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30 August 2002 - Joint Media ReleaseDr
Carmen Lawrence
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 | $1.15 million for the financial year to June 2000, |
| $710,000 leading up to the Sydney Olympics, |
| $100,000 from the toothpaste ad, |
| Income from the Matildas Calendar, and |
| Ongoing grant monies. |
“How is it then that by July 2002, the AWSA is wound up in the Supreme Court with a debt of $70,000?” Senator Lundy asked.
“How is it that the Australian Women’s Soccer Association allegedly informed the Matildas coaches in March 2000, just prior to the Sydney Olympics, that only a budget of $28,000 remained?
“Where did the funding they received through the Olympic Athlete Program in the years leading into the 2000 Olympics go?
“The Australian Sports Commission should say whether or not they are satisfied that all funding monies were expended appropriately.
“It may be appropriate that an itemised breakdown of all expenses relating to the Matildas should be provided to the proposed inquiry into soccer.
“I urge Senator Kemp to take these matters seriously and to act accordingly by including all of these matters in the terms of reference for his inquiry into soccer in Australia,” Senator Lundy concluded.
Senator Lundy also informed the Senate that during the course of her inquiries into women’s soccer, she was made aware of matters of a potential criminal nature, and had written to the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Customs Service and Senator Kemp asking that they be investigated.
Further inquiries in relation to these matters should be directed to the appropriate authorities.
Click to view Senate speech on this matter.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
In question time today, the Shadow Minister for Information Technology, Senator Kate Lundy, asked the Coalition to put its money where its mouth is and back Australia’s capability in the photonics industry.
“The local management of JDS Uniphase is taking steps to keep this operation in Australia, and I wanted to know what the Coalition is doing to help make the management buy-out of the Australian operations of JDS Uniphase possible,” Senator Lundy said.
“Senator Minchin, representing the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane, said that the Government was ‘observing’ the situation. However, this isn’t good enough because time is running out.
“The Coalition continues to talk of its commitment to the Australian photonics industry, but the decline of the global telecommunications industry means the time has come for the Coalition to back its rhetoric with action,” Senator Lundy said.
“Both sides agree that this industry is extremely valuable to Australia and is expected to remain so in the future. The Opposition urges the Government to take the opportunity to ensure that Australian jobs and Australian intellectual property do not leave these shores.
“The Government can do this by actively supporting the management buy-out process,” Senator Lundy concluded.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
The Minister for Information Technology, Senator Richard Alston, scored an own goal when trying to claim credit for the work done by law enforcement agencies in investigating illegal internet sites.
In a press release the Minister made the ridiculous claim that the Coalition’s internet content legislation is making the internet safer, citing the number of web sites identified as containing “prohibited” or illegal content.
However, when Minister Alston conceded that those sites containing illegal material are being followed up by law enforcement agencies, he should have acknowledged that this is being done under the relevant Federal, State and Territory criminal legislation, not his unworkable content regulation regime.
It is these law enforcement agencies that should be congratulated for doing their job - not Minister Alston, who sought to congratulate himself.
The more the Minister continues to claim that the Broadcasting Services (Online Services) Amendment Act is making the internet safer, the more foolish he looks.
In contrast, Labor continues to encourage efforts by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide guidance to families and individuals as to how they can protect themselves from illegal content on the internet.
It is the effectiveness of a community education campaign and application of the industry code of practice that makes a real difference to internet users.
These efforts can occur without Senator Alston’s ludicrous legislation that has led to Australia being described international commentators as a “global village idiot”, and the Minister himself as the “world’s biggest luddite.”
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
The Liberal Party and the Australian Sports Commission should stop playing petty politics with the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), ACT Senator and Shadow Minister for Sport, Senator Kate Lundy, told the Senate last night.
“It is bad enough that the Coalition is using the AIS as a political football, but I am deeply concerned that the Australian Sports Commission has chosen to express their concerns about the Gungahlin Drive extension through the Liberal Party,” Senator Lundy said.
“It seems the Australian Sports Commission is engaged in an unholy alliance with the Liberals to thwart Labor’s plans.
“Now the Minister for Territories, Wilson Tuckey, has weighed into this issue. Mr Tuckey, in his typical sledgehammer style, is trying to prevent the ACT Government from delivering a much needed transport link to the residents of Gungahlin.
“The Australian Sports Commission has already demonstrated their unwillingness to negotiate with the ACT Government in good faith and with an open mind. Coalition Sports Minister, Senator Kemp, has encouraged this intransigence.
“The road proposal is an integral part of the ACT Government’s overall planning vision to service the transport needs of the rapidly growing Gungahlin population.
“After careful and considered investigation, the ACT Labor Party went to the ACT Legislative Assembly election last October with a clear commitment to pursue the western option and not construct a road past O’Connor Ridge. ACT residents showed their support for the Western Option, and the ACT Labor Party was subsequently elected with the biggest swing since self-government.
