Ann Sudmalis's recent appearances (OpenAustralia.org)
United Nations General Assembly: Interns | Constituency Statements | House debates
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...
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 now glad it was, because seeing the shades of grey in what is presented as a black-and-white issue is very helpful. It made me realise how lucky we are to be from such a well-respected and liked country.' Some other points related to the scale of the information—how easy it was for horrific numbers to become sanitised from the safety of New York, hearing that 15 million people are starving in Yemen or of the millions of refugees fleeing violence in Myanmar and Syria. It's difficult to comprehend. Amos spoke of his journey in gathering the voices of the youth of Australia. The final insight was from Kate: 'I think one of lighter lessons I took from New York was that diplomats are as much actors as they are experts. Part of the job is representative and sometimes it requires a strong poker face or, for some states, a powerful dramatic streak.' Just like parliament, I would say! Sahema, whose words were not captured, is a young woman of Muslim faith, sharing her life and gentle views with all of us, reassuring us of Australia's potential to move forward beyond the hysteria of prejudice and love others for who they are. And there's Bree, with her effervescent personality. You are all amazing.
Valedictory | Parliamentary Representation | House debates
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...
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 negotiate with the relevant ministers.' It's my true belief that the Liberals and Nationals are best placed to keep a sensible approach to the budget for Australia. I'm old enough to have endured Labor-driven recessions that we 'had to have' and interest rates of 17 per cent while trying to make ends meet with mortgages, business loans and employee wages, and I'm pretty sure that's why I stand with the Liberal and National members of parliament, because we do know how to keep Australia financially strong, with a long-term vision. However, as this is most likely my last chance to put on record just how hard my government and I have worked to deliver for the people of Gilmore, let's just recap on some of my favourites. Because I've never been one to fully exploit these achievements, this will be the formal record of my work and the efforts of those living, working and serving in the Gilmore community. In 5½ years, over $2 billion has been invested, building on a similar amount under the previous member for Gilmore, Jo Gash. Some were tiny amounts, but changing accident-prone intersections throughout the electorate, from roundabouts in the Nowra CBD to the Tuross Head turnoff, has been making a huge difference for people's safety. There was funding for road blackspots, for rail fencing and for mobile phone blackspots, so that we could have safety and communication in the long stretches of the Princes Highway—those are examples of improvements. There is still more to do, but it's improving in every quarter. The funding for the Tomakin roundabout was a massive injection of $3.4 million, making everyone very happy, locals and tourists alike. And, finally, we've had $25 million invested and committed to match the state funding for the Batemans Bay aquatic and performing arts precinct. This has been two decades in the making and is now a confirmed project, before the election. There are preschool and pony club kitchens, and, for Men's Sheds, solar and new equipment for their activities—and of course there are never enough tools in a Men's Shed! The Yumaro enterprise, under the guidance of their board and CEO Mark Brantingham, has been a favourite of mine, developing their workshop space and then investing in the accommodation and respite facility for people with a disability. Their passion and advocacy inspired me to push hard for their projects. That was so too for Anne Minato at Muddy Puddles for children with developmental difficulties. Then of course there was Charles Stuart, the tireless worker for the fully inclusive playground at Batehaven. What a joy it has been, getting to know them all and working with them to see the completion of their dreams and to serve their community better. The Moruya airport, with the extra infrastructure, helping grow the seaplane business, Sea Breeze Aviation; the parachute jumpers at Skydive Oz; the oyster hatchery—these reflect the dynamics of a council making changes, and federal government investment. I thank the previous mayor, Lindsay Brown, for assisting me to identify projects for the Eurobodalla, and I thank the current mayor, Liz Innes, for her vision to follow through on these projects for her community. The Shoalhaven, which has about two-thirds of the population of Gilmore, is home to the amazing HMAS Albatross. It has been a hive of upgrades, reconstruction, security, investment and innovation, and I am extremely proud to have worked alongside some great officers and serving men and women at both Albatross and my adopted base, Creswell: Captains Simon Bateman, Steve Hussey, Charles Huxtable and Fiona Sneath, and the fabulous Commodores Vince Di Pietro and Chris Smallhorn. The measured and super skills of Tim Barrett, Chief of Navy, now retired and living in Gilmore, helped bring the vision