"A Labour of Love, Bloody Oath!"
- An election night poem by H. Hamilton, a constituent of Melbourne.
Australia 2020 Summit
21.4.08
Over the weekend I was part of the 2020 summit in the “Future directions for the Australian economy” group. The summit was fertile ground for new and old ideas to be discussed, for delegates to outline their ambitions for Australia and for us to consider in depth the direction we want Australia to take in the future.
The “Future directions for the Australian economy” group wanted Australia to be the best place in the world to live and do business. I look forward to the weeks and months ahead as the government investigates, reviews and responds to the exciting ideas coming out of the weekend summit.
Read more about the "Future directions for the Australian economy" stream.
African Community 2020 Summit
17.4.08
Today I hosted an African Community 2020 Summit in Melbourne. Members of various African Community groups and associations including organisations that represent refugees from Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia and Eritrea attended the Summit to discuss the major economic and social issues facing members of the African community in Australia.
Upon arrival in Australia, many African migrants face enormous challenges settling in Australia. Some African refugees with professional qualifications and good English language skills are still finding it difficult to get work in their chosen occupations, even when highly qualified. The summit was intended to be an open conversation engaging representatives from the various African community groups in Melbourne. The objective of today’s discussion is to understand the challenges they face and to draw on their passion and ideas about their adopted country.
Read the African Community 2020 Summit Communique
Former Senator John Button Remembered
15.4.08
Today I attended John Button’s funeral at St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne. John Button was a giant of the Labor party – an unapologetic idealist who always spoke his mind.
John Button played an integral role in the Hawke and Keating governments as Minister for Industry and Commerce for a decade. He led the modernisation of the Australian car industry, and was integral to the opening up of Australia’s economy.
New Melbourne Memo
14.4.08
The Autumn edition of the Melbourne Memo is now available. This edition includes articles about the apology to the Stolen Generations, Climate Change and changes to Immigration Policy.
Visit to Homeless Shelter
13.12.07
Today I visited St Mary's House of Welcome. St Mary's House of Welcome is located in Fitzroy and provides support services to marginalised and homeless adults.
Homelessness is a particularly important issue in the Melbourne electorate as studies show that people who are homeless tend to be concentrated in the inner suburbs. Although organisations like St Mary's House of Welcome are doing excellent work, it is clear that homelessness is an issue that should be a higher priority for governments, and I am proud that Kevin Rudd has indicated that he is passionate about addressing this issue.
Visit to Schools in the Electorate
12.12.07
I recently visited two schools in the electorate - Fitzroy North Primary School and the Sophia Mundi Steiner School. Education is a top priority of the Rudd Labor government, and it is important to bear in mind the diverse range of schools that exist within Australia when formulating relevant policy.
Improving the educational outcomes of all young Australians is crucial both for the individual, and for Australia's continued economic prosperity. The Rudd Labor government believes we need to invest more in all levels of education.
Lindsay Tanner Appointed Minister
3.12.07
Today Lindsay Tanner MP was sworn in as the Minister for Finance and Deregulation in the new Rudd government.
"Kids
now hang on at home" [PDF]
Herald Sun 09/07/07
"Kids who
are smart and handy" [PDF]
Herald Sun 25/06/07
"Why kids
today feel so emo" [PDF]
Herald Sun 12/06/07
"No gravy
train for uni students" [PDF]
Herald Sun 29/05/07
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