Ann Sudmalis's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
type: channel
language: en-gb
creator: OpenAustralia.org, mprss.php script
date: 2019-07-02T23:05:26+00:00
items: United Nations General Assembly: Interns | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
items: Gilmore Electorate | Statements by Members | House debates
items: National Security | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Dairy Industry | Motions | House debates
items: The Land Showgirl Competition 2019 | Statements by Members | House debates
items: International Women's Day | Statements by Members | House debates
items: United Nations General Assembly, Australian Volunteers for International Development | Adjournment | House debates
items: Domestic and Family Violence | Questions without Notice | House debates
items: Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
items: Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Report | Committees | House debates
items: Schools | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: United Nations General Assembly | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Youth Drama Awards | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Member for Gilmore | Adjournment | House debates
items: Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
items: Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Business Awards | Constituency Statements | House debates
items: Dairy Industry | Statements by Members | House debates
items: Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates

United Nations General Assembly: Interns | Constituency Statements | House debates
type: item
description: I've been asked what I learnt while attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. One aspect, in particular, was exceptional. DFAT sponsors eight interns during the United Nations...
encoded: I've been asked what I learnt while attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. One aspect, in particular, was exceptional. DFAT sponsors eight interns during the United Nations General Assembly. The interns in 2018 were: Genevieve Feely; Bree Smeaton; Caitlin Clifford; Hayley Keen; Sahema Saberi; Alexander Bridges; Kate Renehan; and Amos Washington, the UN Youth Representative. What a joy it was to meet them. I asked them to share their reflections so we could capture them for parliament. Here are their words. Kate wrote: 'The UN is really just a group of people working together to get the job done. I think when you study law and politics the UN can become this body that exists outside of reach and can be a thing that is put on a pedestal. Whilst it is exciting and insane, and some of the characters you see are miles outside of a usual workplace, seeing some of the bureaucratic and benign aspects was important to get the perspective that the UN is still just another workplace where people are doing their jobs, furthering the state's national interest or trying to keep the peace.' Hayley wrote: 'There's a real opportunity here for Australia to drive world-changing foreign policy if we give diplomats space to act. Australia is seen as a great partner and the government should be proud and want innovation in our work here.' Caitlin wrote: 'The most important lesson was empathy—learning to see the world through others' eyes by asking, "What do they see and how might this inform their perspective?" I learnt to look for common ground and to find strength in our diversity, since diversity injects new perspectives, networks and resources that challenge institutional deadlocks and paradigms.' Genevieve wrote: 'Having your world view challenged is a good thing. As I worked mostly on Israel-Palestine issues I had to set aside my personal opinions and sometimes even actively work against them. Funnily enough, when I was open to it, my opinion was changed and I'm…
date: 2019-04-03T10:59:00+00:00

Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
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description: Mr Speaker, I also seek to speak on indulgence. In the world of politics it's not always possible to express a farewell message. I'm pleased that I have such an opportunity. After 5½ years...
encoded: Mr Speaker, I also seek to speak on indulgence. In the world of politics it's not always possible to express a farewell message. I'm pleased that I have such an opportunity. After 5½ years of serving my community, I want to say thank you for the unique experiences that have been part of this unusual life journey. Being any kind of leader in any aspect of social fabric is about service—at least, that has been my priority for many years. I would like to start in an unusual place, and that is to thank the cleaners, the security men and women and the House attendants, whose collective service to this place is amazing. Luch, you deserve a special mention for the unending supply of glasses of water 'on the house'. Thanks for that gesture of friendliness. It has been appreciated. The team in Aussies, especially Bridget, knows my coffee better than I do. This is a welcome addition every day, often more than once, and their friendly service is such a plus. I reread my maiden speech just to make sure the goals I set were not completely unrealistic. Those targets were put in place by an idealistic woman, and that was me. I had no complete understanding of just how difficult advocacy can be. Together with input from the community, we have had a great run in Gilmore. Almost all of my targets have been met and many more achieved to make living in Gilmore just that much better. Roads and youth unemployment levels have always been priority issues—not enough of the first and too much of the second. Well over $250 million has been delivered for roads and transport infrastructure, and youth unemployment has been brought down from almost 30 per cent to hovering around and sometimes below 10 per cent. Only a government that has financial responsibility as the guiding principle can get such results. When the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, was Treasurer, I cannot tell you how many times I heard the words: 'We're not changing the envelope. If you need investment for projects, go and negot…
date: 2019-04-03T11:52:00+00:00