of a helicopter base of excellence to fruition in our very own backyard. That vision was almost interrupted by a Queensland MP, who wanted the Helicopter Aircrew Training System in his electorate. This was the first of many projects where my tenacity paid off, and we kept that project—keeping hundreds of our locals and Navy personnel employed in the Shoalhaven. Over half a billion dollars have been invested in the base already, and there are significantly more to come. I never did get the hang of all the acronyms; I would've needed a book the size of the Webster dictionary! Speaking of Vince Di Pietro, he has become a friend and was integral in igniting my passion for the work done at Triple Care Farm, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility for youth in the northern sector of Gilmore, now the outstanding location of a detox unit, due to the investment of $2 million by this federal government—thank you, Greg—to complement the funds already raised by the Sir David Martin Foundation. Triple Care Farm is making exceptional headway for lost youth and distraught parents. In fact, this model rehab facility is the inspiration for a Triple Care facility to be established in Cairns and another in Batemans Bay for rehabilitation. These are not just promises but commitments by this government. They will change the lives of these young people who are seeking to take a different direction in their journey of life. I thank the Sir David Martin Foundation, Gabriella Holmes, Alex Green, Ben Carblis, and all the people connected, for their inspiring actions that helped me push for additional funding. When I pass the basketball and sports centre at Bomaderry, the bridge at Duck Creek near Huskisson, the Dunn Lewis Centre in Ulladulla, travel on Turpentine Road, pass the skate parks at Culburra, Manyana and Sanctuary Point, I quietly smile, knowing that my advocacy helped these projects to become a reality. There are a number of local people who have shared their efforts and their dreams and they have been so important on the journey: Ralph Cook and John Martin, for the basketball stadium fit-out, Gayle Dunn for her tireless energy for the youth in Ulladulla, and the entrepreneurial efforts of Alex McNeilly, turning the federal government promise of $20,000 for a little skate park into a $650,000 development at Culburra Beach, which is a skaters dream, with a children's play area, amenity block and fitness facility. It is used all the time by locals and visitors to Culburra Beach. If only we had more people like that. Many of my local Indigenous organisations have prospered and grown during the last five years—the Waminda women—especially with the behind the scenes support of Raj and Sophie Ray, the families and workers at Cullunghutti, and especially the Jerrinja, with their growth and self-pride youth training initiatives and exploration of their natural skills as saltwater people. The number of young Indigenous year 12 students continues to grow each year and they make everybody so proud. I was particularly pleased when I was made aware of a title deed hurdle for Jerrinja and I was able to resolve this for them, leading to marine-culture ventures, eco-tourism, residential expansion and, above all else, employment and training for our Indigenous youth. The injection of the $20 million job package into regional development has been transformational for productivity, employment and innovation. From dairy to engineering, to training and botanic gardens, from aquaculture to airport expansions, this has been terrific and I compliment every participating business for their efforts. They have all paid off. I wish to thank all our small business owners for their vision, growing the local economy and employing more people, and my government for investing so well in this region. Unemployment in Gilmore, particularly for youth, has been stubbornly high. This is absolutely not the situation now. The Liberal-National government has delivered in every respect and plans to continue this after the next election, given the chance by a well-informed voting public. Yet the local media has said very little about reduced unemployment. In the early years they were quick and strident in their criticism. I guess good news just isn't newsworthy. However, today should be a celebration for the people of Gilmore striving to make things better for the local people. It has been my driving force. It is my belief that each of us in our different roles has the ability to inspire others to be the best that they can be, whether this is in media, business, politics or parenting. We have a responsibility to inspire for good. I thank the journos who share this ethic—and they know who they are. I'm glad there are more of them than those who dwell in doom and disaster. I am reminded often by a quote now pinned on the wall in my office. It has been helpful when I see the wrong actions of others. In the words of Mahatma Ghandi: You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty. I still love the ocean. I have loved the opportunity to work alongside Ros Dundas from CARE Australia. The forums we've held have empowered me to be a mentor for women parliamentarians in Myanmar, via the International Women's Development Agency. The last 5½ years have been a collective effort of mentoring, guiding and assisting in so many different ways: women like Wendy Woodward, Pat