30 May 2007 -  Media Release

Work Choices putting pressure on volunteers and community sport

The Australian sport system is built around and relies upon the capacity and culture of volunteerism in communities. Australia is renowned for their wonderful spirit for volunteerism.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released yesterday that show the irregular hours many Australians are now required to work will place even greater pressure on clubs and community groups who are finding it harder to get volunteers who are able to make a regular commitment to sport.

The figures showed that of over 8 million Australian workers:

Under John Howard's Work Choices laws every day is a working day and it follows that many mothers and fathers are no longer able to commit to coaching, umpiring or managing their kid's sport team or club.

Without volunteers community sport and recreation falls apart.

This Government is out of touch with working families that they cannot see the impact Work Choices is having on community sport.

Director of the Workplace Research Centre at the Sydney University said that:
"It is not just family life, but community life that is being compromised… it rips the heart out of the football team."

Volunteerism was celebrated by this Government when the world came to town for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games – yet now they are making it harder and harder for Australians to volunteer.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059

25 May 2007 - Media Release

Humphries Defends Government’s extreme WorkChoices legislation

Gary Humphries, Liberal Senator for the ACT, today jumped to the defence of the Federal Government’s WorkChoices legislation on local ABC radio. This was despite his Liberal Party colleagues trying to distance themselves from the damaged ‘WorkChoices’ brand.

Senator Humphries claimed that the Governments new workplace laws do “create choices”.

However, the reality for employees in the ACT, and right across Australia, is that the only choice they get under the Government’s extreme legislation is between signing an AWA with fewer conditions or loosing their job.

This is not a real choice, even by Senator Humphries standards.   

“This is a case of dressing a wolf up in sheep’s clothing. No matter what the Government chooses to call it’s extreme workplace laws, everyone knows it is still WorkChoices and is still bad for working Australians”, Senator Lundy said.

Labor believes that employees have the right to dignity and respect in the workplace. A Federal Labor Government will ensure that basic employee rights are protected under a fair and balanced industrial relations system.

Contact: Rachel Allen – 0418 488 295

21 May 2007 - Media Release

Ministers grandstanding on illicit drugs

The Howard Government is ignoring all other professional sports when they single out the AFL on the issue of illicit drugs, given the AFL, until recently, was the only sport that has a policy on out of competition illicit drug use.

Instead of  showing leadership to improve consistency across all professional sports, Ministers Pyne and Brandis have chosen to attack the AFL for their policy on illicit drugs, without even meeting with the AFL on this issue, in an effort to cloak themselves in "tough on drugs" rhetoric.

This grandstanding and hypocrisy of Minister Pyne and the Howard Government does nothing to encourage professional sports to adopt stronger policies. The Government's claim to be tough on drugs is exposed as being shallow and hypocritical. 

The AFL have invested in and promoted their out-of-competition illicit drug testing policy in addition to the mandatory testing required under the WADA Code. They have worked hard to implement it amidst criticism and misunderstanding and in the absence of federal leadership on this issue.  

The AFL does need to do more to improve the culture in their clubs. They do need to ensure that the role models the game produces are good role models. There is obviously still drug use occurring and the AFL needs to step up their efforts to stamp out drug use in their sport at all levels.

Labor calls on the Government to be consistent on this issue. If they are truly tough on drugs they would provide leadership to develop consistent policies for all professional sports.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059

17 May 2007 - Media Release

Senator returns to Latham Primary for Back to School Day 2007

Senator Kate Lundy will today attend Latham Primary School to participate in their Back to School Day activities.

“It is always exciting for me to see the great changes that have occurred at Latham Primary since I was a student. There is such a diverse range of curriculum programs being offered to students by ACT public schools and computers have certainly changed teaching and learning”, Senator Lundy said.

“While some things have changed, the wonderful spirit of the school remains the same. I am delighted to be back at Latham Primary School today to encourage students with their future ambitions.”

