Well what a week it was. Congratulations everyone who worked so hard to elect a federal Labor government. Congratulations to all the candidates especially Janelle Saffin, Mike Bailey, Tanya Plibersek, Anthony Albanese, George Newhouse and Victoria Brookman. While not all were successful - all flew the flag for a fairer and more decent Australia. Congratulations also to all those in the union movement who demonstrated that solidarity and a fair go are fundamental rights that Australians are willing to fight and vote for.
As we head into the last sitting week of the year in NSW it is worth being aware of;
- the passing of recent domestic violence and sexual assault legislation that has been the most comprehensive reform of these laws for 20 years. These are the basis for the continued work to protect women and children from violence in our communities and their passing was a fitting part of the 16 days of Activism to Stop Violence Against Women
- the release of the discussion paper on improving the planning system for people in NSW.
- activities associated with the International Day of People with a Disability
- the launch of the first state plan in Australia that aims to tackle violence against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in NSW. Here is my speech from the launch.
- The excellent uptake by NSW consumers of Greenpower.
- The handback of 112000 hectares of land to the Githabul people in northern NSW
- The creation of the Rick Farley Soil Conservation Reserve near Mungo National Park
There are some difficult decisions to be made in coming months and the new year. How NSW finances new energy generation, how does the state upgrade our iconic ferries, how does NSW continue to improve child protection in NSW to name just a few. Next week the Upper house will debate what we do in relation to GM crops. I welcome your thoughts on these matters.
Finally, today is Asbestos Awareness Day. It was also this week that we learnt of the sad news of the death of Bernie Banton. I attended the ceremony today and was reminded that in just the last year in NSW 688 people find themselves with a new diagnosis of a dust related disease and then seek compensation from the Dust diseases board. The work of organisations such as ADFA and the Dust Diseases Board is to be acknowledged and applauded.
Regards
Penny
PS – Here are my favourite Kevin videos of campaign 07: Kevin Rudd Chinese Propaganda Video, Ruddical, the Chaser’s Stairway to Kevin, the John Howard vs Kevin Rap and finally the dancing Kevin Rudd.
Committees Wanting To Hear From You
These inquiries are currently receiving submissions:
- The prohibition on the publication of names of children involved in criminal proceedings.
- Natural Resource Management (Climate Change).
- Overcoming Indigenous disadvantage.
- State Plan Reporting.
- Young Driver Safety and Education Programs.
Government Action
- The Premier, Morris Iemma, launched the Bernie Banton centre for research into asbestos disease, announced the contractor for the billion-dollar Port Botany upgrade, announced the most sweeping changes to liquor licencing laws in 25 years, and honoured young participants in the Premier's Reading Challenge.
- Planning Minister Frank Sartor released a discussion paper on simplifying the State's planning system.
- Minister for Primary Industry Ian Macdonald announced $17 million in extra drought relief funding.
- Deputy Premier John Watkins launched a new scheme to promote green public transport, and announced that the Toyota Prius has been approved for taxi and hire car use in NSW.
- Minister for Land Tony Kelly announced boosted support for communities impacted by drought.
- Health Minister Reba Meagher said the passing of new legislation in the NSW Parliament has significantly tightened the existing rules around assisted reproductive technologies.
- Kristina Keneally, Minister for Ageing, launched the 2008 Seniors Discount Directory.
- Verity Firth, the Minister for Science and Medical Research, opened the Diabetes Vaccine Development Centre.
- Assistant Environment Minister Verity Firth released a report showing that Sydney's atmospheric pollution levels are lower than 15 years ago.
- Assistant Health Minister (Cancer) Verity Firth announced $14.5 million in extra research grants, announced the recruitment of four world-class researchers to NSW, marked the start of National Skin Cancer Action Week, congratulated the Children's Cancer Institute Australia on their discoveries, and launched a new $1.4 million graphic advertising campaign against smoking.
- Housing Minister Matt Brown announced $8 million in funding for community housing.
- John Hatzistergos, the Attorney-General, responded to the NSW Law Reform Commission report on juvenile sentencing and accepted recommendations against increasing the involvement of juries in trials.
- Paul Lynch, the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, hailed an historic land claim in the State's Central West.
Take Action
- Read the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom's fact sheet on nuclear power.
- Nominate somebody you know for the CRC Volunteer Award.
- Buy a red ribbon for World AIDS Day.
- Host, or attend, a GetTogether.
Quotes of the Fortnight
From Hansard:
The Hon. ERIC ROOZENDAAL: And that from the genius who was able to organise a brilliant almost 6 per cent swing to Labor in Crookwell at the last Federal election! I understand he was booth captain at Crookwell, where there was a 6 per cent swing.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: Point of explanation. I was not and I will not be booth captain for Alby Shultz!
From Lateline:
TONY JONES: I'm just saying it went right up the chain to the state executive. Are you not worried that there may be a poison in the state executive?
TONY ABBOTT: I think that factionalism has ill-served the NSW Party. Factionalism of the left and factionalism of the right. I think people are perfectly entitled to a philosophical view. I think people are perfectly entitled to have their friends, and be inclined to support their friends. But in the end, everyone has got to work together. And that is the poison that sometimes contaminates political parties...
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