“Certainly there are genuine concerns about the impact of the Gungahlin Drive Extension on the AIS site in Bruce. These concerns should and are being addressed by the ACT Government.
“To date, the ACT Government has decided to
| Construct the road after training for the Athens Olympics is finished; |
| Address noise impacts; |
| Undertake an environmental health assessment and air quality study; |
| Construct the road 5 to 7 metres below ground level and 200 metres from the AIS residences. |
“These measures demonstrate that the ACT Government is committed to finding a compromise solution," Senator Lundy concluded.
Media comment: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
Rugby league fans are entitled to be disappointed and angry about breaches to the salary cap. Fans are the game’s stakeholders and these breaches are akin to dishonest corporate governance.
The salary cap, set at $3.25 million per club, was introduced to create fairness and equity in terms of the distribution of players and to ensure clubs did not have an unfair advantage.
The National Rugby League (NRL) should impose appropriate penalties on the Bulldogs now that they have admitted breaching the salary cap by $1 million dollars over the last two years.
The Bulldogs are leading this year’s NRL competition and if they are found to have secured an unfair advantage because they breached the rules then they should be penalised in an appropriate manner.
Media comment: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
The Coalition is flagging the possibility of forking out taxpayers’ money to pay for the improvements to Telstra’s network that will be required to bring dial-up internet speeds up to a half-decent standard.
According to Minister Alston, the Government’s inquiry into Telstra’s services will advise on:
“additional Government action that may be taken to remove any impediments to the delivery of Internet services at 64kbps or better, and wireless-based technologies in regional, rural and remote Australia”
The Shadow Minister for Information Technology, Senator Kate Lundy criticised the suggestion as another Telstra bail out.
“Clearly the Government is looking for ways that it can use tax-payers’ money to subsidise the telco in order to make it more attractive to sell,” Senator Lundy said.
“Telstra executives must be rubbing their hands with glee at this suggestion. The reason Telstra hasn’t tried to upgrade its network to improve dial-up internet speeds is because it would require some kind of forward-thinking investment plan. And why would Telstra bother to spend its own money to improve its network when it is virtually a monopoly?
“We already know that over one million Australians in regional and outer-metropolitan areas have slow internet speeds and no access to ADSL broadband because Telstra has taken the cheap option and given them a pair gain connection.
“Telstra would rather cream profits off an ageing network, ignoring complaints about slow internet speeds, and charging customers every time their internet connection drops out and they have to dial up again.
“This is just another example of how the Coalition is happy to spend Australian taxes on fixing Telstra to make its ideological obsession with the full privatisation more palatable,” Senator Lundy concluded.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
The proposed federal inquiry into the administration of soccer in Australia must be open to the general public.
Only an open and public inquiry can ensure that the views of all stakeholders: players, administrators, coaches and of course fans are considered.
No details have been finalised as yet so there an opportunity for the Government to ensure that the inquiry is as open and inclusive as possible.
I also call on the Minister for Sport, Senator Kemp to include women's soccer in the inquiry given the media reports about allegations of financial mismanagement and serious player complaints.
Despite the success of top-level women's soccer in Australia, the women's competition continues to struggle with sponsorship in comparison to men's sport. If Senator Kemp is serious about reforming soccer, then women's soccer must be given equal status at this inquiry
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
The Coalition is turning its back on the most direct form of ICT industry development just when Australia needs it most by telling departments and agencies not to worry about SMEs when they make ICT purchases.
The Federal Government should accept the responsibility that comes with its massive ICT purchasing budget and make strategies to help Australian companies grow its number one policy priority in information and communication technologies.
With the ICT industries in recession, the Government’s ICT purchasing has never had a more important role to play in developing the Australian ICT industry.
While the ICT purchasing budgets of the private sector are being squeezed, the study by East and Partners reported in today’s Australian Financial Review conservatively forecasts 9.2 per cent growth in the Government’s ICT expenditure.
This puts Federal agencies and departments in a powerful position to have a real impact on the development of the Australian indigenous industries.
But to achieve this they must take a strategic view when determining the best solution for their needs - not just in terms of service outcomes, but more importantly in regard to the development of domestic ICT SMEs, who are often the most competitive and innovative businesses selling to the public sector.
However, on past form, the Australian industry has every reason to fear that the Coalition will not only miss this opportunity, but with such ignorance of the industry’s needs as to make matters worse.
One of the biggest mistakes of the Coalition’s IT outsourcing debacle was tenders which were so big and so complex that they were beyond the capacity of Australian SMEs to meet.
This had the effect of excluding SMEs from being the prime contractor in Government ICT contracts. Hopefully, agencies and departments planning to strategically source ICT expertise from the private sector have learnt from this.