Davis and Dorothy Barker, supporters Jim Reid, Pam Coles, Richard and Maxine Warner, Kath and John Le Bas, Fran and Huon Hassall, Kellie Marsh and her son Nathan, Kath and Ross Waddell, Ron and Marilyn Silberberg and John and Caryl Haslem. Even though Caryl is no longer with us, her energy and vibrancy remain an inspiration. And there are so many others whose help was amazing in the 2013 election, and then again in 2016. We wouldn't have won without you all. Surprisingly, my staff records filled almost two cartons—amazing people doing a fabulous job helping to sort out problems for our people and promote great Liberal-National policy and achievements. Some are young people and some are older, but all are completely dedicated to doing their best. There are some who should be mentioned as being really special: Molly Anstiss, Claire Short and Marie Wright, now working in the travel industry; Saskia Macey, now a mum; her mum, Nikki Macey, working in the ACT government; Kate Ryan, now working in the Shoalhaven City Council; Alana Faust, working in a community leadership organisation; Jacob Williams, working with Wollongong council; Avalon Bourne, developing leadership in our local area; Brad Stait, now working for the justice department; Glenn Ellard, who gave politics the flick and is training to be a chef and loving it; Georgina Neuhaus, now working for the Minister for Foreign Affairs, my friend the Hon. Senator Marise Payne; James Perrin, now working for the Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt, who is also a mate; and many others who have gone on to bigger and better places. But I say without reservation that my current team have been with me for some time and have become my dear friends. And they really are precious, as the last couple of years have been tumultuous. Keeley Hayden, also doing her degree, is my first point of call and handles the day-to-day really well. Miriam Williams has developed exceptional skill with NBN issues, NDIS and immigration, helping so many people to get to the bottom of a problem. Dave Marshall is pretty good on Facebook and making videos. He is terrific with communications issues and Centrelink. He is very quiet and compassionate for people who are really stressed with their problems. Jen Hampshire, who is the ultimate 'keep calm and pretend everything is fine' person, is multi-skilled, down-to-earth and a treasured friend. Her wise and considered counsel, especially in recent times, has made me feel that Jen is family. Finally, there is Bonnie Marshall, who has been with me since my first phrase way back in 2012—'I think I'll have a crack at pre-selection for Gilmore, what do you reckon?' She is practical, talented, no-nonsense, funny, loyal and a great friend. We have been bound as mates since the first time I laughingly told her about a house I door-knocked where I could distinctly hear the clip-clop of horse's hooves inside the house and a whinny as I trod on the verandah. That horse was her pony and it had broken the back door to the neighbouring house, also owned by the family and unoccupied at the time. We have so many funny stories that have occurred since then—like seagull splats on fish and chips and adopting three-legged goats. They just go on. I think we'll write a book—Bonnie's Animal Adventures! It is events such as these that I will hold precious, not the disappointing mechanics of change that were the catalyst for me being in this House giving my final speech. To those loyal Liberals who worked tirelessly to hold Gilmore in the best political position, I salute your every effort. I say thank you to Andrew Humphries, Ian Hardy, Jan Natt, Wilga Crehan, Shirley Batho, Dave and Jan Tarbertt, Kay McNiven, Gavin McClure, Neil Harnwell, David and Sandy Smith, David Grey, Liz Tooley, Jo Brown, Tom Marshall, Ken Levy and Graham Williams. My first career was teaching and, 40 years ago, I began a friendship with Chris Costin. This friendship continues still—supportive and independent, a shoulder to cry on, a smile to laugh with. Thank you for it all and for sharing your family with me—Warwick, Matt, Richard and Greg and all their partners and all their lovely children. There are two other very important friends, both mentors and tormentors—especially at campaign times. They are Jo Gash and John Bennett. In addition, during our campaigns, they acted with the assistance of Martin L behind the scenes. Their loyalty and hard work are unquestionable. They have an uncanny knack of knowing just what strategy will work best during a campaign. That included getting rid of bats in Batemans Bay—thank you, Greg Hunt; tempering and, in some cases, insisting on subtle changes to my campaign media that made a softer landing and a better effect; helping to fundraise; and booth worker lists. And, before I forget, thank you to every single booth worker, permitter of signs, person handing out shopping lists and to-do lists and all the other related activities of keeping my ID awareness pretty high. Thank you. But back to John and Jo. In a campaign, their strength and guidance is brilliant. I am proud to call them my most valued friends. We will remain that way for many years to come. Jo, Jen, Bonnie and John, you are simply the best. My children, Rodney, Kim and Barry; Barry's wife, Romee; and my granddaughters, Sophie Mae and Eva Nellie, have been the emotional rocks and inspiration