Hank Swalue

March 2006 State Election
Candidate for Flinders

Profile of Hank Swalue

Policies

• Transport
• Health
• Aged care
• Education
• Water on Eyre Peninsula
• Environment and Planning
• Employment and the economy

Media Releases

• Hank exposes “impossible” Ferry guarantee
• SWALUE TO PREFERENCE LIBERALS
• A VOTE FOR HANK SWALUE IS A VOTE FOR FLINDERS
• St. John Ambulance
• Road Safety link to Transport Systems
• Hank Swalue to run for The Nationals in Flinders
• NEW ADELAIDE AIRPORT TERMINAL
• WILL THE FERRY GO AHEAD?

Hank Swalue CV

Map of Flinders

Hank Swalue - Contact Details

Hendrik (Hank) SWALUE

Profile

Name: Hank Swalue
Age: 59
Occupation: Senior Sergeant, Port Lincoln Police Station
Marital status: Married to Claire
Political experience: I studied and achieved a certificate in Political, Industrial Resource Structure through TAFE. Over the years, especially as Senior Sergeant of the Port Lincoln Police Station, I have had many political visits from Members of every political party.

Why you nominated: I was contacted by interested parties who thought I had the right people skills to achieve results for this Electorate. Following consultation with several local people and my wife, I accepted the challenge to have a serious go because I CARE for our community and the people who make life worthwhile on the West Coast.

Why you nominated for The Nationals: The National Party has traditionally been one to look after rural and regional people and that will be my main platform in taking on the challenge of winning the seat of Flinders.

What do you think you can offer the people of Flinders: As a Nationals candidate, I will listen to the community and then take the concerns and issues to those who can make a difference. Not having any political affiliation, or vested interests to either of the major political Parties, my stance will be to work with the Government of the day to achieve the best outcomes for Flinders.

What are your top campaign issues:

Transport and Roads & Rail
Ongoing funding to maintain and improve roads and rail.

Health
A central board to improve conditions is worthwhile but only if Flinders’ representation on the board is commensurate with the vast area and people it represents.

Education
We need to go back to basics of the three R’s; but more importantly, we need to have subjects available to those students who struggle with today’s curriculum who would benefit from skills as tradespersons.

Water
Whilst they are ongoing issues, piping water from the River Murray, a desalination plant and also working on the catchment of rainwater run off are all very important.

Policies

The following will appear in the papers on each Tuesday and Thursday.

We must answer two questions for each:

1. What do you think the major issues are?
2. How do you propose to address these issues?

Transport

Recent proposals to drastically increase registration costs of up to 37% and a reduction in fuel subsidies for road trains and B doubles are a major concern for people in the Electorate of Flinders.

Road maintenance improvements are an ongoing talking point as I move through the electorate and door knock.

I have written to the State Minister for Transport, Hon Patrick Conlon and Mr Barry Wakelin MP, the Federal Minister for Grey voicing these concerns and the enormous impact increases will have on people in Flinders as most consumerables are trucked to our areas and the increases in costs will have to be born by our people. I have asked them to seriously consider the way they vote when decisions have to be made regarding these increases and to minimise the impact and subsequent cost to communities.

With the recent announcement of a combined Government and Grain Growers multi million dollar injection of funds for our rail and road upgrades, and the announcement of a new buyer of our regional rail network, it will be my intention to press for some investment to re-open the Wudinna to Thevenard rail line to reduce the heavy transport on the Tod Highway.

Health

There are three main issues that continue to be brought to my attention as I talk to people in the electorate of Flinders. Waiting times to see a doctor, the proposed Central Health Board and mental health issues.

A central board with proposed cost savings, less beaurocracy and less red tape is a move forward but only if adequate representation is provided on the board to our vast electorate. I want the cost savings to be re-directed back into country health services including mental health.