Gilmore Electorate | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: What a blast to have my last 90-seconder as an opportunity to say thank you to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and to the Treasurer and the economic review committee for the allocation of...
encoded: What a blast to have my last 90-seconder as an opportunity to say thank you to the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, and to the Treasurer and the economic review committee for the allocation of funding towards four special projects in Gilmore. These have been dear to my heart from the very first day in this place. There are $9 million over three years for a rehabilitation facility for our youth in the Batemans Bay region, as a direct consequence of the recommendations of the Ice Taskforce. Next, $25 million are committed for the aquatic and arts precinct for the Eurobodalla—to match the grant from the state government—for youngsters, injury healing, swimming and fitness. It was a long, arduous task to gain funding for Bundanon, which had been often left out, but finally Scott Morrison has recognised the unique legacy that has been given to our nation, for the arts, Indigenous culture regeneration and education, in the exhibition space in this wonderful place. Finally, there is $500 million to be allocated for the New South Wales section of the Princes Highway. Six years of badgering have now been rewarded. This is, of course, my last 90-second spot, but what a way to celebrate my time in this House. What a way to say to Labor: 'Stop borrowing our commitments and pretending they're yours. The public can see through those stupid games.' The residents of Gilmore have worked tirelessly, hassling me so I can hassle our government for financial support. And only the Liberals and Nationals have the financial skill to make such things happen.
date: 2019-04-02T13:40:00+00:00

National Security | Questions without Notice | House debates
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description: My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs: Will the minister update the House on the importance of maintaining Australia's strong and consistent border protection policies? Is the minister...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Home Affairs: Will the minister update the House on the importance of maintaining Australia's strong and consistent border protection policies? Is the minister aware of any threats to the continued success of Operation Sovereign Borders, which I know personally has been so successful?
date: 2019-02-20T14:26:00+00:00

Dairy Industry | Motions | House debates
type: item
description: You don't even know where your seat is. Jamberoo is in Gilmore.
encoded: You don't even know where your seat is. Jamberoo is in Gilmore.
date: 2019-02-20T09:42:00+00:00

The Land Showgirl Competition 2019 | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: This coming February weekend, 11 fantastic young women will participate in the Zone 2 Showgirl final, hosted by the Nowra Show Society and organised by one of their former showgirls and state...
encoded: This coming February weekend, 11 fantastic young women will participate in the Zone 2 Showgirl final, hosted by the Nowra Show Society and organised by one of their former showgirls and state finalists, Jessica Apperley. Running since 1962, the showgirl competition aims to discover a young woman to act as an ambassador for rural New South Wales and it plays a significant role in the overall development of rural youth within our country areas. To Nowra Showgirl Chloe Bishop, Kiama Showgirl Sarah Young, Berry Showgirl Alexandra Atkins, Milton Showgirl Emily-Jane Joyce, Hawkesbury Showgirl Evonne Lester, Blacktown Showgirl Desiree Auto, St Ives Showgirl Maddison Hawkins, Camden Showgirl Nicole Sandrone, Dapto Showgirl Rachel Elder, Albion Park Showgirl Madelyn Hayes and Robertson Showgirl Georgia Sherborne: you have all already shown your love and commitment to the towns and villages of regional New South Wales, and I commend you for stepping up to be a regional ambassador. The opportunity to represent regional communities is one that is taken seriously by these strong young women, and, as finalists, they're expected to demonstrate knowledge of their local community and the challenges and opportunities facing these communities, as well as their own involvement. Each showgirl will participate in the judging process on Saturday, before the announcement at the presentation dinner, and two finalists will be presented at the Royal Easter Show. To all of those participating in the zone final: I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for your commitment to regional Australia.
date: 2019-02-18T16:30:00+00:00