during what has been a roller-coaster ride, particularly in the last six to eight months. From a bitter and unexpected AGM changeover and all that happened around that time to an amazing opportunity to represent my country at the United Nations General Assembly—speaking to the UN Security Council on the Australian perspective on the role of women, peace and security—to less than a week later writing the eulogy for my father's memorial service, there have been so many highs and lows. But my family has been there for me through it all, as has my mother, Valerie Lewis, who is here today, who has shared the journey of politics, from doorknocking in Shell Cove to handing out at polling booths, and who has a good grasp of what's going on, as she lives in the electorate of Cook, that of the Prime Minister, my friend Scott Morrison. Mum, thank you for your love and sympathy when it was needed. Even though my dad is no longer here, I thank him too for giving me the philosophy of serving others, which has been and continues to be my guiding principle. So what else have I learned while being the representative of a community of over 150,000? Well, firstly, be careful where you doorknock, dodge the horses and, when informed that there are residents with guns in a particular street, dodge that street too. True story! Learn to walk, not rush, in trying to get to meetings and deadlines. After several falls, I have tallied three broken toes, two bruised ribs and a break in the main shin bone after launching myself and crash-landing on my knee when trying to get to a photo shoot for the Princes Highway funding. It's a pity I didn't realise it was broken; the pain over Christmas may not have been so bad! In this hurly-burly world of politics, the best part is the work you can do for single cases where bureaucracy has complicated the circumstances and where, as the MP, you can help unravel the barriers. I will never forget a village visit at Wandandian, a very small village in my electorate, where a community transport bus pulled up and a single person stepped down, clearly not in good health. Her problem was that she had gone into hospital for bypass surgery—I could see the top of the scar; she had died during the operation, been revived, experienced kidney failure during that period and now she had dialysis three days a week, hence being on the community transport bus. She'd been chatting to the driver and said she'd been refused access to the disability support pension and didn't know what to do next. The driver had seen my flyer advertising my visit to Wandandian, so he drove to the village and said, 'Go see her.' A single phone call to the minister's office and a quiet demand to have the situation resolved before 10 o'clock the following day, with back payment to be calculated and deposited, made the difference for that woman. She rang me in tears of joy the next afternoon. These are the wonderful memories that make all the other rubbish of being a member of parliament worthwhile. I don't look at my Facebook anymore and I know I'm not alone in that. I would like to thank some of the women MPs and senators for their inspiration, dignity, political leadership or words of friendship and genuine encouragement: Julie Bishop, Nola Marino, Senator Marise Payne, Senator Fiona Nash—no longer in the parliament, but we have stayed in touch since she departed—and surprisingly, but I hope the bipartisanship trend continues and grows, Senator Penny Wong, Senator Claire Moore, Gai Brodtmann and Madeleine King. Often being compassionate and understanding of parliamentary events, your words have meant so much. Collectively, you have all been supportive in different ways. The electorate of Gilmore is named after Dame Mary Gilmore, a teacher, a poet and a woman with social justice ethics. She was born in NSW in 1865. Ninety years later, I was born. I have social justice ethics, I was a teacher and I am a poet. One of the more stressful events while being an MP surrounded my citizenship, so I have taken a couple of lines from Dame Mary Gilmore's poem called 'Nationality'—it seems a natural fit—and I have followed on with my own lines. She says: I have grown past hate and bitterness, I see the world as one; But though I can no longer hate … I have added: I see my daughter and my son As equals in the future world Where each of us is valued as part of our cultural whole Where our conscience, efforts and ambition reflect the goodness of our soul. For fifty years ago, which seems so very far, We girls were wearing mini-skirts and yelling 'burn the bra!' And yet we still don't have equality in any field I know And the gap between you blokes and us just simply seems to grow. When men and women see compassion as a reflection of moral courage, when we shed tears and we're not judged for doing so but recognised as having the ability to share experiences and reach out to others, when we all realise that empathy is the energising force that helps make a difference for others and when we search for news and views from different sources and evaluate from many sides, then we'll be the unpolluted ocean of humanity that will be the better way forward for our sons and daughters and grandchildren. Then our extended families will be part of a social fabric that connects, reconnects, shares and cares, offering help while not inferring that if someone accepts your help then they are