In Australia, we have three different levels of government: Local, State and Federal. Each level of government is responsible for delivering specific services to our community. If you are unsure about which level of government is responsible for addressing a particular issue, please contact me and I can direct you to the right place.
FEDERAL (COMMONWEALTH) GOVERNMENT
The following issues are the responsibility of the Federal Government:
- Medicare
- Centrelink
- Child Support
- Aged Care
- NDIS
- Trade
- Foreign Affairs
- Higher Education
- Defence
- Aviation and Shipping
- Telecommunications
- Veterans' Affairs
If your concerns relate to one of these issues, you should contact your local Federal Member. I’m hoping to be your Federal Member after the election, but right now it is Dr David Gillespie whose job it is to help you. If you have contacted Dr Gillespie’s office and you haven’t had a reply, please let me know and I’ll try to help.
NSW STATE GOVERNMENT
The following issues are the responsibility of State Government:
- Public Hospitals
- Public Schools
- TAFE
- Public Transport
- Public Housing
- National Parks
- Emergency Services
- NSW Police
- NSW Fair Trading
- Service NSW
- Primary Industries and Agriculture
- State Roads (eg Pacific Highway)
- Land and Water Management
If your problem falls into one of these categories, you should contact your NSW State Member. You can find out who your State Member is by going to https://elections.nsw.gov.au/elections/find-my-electorate
If you live in Lyne, your State Member will be Michael Kemp, Leslie Williams, Tanya Thompson, Dave Layzell or Kate Washington. They can be contacted using the details below:
Dave Layzell, Member for Upper Hunter
Phone (02) 6543 1065
[email protected]
Michael Kemp, Member for Oxley
Phone: (02) 6562 6190
[email protected]
Tanya Thompson, Member for Myall Lakes
Phone (02) 6555 4099
[email protected]
Kate Washington, Member for Port Stephens
Phone (02) 4987 4455
[email protected]
Leslie Williams, Member for Port Macquarie Phone (02) 6584 0977
[email protected]
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
The following issues are the responsibility of Local Government:
- Local roads and footpaths
- Rubbish collection
- Council Rates
- Sporting fields and parks
- Street lighting and signage
- Residential and commercial development
- Animal control
It’s best to contact your local Council directly if you have problems with these issues. If you live in Lyne, you will live in one of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs):
Port Stephens Council
Phone: 4988 0255
Email: [email protected]
MidCoast Council
Phone: 7955 7777
Email: [email protected]
Dungog Council
Phone: 4995 7777
Email: [email protected]
Port Macquarie Hastings Council
Phone: 6581 8111
Email: [email protected]
Maitland City Council
Phone: 4934 9700
Email: [email protected]