28 July 2005 - Media Release

National Capital Authority must clarify stance on City Hill

During the Federal Budget Senate Estimates hearings in June, the National Capital Authority (NCA) implied that they had a right of veto over any proposed development of City Hill as part of a Civic revitalisation Plan.

So far they have failed to answer questions on notice to clarify what powers they have that could jeopardise some of the exciting ideas circulating in Canberra in relation to Civic.

This is unacceptable. ACT Citizens, government and business all deserve to know exactly what powers the NCA have and whether they intend to use them. . Particularly as business leaders are today discussing steps forward for city revitalisation plans at the Canberra Business Council summit on the issue.

Without assurances that the NCA will not try to arrogantly override the will of the people in the ACT through their elected government's comprehensive consultation processes, it is difficult to have confidence that the NCA will not once again cause planning havoc at the last minute, as they have with both the Gungahlin Drive Extension and the State Circle debacles.

I call on the NCA to clarify exactly what their powers are in relation to City Hill and how and when they could be used to override ACT Government decisions so there are no nasty surprises later that can be used to undermine the goodwill being shown by all involved to date.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

20 July 2005 - Media Release

Minister Kemp's job only half done?

Minister Rod Kemp needs to clarify what has been agreed to between the Government and the Australian Football League (AFL) with respect to the World Anti-Doping Association's (WADA) drugs in sport code

Reports suggest that the job is only half done.

The Minister says that the AFL "will be WADA compliant in all respects." However the AFL have only committed to sign onto part of the code.

The AFL has conceded to follow WADA guidelines for in competition testing but will rely on the league's own code for out of competition - where recreational drugs are not dealt with in the same way as under the WADA code guidelines.

The Government needs to clarify this decision and their commitment to its drugs in sport policy. Minister Kemp has a responsibility to ensure that corners are not cut just to save face for the Government and the AFL.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

19 July 2005 - Media Release

Cycling tragedy

I am shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic accident involving the Australian women's road cycling team in Germany yesterday - where Amy Gillett was killed and 5 other riders were injured.

My thoughts are with Amy's husband, family and friends. A 1996 Olympian, Amy has been at the forefront of elite sport for more than a decade and competed at the highest level in both rowing and cycling. Her tragic death will affect those in the rowing and cycling fraternities throughout Australia.

Australia's thoughts are with the five other riders, the coaching and support staff and their friends, family and comrades as the riders receive treatment for their serious injuries.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

5 July 2005 - Media Release

$600 million of sporting facilities under threat

Over 9,000 participants and volunteers from 59 regional and metropolitan university campuses across Australia are competing in Australian University Games competition this week.

It is ironic that while such an event is on, a Senate inquiry hearing in Armidale today has heard that under the Howard Government's legislation attacking student services the 2005 games may well be the last.

Australian University Sport (AUS) gave evidence on the devastating effect the Government’s legislation would have on their 46 campus sport and recreation associations.

Based on the Western Australian experience of an end to universal student organisation membership (1997-2002), it is estimated that the loss of income for sport and recreation on university campuses will be up to 80% - in dollar terms that equates to a $32 million loss for sport in Australia.

This legislation will also jeopardise the maintenance and viability of more than $600 million of sporting infrastructure built up over generations through the contributions of past students. In regional areas, university sporting infrastructure is essential to the wellbeing of the whole community who rely the facilities.

The Howard Government have so far refused to listen to the concerns of the community and universities. They have not consulted with sports administrators in universities despite the obvious adverse impact on sport the VSU legislation will have.

This policy counters and undermines recent initiatives by the Howard Government to increase participation and physical activity among the population.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334

4 July 2005 - Media Release

2005 Southern University Games could be the Last

The 2000 students descending on Traralgon in the La Trobe Valley for the 2005 Southern University Games know that this will potentially be the last games because of the Howard Government’s attacks on student organisations.

The Government is introducing Voluntary Student Unionism (VSU) legislation which, if successful, will ban the collection of student fees for university campus services like sports facilities and clubs.

Federal Shadow Minister for Sport and Recreation, Senator Kate Lundy, who is in Traralgon to speak at the opening ceremony, said the Southern University Games could become a casualty of the Howard Government’s politically motivated attack on university student associations.

Since their conception in 1993, the Southern University Games have contributed millions of dollars to the local economies of the host cities.  This year it is expected that the local economy in the La Trobe Valley will be boosted by $1 million over the 4 days of the games.

Many prominent athletes have used the university games as a springboard to elite levels of sport, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.  These have included, Brooke Hanson, Patrick Johnson, Nathan Deakes, Russel Mark and Robert Newbury.

Senator Lundy said that every Coalition MP and Senator in Victoria, and in particular local MP’s, Russell Broadbent and Peter McGauran should vote against the Howard Government’s ideological attack on university sport.

Senator Lundy will speak at a media conference at 12.30 pm at the Glenview Park Race Course Members Room, McNairn Road, Traralgon.  The opening ceremony will take place at 2pm at the same venue.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059 or 02 6277 3334