Federal ICAC is now inevitable. Labor Leader, Bill Shorten, used his first keynote address for 2018 to announce a Labor Government will introduce one.

And while Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, has opposed the move; the public pressure will be all one way.

Of course most States already have an anti-corruption body. Its naive to think the temptation for corruption is the monopoly of state and local governments. The string of scandals including bribes paid by the Australian Wheat Board, and the former Reserve Banks subsidiary, Securency, and the allegations of rorting and corruption in water management prove this isnt so.

A Federal Integrity Commission is needed. The public is demanding it and the Government will have to agree.

Parliament resumes next week and Ill be raising local issues including the rail system, lack of affordable housing and ongoing NBN problems.

Ill also find time to talk up the great achievements of the locals who received Australia Day Awards for their service to our community and country.

Australia Day

A great privileged to attend the many events and citizenship ceremonies across the Illawarra and Southern Highlands, this year.

A big congratulations to local Australia Day Citizen of the Year award winners - David Williamson and Kiki Cuda from Shellharbour, Vicki Tiegs, David North, Annette Beaufils and Ebony Austin from Wollongong, and Aunty Wendy Lotter and William Koek from Wingecarribee.

Small Farm Field Day - Moss Vale

Shout out for the Small Farm Field Day which will be held at the Moss Vale Showgrounds this weekend.

Gates open 9am to 4pm. Tickets $5, children under 15 are free.

Local Sporting Champions Grants

Round 3 of the Local Sporting Champions Grants close on 28 February 2018.

Eligible junior athletes are invited to apply for grants of up to $500 to support the cost of travel, accommodation, uniforms or equipment at state, national and international championships.

For more information, visit my website at stephenjones.com.au.

Shellharbour Civic Centre Community Open Day

Come along to the Shellharbour Civic Centre Community Open Day on Saturday, 10 February from 10am.

Activities include community tours, free rides, public art, food stalls and much more.

Media Centre

Media releases, transcripts and opinion pieces from the past month.

MORE STATE GOVERNMENTS COULD ABANDON TURNBULLS FAILED MOBILE BLACK SPOT PROGRAM

4,000 FAMILIES IN ILLAWARRA REGION SET TO BE WORSE OFF UNDER TURNBULL GOVERNMENTS CHILD CARE PACKAGE

TURNBULL GOVERNMENT BURIES HEAD IN THE SAND ON NBN FAULTS

COALITION FAILS TO DELIVER REGIONAL FUNDING

Have a great weekend.

Regards,

Stephen