somehow weaker. When we can do this in our families, in our towns and perhaps, dare I say, even in our nation, we will be so much better than we are—for these are the strengths of women, and these strengths are needed. I remain an idealist. I consider others as being essentially good—well, at least most others. I'm still working on some, but I'm only human! Finally, I will finish by saying thank you to everyone for the rare chance to be in this place and serve the community. I recall a phrase which had less meaning in my youth and a lot more meaning now. It was one of my dad's: 'I was complaining about my journey until I saw my sister walking with no shoes; I was complaining about my shoes until I saw my sister with no feet.' I've changed the gender in that phrase because I want young women to think into the future of their 'sisters' and their journey. While in the USA, I met a woman who is part of the 50x50 group—advocating for fifty per cent of leadership positions to be held by women by 2050. I sure hope it happens around the world before then. I'll be 90 years old and that's way too long to wait. In the meantime, I look forward to the next chapter of my life—a time line from daughter to mother to teacher to sweet manufacturer—everybody knows about my fudge business—to volunteer in India to politician. I wonder what will be next, though I am grateful for the journey so far.
Gilmore Electorate | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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.
National Security | Questions without Notice | House debates
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...
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?
Dairy Industry | Motions | House debates
You don't even know where your seat is. Jamberoo is in Gilmore.
The Land Showgirl Competition 2019 | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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.
International Women's Day | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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!'
United Nations General Assembly, Australian Volunteers for International Development | Adjournment | House debates
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...
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. This research, which also informed the Expert Report, is showing that one of the most crucial factors in securing lasting peace agreements, is the active presence of women's civil society organisations. I think most women would have been able to point to that. I continue: Women's organisations are on the ground before, during and after conflicts, they help mediate and resolve conflict, rebuild community relations and trust in institutions. Yet women's organisations in our region tell us that it is often only when women enter the post-conflict security sector, or government, that their governance skills, capabilities and qualities are fully appreciated. I learnt that Australia is the founding and largest donor to the Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, in support of women's grassroots organisations. Indeed, I was honoured to speak on behalf of our nation on three separate occasions, and I will forever hold these as precious and unique moments of national pride. Ending domestic violence is seen not only as a human right for women but also as the catalyst for enhancing the social fabric of a nation, leading to overall peace and security—big aims, a big picture, but a huge international benefit. I would hope that everyone does something positive to raise awareness of domestic and family violence, and then take action for its prevention. I was completely taken aback when I chose to attend a session called the Legacy of UNMIL. I thought, 'So many acronyms, and what am I doing attending a United Nations Military in Liberia session?' It was a fascinating brief of Australia's research and potential change for good by looking more closely at the UN peacekeeping mission in urban environments. What can be done with the military infrastructure after departure? Offices, hospitals and security are all sitting in a green zone bubble. Australia has an idea of integrating these into the greater community, and it began in Liberia. In general, Australians are often in the dark about our role and our significance in the United Nations. We truly need to make sure that we know what is going on. I thank the Hon. Jenny Macklin for her friendship as we shared this experience. On my return, one of my constituents came and shared her story, to add to the understanding of the great work that Australia does in its aid program. Carol Scherret went as a skilled volunteer with the Australian Volunteers for International Development program to take on the challenges of creating genuine vocational pathways for students with disabilities in Fiji. Vocational pathways are rare there, the usual outcome being crime, begging or domestic duties, and they're stuck with their family. Carol recognised that hospitality and tourism could be a solution. They were a bit worried about abuse of these vulnerable students, so the work experience outside the school and supervision was seen as too great a risk. Instead they had a pop-up cafe. All teaching areas contributed, including art, money handling and food safety. Students ran their own cafe. Good on you, Australia. We've done it again.
