Ebrief #45

As the economic turmoil in the US finds it's way to the rest of the world, I share the concerns of those US Senators worried about bailing out investment banks while families lose their homes. While I understand the reason why the bailout has had to happen, I lament what else could be done with $700 billion - urban renewal, climate change action, poverty alleviation, universal health care to name a few. I also rage against the greed that drove this situation....

The past fortnight in NSW has also been very busy as the new Ministers and the government gets serious about the issues facing the state. Some of the highlights:

• The Premier announced his Parliamentary Secretaries. I am now the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport.
• The latest GLBT law reforms, including legal recognition for lesbian mums were proclaimed and the NSW government has got behind Mardi Gras and added it to the NSW major events program.
• NSW made a submission to the Rudd Government's Green paper on Climate Change
• NSW will provide $16million to our most disadvantaged public schools
• NSW also announced $10.7million for local climate change projects
• The government is also working with the Commonwealth to better monitor workers on the 457 Visa program

Video's of the week: Tina Fey does another Sarah Palin special. Best activist campaign goes to inmyname a global call to political leaders to support the UN's Millenium Development goals. A very small reflection on the rise of Malcolm Turnbull. And a register to vote campaign in the US.

Regards

Penny

P.S. Congratulations to Maqsood Alshams and the team at UTS who organised the 4R's conference about social inclusion this week.

Parliament Picks

The Premier's first Question times:

• State Debt
• Selective Schools
• Rail Services
• Transparency and Accountability in Government

Key legislation:

• Water Bills for the Murray Darling Basin
• Rail Safety Bill
• Adoption Amendments

Government in Action

• Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Carmel Tebbutt announced a $4.6 million facelift for Lane Cove National Park's Weir Precinct.
• NSW continues to lead the nation in implementing water reform passing legislation to empower the new Murray-Darling Basin Authority and a joint state/federal steering committee will oversee the early transition of Toorale Station when ownership of the property transfers at the end of 2008.
• Minister for Community Services Linda Burney announced $3.9 million funding for the Red Cross Young Women's Health Program which offers young women intensive support during and after their pregnancy. A review of the Children's Services Regulation 2004 is also underway and the Minister tabled legislation to make it easier for couples to adopt children and for children in care to be placed in permanent safe and secure homes.
• Following the reports of locust hatchings in parts of the Central West and Riverina, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald urged farmers to report any locust activity to authorities. The annual NSW trout fishing season began on 4 October, and the Minister announced winners of the 2008 NSW Oyster Industry Environmental Champion Awards.
• The Equine Influenza Summit in Sydney explored options for future eradication, prevention and management measures for horse flu.
• Minister for Energy Ian Macdonald announced the 40 finalists in this year's Country Energy Art Prize for Landscape Painting, Australia's richest landscape art prize.
• Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Paul Lynch offered to send his Opposition spokesman Greg Aplin a set of up-to-date Budget papers so he can better understand his responsibilities to the public.
• Minister for Housing David Borger congratulated public housing tenants on massive water savings, called for nominations for the annual Housing NSW Youth Achievement Awards and announced that 99-year leases for heritage properties in Millers Point will be auctioned in November.
• Minister for Regional Development Phillip Costa reminded businesses in drought-affected areas that they can apply for payroll tax relief under the Government's Business Drought Assistance Program.
• Minister for Roads Michael Daley announced new heavy vehicle laws to help reduce the number of fatigue and speed related deaths on NSW roads, and introduced a demerit point system for learner drivers to encourage safer driving. The Minister also told the Parliament that flashing light technology and electronic alert systems have been installed in 61 schools this year, with 39 to go in 2008.
• Minister for Industrial Relations John Hatzistergos releases the latest edition of Maternity at Work, a free booklet offering a step-by-step guide to maternity leave for new mothers, as well as their partners and employers.
• A survey of rail customers found many positive results but has also put the Government on notice to improve services and planning approval was granted for the redevelopment of the Rozelle Bay Superyacht Marina.
• Attorney General John Hatzistergos announced the NSW Government would consult on changes to appeals from the Local Court to the District Court and said that reforms to the Administrative Decisions Tribunal Act 1997 would give the Tribunal the power to award victims up to $100,000 if unlawful compensation was proven.
• New national results revealed that NSW students are performing well above the national average in every subject and at every year level tested. The highest number of Year 12 students ever recorded (67,931 students) are enrolled in Higher School Certificate courses in 2008, and Education Minister Verity Firth announced support for principals of ‘specific purpose schools' to enable them to concentrate full-time on their students' learning and welfare.

Blog of the week

This person with the very large hedge clippers is Margaret Jones AKA warriorwomyn. Margaret Jones has been volunteering at the Redfern Legal Centre for more years than most can remember. Last night she helped to organise a fundraising dinner for the centre at Parliament House. I was lucky to be asked to host the event.

Redfern Legal Centre opened in 1977. It has provided support and services to over 250,000 people. It's volunteers contribute 30,000 hours a year. They are strong advocates for the people they serve. If you can spare some money to support such a great service find out more here.

Quote of the Week

Mr NATHAN REES: I welcome any questions on the issue of appointment on merit. On the opposite side all the talent is up that end - the member for Manly, the member for Goulburn, the member for Epping, the member for Lane Cove, the member for Bega and the member for Willoughby. I could go on. It is an open secret in the Parliament of New South Wales, if not across Australia, that the Leader of the Opposition's A-team sits as far away from him as he can get them.  

- The Premier is pretty relaxed during his first question time.