Peter Rischbieth, the Rural Doctors Association SA Branch President states amongst other issues, “Rural doctors and support for mental health workers is still the most significant issue”. Dr Rischbieth continues “The Government’s multi-million dollar program to attract and retain GPs in country areas is paying off”.

I will be pressing very strongly through our Central Board representatives and to the Health Minister of the Government of the day to provide the extra funding required for the best possible health care and facilities for the electorate of Flinders. This will decrease waiting times and improve doctor numbers.

Access to the best health care facilities is essential to encourage population growth in country and regional areas.

Aged care

As our population ages there is a growing need for care in our community. Based on current rates of disability and need for assistance, the number of people over 65 needing care, is projected to increase by 160% by 2031.

Although there has been a substantial growth in recognition and assistance, there are a number of areas in which action should be taking place.

It is no longer acceptable for our frail aged, to be transported many hundreds of kilometers away from their homes, far away from their loved ones and friends.

As your member for Flinders I will lobby hard to gain increases in the budgets of both State and Federal governments so as to provide more aged care accommodation on the Eyre Peninsular. For too long we have seen buck passing occurring between the various governments.

There are insufficient places for our aging population, we must investigate and act to expand the current facilities or look at building new infrastructure so as to accommodate our ever increasing aging population in South Australia.

At this election you have an important choice, vote for the Nationals who will work with the Government of the day to get things done, if you want change, then change your vote on polling day

Education

Every individual is entitled to the best start in life, an education system that delivers high standards from pre-school to university.

A serious focus must concentrate on the youth at secondary schools so that it is a place where they enjoy studying and look forward to going to school. Too often, students move through their education system and become disengaged and alienated from school. To see young people, many at 15 and 16 years of age leaving school with little opportunity for long term employment is totally unacceptable.

I recognize the special needs of children with physical or mental disabilities and their right to equitable education opportunities, as well as remote and isolated students having the right to high standards of education.

I will work with the people of Flinders to ensure school leavers depart with the required skills accepted by employers within our communities. I will work with educators to develop a curriculum that will foster the interests and ambitions of young people locally.

All rural areas in South Australia are experiencing shortages in our workforce we need more trades people and more skilled workers if we are to continue to grow the region. It is also important that students receive support so we can continue to grow the number of local young people taking up apprentices and traineeships.

Flinders needs someone who can deliver - that person is Hank Swalue.

Water on Eyre Peninsula

Conservation of our natural environment and resources is the responsibility of all levels of government. Planning to develop the State’s future water conservation is of great importance, if we are to provide for the water needs in both urban and rural areas.

We who reside in the Electorate of Flinders are not immune from the restrictions in water usage. There are very positive signs with the latest announcement of a desalination plant planned for Whyalla which will deliver much needed water for the Roxby development, and which will also deliver thousands of job opportunities for our state.

The intention to deliver water to the Eyre Peninsular through this system by pipeline, will in no way alleviate the concerns for our future water supplies.

We have a responsibility not only to lessen water usage from local water resources but to achieve cost cutting to communities. The harnessing of our rain water run off, especially in Port Lincoln, needs further research.

Rain water storage for all new buildings should be mandatory. I will be approaching the Local Government Association to look at the possibility of Local Councils introducing a rebate scheme for people in the community to install rainwater tanks, this has been introduced in other states of Australia with resounding success.

Our farmers and regional communities have already recognized the need to be good stewards of our land and water resources but more needs to be done.

Environment and Planning

Protection and conservation of the Australian environment are the responsibility of all levels of Government, industry and communities.

It is vital to achieve a balance between economic and industrial development and the preservation of the environment.

Co-operation between all parties is what I will be advocating in the planning and development stages of long-range programmes to conserve soil and water resources.

I will be promoting recycling programmes to conserve resources and reduce pollution.

Native vegetation issues need to be addressed to make some areas in Flinders safer, especially in regards bush fire dangers.

Responsible environment preservation and planning is paramount.

Employment and the economy

Being employed is the basis of personal fulfillment and the avenue through which all Australians can provide a better life for themselves and their families.