International Women's Day | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: March 8 is a significant date in the calendar of women. It is International Women's Day. It's a reminder to be part of the growing awareness of women around the world. For me, today, this date...
encoded: March 8 is a significant date in the calendar of women. It is International Women's Day. It's a reminder to be part of the growing awareness of women around the world. For me, today, this date has more relevance than ever. Following all the stories about women refugees in Jordan, Syria, Pakistan and Bangladesh, in particular, I can only say thank you to our Australian government for all their initiatives in making the lives of women better, both internationally and domestically. I am proud that we, as a nation, are the founder of and largest donor to the United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund. During my travels I have been constantly reminded by conference statements, bronze statues and development aims that 'Women are People'. The life-size statues in Ottawa were challenging, to say the least. As a consequence, in honour of my granddaughters, Sophie Mae and Eve Nellie, who are here today, and every granddaughter around the world, I say: be strong in being a woman. Don't ever let your compassion for others and your caring and sharing, that your parents Romee and Barry are instilling in your characters, be seen as a weakness! It is not; it's a reflection of your integrity and your love of others: it's a hidden strength. May everyone's granddaughter grow in the knowledge of who they are! I hope each one can say, 'I am woman, I am good and I am proud!'
date: 2019-02-18T13:34:00+00:00

United Nations General Assembly, Australian Volunteers for International Development | Adjournment | House debates
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description: There is absolutely no way I can express the deep and heartfelt pride I felt to be part of the United Nations General Assembly last year. Truly, Australia is a well-respected world leader and...
encoded: There is absolutely no way I can express the deep and heartfelt pride I felt to be part of the United Nations General Assembly last year. Truly, Australia is a well-respected world leader and negotiator at the discussions, forums and votes at the international gathering. There are conferences within conferences and events held over lunchtimes and evenings, pushing information exchange opportunities until you feel overwhelmed and diminished by the sheer passion, exuberance and dedication of everyone involved—from Gillian Bird, Head of Mission, and Tegan Brink, Deputy Head of Mission, to David Yardley, Natalie Cohen, Peter Stone and Brad Bressington. I thank each and every one of you for your briefings, friendship, explanations and efforts in getting me up to speed on huge and significant international scenarios and initiatives. Australia can do, and does, an outstanding job and is so well respected. But you would never know that from our domestic media, which is such a shame. Our efforts are applauded and often other much larger nations follow our lead. I was privileged to meet Ian Bate and Philippa Adams, both working with the AFP and they told me of the UN initiatives and events, training international security forces. What an absolute blast it was to be able to present to the United Nations Security Council Australia's position paper on women, peace and security. I quote some of that speech here: There is no one-size-fits-all solution to ensuring women's meaningful participation in peace processes. We need research, and to share knowledge, to translate the theoretical concepts of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, into action and good practice. We need to identify solutions and approaches that are context specific, inclusive, and informed by experience, especially that of local actors. Towards Inclusive Peace is an Australian-funded research project, in partnership with Australian Universities, focusing on Women, Peace and Security, in the Indo-Pacific region. …
date: 2019-02-14T16:35:00+00:00

Domestic and Family Violence | Questions without Notice | House debates
type: item
description: My question is to the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, and Minister for Women. Will the minister update the House on how the government's plan for a safer and more secure Australia is...
encoded: My question is to the Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, and Minister for Women. Will the minister update the House on how the government's plan for a safer and more secure Australia is supporting the safety of our Australian women?
date: 2019-02-13T14:30:00+00:00

Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
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description: I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
encoded: I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
date: 2019-02-12T12:33:00+00:00

Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Report | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: I move: That the House take note of the report.
encoded: I move: That the House take note of the report.
date: 2019-02-12T12:32:00+00:00

Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Report | Committees | House debates
type: item
description: On behalf of the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, I present the committee's Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples, together with the...
encoded: On behalf of the Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, I present the committee's Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples, together with the minutes of proceedings. Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e). by leave—On behalf of the standing committee, I rise today to make a statement with regard to this report. It was presented to the Speaker out of session on 19 December last year. I acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation and the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. I pay respect to ancestors and elders past, present and future and extend my thanks to all those who took part in the committee's inquiry. In addition, I have come to have a greater respect and understanding of guardianship of culture for our First Nations people. I especially love the work of the dozens of art centre products, some currently on my walls, but the brilliant printing expertise of the women of Nagula Jarndu, a women's art and resource centre, I am wearing today in their honour. You can buy the material and make your own clothing, as I have done. First Nations art and craft is not simply a collection of design elements in some artistic media presentation. Rather, it is integral to their cultural identity, stories and history of the First Nations peoples. So it has been alarming to learn that up to 80 per cent of souvenirs sold in Australia, seemingly representing our First Nations cultures, are fake. These imitation products have no connection to First Nations people or their culture and are often cheaply made imports. And although the First Nations fine-art market is not affected by authenticity issues to the same extent, the committee heard some troubling reports of unethical practices in this market as well. It is not surprising that First Nations artists and communities feel disrespected and cheated, while for consumers there is no reliable way of…
date: 2019-02-12T12:13:00+00:00