Domestic and Family Violence | Questions without Notice | House debates
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...
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?
Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Reference to Federation Chamber | Committees | House debates
I move: That the order of the day be referred to the Federation Chamber for debate. Question agreed to.
Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs; Report | Committees | House debates
I move: That the House take note of the report.
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...
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 knowing if what they are buying is genuine. The misrepresentation of First Nations cultures is unacceptable, so the committee makes eight recommendations to significantly reduce the prevalence of imitation products and create opportunities for First Nations artists and their communities. The key recommendations include: There are individuals and businesses making outstanding contributions to safeguard Indigenous cultural expression. The committee is keen to support their efforts. The Indigenous Art Code does an impressive code of getting businesses to adopt its voluntary code of practice, to behave ethically and responsibly when selling First Nations art and craft, but limited resourcing affects its ability to achieve its full potential. We recommend increased resourcing for the Indigenous Art Code with a review after two years to see whether the voluntary code is affected or if a mandatory system should be considered. As well, First Nations art centres provide opportunities for artists and communities to foster and preserve their heritage. Unfortunately, centres struggle to keep qualified staff due to a lack of infrastructure, services and housing. Many would also benefit from greater access to business development expertise. So we recommend more support for capacity building through Indigenous business sector strategy funding. With many centres operating in remote areas, the committee learned about and was inspired by the art centre as businesses and community capacity builders. There are obvious social and economic benefits to growing them as self-supporting businesses. Additionally, we believe it is important to better understand the impacts of inauthentic products and, for this reason, recommend that the Productivity Commission conduct a comprehensive analysis of the First Nations art and craft market. This will play a vital role in implementing effective strategies to combat the sale of fake art. As to current legislation, consumer law allows the ACCC to take action where there is explicit evidence that consumers have been misled about inauthenticity—for example, by false labelling—but the absence of a consistent and recognisable labelling system for Indigenous art and craft products provides little protection for artists, communities or consumers. Therefore, we recommend IP Australia, in consultation with stakeholders, develop a certification trademark scheme for First Nations art and craft. Equally, copyright law is designed to protect an individual's artistic work over several decades, and it does this well, but these protections do not extend to the communal and enduring nature of First Nations traditional knowledge and cultural expression. For this reason, we recommend the development of standalone legislation to protect Indigenous cultural and intellectual properties rights. This could be facilitated through the establishment of a national Indigenous art and cultural authority, which is being explored by the Australia Council. First Nations people have been the custodians of their cultures for tens of thousands of years. It is an ethical and moral demand that we assist this guardianship into the future. It's my hope that the committee's report and its recommendations will help foster and preserve authentic First Nations cultural expression for the benefit of all Australians. In concluding, I'd like to acknowledge that this inquiry would not have been possible without the many contributions from First Nations artists and communities. For this we are extremely grateful. I also acknowledge contributions from industry peak bodies, Indigenous organisations, government agencies, academics and others. I thank the committee's deputy chair, Warren Snowdon, and other committee members for their commitment to this inquiry. I also acknowledge the complete dedication of the secretariat team including Mel Brocklehurst, Kilian Perrem, Louise Milligan, Joel Bateman and Ben Vea Vea and all of the other support staff from broadcasting, Hansard and IT. Without their efforts we would not have been so well able to capture the essence of the guardianship, the love of country and the significance of our Australian First Peoples' songlines. I commend this report to the House.