But they will be doing this without the support of Minister Alston, who is sending a different message by removing all effective industry development obligations on contracts of $20 million or less.
Australian ICT SMEs have already demonstrated their strengths. The opportunity to prime a Government contract also provides an export credential in the form of credibility in the eyes of the global market. The purchasing power of the Federal Government should be used to ensure if these opportunities are to be forth coming.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
The problems besetting the Matildas, the Australian women's soccer team, must be included in the upcoming inquiry into Australian soccer.
It was reported in yesterday’s Sunday Canberra Times that a liquidator has been appointed following the winding up of the Australian Women's Soccer Association (AWSA) in the ACT Supreme Court. The report claims that the Association owes its lawyers $70,000.
To further add to the financial problems afflicting the Australian Women’s Soccer Team, allegations of disciplinary breaches have also been raised.
It was also alleged that some members of the Matildas’ squad were offered $4,000 if they appeared topless in a television commercial, although the players were not told of this before they flew to Western Australia to partake in filming.
It is extremely concerning that some of the Matildas squad reportedly complained that they were duped about their role in the commercial, however they felt they would be victimised if they voiced these complaints.
This latest incident shows that Australian soccer is in turmoil.
Both men’s and women’s soccer receive substantial federal funding through the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) and the fact that the Australian Women's Soccer Association has been wound up highlights the urgent need for major reforms.
Soccer is one of the highest participation sports in Australia, with an estimated 500,000 participants, most of whom are juniors. It is therefore critical that the problems afflicting the soccer must be resolved so that we can foster the game at all levels and mount a credible and united bid for the 2014 World Cup.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
The Government’s vision for Telstra has been revealed in newspaper reports this week which exposed the company’s ambitions to become a media monopoly.
It is a vision of a private company that levies the private sector equivalent of the GST - a fee on everything - every time Australians use entertainment, communication, education, health or any other service via the national communications infrastructure.
It is a vision of a marketplace where consumers who try to exercise their right to chose who they buy from are “fined” under a pricing regime where Telstra can, with the Government’s imprimatur, hold them to ransom.
This is the equivalent of letting Toyota take over the national road network and fine anyone who doesn’t drive one of their cars; not just once, but every time they drive.
Telstra’s intent to extend its monopoly over Australia’s telecommunications infrastructure into a monopoly over broadband media should be alarming to anyone interested in a competitive and open broadband environment - and it should shock the Government into action.
However, the Coalition, obsessed with privatisation, is happy to sit back and let it happen as long as it fattens up Telstra’s bottom line in preparation of full privatisation.
While the creation of high quality internet content should be encouraged, the public interest is not being served if Telstra is able to bundle up broadband infrastructure and interactive content to keep other competitors out. A privatised Telstra will charge what they like.
The Coalition must end its obsession with the full privatisation of Telstra and concentrate on ensuring true competition, particularly in the emerging broadband internet environment.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
The Australian Labor Party welcomes today’s announcement that an inquiry is to be conducted into how soccer in Australian is run.
The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has been asked to assist in the independent appraisal of Soccer Australia.
Soccer Australia has been plagued by administrative and financial trouble and while the terms of reference are yet to be released, it is hoped they will cover all issues relating to soccer, from junior development, to the problems besetting the National Soccer League and Australia’s reputation amongst the international soccer community.
Soccer is one of Australia’s highest participation sports and it is extremely important to our culture and lifestyles. Soccer players, coaches, volunteers, administrators and fans pay each year to support Soccer Australia and they deserve better.
With Australia set to bid for the 2014 World Cup, it is incumbent on Soccer Australia to work with the review board and help turn around the fortunes of Australian soccer.
The Labor Party has previously asked questions at Senate Estimates about the problems facing Australian soccer and the need for significant improvements in its administration.
Labor welcomes the appointment of Mr David Crawford to oversee the review board and we look forward the board’s constructive outcomes, which will be delivered next year.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
JDS Uniphase has made a decision to move its Australian manufacturing operation to China, the Shadow Minister for Information Technology, Senator Kate Lundy, said today after visiting the company’s Sydney plant.
The purpose of her visit was to meet with management to gain an insight into the challenges facing the company.
“JDS Uniphase manufactures and exports fibre optic network components. This type of photonics technology is central to the development of fibreoptic broadband telecommunications networks all over the world,” Senator Lundy said.
“It is clear to me that during the communications downturn, there is an opportunity for Australia to consolidate its position as a global leader in photonics. But the Government has no idea how to do this,” Senator Lundy said.
“JDS Uniphase joins other hi-tech communications manufacturing companies who are currently reducing their presence in Australia. Recent reports suggest that Canberra-based ADC might also be moving its operations offshore.
