunity for Daryl Maguire to push for Wagga to be a contender. At the very least a formal challenge could have been mounted.”
Kristine Keneally had claimed the location of Bankstown had a ready source of specialised personnel. Dr McGirr has refuted those claims as he noted Quickstep Technologies in a letter to shareholders in January indicated very clearly that they were offering massive incentives to their staff at their Perth facility to transfer to Sydney and that they fully expected to fill the 400 positions from Perth.
Dr McGirr said “We have the facilities at Forrest Hill and the necessary city infrastructure to support the development.”
“The boost to the Wagga economy would not only have brought up to 400 new workers and their families to our city but would have provided many new jobs during the development of the project” 

Dr McGirr said it was another sad reflection where party politics was employed by the opposition – A case of we’d better not try because we are so close to the election – and, if we fail we’ll be embarrassed.

Dr Joe McGirr asks Where's Daryl?

NSW Leading Independent Candidate, Dr Joe McGirr, today asked whether there was any hope of getting a complete new Wagga Wagga Base Hospital if the local sitting member was re-elected as a backbencher in a Coalition government with a landslide majority. 

The weekend Sydney Morning Herald reported on the likely makeup of the Coalition cabinet after they win power in a landslide at the March 26 NSW State Election (February 19-20, 2011).
The article listed the 22 members of the current shadow cabinet. O’Farrell has said that his these will hold their portfolios should the Coalition win government.
The article also listed six candidates “to watch” and 3 “names to know outside shadow cabinet”.
“Daryl Maguire was not mentioned in relation to the cabinet,” Dr McGirr said. “It seems he is not “in the mix” for a cabinet position, unlike the members in neighbouring seats. Is it a question of performance?”
“Where does that leave the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital project and the electors of the state seat of Wagga Wagga?”, Dr McGirr went on to say.
“At the bottom of the queue, once again.”
“A new government will be looking after its marginal and newly won seats not safe seats like Wagga Wagga. The people of the state seat of Wagga Wagga will not have a seat at the government table. We are not on the radar.”
“Its little wonder that the Coalition are trying to fob us off with “commitments to a new hospital” – with no timelines or definite funding – its promises, promises, promises……..”

McGirr Fumes Over Health Staff Pay Bungle

NSW Leading Independent Candidate, Dr Joe McGirr, today demanded the Keneally government and called on Carmel Tebbutt the State Health Minister to explain why junior doctors at the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital had recently not been paid for a month.
“We face enough challenges in trying to attract health professionals to this and other rural areas without government bureaucracy standing in the way. It is even more difficult when we ask these very same staff to work in the such antiquated, out-dated facilities as Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.”
“Not getting their pay on time - it beggars belief. These are people we often ask to work long hours with overtime and on call and they are rewarded like this”
Dr McGirr said members of the public had approached him with their concerns on learning from junior doctors that they had not been paid for a month.
“Even people from outside the health system know about this and that we should not treat our health professionals this way.”
The issue highlights my previously raised concerns about the funding and local control of the new “local” health networks.
“Is this a funding issue? Or is it a question of layers of bureaucracy between Wagga and Sydney?”
“This needs fixing immediately - How much local control does the network have if they cannot correct a pay issue like this quickly?”

ABC Riverina news story

Forestry Centre of Excellence for Tumut - Why Not?

The Independent Candidate for the state seat of Wagga Wagga at the March election has raised the issue of developing Tumut’s forestry education sector.
“Tumut has an enviable reputation in Forestry Education, it is now time to see this developed,” Dr McGirr said.
“Skills shortages will get worse. The way of addressing this is to train people you want in the region - where you want them to work.”
“Australia has an enviable reputation overseas. We should build on this to develop the international centre for education in plantation forestry and related industries in Tumut.
“Overseas students will help support the course and many will stay.”
We need to immediately establish a feasibility study to determine the centre’s viability.
“I believe the NSW government should fund the feasibility study as a matter of priority” Dr McGirr said.