Within the electorate of Flinders it is important for employers, including small family businesses, to have greater incentives to invest through lower interest rates, less regulation and lower taxes, and as a result provide greater employment opportunities especially for our younger people including school leavers.

With our buoyant economy both State and Federal Governments must make a concerted effort to reduce the overall tax burden, particularly payroll tax, to encourage investment and increase employment.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: Hendrik (Hank) SWALUE

ADDRESS: 18 Hilltop Drive,
PORT LINCOLN, S.A. 5606.

TELEPHONE: 0428 837 121

DATE OF BIRTH: 1st December, 1946.

CURRENT EMPLOYMENT: Senior Sergeant, Port Lincoln Police Station

MARITAL STATUS: Married

WIFE: Claire SWALUE

WIFE’S OCCUPATION: Business Support Officer
SES West Coast and Mid West

Karlene Maywald MP Member for Chaffey, Hank Swalue & Hanks wife Claire at Candidacy announcement at Marina Port Lincoln.

Hank chats with local Port Lincoln media during candidacy announcement, held at the marina in Port Lincoln.

Hank Swalue

Hank (centre) with from left Karlene Maywald SA Leader The Nationals, Claire Swalue, Hank and key supporters , Maryann Swalue (Campaign Manager) and Peter Blacker former Nationals Member for Flinders from 1973 to 1993 at Candidacy announcement.

CHILDREN: One son aged 33 years.
One grandson 7 years.

QUALIFICATIONS

INTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

1. First Class Constable examination 1970.

2. Sergeant examination completed 1974.

3. Senior Sergeant examination completed 1981.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS\COURSES (TAFE COURSES)

1. Australian Political Resource Structure. High Pass.

2. Communications. 3 Modules. High Pass.

3. Introductory Accounting. Credit.

COURSES AND SEMINARS

1. Criminal Investigation Branch Course - 5 weeks.

2. Internal Investigation Branch investigators Course - 1 week.

3. N.C.O. Course - 5 weeks.

4. Civil Disorder/Riot Course - Numerous times as instructor and participant.

5. Occupational Health and Safety management course.

6. Work group managers seminar (Resulting in new S.A.P.D. delegation manual).

7. Justice Information Systems and Personal Computer Administrator.

8. Computing course (Learning Laboratory - external agency)

9. First aid certificate and have bus, truck and motor cycle licences.

10. Level 2 AFL Coaching accreditation.

11 Since 1984 involved in continual learning programs and attended a further 86 internal courses and seminars lasting from 1 day to 5 days each.

POSTING HISTORY

Graduated in December, 1966, after completing a 3 years Cadet Course in 2 years at the Police Academy, Fort Largs.

1. Posted to Police Headquarters, Adelaide on 26/12/1966, performing traffic control duties, foot patrol duties, court and cell guard duties and general patrol duties both within the Adelaide metropolitan and suburban areas.

2. On 6/7/1967 commenced duties as a relieving officer at the Police Stations of Prospect, Enfield and Richmond performing solo general patrol duties, enquiries and station duties.

3. Posted to the Unley Police Station on 2/1/1968. There performed general patrol duties, enquiries and station duties, prosecution duties in the Traffic court, and conducted driving licence tests both for learner drivers and aged persons. Also assisted the Unley Criminal Investigation Branch with various enquiries and investigations.

4. On 5/11/1970 commenced duties at the Goodwood Police station performing solo general patrol duties, station duties and enquiry duties. Relieved the Sergeant, Officer in Charge during annual leave.

5. Posted to the Adelaide Criminal Investigation Branch on 24/6/1971. There performed duties within the General squad, Dealers Squad, Anti-Larrikin/Consorting Squad and a Special Squad.

6. On 24/5/1972 commenced duties at the country/rural Port Pirie 3 person Criminal Investigation Branch, covering a large area of the mid-north and north-eastern part of South Australia. In 1976 becoming the Officer in Charge of that Branch.

