You might have to explain to some of your readers what an "opposition leader" is ! Given our history of safe labor voting (grrrr) in the Illawarra, its been a long time since we've seen one. I'm a swinging voter myself and more than happy to see Tony Abbott visit, even if its just to score political mileage (although hopefully the school can get their problem building sorted out). He does seem like a hard working politician. Now, on a state level, where are your Barry O'Farrell?...Our transport system is unsafe, crime is on the increase, a dysfunctional hospital system - try and woo the labor heartland, you may be surprised at the level of dissatisfaction!

totally agree with Cathy B, where is the state opposition, you have four seats ready for the picking, but nobody to fill them?

Barry Who??????????????????

I grew up at Mt. St Thomas and went to the local school. For us all we had was our school library or the school quandrangle where th ewhole school met.I gather the school has grown a little. If we had concerts or plays we used to have to go somewhere else and our parents tooks us.

I was at a dinner in Kiama last night where Tony Abbott spoke. He was quite impressive.He had alot of support from a diverse range of people. His appeal with female voters and youth was evident. No publicity from our media for the day he spent in Gilmore electorate with Jo Gash. Jim I agree their is four seats for the picking. I think their is going to be some good fresh local liberal candidate for state and federal for throsby and cunningham.

Be carefull , Abbott might turn your school into a catholic school , munks and all.

The reason that the federal opposition leader is here and not the state rep is simply because this subject matter is a federal initiative and nothing to do with state politics. If you cant work out the difference in the parties and what they stand for until the last minute you would probably be doing the country a favour by not voting at all. The biggest decision the country makes every 4 years is decided by the indecisive.....go figure.

I must of missed something somewhere. with the Rudd's building education program I was under the belief that the school applied for funds to cover the total cost of the building they wanted. insead of critisizing the government perhaps the blame should be laid on those at fault, such as the archetect who designed the hall to small or the builders who underpriced the building or the people who gave the ok for that size hall.

well mt st thomas school is'nt the only school to have one of these eye -sore halls, so does lyndsay park west wollongong it to will not hold every student and the government chose to take away the beatiful green space were our children once played and enjoyed now they have only concreat to play on, not to mention the trees they have distroid while building. As far as I'm concernd government take the hall and place it were the sun don't shine,Then restore our loverly school back to the way it was we don't need it the school has done without a hall for 50 years we dont want it now.

where is concietta-wells when you need her.... oh thats right...part of the liberal party machine...sorry.