The State of Our Roads

Leading Independent candidate contesting the Seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming NSW State election Dr Joe McGirr speaking from Batlow today said he was appalled at the lack of attention the Keneally Government had given to the state road system throughout the Tumut and Batlow area.
“Include the road through Batlow with the Gocup Rd and you have a near total transit, infrastructure failure” said Dr McGirr. “Products from industries in the Tumut, Batlow and surrounding areas rely solely on heavy haulage vehicles to forward freight.”
“...........................................and” added Dr McGirr “None of it is light freight”
Dr McGirr noted that timber, woodchip and fruit transportation was conducted under extremely hazardous road conditions with the roadway through Batlow showing serious signs of stress. The roads are far too narrow – have high embankments that during sudden climatic changes force trees, rocks and debris onto the roadways.
In addition the road through Batlow appears to actually melt when the temperature gets above 30 degrees. Residents in Batlow talk about pedestrians losing their shoes in the tarry slush and cars sounding as though they are driving over a slurry.
Dr McGirr said the economic future of Tumut and Batlow and surrounding region was being retarded by the provision of sub standard transport corridors.
“I believe the potential for increased tourism to the area is being hampered by the road system – Many people I spoke to were concerned about their livelihood and highlighted the need for a rethink on road quality and safety in an effort to secure existing industries,” Dr McGirr said.
Dr McGirr said “The Keneally Government had not the slightest interest in anyone who lived past Campbelltown and it was becoming blatantly apparent that an O’Farrell led Government was slipping quite nicely into the Kristine Keneally backwash with its announcement that it would spend $700 Million dollars redeveloping the Sydney Entertainment Centre site. – That’s no comfort for the people of Tumut and Batlow and the region”.
The electors of Tumut and Batlow need major sabre rattling representation, not limp wristed hollow promises that has so far been dished out by both the major parties on this area of the state.

Rudd Health Reforms Gone - What’s left for the people of regional NSW?

NSW Leading Independent Candidate, Dr Joe McGirr, said the Rudd Health Reforms may well be gone after reports in The Australian that the Federal Government is considering major changes to funding.
“There is a hung parliament, the states are not being cooperative, and the commonwealth budget is under even more pressure,” Dr McGirr said. “It looks like the health reform and the extra funding for growth will be gone.”
“Where will this leave our health services already struggling with costs?” Dr McGirr said.
Dr McGirr has been a consistent critic of recent health reforms by NSW: he has questioned the degree of control local services actually have and their level of funding. Further changes could make this even more confusing especially if hospitals have to report to the commonwealth and the states.
“This is becoming a bureaucratic nightmare”
“The community wants to know: who is running local services, how they are funded, who is accountable and at the end of the day be in a position to clearly see the outcome of these services as they are implemented in the area in which they live,” he said.
“Above all they want services created which are and clearly and adequately funded.”
In addition rural and regional services have unique pressures – staffing and travel costs are a huge factor. This means that implementing Health initiatives for Wagga Wagga as an example are significantly higher than the metropolitan areas. These costs need to be assessed over a broad area and taken into account in any funding formula.
Dr McGirr does believe the proposal for the commonwealth to fund hospitals directly, rather than through the states, could have benefits – as long as the funding is sufficient, and, it is clear how funds are given and the pressures on regional and rural services are taken into account.
“Funding services directly would make things clearer – which is critical”, Dr McGirr said. “But will there be enough funds for regional centres?”
NSW has made some changes, although Dr McGirr believes state pressures drove this more – especially the unpopularity of the large Area Health Services.
“The Area Health Services were seen as needing reform – my question still is – how much reform do we have? Or are our services still being run from Sydney?” Dr McGirr said.
And the concern about federal funding raises questions for a new Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.
“After the current round of infrastructure funds are gone, it looks like there will be no point going to the Commonwealth for more money. It will be back to the state government – so once again we need the major parties to commit to a timeline for the complete new WWBH.”

