30th April 2007 - Joint Media Release

Tralee Decision is Poor Planning for Region

The announcement by the NSW Planning Minister that he has approved the development of up to 10,000 new homes in the Tralee and Googong areas is a threat to the lifestyle of Canberra residents.

Federal Labor members Bob McMullan MP, Annette Ellis MP and Senator Kate Lundy are concerned that the approval flies in the face of the recommendations of the NSW government’s Independent Panel on planning in the region.

“At a time when ACT residents are on level three water restrictions, I am especially worried about where the NSW government intends to get the water supply for these 10,000 new homes”, Annette Ellis, Member for Canberra, said.

“Canberra residents should not lose one drop of water to support this NSW development”, Ms Ellis said.

Ms Ellis said she was also concerned about the impact of possible future changes to flight paths on residents of Canberra’s southern suburbs. “I will continue to fight to protect the lifestyle of local residents”, Ms Ellis said.

ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy said that the NSW government’s approval of 130 hectares of “employment land” at the back of Hume is double-speak for a massive industrial development.

“Whilst I support initiatives to create jobs in the region, they must come with the infrastructure needed to support it – roads and public transport, water and waste treatment. Industrial development must be balanced with measures to protect our lifestyles and our region”, Senator Lundy said.

Federal member for Fraser Bob McMullan said that residents who move into the new developments will surely complain about aircraft noise. This could lead to a curfew on the Canberra Airport which would reduce the economic benefits to our region.

“I have serious concerns about the possible future impact of changes to flight paths over northern Canberra”, Bob McMullan said.

“Together with my federal Labor colleagues, I will fight any attempt to change Canberra Airport flight paths over the ACT.”

The three federal Labor representatives said that they will be closely monitoring negotiations between the ACT Government and Queanbeyan City Council over the progress of the developments.

“We will be seeking assurances that this development won’t grow beyond the current proposal. This would have disastrous implications for the region as a whole.”

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059

 4 April 2007 - Media Release

Labor questions tactical shift in athlete testing and education

Reports today that schoolboy rowers were forced to strip naked to provide urine samples to Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) officials attending a school rowing regatta in Sydney are concerning.

This example again raises questions over the changing focus and role of ASADA, who in recent months have also been accused of 'dawn raids' on athletes’ family homes, and had their tactics questioned over subjecting athletes to several tests over just a few days leading into major competitions.

These latest reports suggest that ASADA are now are testing participants in school sport without telling them that they are subject to the anti-doping regime.

We know through an answer to a question on notice in Senate Estimates in May last year that under the ASADA regime athletes are no longer required to attend regular face to face education sessions.

ASADA needs to recognise that education is not about surprising school kids with a test in the hope that one will be caught out in order to get the story published.

ASADA and the Minister need to make clear just who is subject to testing under the ASADA regime and inform all athletes of the process and their rights. It is not an exercise in ‘shock tactics’ as this statement from ASADA today implies:

'The tests were designed to remind young athletes that doping was unsportsmanlike'

This is the second time this week that ASADA's competency has been questioned. The Australian public need to have confidence in the anti-doping system.

The Minister must face these problems at ASADA, clarify their charter to ensure that Australia maintains its credibility in fighting drugs in sport.

*According to the ASADA’s Education Service Charter for 2006-07, all athletes in the Registered Testing Pool will be given an opportunity to attend face to face presentations within each State and Territory. Athletes will be advised of relevant dates for scheduled presentations in each State and Territory and encouraged to register their attendance.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059

2 April 2007 - Media Release

Another ASADA debacle

In light of revelations over the weekend that associated Ian Thorpe to a doping violation, the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority (ASADA) has a number of questions to answer:

ASADA must answer these questions urgently as their competence is now in question. This reflects badly on Australia’s credibility and reputation as being tough on drugs in sport.

ASADA’s processes for investigations need to be crystal clear. For example, ASADA’s ability to manage athlete confidentiality in accordance with the WADA code is once again in question.

The public and the sports community have a right to know that a proper process is driving the fight against doping in sport.

It is a grave indictment on the processes and systems ASADA have in place when an athlete is forced to defend a violation that according to ASADA did not occur.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 0417 148 059