Julia's hoping to win over Ipswich
EMBATTLED Prime Minister Julia Gillard will travel to Ipswich next month in a quest to lift her profile in the once-safe Labor seats of Blair and Oxley.
Redbank Plains State High School has been chosen as the venue for the Community Cabinet meeting on July 10, which allows members of the general public to raise issues directly with federal ministers.
Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has been confirmed to join Ms Gillard, who has made regular visits to Ipswich since becoming Prime Minister in 2010.
Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, said he and Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll had campaigned strongly for the Community Cabinet meeting to come to Ipswich.
He said it represented an excellent opportunity for the PM and other ministers to witness the great things that were happening in Ipswich and the Somerset region.
Redbank Plains State High is close to the border between the Blair and Oxley electorates.
He encouraged Ipswich people to register to attend and ask questions about issues that were important to them at Community Cabinet.
"It's a good opportunity to raise local and federal issues," Mr Neumann said. "I wanted the ministers to see one of the fastest growing areas in the country."
LNP State Member for Ipswich Ian Berry said that he expected hundreds of angry Ipswich residents to attend to send a clear message to Julia Gillard regarding the carbon tax.
"It is very disappointing to see this carbon tax being introduced at a time when Ipswich families and businesses are hurting under cost of living pressures," Mr Berry said. "If Julia Gillard and Shayne Neumann are serious about listening to the people of Ipswich, they will immediately dump the carbon tax."
Redbank Plains State High School senior students will provide entertainment and catering for the cabinet meeting.
Registrations will be open during business hours 9am to 5pm, June 25 to 29.
People can attend the community reception and public forum by registering online at pm.gov.au or by phoning 1800 088 323 (toll free) or (02) 6271 5563.
For more information visit pm.gov.au.
