E-brief #16: 1 June 2007
Introduction
My blog—Red Leather—is back. Feel free to leave a comment.
Three new members made their inaugural speeches this week in parliament: Mick Veitch, David Borger and Lynda Voltz. These are worth a read if you want to know about who is representing Labor in the NSW Government.
Reconciliation Week has given rise to many discussions about the how we as a nation can deliver true social justice to indigenous people. There is along way to go, but Kevin Rudd’s announcements that a Labor government will put significant funding into closing the gap on indigenous health and literacy, as well as a commitment to say sorry is a good start.
After a feisty debate this week about the new coal loader in Newcastle, Minister Ian Macdonald will bring on a debate in the chamber about the role of coal in coming weeks. I welcome your thoughts.
Regards, Penny
PS. The Audit Office have released an in-brief report on the Government's Response to Homelessness—more needs to be done.
In the House
Legislation that was introduced into parliament this week included:
- action to protect vulnerable people during court appearances—the Criminal Procedure Amendment (Vulnerable Person’s) Bill,
- a new concession for first home buyers—the Duties Amendment (First Home Plus One) Bill, and
- changes to the procedures of the Guardianship Tribunal.
Parliament will also begin to debate stem cell research through the Human Cloning & Other Prohibited Practices Amendment Bill. This bill is subject to a conscience vote for MPs—expect to hear a lot more about this in coming weeks.
I spoke this week in relation to the Law & Justice Committee report into the Commonwealth’s Federal Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act. I remain extremely concerned about the impact of these new laws on women and children who experience domestic and family violence.
Government Action
- NSW protects young workers.
- A draft bill has been released that will reform the definition of consent in sexual assault cases.
- NSW TAFE students lead the world in skills.
- The Minister for Education, John Della Bosca, said that school principals were using their increased powers to more effectively deal with misbehaving students.
- Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Verity Firth has marked World No Tobacco Day by announcing the Cancer Institute’s latest survey data on the attitudes of NSW smokers, and launched the Sydney Swans' Smoking: Don't Be A Sucker campaign.
From the blog:
MPs in exile
Today I hosted a group of Burmese at Parliament House after a rally held in Hyde Park. I was honoured to meet U Maung Maung Aye who was elected as a Member of Parliament in Burma for the National League for Democracy. He has never been able to take his place in the parliament...
Take action
- Marrickville Council presents: public forum on Welfare, Work, Social Justice. "Going, going, gone".
- If you've moved house or just turned 18, enrol to vote!
- Support marie claire magazine's push for paid maternity leave.
Quote of the Fortnight
“The adoption of a New South Wales bill of rights would serve to take lawmaking power from our democratically elected parliament and hand that power over to unelected judges”
—The Hon David Clarke MLC, Wednesday 30 May 2007
——Wrong wrong wrong. Check out why NSW needs a Charter of Human Rights (courtesy of PIAC).
Introduction
My blog—Red Leather—is back. Feel free to leave a comment.
Three new members made their inaugural speeches this week in parliament: Mick Veitch, David Borger and Lynda Voltz. These are worth a read if you want to know about who is representing Labor in the NSW Government.
Reconciliation Week has given rise to many discussions about the how we as a nation can deliver true social justice to indigenous people. There is along way to go, but Kevin Rudd’s announcements that a Labor government will put significant funding into closing the gap on indigenous health and literacy, as well as a commitment to say sorry is a good start.
After a feisty debate this week about the new coal loader in Newcastle, Minister Ian Macdonald will bring on a debate in the chamber about the role of coal in coming weeks. I welcome your thoughts.
Regards, Penny
PS. The Audit Office have released an in-brief report on the Government's Response to Homelessness—more needs to be done.
In the House
Legislation that was introduced into parliament this week included:
- action to protect vulnerable people during court appearances—the Criminal Procedure Amendment (Vulnerable Person’s) Bill,
- a new concession for first home buyers—the Duties Amendment (First Home Plus One) Bill, and
- changes to the procedures of the Guardianship Tribunal.
Parliament will also begin to debate stem cell research through the Human Cloning & Other Prohibited Practices Amendment Bill. This bill is subject to a conscience vote for MPs—expect to hear a lot more about this in coming weeks.
I spoke this week in relation to the Law & Justice Committee report into the Commonwealth’s Federal Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act. I remain extremely concerned about the impact of these new laws on women and children who experience domestic and family violence.
Government Action
- NSW protects young workers.
- A draft bill has been released that will reform the definition of consent in sexual assault cases.
- NSW TAFE students lead the world in skills.
- The Minister for Education, John Della Bosca, said that school principals were using their increased powers to more effectively deal with misbehaving students.
- Minister Assisting the Minister for Health (Cancer) Verity Firth has marked World No Tobacco Day by announcing the Cancer Institute’s latest survey data on the attitudes of NSW smokers, and launched the Sydney Swans' Smoking: Don't Be A Sucker campaign.
From the blog:
MPs in exile
Today I hosted a group of Burmese at Parliament House after a rally held in Hyde Park. I was honoured to meet U Maung Maung Aye who was elected as a Member of Parliament in Burma for the National League for Democracy. He has never been able to take his place in the parliament...
Take action
- Marrickville Council presents: public forum on Welfare, Work, Social Justice. "Going, going, gone".
- If you've moved house or just turned 18, enrol to vote!
- Support marie claire magazine's push for paid maternity leave.
Quote of the Fortnight
“The adoption of a New South Wales bill of rights would serve to take lawmaking power from our democratically elected parliament and hand that power over to unelected judges”
—The Hon David Clarke MLC, Wednesday 30 May 2007
——Wrong wrong wrong. Check out why NSW needs a Charter of Human Rights (courtesy of PIAC).