Final Red Leather for 2009 - now available

The end of 2009 proved itself to be yet another example of why just when you think you understand what is happening in politics, it changes before your very eyes.

In NSW we have a new Premier.  I would like to record my thanks to Nathan Rees for his hard work and dedication to people in NSW. In his time as Premier, Nathan made an incredible contribution. Nathan Rees;

• drove an agenda of openness and transparency that has translated into the best FOI laws in Australia
• banned developer donations and pushed to reform political donation laws
• prioritised climate change and protecting the environment
• guaranteed education and training opportunities to all young people
• committed the Government to improving transport across Sydney
• found $2 million in government to help the Wayside Chapel rebuild its condemned buildings
• cut $600,000 from his media unit to fund homeless services in western Sydney and the inner city
• started the process of opening up government data, taking on the hesitance of public agencies and
• tirelessly travelled across NSW to talk directly to NSW citizens through an expanded community cabinet and feedback process

As a backbencher I appreciated Nathan's accessibility, his willingness to listen and his energy. Nathan's focus and hard work, in the face of a hostile media, fed often from ill disciplined individuals within the government was exemplary.

The new cabinet has been sworn in. Details can be found here.

Federally saw Tony "People Skills" Abbott accidentally become the federal opposition leader. Some of the strangest outcomes include the re-emergence of Bronwyn Bishop as a frontbencher, a return to the policies of workchoices and the idea that climate change is a left wing conspiracy.  If you want to look at the data on climate change check out this contribution from blogger Possum Comitatus on Pollytics.

There has been a change in my office with Cathy Brown taking a position in the office of Verity Firth.  I would like to thank Cathy especially for her work on NSW Publicsphere and the support she has given to the myriad of community organisations and individuals who have sought the assistance of my office. I personally thank her for her good humour, mastering of the paper flow within the office and her sense of the absurd on Level 11 in parliament house.

I would like to wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season. Thanks for being part of the Red Leather community. Your feedback is always welcome and encouraged. Red Leather will be back in February.

Regards
Penny

PS Video of the year: In Social Media goes to the Socialnomics Social Media Revolution video. Political video to the Australia Youth Climate Change Coalition for their message to Tony Abbott.

Website of the year: So many to choose from. But I pick the Fed's Gov 2.0 Taskforce. A huge step forward in Australia this year in relation to Gov 2.0. These guys have helped to lead the way. You can still comment on their draft report.

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