Schools | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: Just now I thought I was back in my entomology class, learning to pin butterflies. Alas! It was a weak link to economic modelling. I have been in this House for more than five years, and I saw...
encoded: Just now I thought I was back in my entomology class, learning to pin butterflies. Alas! It was a weak link to economic modelling. I have been in this House for more than five years, and I saw the beginning of the Gonski model of educational funding. The first four years were funded; the fifth and sixth were not. It was like sending a rocket ship up to become a satellite to make sure it measured educational process, but the rocket ship from the Labor Party was only half full of the fuel it needed. Our government, on the other hand, has a rocket ship at a slower trajectory climb, and it's got a full load of fuel, which means our plan is fully funded and is going to work. I think that's pretty good, actually. But do you know what? Another comparison came to mind when I was listening to members on the other side. We have a bucket that we call the 'revenue bucket'. We get more people employed. We have a great economy. We fill that bucket up so we can spend it on all the services that we need for our nation. Unfortunately, when Labor is in government, that bucket looks more like a colander. It has lots of revenue and lots of leaks. It all goes, and it becomes a bigger and bigger problem. I was listening to one of the speakers who talked about a moral imperative and the need for individualised attention and individualised learning and mentoring. I agree. This is absolutely critical. I'm one of the probably few members of parliament here who have actually taught in a classroom for 10 years, and I've tutored trainee teachers at university. Just throwing money at a school is not going to fix the problem. We do need better outcomes for our children. We already know that just throwing heaps of money in is not making the slightest bit of difference in the OECD figures. There are amazing programs right now that are developing and inspiring our students, and they continue to get increased funding. The federal government is providing a huge investment, over $300 billion, in recurr…
date: 2018-09-20T16:16:00+00:00

United Nations General Assembly | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Firstly I'd like to thank my party members in Gilmore and people across Australia who have sent good-luck wishes and supportive messages this week. The loyalty of those special Liberal branch...
encoded: Firstly I'd like to thank my party members in Gilmore and people across Australia who have sent good-luck wishes and supportive messages this week. The loyalty of those special Liberal branch members is a highlight for me. Thank you for many years of great friendship, and I appreciate each one of you as I make this announcement. Today I am honoured to accept the position as the federal government delegate to the United Nations General Assembly. This opportunity will enable me to see and participate in the important work of the assembly. Other duties in parliament over the last five years have been the foundation of interests and pursuits that make this so important. These include being chair of the Australian Parliamentary Group on Population and Development; being vice-chair of the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development; hosting international parliamentarians, NGOs and stakeholders involved in the issues of women's health, reproductive rights and access to education and health; as well as women's empowerment initiatives. I work closely with CARE Australia and the International Women's Development Agency and currently mentor a female parliamentarian in Myanmar. I look forward to making a contribution to the discussions and forums that are held by the United Nations and seeing firsthand how STEM education initiatives are being pursued by our regional and global neighbours. In addition to taking on this role, I wish to assure my constituents in Gilmore that I will continue to advocate for their needs, their issues, their concerns and any other problems they may endure. After all, I can work at night; my team can work during the day.
date: 2018-09-20T13:34:00+00:00

Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Youth Drama Awards | Statements by Members | House debates
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description: Wow! Member for Parramatta, you're amazing. On 16 September, as patron of the Nowra Players, I was invited to see some of the talented young actors of the Shoalhaven at the annual Youth Drama...
encoded: Wow! Member for Parramatta, you're amazing. On 16 September, as patron of the Nowra Players, I was invited to see some of the talented young actors of the Shoalhaven at the annual Youth Drama Awards. These talented young women and men delivered a range of performances, including the outstanding Damn You William, performed by Eleanor Petricevic, Hannah Brookes and Phoebe Sherer. It was an entertaining and remarkable five-minute perspective on Shakespeare. These three young women also delivered solo performances demonstrating their talents across different dramatic works. I was very impressed by all the performances, and I also commend the skills, talent and professionalism shown by Lucy Hadfield, Sammi Vella, Aidan Sezenenko, Emma De Costa, Ceradwen Cole, Lulu Clarke, Morgan Dootson and Bonnie Butler. The presentations included Amelia and A Woman Alone, which were great references to the strong roles of women in different social settings, breaking ground where women had not previously excelled. For me it was a perfect way for some of these young actors to start their journey of women making a difference. Congratulations to all involved from the Nowra Players in keeping and growing a strong dramatic arts presence in the Shoalhaven. Our dramatic artists' presence has been maintained for 50 years in the same building, as they proudly say, and they continue to present fantastic productions every year, constantly booked out almost as soon as they announce them.
date: 2018-09-19T13:31:00+00:00