7. Posted to the remote/outback Oodnadatta Police Station as the Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge on 20/5/1982. In charge of 1 Sergeant and 4 other ranks. Duties included that as Officer in Charge of the Police Station at Oodnadatta and the Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal lands in the North West of South Australia. Further duties comprised that of being the Clerk of the Oodnadatta and Pitjantjatjara lands courts of summary jurisdiction and local court. This task since my posting having been allocated to a full time civilian clerk of court at Coober Pedy. That Police district now divided in half with the Pitjantjatjara lands being administered from the new Police Station at Marla. I undertook all prosecution duties both at Oodnadatta and circuit courts within the Pitjantjatjara lands except those matters of complexity or those of conflict of interest where I was involved as the arresting/reporting officer. Further duties included those as keeper of the Oodnadatta prison, sheriff’s officer, Welfare officer and dealing with other Government department matters, e.g. Agriculture, Motor Registration, etc. and last but not least being the chairperson of the Ooodnadatta Progress Association.

8. On 22/9/1984 upon returning to the metropolitan area commenced duties at Port Adelaide. Roles there included that of the Regional Training officer, Officer in Charge of the Police Station and Senior Sergeant in charge of general patrols with a staff of 3 Sergeants and up to 40 other ranks, covering the three patrol areas of Port Adelaide, Henley Beach and Hindmarsh. All areas in recent years with departmental reorganization having become separate Police sub-division in their own right with a Commissioned officer and Senior Administration Sergeant in charge.

9. Posted to the Operational Response Group on 2/1/1986, as the Senior Sergeant Officer in Charge, in charge of 4 Sergeants, 11 Senior Constables and up to 40 other ranks, both male and female officers. My main duties other than co-coordinating prisoner and mental patient escorts state wide include that as Forward or Police Incident commander at the majority of major special and sporting events in the Metropolitan area (e.g. A.F.L. Football, Test and one day cricket, Adelaide Royal Show, concerts, demonstrations etc.) I was the Police security co-coordinator for the Australian Grand Prix for 10 years. My staff was trained in Witness and V.I.P. protection and I was required to co-ordinate staffing for those duties in conjunction with the Witness Protection Unit and S.T.A.R. Division personnel. I was a permanent Selection Advisory Committee Chairperson for selection of Senior Constable positions State wide and as

Hank and Port Lincoln Business Proprietors discuss Small Business & Regional issues with Karlene Maywald MP, SA Leader the Nationals & Minister for Small Business & Regional Development.

Hank discusses Regional issues which have been raised with him by constituents in Flinders with Minister for Regional Development, Karlene Maywald MP.

9. (Cont.) such have chaired numerous selection panels and interviewed many Police Officers for positions. Having completed an Internal Investigation Branch Investigators course I have been required to conduct many enquiries and submitted numerous reports on behalf of the Internal Investigation Branch into complaints made by members of the public about Police officers.

10. On 23/12/96 transferred to the Police Media Liaison Section, there arranged and conducted press conferences, prepared media releases, attended the scenes of major media interest and regularly updated all media outlets with matters of public interest and upon request did voice overs re same.

11. On 15/5/97 transferred to Unley as the Sub-Divisional Senior Sergeant in Charge with overall responsibility for general patrols, police station and enquiry staff totaling 46 members, which included 6 Sergeants, 6 Senior Constables, and other ranks, both female and male.

12. On 4/12/97 with the closure of the Unley Police Station and the subsequent amalgamation with the Darlington Police Station to create the Sturt Division I took on the role of the Divisional Senior Sergeant in a temporary capacity pending a move to Port Lincoln where I had been successful in the selection process to gain the position as the Officer in Charge.

13. On 17/8/1998 transferred to Port Lincoln as the Officer in Charge and this is my current posting.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

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Map of Flinders

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Contact Details

FLINDERS – HANK SWALUE

Email: rmjas@westnet.com.au