20 December 2007

Ending the blame game this Christmas

One of the most important promises we made during the election campaign was ending the blame game between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories. Today’s COAG meeting in Melbourne signals the start of this core task.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is meeting with Premiers, Chief Ministers and the Australian Local Government Association today to map out the future direction for the Australian Federation over the next several years.

“We believe that ACT residents will benefit from a Federal Government that is committed to working with the ACT Government on important issues like health, education and climate change”, Bob McMullan MP said.

“Already we are seeing the positive impact of co-operative Federalism. When the Australian health ministers met earlier this month a plan of action to slash elective-surgery waiting lists was put in place“, Senator Lundy said. “We hope that an additional $100 million of Commonwealth funding for elective surgery will start flowing early 2008”.

“We are looking forward to working with the ACT Government to deliver on Labor’s promise to establish Trades Training Centres in secondary schools and colleges. It is important that we work together to address serious skills shortages”, Annette Ellis concluded.

Discussions at today’s COAG meeting will include:

Media contacts: Rachel Allen (Lundy) on 0418 488 295, Patrick Myrtle (McMullan) on 0432 147 901 or Alys Graham (Ellis) on 0438 379 977

18 December 2007

Declaration of the Polls: ACT

ACT’s Federal Labor representatives today attended the ACT declaration of the polls as members of the newly elected Labor Government.

The Labor Government has an ambitious agenda to bring about positive change for all Australians, and we are excited to be a part of the new Labor Government as ACT representatives.

The Rudd Labor Government has a clear plan for Australia’s future, as demonstrated by our recent steps to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, implement an education revolution and address issues of homelessness in our community.

Labor also has a vision of federalism for the future and we are committed to working with the State and Territory Governments to improve our health and education systems, secure water supplies and address our housing affordability crisis.

“The Federal Labor Government will benefit ACT residents by working co-operatively with the ACT Government on important local issues like health, education and planning. I look forward to the positive results our initiatives will have for Canberra residents”, said Mr McMullan, who was unable to attend the declaration due to his duties as Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance.  

“I’m looking forward to the new opportunities provided by a Rudd Labor Government to address the range of issues facing the people of Canberra,” Ms Ellis said. “I will work closely with my colleagues in tackling cost of living pressures, a range of health and disability issues as well as climate change.”

"It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to play a role in implementing Labor’s policies to restore balance and fairness in the workplace and to finally address the seriousness of climate change," Senator Lundy said. “I know these issues are important to Canberrans and we appreciate the warm response a Rudd Labor Government has received from the Canberra community,” Senator Lundy concluded.

The community is looking to this new Labor Government to deliver the vision and plan for the future Prime Minister Kevin Rudd so clearly outlined over the last year. The ACT’s Federal Labor representatives are committed to doing all they can to work towards those goals.

Media contacts: Alys Graham (Ellis) on 0438 379 977, Rachel Allen (Lundy) on 0418 488 295, Patrick Myrtle (McMullan) on 0432 147 901