23 April 2005 - Media Release

Canberra loses the father of multiculturalism

I am saddened to hear that the Honourable Al Grassby passed away early this morning after a long illness - a few months short of his 79th birthday. My thoughts are with his wife Ellnor, his daughter Gabriella and their extended family.

Al made Canberra his home after retiring from politics and will be missed by so many in the Canberra community. Al went out of his way to make people feel welcome in Canberra, from refugees to diplomats – he will be remembered fondly by his many friends.

Al lived a full life - his commitment to social justice was matched by his wit and exuberance. Al contributed directly to the improvement of many lives throughout his life as a parliamentarian, community campaigner and loyal friend.

He burst into the federal political arena in 1969 as the member for the Riverina after a stint livening up the NSW Parliament throughout the 1960’s.

As Labor’s Minister for Immigration in the Whitlam Government, Al campaigned for the rights of immigrants from non-English speaking backgrounds and saw out an end to the White Australia Policy.

The first to coin the phrase ‘multiculturalism’ Al’s legacy will live on in the heart and minds of many Australians. The idea of ‘multiculturalism’ has in redefined the nation’s cultural landscape and helped Australia and Australians build a positive view of our diverse society.

After politics as the Commissioner for Community Relations, Al had key roles in administering the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and launched ethnic radio and television.

I want to honour the memory of Al Grassby - he remained committed to Labor principles and values all his life and will be remembered as the father of multiculturalism.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

15 April 2005 - Media Release

Deepest sympathies for families’ loss

My thoughts are with families, friends and colleagues of the nine service men and women so tragically lost on the Indonesian island of Nias recently.

The Australian people have come to hear of the incredible character and spirit of these nine individuals and of the true loss to the loved ones they leave behind.

To the families and friends of the two ACT men lost in the tragedy - Lieutenant Paul Kimlin and Lieutenant Matthew Davey – my heart goes out to you. We Canberrans will always remember and honour the character and the service of these two men.

These men and women have served Australia proudly and they paid the ultimate sacrifice – as a nation we will always recognise and honour them.

Our thoughts are with their families and the families of the injured.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

15 April 2005 - Media Release

Canberrans let down again by the Howard Government on Medicare

The Howard Government has broken another key election promise by cutting funding to Medicare and raising the safety net threshold.

Yesterday the Prime Minister admitted the safety net is an unsustainable policy. This comes after the Howard Government spent $20 million of taxpayer’s money during the last election campaign telling Australian families about the Medicare safety net.

This has been cruel hoax for health consumers in the Canberra region - in the same way the Howard Government has broken its promises on interest rates and on sending more troops to Iraq.

John Howard and Peter Costello will say anything and do anything to get elected. Now, after the election, Australian families have been told by John Howard they will be forced to pay more for their health care.

On Four Corners on 6 September, 2004, Health Minister, Tony Abbott, said the Government was committed to keeping the Medicare safety net:

Question: That’s a cast-iron commitment?
Tony Abbott: Cast-iron commitment, absolutely.
Question: Eighty per cent of out-of-pocket expense rebateable over $300, over $700?
Tony Abbott: That is an absolutely rock solid, iron-clad commitment.

Minister Abbott and the Howard Government have misled the Australian people and are clearly unable to deliver a sustainable health care system to all Australians.

The safety net was always a short term, unsustainable, political fix concocted by Minister Abbott to win votes on health at the last election. It is time that we had a responsible Government who keep their promises.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

14 April 2005 - Media Release

PM’s no-confidence vote on Canberra

The Howard Government is hypocritical in condemning the ACT for poor tourism performance when the Prime Minister himself damages Canberra’s image nationally and internationally by choosing not to live here.

How can the Federal Government expect tourists to flock to a place their own Prime Minister chooses to avoid?

The Prime Minister’s move to the Lodge is 9 years overdue.

His move here could reap a dual benefit – an increase in tourism for Canberra and hundreds of thousands of dollars saved for the Australian taxpayer in bills for Mr Howard’s VIP jet commuting between Canberra and Kirribilli.

In any case, Minister Fran Bailey needs to consider the facts before launching into criticism of ACT Tourism. On a per capita basis the ACT spends significantly more than the bigger states of NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western and South Australia.

Instead of criticising ACT Tourism, perhaps Minister Fran Bailey could prevail on the Prime Minister to live in the home specifically provided for him in Canberra.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

1 April 2005 - Media Release

Manufactured export growth hits record lows

Australia’s manufacturing export growth continues to slump to new record lows in March an Australian Industry Group report showed today. Following on from record lows in February, the Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) exports showed a decline of 5.6 points in March. The figure is down to 41.0, indicating dramatic negative growth in manufacturing exports, with figures below 50 reflecting negative growth.

The marginal overall improvement in the PMI in March still has the figure well below its peak late last year and the figure from the same time in 2004. The new orders index declined, with growth in finished stocks and deliveries also weakening in the sector. Employment and production recorded growth well below the corresponding period in 2004.

It is clear that Australia’s economic growth is being challenged by local capacity constraints across the manufacturing sector. Epidemic skills shortages in the industry continue to impact on the ability of many companies to improve productivity.

What is inherently dire for the industry is that the Howard Government has made no real attempts to address the key factors undermining Australia’s manufacturing capability – particularly the current skill shortages crisis.

Federal Treasurer Peter Costello admitted in a speech last night to the ‘Sustaining Prosperity Conference’ in Melbourne that the damaging skills crisis was only going to get worse: ‘Like now but significantly worse.’

With this Government’s neglect it is difficult to see any way out of low gear for manufacturing growth in Australia and little hope of addressing Australia’s worst ever trade performance under the Howard Government.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0147 148 059 or 02 6277 3334