Member for Gilmore | Adjournment | House debates
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description: I first thank the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt, for facilitating the continuing funding for One Door in Ulladulla. This is an essential service in my region, providing a range of...
encoded: I first thank the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt, for facilitating the continuing funding for One Door in Ulladulla. This is an essential service in my region, providing a range of mental health support services for women and families in particular. One of their mantras to their clients is: 'Are you okay?' Another group which is rarely asked, 'Are you okay?' is politicians. I would ask here that those who feel inspired to be spiteful, angry, insulting and gutless, because they're using their keyboards, to have a think before pressing the send button. How would you feel if you received the email you're about to send? Politics is a place where if you do not have great resilience the actions of others can impact on your mental health. Bullying, betrayal and backstabbing have been the hallmarks of one of my state Liberal colleagues Gareth Ward over the past six and a half years. In fact, I have endured the trifecta: a sour grapes defeated preselection candidate Andrew Guile, the plotting and manipulation of both people and numbers by Gareth and the reporting by the local editor of Fairfax—which I see as 'Biasfax'—John Hanscombe. Between them I have been misrepresented in all manner of media in a continuing barrage of actions from April 2012. Many people will have heard rumours about my intentions for the election next year. In the first instance, let me make the following claim. Scott Morrison, apart from being the new Prime Minister, is someone I see as a friend. He is a man of integrity and he is absolutely passionate about the long-term progress and vision for Australia. For that reason alone, I endeavoured to hold my decision in private until after the Wentworth by-election. Unfortunately, that is now not possible. I have asked the Prime Minister to acknowledge the withdrawal of my nomination for the seat of Gilmore. I want to make it abundantly clear that my decision has nothing to do with the leadership of Scott. My decision does, however, has everything …
date: 2018-09-17T19:54:00+00:00

Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
type: item
description: I have been worried, before being elected in 2013 and ever since, about the impacts of banking misbehaviour. That means it existed prior to me being in this House. Why didn't Labor do anything...
encoded: I have been worried, before being elected in 2013 and ever since, about the impacts of banking misbehaviour. That means it existed prior to me being in this House. Why didn't Labor do anything about it in the period from 2008? I need to remind those opposite that talking about my missed opportunities to get a royal commission is simply wrong. To get full justice, to get full examination, background and evidence to justify such a commission must first be constructively put in place, and that is exactly what I did. Never mind the rubbish presented by Labor. Most of the significant banking misbehaviour happened on their watch, starting in 2008. Labor were in government and they did nothing for five years. I don't recall a single instance of a call for a commission. We had media on a 24/7 news cycle and a great deal of ignorance both in the community and in the media political analysis. It was purely a political stunt in 2013. Truly, the commission should've been established in 2010, but it wasn't. In 2016 the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services, of which I was a member, tabled its report on the impairment of customer loans. The committee report determined there had been a persistent pattern of abuse of the almost complete asymmetry of power in the relationship between lender and borrower. It considered that there were a number of factors which created an environment in which small-business borrowers were very vulnerable and that banks were able to exploit that vulnerability. Additional background information related to the wide variation of conduct that was deemed acceptable by lenders due to the significant level of discretion and commercial judgement relating to initial lending and the management of loans and financial difficulty. Complex non-negotiable loan contracts, coupled with gaps in existing legislation and regulation, gave banks the power to behave in ways that, in relation to loans, were unethical, unreasonable and lacked tra…
date: 2018-09-13T16:05:00+00:00

Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Business Awards | Constituency Statements | House debates
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description: Businesses in our region are never shy to showcase themselves or have a well-deserved event to celebrate. The 2018 Shoalhaven Business Awards winners were absolutely no exception. In fact, it has...
encoded: Businesses in our region are never shy to showcase themselves or have a well-deserved event to celebrate. The 2018 Shoalhaven Business Awards winners were absolutely no exception. In fact, it has become quite a tradition, and this year we saw many new names added to the list of outstanding excellence. Due to family reasons I was not able to attend. However, I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate each one of the winners. Terry Rayner of ANZ Mobile Lending, South Coast and Southern Highlands, was named the Business Leader of the Year. Elise Gooda of Think Tank Business Services won Outstanding Young Employee of the Year. Our champion Young Entrepreneur is Dale Berry of Peak Fitness Huskisson. Cupitt's is on fire with accolades from so many sources, but locally gained awards for Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality, Excellence in Sustainability and Business of the Year. The team at My Travel Expert were awarded for Excellence in Small Business. Nowra Farmers Market was the winner for Excellence in Business and Excellence in Retail and Personal Services. Avalon Bourne with her foundation of Sonder Youth was listed as the winner for the Start Up Superstar award. Natalie Allan Consulting won Excellence in Innovation. The Employer of Choice was won by Hotondo Southcoast Pty Ltd, and a very good choice that was. They do amazing work for some groups and causes who just don't have the money for themselves. Excellence in Community Service was won by Cullunghutti Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, and they are a game changer for cultural immersion and care for children and country. Pepperell & Associates won the Excellence in Professional and Commercial Enterprise award. The Outstanding Home-Based Business was Think Tank Business Services. The Flagstaff Group, one of the many amazing disability employers, won Excellence in Workplace Safety. The Employee of the Year is Sarah Tebbutt, working at Eliza's Lighting. Kimberlie & Co Cleaning were the winners of Excellence i…
date: 2018-09-12T11:44:00+00:00

Dairy Industry | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: For some time, my concern for local dairy farmers has been a priority. Collectively, we need to change the public idea that a dollar per litre of milk is somehow acceptable when we pay double...
encoded: For some time, my concern for local dairy farmers has been a priority. Collectively, we need to change the public idea that a dollar per litre of milk is somehow acceptable when we pay double that for water. I welcome the Australian Dairy Farmers call for a mandatory code of conduct for the dairy sector. Our local farmers want to see change in the industry so they get a better deal. The ADF stressed that a future mandatory code must include an independent dispute resolution procedure, with small claims to be investigated, and must outlaw respective milk price step-downs, enforce contract and price transparency, and be reviewed within three years, including an assessment of the code's effectiveness. The ACCC commissioner, Mick Keogh, said: A mandatory code of conduct would address problems arising from the large imbalance in bargaining power and information that exists between dairy farmers and processors. Currently, processors can impose milk prices and other terms of milk supply contract terms— including a contract with no selling price on it— that are heavily weighted in their favour— and not that of the dairy farmer. He continues: Some milk supply contracts also contain terms that restrict farmers’ ability to change processors for a better offer. To get a better deal. Minister Littleproud has worked with Woolworths and they are prepared to support the Aussie dairy farmers by paying them an additional 10c on each litre of milk. Shame on Coles for not doing the same. Our farmers deserve better pay for their milk.
date: 2018-09-11T13:52:00+00:00

Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
type: item
description: During the last sitting week Edwina Cooke of St Peter's Anglican College came to Canberra for work experience. I asked Edwina to give me a potential 90-seconder. These are her words—and I...
encoded: During the last sitting week Edwina Cooke of St Peter's Anglican College came to Canberra for work experience. I asked Edwina to give me a potential 90-seconder. These are her words—and I can only say thank you: Before working with Ann Sudmalis, I felt the same way about politics as I did about parliament house. That it was confusing, huge, and a bit overrated. When I got the chance to actually be in the thick of it I got excited by how fast paced and chaotic it could be yet I was amazed how smoothly things seemed to run. I was impressed by the way the politicians were able to run with the punches and think on their feet, the way that they stood up for their beliefs, and how they protected the lives of the people they represented. During my time there, politics and the workings of parliament house became clearer to me, and the more time I spent there, the more I understood it. Politics is more than paper pushing, it's about personality. Having the people skills to communicate the wants and needs of the people you represent and the team work skills to work with people that are doing the exact same thing. I saw that this is not an easy job, nor is it for the faint of heart, but I learnt that there are people who do the job well. I was proud to work with Ann and see how caring she is about the people of Gilmore, I saw her passion for representing the farmers and making sure that they have a good quality of life. I was amazed at her back bone and her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. My time in parliament was wonderful and I learnt a lot about myself and the people that represent us. I'm happy to have been able to give a young teenager a great opportunity to come and visit our house and see the workings in such an amazing week.
date: 2018-09-10T16:24:00+00:00