“Public education is fundamental to a democratic society. Public Education Week is a great way to display the talents of teachers, students and parents in public education and the significant contribution they make to our community”, Senator Lundy concluded.   

Back to School Day is designed to inspire public school students across the country through drawing on former students with whom current students can identify to return to school and be real life role models.

Back to School Day is just one of the events celebrating public schools as part of Public Education Week.

Contact: Rachel Allen 6230 0411 or 0418 488 295

17 May 2007 - Media Statement

Statement regarding Queensland Local Government Reform

Federal Labor Leader Kevin Rudd has had discussions with Queensland State Premier, Peter Beattie, the Deputy Premier and the Local Government Association of Queensland regarding the state government's proposal for the amalgamation of Queensland local authorities.

Federal Labor is committed to localism in the delivery of services, to genuinely empower communities to have a greater say in how their needs can be best met.

To this end, Labor believes that at all levels of government there needs to be as much local voice as possible and this grass roots engagement must not be lost in any reform process.

Labor believes it is possible to obtain significant economic efficiencies from a number of local authorities without the forced amalgamation of councils. Efficiencies can be achieved without the loss in critical service areas – and without the loss of services themselves.

That is why Mr Rudd asked the Premier to review the Queensland amalgamation proposal.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059

10 May 2007 - Media Release

Liberal's "Dead Heart" Comment Offensive

During the Senate debate which saw the Griffin Legacy amendments predictably survive an attempt by the Greens to disallow them, Liberal Senator and former Minister for Territories Ian McDonald described Canberra as having a "dead heart".

I condemn the Senator for this arrogant and inaccurate description of Canberra and call on him to apologise to the people of Canberra for this insult.

Senator McDonald made the comment as part of the Howard Government's reasons the Griffin Legacy Amendments to the National Capital Plan were necessary.  He is wrong. 

Canberra is a wonderful, warm and vibrant city and I am disappointed that this debate about a positive step forward for planning for the Nation's Capital has been marred by this disgraceful comment by a member of the Howard Government.

Labor supported the Griffin Legacy amendments because they provide an important and overdue framework and vision for planning in the central region of Canberra and have attracted broad, in-principle support, including the support of the democratically elected ACT Government.

The four amendments, 56,59,60 and 61 provide future direction for long term planning in the City Hill, West Basin and Constitution Avenue and surrounding areas.

I am confident that concerns expressed about the impact of the Amendments can be addressed in subsequent development controls.

Contact: Rachel Allen 6230 0411 or 0418 488 295

9 May 2007 - Media Release

Road funding welcome, but what about community and social infrastructure?

This budget presented the treasurer an ideal opportunity for the Howard Government to support local communities where they need it most through a Local Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund – but he missed it.

Local Government had asked for $250 million per annum to begin to address the $14.5 billion shortfall in local community infrastructure renewals like libraries, swimming pools, sporting fields and stadiums, community centres, footpaths and bicycle paths.

This initiative was identified in the Price Waterhouse Coopers Report into Local Government Sustainability to improve the health and wellbeing of communities, improve social inclusion and in many cases act as a catalyst in the rejuvenation of local economies. 

In typical fashion, the budget is presented in the best possible light, but the reality is the percentage of Federal funds going to local government has once again declined this year.

0.75% of tax revenue will go directly to local government down from 0.78% last year. This figure has dropped from 1.01% since the Howard Government has been in office.

The Treasurer is also misleading when he spruiks about the increase to Financial Assistance Grants.

Mr Costello, local councils know that this is an increase in line with CPI increases. 

Once again the Howard Government has squibbed at the task of real reform of the Financial Assistance grants to Local Government. 

Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059

4 May 2007 - Media Release

Kids after school sport program needs to meet demand

Labor welcomes continued Government funding of the Active After School Communities Program, however their commitment falls short of delivering the program to all the school and after school care providers who want it – leaving kids still sitting on the sideline.

