Croxford Censured

Kiama Councillor Mark Croxford has been censured for “engaging in intimidation” during a Council meeting.

The decision was made during a confidential session after an ordinary council meeting.

The Bugle understands that Councillor Croxford is seeking legal advice on the matter.

The Bugle understands that the issue arose during a debate over the rejection of the Golden Valley Way DA in Jamberoo at a Council meeting held on 21 March. Kiama Council CEO Jane Stroud noted that the behaviour was not conducive with Councillors’ code of conduct.

“Council resolved the following: That Council, pursuant to section 440G of the Local Government Act, formally censures Councillor Croxford for statements made at the meeting held on 21 March 2023, which the investigation report substantiated conduct that amounts to engaging in intimidation, noting that such behaviour does not comply with the code of conduct for councillors,” said CEO Jane Stroud following the meeting.

440G of the Local Government Act allows council to resolve at a meeting to formally censure a councillor for misconduct.

by Brendon Foye

fee chats with residents.

Karen Forsyth from the Kiama Region for yes23 campaign told The Bugle that the local group was politically neutral, and includes participants from all sides of the political divide.

“We think this shouldn’t divide Australians, it should unite them,” Karen said. “We’re unashamedly in the Yes camp, but we are also trying to run a really positive campaign where we don’t engage in negativity towards people with different views. We just want to make sure people engage with the referen-

Councillor Croxford points out that displaying signs relating to an election before the official referendum date could violate provisions in the NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).

However, The Australian Electoral Commission told The Bugle there were no laws restricting people from displaying campaigning activities before a referendum date has been set.

“...there is no law that says campaigning activities have to occur only during the referendum period. The Referendum Act actually doesn’t limit the amount, the format or the timing of referendum communication,” according to an AEC spokesperson.

Clause 2.107 outlines requirements for election signs, including strict limits for timeframes of when dum and work out what is and is not involved in the Voice.”

The Federal Government voted in favour of holding a referendum to establish the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, though no official date has been set.

The Voice would serve they can be displayed. According to the provisions, election signs can only be displayed five weeks preceding election day, the day of the election itself, and one week immediately following election day.

Legislation to allow the referendum to take place passed in June 2023, though the Federal Government is yet to specify which date the vote will take place. As such, displaying signs whether for or against The Voice could be illegal, and those that do could face penalties.

“As there is no fixed date for a federal referendum, the current appearance of YES campaign signs throughout the State of New South Wales constitutes an illegal act that requires immediate removal to comply with legislation and avoid potential fines,” said Councillor Croxford.

“I call on all law-abiding citizens to report the illegal display of YES campaign signs to Council so they can be promptly removed and uphold the law.”

by Brendon Foye

as an advisory board on issues affecting Indigenous Australians. The Voice would not be allowed to pass or vote on legislation, nor would it be responsible for delivering the services it advocates for.

by Brendon Foye

SENIOR PERKS

For Seniors: (over 60’s)

It is possible to access your superannuation after you turn 60, so if it is needed you should speak to your accountant or financial adviser about the best way to utilise the funds at your disposal.

Apply for a Seniors Card: this is the best way to access discounts from participating businesses for a range of goods and services, as well as transport concessions. It’s free to eligible persons. The criteria may change slightly from state to state, however in NSW you must be a permanent resident of the state, aged 60 or over, and working no more than 20 hours a week. At the moment there are more than 1.4 million members of the NSW Seniors Card scheme, and over 3,500 businesses participating.

* NOTE: The NSW regional seniors travel card (prepaid $250) stopped accepting new applications on 7 July.

Premier Chris Minns said that he can’t guarantee it will return.

Locally, Kiama Council offers:

• Reduced rates for concession card holders (including seniors card holders) at the Leisure Centre

• Libraries provide a range of services for all ages. Some that are popular with senior citizens include the Home Library book delivery and pick-up service. There are also Makers and Creators workshops, the Friends of Kiama Library book talks, free film screenings and book club kits. Many Kiama cafes and eateries also offer reduced-priced seniors meals, and some hairdressers have senior discounts, however it’s best to confirm with individual businesses first.

For Aged Pensioners: The aged pension is available for those over 66 years who meet income and assets test. To find out about your eligibility you can visit the Department of Human Services website.

Pensioner Concession Card: You are eligible for at any age if you receive payments including:

• Age Pension,

• Bereavement Allowance,

• Carer Payment, or

• a Disability Support Pension.

Further details on the concessions, including bulk billing for doctor appointments and higher Medicare benefits, can be found on the Department of Human Services website.

Animal Welfare League have discount vouchers for Centrelink Concession Card holders.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: This card provides discounts on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription medicines, as well as benefits like bulk billed doctor appointments and cheaper out-of-hospital medical expenses. To qualify for a Commonwealth Senior Health Card you must be of Age Pension age and meet the income test and residence requirements.

With the difference in state concessions and varying eligibility criteria, it’s best to use this information as a starting point so you know how you can benefit.

Kiama Council also offers rebates on Pensioner rates. Aged care facility Blue Haven has a range of seniors-focused services, such as community transport (available as part of people’s Home Care Packages). by Donna Portland

Hopefully this list of discounts and rebate options helps our Senior readership.