Schools | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
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...
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 recurrent funding to all Australian schools from 2018 to 2029. For example, in Gilmore, each student at Ulladulla High School will receive $3,581 in funding for 2019, and by 2027 this will grow to $5,115. At Sanctuary Point Public School, each student will receive $3,356 in funding for next year, and by 2027 this will be $4,794. Each student at Nowra East Public School will receive $4,653 next year, and by 2027 this will be $6,646. At Batemans Bay High School, which was actually visiting here today and may still be in the gallery, each student will receive $3,915 in funding next year, and in 2017 this will increase to $5,592. Incidentally, in case those opposite forgot their abacus, those are all increases. There's a pattern here that repeats across every school in Gilmore: increased funding. The federal government is committed to doing that. In addition, we have guaranteed that Australian parents will have a choice in where to send their children to school. That is very important to all of us on this side—choice is one of the dictating factors. We need choice, particularly in regional and rural communities, because there isn't such a massive income ability for schools. So, measuring the socioeconomic status of the regions is critically important. I have a large number of wonderful Indigenous students—that's part of the picture. I have a large number of children with disabilities—that's part of the picture. Distance away from central metro areas is an issue. Getting up to Sydney, getting to Canberra and even getting to Wollongong are difficult, so there's a balance there for extra money for my schools. I love my schools. They're doing an amazing job. Bucketing money in there just isn't going to be. What we need to do is to help them to use the money they are getting so that they are not having to whack it all at the end of June and say, 'Whoops, we didn't spend it all.' Get it going right. Make sure it is being monitored correctly and teachers have the opportunity to train more and to be more inspiring and grow our children's education so that in the future our children have got a STEM connection. We sponsor them into all sorts of courses so that they have leadership and resilience, they're well educated and they can represent us at all levels in all different manners and be as flexible as possible, because that's what the future will need. It's not just about money. It's about the best teachers we can get, and we have some magnificent teachers. It's about the best curriculum we can have and not loading it up with rubbish. These are the things we need to look at in education.
United Nations General Assembly | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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.
Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Youth Drama Awards | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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.
Member for Gilmore | Adjournment | House debates
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...
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 to do with the NSW state division and their lack of action, and the combined undermining actions as outlined by the revenge motivated trifecta surrounding me locally. It is the state division level where I have had little or no support during the past six months while waiting for the preselection process, which should have been determined before now. On the local scene since the day of winning preselection in 2012, the local, self-determined senior Liberal has been leaking damaging material to the media and having publicity stunts that are completely against federal policy initiatives. And more recently he approached friends asking me to nominate my retirement date and then he'd call off his people. The final straw came when this same state MP, after stacking my branches completely, rolled my supportive FEC committee at the AGM, installing people who have never been part of a federal campaign. The FEC committee is central to winning an election. This is not the first time that Gareth has flexed his vengeance on strong Liberal women. He doesn't just get even; he annihilates anyone who opposes him. In 2016 Gareth worked the numbers and denied a priority position for a strong Liberal woman Kellie Marsh, a local and effective councillor. She ran independently and won a place on the Shellharbour council. That same year Gareth, while helping his friend Andrew Guile get back on to the Shoalhaven City Council, worked on the booths handing out for the independent team, knowing their preferences for the mayor would all go to the Greens candidate and not to Jo Gash, also a strong Liberal woman. Despite her winning the primary count she was defeated. Then when nominations were called for the seat of Gilmore, Gareth's friends Paul Ell and Adam Straney strangely decided to nominate against me while Andrew Guile actively encouraged Grant Schulz to do the same. Was I doing a lousy job? No. Only if you ask the local Labor member and even some of them think I'm doing an okay job. Was it because they thought I'd lose the last election? Hardly. When I had the confidence of the former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the current Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, openly stating on national television their support for me. This was all about Gareth's narcissistic revenge planned and plotted. I have decided that enough is enough. After seeing the betrayal of amazing and dedicated committee members, who are now being contacted by the new committee members asking for help, the whole scenario is pathetic. Who was this about? Certainly not the people who elected me. It was about ego driven ambition, bullying and betrayal and my local position is completely untenable. I will work right through the term for the people who elected me. This has been and will continue to be the reason I do this job. I will continue to lobby for my dairy farmers. I still have a great deal of work to do. I will not be distracted by boys who should know better, men who know better and do nothing or women who are manipulated by false information. I'm concerned that the media will interpret my decision as a reflection on the leadership of Scott Morrison. If they do, they will be lying. Scott truly is a good man. In the end I will always ask people, 'Are you okay?' and I will mean it. I'll do everything I can to help them. Some of my friends will ask me if I am okay. Absolutely, yes. I've had five years working for others in the capacity of a federal member. It has been a privilege and I thank you. House adjourned at 20:00
Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry | Matters of Public Importance | House debates
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...