We know that former Sport Minister Kemp had prepared a cabinet submission to double the $90 million invested in the 4 year pilot program. Through the Senate estimates process it was confirmed that a doubling of the funding was what was required to satisfy the unmet demand for the program.

Rebadging the existing program and announcing a commitment of only $120 million when $180 million is required will presumably be a disappointment to parents of kids who will continue to miss out.

Late last year there were said to be at least 575 schools who genuinely wanted the program so they will be missing out. This affects up to 28,000 kids.  

Labor has criticised the Howard Government for refusing to involve community sport and dance clubs to create pathways and regular ongoing participation in kid's physical activity.

Labor looks forward to exploring any budget announcements in detail at the upcoming Budget Senate Estimates. 

Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059

4 May 2007 - Media Release

Labors commitment to health promotion reaffirmed

Senator Kate Lundy today outlined a Rudd Labor Government's commitment to preventative health and health promotion in her speech to the Australian Health Promotion Association National Conference in Adelaide.

Senator Lundy reminded the Howard Government that the budget next week is the last opportunity to demonstrate a real commitment to health promotion.

You can tell people time and time again to eat more fruit and vegetables and to get out and exercise in colourful television commercials, but the real challenge for any government is to create the social and physical environment that facilitates this happening.

Creating health promoting communities takes a collaborative approach involving all levels of government and the community sector.

Labor believes that we can improve long term health outcomes and improve equity of Australians.

This is an approach rejected by the Howard Government. Instead Mr Abbott lays blame on individuals and parents as we have heard time and time again. And they play the blame game with States on health generally.

Just like on climate change this neglectful Government is intent on ignoring the evidence provided by the science that proves the value of health promotion.

Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard showed real leadership when they created a health promotion portfolio.

This is a true point of difference between a future Rudd Labor Government and this tired, old Howard Government.

Contact: Taryn Langdon 02 6277 3334 or 0417 148 059

3 May 2007 - Media Release

Local Students Demand a Better Future

Kate Lundy addressed a group of students yesterday at 5pm in Garema Place. The students were demanding a better future for Australia as part of a National Day of Action.

Yesterday, students right across Australia called on the Federal Government to take immediate action on climate change, provide quality and accessible education and restore peoples rights at work.

As a climate change sceptic, John Howard has refused to take climate change seriously. In fact, under the Howard Government greenhouse gas emissions are set to increase by 27% by 2020.

Labor understands the impact climate change will have on Australia’s future economic prosperity. A Labor Government will ratify the Kyoto Protocol and cut Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2050.

Labor has also committed to investing in climate change solutions, such as the $300 million Solar, Green Energy and Water Renovations Plan for Australian Households, providing low-interest loans of up to $10,000 to install improvements such as solar panels and rainwater tanks. 

Yesterday’s event also recognised that young people are now studying less and working more. On top of this, many young, casual workers are now working more hours for less money as they have had their penalty rates stripped under Work Choices.

A Labor Government will support young people who choose to work and study by getting rid of the unfair Work Choices legislation and investing in education, for example by reducing the HECS contribution for new maths and science students.

The Howard Government had failed to invest in Australia’s future.

Contact: Rachel Allen 6230 0411 or 0418 488 295

2 May 2007 - Media Release

PM would have attacked if Sheikh Hilaly had made the Heffernan comments

If Lakemba Mosque’s Sheikh Hilaly had made Senator Bill Heffernan’s comments, John Howard would have been the first one to criticise him.

But instead he fell in behind Senator Heffernan, slipping and sliding around, refusing to condemn him. 

A well know bother boy of Howard, Senator Heffernan's outrageous attack on Labor deputy leader Julia Gillard are views presumably reflecting that of Howard himself.

Howard and Heffernan are lost in the past – a black and white TV era where women did what they were told.

They believe that a woman’s worth only comes from having children.

Contact: Meg Martin 6277 3334 or 0422 409 614