[Submission received by fax and re-typed by Commission]
[NSW address]
13th April 2010

Mr K Rudd
Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Facsimile (02) 6271 5414

Copies to:  	Mrs Q Bryce Governor General
	Mr A Abbott Opposition Leader
	Ms S Grierson Federal Parliament Member of Newcastle
	Mrs K Keneally Premier New South Wales Government
	Ms J McKay State Parliament Member of Newcastle
	Chairperson Hunter Water Corporation/HWC
	Mr G Douglas ‑ Meyer Chairperson Australian Federation of Disabilities Organisation
	Mr P Mundy – Honorary Secretary Deaf Christian Fellowship of New South Wales
	Ms C Branson President Australian Human Rights Commission
	Professor Commonwealth Ombudsman
	Letter to Editor Newcastle Herald
Dear Kevin

Re Frank Lawrence Peterson – Record 16 years Disability unemployment person – Desire

Regarding to various communication between us and I am now the record 16 years Disability unemployment person since I was retrenched from Hunter Water Corporation already 16 years ago as official Disability employee see enclosed document with reason that one Deaf Christian person made us feel not comfort of the unpleasant comment of unfortunate job prospect recent  However

I do blame the Federal Labor government to influence the policies without double consideration  Since Whitham Government they set the policy of National average 25% of Australian salaries/ wages for pensioner yet they gazette as average male salaries/wages instead and 6% compulsory national superannuation  I was retrenched at that period from BHP Port Waratah  The pensioner gain none of superannuation   However since then every Labor government neglect pensioners as the Liberal government always ensure overall in the balance  EG Reference of DR Brendan Nelson tabled the private bill for pensioner extra thirty dollars ($30.00) as Liberal Opposition as very sensible person

As Hawke/ Keating Government gazetted Disability Support Pension/ DSP also 9% compulsory national superannuation  For the employers decide to rely on DSP as reject to employ Disability person really discrimination  I strongly object the DSP as misleading  I am one of those which HWC took me to Centrelink and made them entitle as DSP instead seek job prospect as I accept to put up with loss of normal salary with top class hospital/ medical fund (NIB) into DSP pension with no benefit / as you and others enjoy with good salary and proposal retirement benefit

Otherwise I was forced to work at sheltered workshop House With No Steps against my wish under Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service yet with regrets I quit because double standard as I believe we are all base at equal pay/ standard

Why you have thoughts of all stimulus measures which Professor Commonwealth Ombudsman strongly objected that situation as misleading also without consideration of those long term unemployment members of Australia even 50% car allowance to allocate rich people made good gain what about me and others suffer being unemployment

Accord to the LAW the normal salary cannot be lower when transfer job compare to me sudden demoted into DSP on date of retrenchment

2
13th April 2010
Mr K Rudd
Re Frank Lawrence Peterson – Record 16 years Disability unemployment person – Desire

Now I need the desire for your allocation of entitlement as Disability compensation as be equal fair go for the gain of all reimbursement of the normal salary since the retrenchment date which I was only 47 as you gain all benefit while is current on duty as well as when you retire what about me and others of unemployment with no retirement benefit  I am not ready for retirement

I lodge my complaint to Australian Human Rights Commission as double standard & mislead of Equal pay

Look forward for your comment

Yours sincerely

[signed]

Frank Lawrence Peterson

Ps  	Current proposal hospital system  The Howard Government did so success with Tasmania local hospital so what excuse with update project as Medicare need to be update as failure also Previous Liberal Government does not disturb Medicare  GST under Howard Government went so success so do not disturb GST as part of the proposal hospital system
		
		FLP

[Hunter Water letterhead]

6 June 2007		Reference: PD:KF
				[Telephone]

Mr F Peterson
[Address]

Dear Frank

I refer to your faxed letter dated 29 May 2007 regarding the alleged discrimination against yourself on the grounds of your disability.

On review of your circumstances I am advised you were initially given on the job training in 1983 under the State Government’s Work Therapy Scheme for Disabled persons following your retrenchment from BHP after 22 years of service. 

This training led to a paid temporary placement and in 1985 the Hunter District Water Board (as known then) put together and funded under our affirmative action plan, a role within the Reprographics Business Unit.  I understand this position was sunsetted to you and catered for your disability.  Given this, Hunter Water denies the assertion that you were discriminated against in any way during your employment. 

In the early 1990’s a commercial decision was made to sell off the non-core Reprograhics function.  From our records you accepted a voluntary redundancy option and exited Hunter Water on 8 April 1994 as did others employed within that unit.

As you would be aware from efforts to assist you in the past, Hunter Water is an equal employment opportunity employer and continues to employ and support people with disabilities – this is a reputation that Hunter Water is proud of. 

I am advised in the 13 years since you left on voluntary redundancy we have liaised on occasions with the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service regarding work experience opportunities. 

In the event you proceed with your complaint, and the relevant Commission wishes to seek any further clarification, Hunter Water will be happy to discuss the issues to resolve any concerns that are not addressed by this response.

We wish you well in your endeavours to find work. 

Yours faithfully

[Signed]

KEVIN YOUNG
Managing Director