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 transparency. There were many cases of borrowers in financial difficulty who were unable to pursue their rights through the courts because either the process was unaffordable or they had lost control of their finances. The significant gaps in the coverage of mediation and external dispute resolution schemes left borrowers without the means to have their disputes with banks tested. I must say that we have already addressed a large number of these. At the end of one of the inquiries in 2016 into banking behaviour, the committee was not able to further investigate the matter as a significant proportion of the answers coming from the financial sector and the banking representatives were contradictory and strange. They seemed to just want to confuse the MPs asking the questions. In September 2016, the Minister for Small Business tasked the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman to undertake an inquiry into the adequacy of the law and practices governing financial lending to small businesses. She reviewed 23 cases of the thousands that had been reported and found that about a third of the cases were simply poor business decisions where the bank appeared to have acted reasonably; a third were a mixture of poor business decisions and poor banking practice; and a third involved real issues where bank conduct was unacceptable and possibly unconscionable. This indicated the need for investigation into the other cases, and it had to have a regulatory environment with the practices of industry participants. There was an inability for small businesses to obtain justice. These were just some of the areas of inappropriate treatment of small and medium enterprise businesses by banks: they didn't comply with their communications policies; their communication was poor or misleading; they priced with a focus on debt reduction without due consideration to the long-term viability of customers; they failed to give them proper documentation; they failed to give them proper valuation of their properties when they were making decisions about turning over loans; they failed to adopt some of the fair treatment procedures for customers; they failed to identify and handle customer complaints; and they failed to handle conflict-of-interest events. Inappropriate treatment of customers can be considered systematic because of a failure of the bank to recognise and manage the conflicts of interest and put in place the appropriate governance and oversight procedures to ensure that a reasonable balance was struck between the interests of the bank and those of the small and medium enterprises. These findings were the necessary background to validate the very expensive process of a royal commission into the banking and other aspects of the financial sector. We were all appalled at the outcomes, some of which we had no idea were going to turn up. I'm proud that we have now painstakingly got the royal commission happening and are getting results. (Time expired)
Gilmore Electorate: Shoalhaven Business Awards | Constituency Statements | House debates
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...
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 in Workplace Inclusion. Excellence in Social Responsibility was won by Nowchem. This company is quite exemplary in all that it does: sponsoring trainees, apprentices, youth activities, youth leadership enterprise, participating in local CBD events, attending a raft of business forums and employment forums, and the list just goes on. Frankly, if every business were in a position to echo this, the whole of Gilmore would be up in lights for excellence in achievement. Congratulations to all these local businesses who have demonstrated excellence in their unique and wonderful ways. Not only that, they are all helping to reduce the unemployment levels in Gilmore. We've dropped from almost 30 per cent youth unemployment, when I was first elected in 2013, and we are now down to just over 14 per cent. I have to thank all of the organisations and all of the businesses in Gilmore who have been part of this game changer by employing youth in my region.
Dairy Industry | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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.
Parliament | Statements by Members | House debates
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...
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.