“This type of hi-tech manufacturing provides exactly the sort of jobs that will help Australia’s economy grow in the future. However, the opportunity exists only as long as products like those made by JDS Uniphase and ADC continue to be researched, developed and manufactured here in Australia for a global market.
“It will be a tragedy if this industry, and the high skilled jobs which come with it, are lost for good.
“Australia’s economic health in the future depends on making sure opportunities like this are nurtured, not abandoned,” Senator Lundy concluded.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 0418 488 295.
Senator Kate Lundy today called on FIFA world boss Sepp Blatter to ignore John Howard’s selfish lack of confidence in Australia’s ability to win the right to host the 2014 World Cup of soccer.
“Australians have reacted with great enthusiasm to the initiative by Premiers Bob Carr and Steve Bracks - what right does John Howard have to sabotage their idea?
“The Sydney Olympics showed what Australians can do when they throw themselves behind a sporting event,” Senator Lundy said.
“John Howard’s backward-looking view of Australia has once again undermined our national potential and, his response smacks of sour grapes that he didn’t think of it himself,” Senator Lundy said.
“So I’d ask Sepp Blatter to please ignore Mr Howard. Soccer Australia certainly faces many challenges, but their path ahead should not be hampered further by a visionless Prime Minister.” Senator Lundy concluded
Media Contact: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
Australia’s Commonwealth Games team is to be congratulated for their magnificent achievements at the Manchester Commonwealth Games.
Australia led the medal tally with a total of 206 medals, including 82 Gold medals.
This outstanding success is a fitting reward not just for our athletes, but also for the coaches, sports scientists, researchers, administrators and team officials whose world class efforts have resulted in Australia’s continued international sporting success.
The Manchester Commonwealth Games were magnificently organised and staged and I congratulate all those involved in staging such an outstanding event.
With the Manchester Games now over, attention is now focussing on Melbourne 2006, which I’m sure will match the Sydney Olympics in terms of support and international prestige.
While Australia has set a benchmark in terms of Commonwealth Games success, it is satisfying to see other Commonwealth nations perform well. Many of the smaller Commonwealth nations enjoyed success at Manchester and Australia continues to play an important role in assisting other countries achieving sporting success.
Media Contact: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
Prime Minister John Howard should unequivocally back the NSW and Victorian Governments in their bid to win the 2014 soccer World Cup.
“Bob Carr and Steve Bracks should be commended for taking the initiative with FIFA and giving Australia what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to host this prestigious event,” Shadow Minister for Sport Kate Lundy said today.
“It is crucial that John Howard follow the states’ lead in his meeting with FIFA president Sepp Blatter and throw the support of the Federal Government behind the bid.
“The outstanding success of the recent World Cup in South Korea and Japan is still fresh in the minds of the international soccer community, giving emerging nations a real chance to win the right to host future events.
“The Sydney Olympics showcased Australia to the world. The World Cup is the only sporting event to rival the Olympics and would further cement Australia as a leading industrialised nation in the minds of the world.
“The ball is now at John Howard’s feet and he must not let political rivalries prevent him from taking advantage of the opportunity Bob Carr and Steve Bracks have presented him with,” Senator Lundy said.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on 6277 3334 or Electorate Office 0418 488 295
The Coalition has no plans to tackle the growing problem of junk email, or “spam”.
Yesterday’s interim report on spam from the National Office of the Information Economy (NOIE) told us two things. First, that spam, the scourge of the 7 million or so Australians who use the internet, is doubling every four and a half months, and second that the Coalition is not yet ready to address this problem.
Minister Alston first announced on February 18 his intention to move on spam. Five months, and twice as much spam later, an interim report is released which tells us that the Coalition will not act until it receives another report. The report states:
“[This report] does not reflect any final position on this matter by the Commonwealth Government. [It] is being released to obtain the views of interested parties on the draft recommendations. A final report will then be prepared for consideration by the Government.”
The Minister told us that NOIE was “consulting with the community and key stakeholder groups” back in April this year. Now they are announcing more consultation.
The longer the Government waits, the longer that the estimated 52% percent of Australian households and over 80% of small to medium businesses who are connected to the internet, will have to put up with the daily deluge of unsolicited, and sometimes offensive, spam email that slows down their internet connection and costs them money.
By waiting even longer to deliver a solution the Government is continuing to rely on the existing regime which has been so ineffective at combating spam; or we can wait for the planned review of the Privacy Act in December 2003. By the report’s own reckoning spam will then be 16 times the problem it is now.
The Minister’s call for a report on spam was a good idea and the interim report is comprehensive, but the time for reviews is over. The Government must act on this growing problem. It must develop a holistic response that combines cooperation with the internet industry, user education and an international strategy with a strong legislative regime to ensure that Australians are no longer plagued by spam.
Media contact: Simon Tatz on (02) 6277 3334 or the Electorate Office: 0418 488 295.
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