Related Article in The Daily Advertiser

Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Ignored Again

Dr Joe McGirr, independent candidate for the state seat of Wagga Wagga, called the allocation of more than $190m to Campbelltown hospital by the Keneally Labor government as a slap in the face for the people of the region. He is concerned this will put the complete redevelopment of Wagga Wagga Base Hospital further behind.
"We have been told the hospital is a priority," Dr McGirr said. "The government should come clean and tell us what will happen with Stages 2 and 3.  At the moment we have only promised funding for stage one."
The issue was covered in the Daily Advertiser

New iPhone App Available

NSW Leading Independent Candidate, contesting the seat of Wagga Wagga in the upcoming state election Dr Joe McGirr, in a first for regional NSW, today launched his own App for iPhone or iPad.

The app is available free and can be downloaded to an iPhone or iPad from the App Store – simply go to the App store and search on “Dr Joe” to locate the app and then download it. 

“This application is a user friendly way in which all those in the Wagga Wagga electorate can access the latest campaign information issued from my office from their iPhone or iPad,” Dr McGirr said.
The application will inform everyone of issues in which I support in the lead up to the state election on March 26.
“Information is the lifeblood of a democracy,” Dr McGirr said. “..and this is another way of getting the right information to everyone.”
The app features information on Dr McGirr’s campaign as well as latest news releases, photos and videos. There are also links to local news services.
“It’s a convenient way of keeping up to date – just one touch from your iPhone or iPad,” Dr McGirr said.

Daily Advertiser Article

Fix It - For the Health of Women

The independent candidate for the state seat of Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, has today called on the Keneally government to fix maintenance problems and give urgent consideration to an upgrade of the Wagga Women’s Health Centre located in Morrow St in Wagga Wagga.
Dr McGirr had visited the centre during his campaigning and was astounded at what he was presented with.

Dr McGirr said “Possums were frequent visitors within the roof cavity and as a result of this walls were seriously stained. The stench of sewerage odour was evident from unused drains and the building is subject to rising damp”.
Apparently there had been plans to relocate the service to new accommodation but these have clearly fallen through.
Dr Mc Girr is suggesting to the Government that a timeline should now be immediately implemented to demonstrate positive action in conducting immediate and non urgent repairs to the premises.

The Women’s Health Centre provides a range of counselling and support services to women and has been operating in that capacity with government support since 1985.
“The state of the accommodation at the centre sends out a frightening message to the women of Wagga Wagga”
“Put simply the Keneally Government is saying to the women of Wagga who rely on this assistance-“You are the least of our worries – so you can just wait”.
“It’s another example of an inept ability of a tired government that now has an inability to recognise its duty in supporting the community of NSW” said Dr McGirr

State Planning suffering a hiatus – Dr Joe McGirr

Leading Independent candidate in this year’s NSW state election contesting the seat of Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said it was evident the Kenneally Government has been asleep at the wheel in assisting Councils across NSW to help ensure speedy resolutions to development applications.
“It infuriates me that one of the major problems that Councils have is that they cannot attract qualified people to fill town planning positions,” Dr McGirr said.
“Councils are struggling to keep up with the frantic pace of development requests from their communities and a large part of the problem is a lack of qualified staff to undertake town planning duties.”
Dr McGirr says a large number of Councils across NSW do not have the people resources to accommodate the current workload.
The lack of qualified people to fill these positions should have been recognized by this Government years ago.
“I want Kristine Kenneally to explain to me and the people of this state why the Government has sat on its hands and not developed an education program to fill the void.”
McGirr cited an example within his hometown of Wagga Wagga where Council had recently resorted to advertising senior town planning positions as far away as the greater City of London.
Whilst McGirr is critical at the the Kenneally Government for firstly its lack of recognising the problem and in following that, its lack of foresight in coming up with a solution - he has personally taken up the initiative.
“I’ve sought advice from key stakeholders on the provision of a specifically structured course that can accurately cater for the higher education requirements of town planning”.
Dr McGirr believes that establishing a course at Charles Sturt University to produce qualified regional and urban planners would help address the shortage.
“The NSW government should fund a feasibility study into setting up such a course at CSU,” Dr McGirr said.
Dr McGirr noted that there is a Bachelor or Regional and Urban Planning available at the University of New England but that does not appear to be meeting the current need.
“Charles Sturt University has a proven track record in training professionals who work in regional areas after they graduate,” Dr McGirr added. “It would be an ideal university for running such a course.”