20 February 2008

ACT Universities Feeling the Impact of VSU

The Rudd Labor Government will be consulting local Canberra students and universities on the impact of voluntary student unionism on services, amenities and representation at their universities over the coming weeks.

The previous Government's abolition of compulsory student unionism has made it more difficult for university students in Canberra to access services and amenities.

University students should have access to the amenities and services they need, including childcare, healthcare, counselling, arts, religious, sport and recreation services and facilities.

At the Australian National University key services such as counselling have been maintained through internal funding, but have put even more pressure on the university's resources.

"I know here at ANU we are one of the lucky ones because the university is helping to fund our services, but we have still seen our clubs and societies suffer from a sever lack of funding", Ms Jamila Rizvi, President of the ANU Students' Association said.

"Already the Minister for Youth has been in contact with us to find out how we are going on campus. The consultation with Government gives us the opportunity to do our job as student representatives and to tell the Government about the impact VSU is having here at ANU", Ms Rizvi said.

Student Representatives from the University of Canberra have also expressed their concern over the reduction services.

ACT universities have also missed out on assistance through the previous Government's Voluntary Student Unionism Transition Fund for Sporting and Recreational Facilities (VSU Transition Fund) and the Support for Small Businesses on Regional University Campuses Programme.

Written responses to the Government's discussion paper are sought by close of business 11 March 2008 and should be sent to UniStudentServices@deewr.gov.au.

Minister for Youth, the Hon. Kate Ellis is also holding face to face consultations in Canberra on 12 March 2008.

I urge Canberra-based students to make the most of this opportunity.

Contact:  Rachel Allen -  6230 0411 or 0418 488 295

19 February 2008

Productivity Commission to Investigate Parental Leave

The Rudd Labor Government will ask the Productivity Commission to examine ways the Government can provide improved support to parents with newborn children.

The Commission will be asked to look at the economic and social costs and benefits of paid maternity, paternity and parental leave and to report back by February 2009.

"We want to explore ways to make it easier for parents to balance their employment and family commitments, and the Productivity Commission is ideally placed to advise us on these matters," Senator Lundy said.

"I know that parental leave is an important issue to many families in the ACT, and encourage interested groups and individuals to make submissions to the inquiry."

"Access to parental leave is good for families and good for the economy because it provides opportunities to increase participation in the work-force and lift Australia's productivity", Senator Lundy concluded.

To register an interest in the inquiry, or find out more, visit www.pc.gov.au or 02 6240 3239.

The terms of reference for the Productivity Commission Inquiry into improved support for parents with newborn children are below.

Contact:  Rachel Allen -  6277 3334 or 0418 488 295

Terms of Reference for a Productivity Commission Inquiry

Improved Support for Parents with New Born Children

The Australian Government wants to consider how to improve support for parents with new born children. The context for this is the need to ensure strong and sustainable economic growth, adjust to the imperatives of an ageing population, promote the early development of children and support families in balancing work and family responsibilities.

In undertaking the inquiry the Commission is to:

The Commission is to report by February 2009.  The Commission is to hold public hearings and seek public submissions for the purpose of the inquiry and is to produce a report for public release by government.

Contact: Rachel Allen 0418 488 295

13 February 2008

Parliament Says Sorry

Today Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, on behalf of the Parliament of Australia, said sorry to Indigenous Australians for the past injustices they had experienced as a result of previous Government policies.

Prime Minister Rudd recognised the devastating impact of previous Government policies had on families of the stolen generation and the dislocation and displacement of whole communities.

“This is a historic moment for the healing of this nation and I hope that from today we can move forward as a united people”, Senator Lundy said.

“Today’s apology is only the first step. The Rudd Labor Government is committed to reducing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians with respect to health, education and life expectancy.”

The Hon. Chris Evans, President of the Senate, also passed a motion in the Senate apologising for the laws and policies of successive Governments that inflicted harm on Indigenous Australians.

Contact: Rachel Allen 0418 488 295

12 February 2008

Media Alert- Opening of Parliament

The 42nd Parliament will be opened today by the Deputy of the Governor-General in the Senate chamber.

Senator Kate Lundy will be sworn in today as Senator for the ACT at 10.45am in the Senate Chamber.

Contact: Rachel Allen 0418 488 295