Well it’s the end of another sitting week and I am now back in the electorate to meet with constituents and am looking forward to heading to the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre tonight to see the Watoto children’s choir, which promises to be very inspirational.
I will be collecting the Youth Allowance petitions this week that have gone out all over the electorate as young people take a stand against the governments unfair proposed changes and I encourage everyone who shares their concerns to keep an eye out on my website over the coming weeks to view a speech I will present in parliament on this issue.
My office is busy preparing for a number of visits by Shadow Ministers in the coming weeks including the Shadow Minister for Defence Science & Personnel Bob Baldwin, The Shadow Minister for Immigration & Citizenship Dr Sharman Stone, Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull and in October - Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce.
If anyone would like more information on these visits or would like help with another matter please don’t hesitate to contact my office on 44 231 782
Friday, August 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Autumn is here
It has been a busy start to the year and already the cooler weather is reminding us that autumn is now here. In Canberra this week the morning chill has set in but it hasn’t stopped me from attending early meetings - particularly those I am very passionate about like yesterdays Parliamentary Breakfast on preventing Multiple Sclerosis. The number of people affected by this is alarming as well as the fact that 3 out of every 4 sufferers are women and I will continue to support calls for more research funding to help prevent and cure this debilitating disease.
On a more positive note I have had the pleasure of being part of a number of exciting events in the Shoalhaven in the past week; in particular the opening of Mission Australia’s new Retail Store in Nowra last Friday. I look forward to seeing many young people benefit from the retail experience and training that is offered there and seeing many families have access to low priced, quality goods.
I would like to thank all of the ladies who joined me and some of my staff last week for our Menopause the Musical fundraiser. The turn out was wonderful and a great time was had by all. Keep an eye out on the website for photos from events like this updated regularly in the gallery.
On a more positive note I have had the pleasure of being part of a number of exciting events in the Shoalhaven in the past week; in particular the opening of Mission Australia’s new Retail Store in Nowra last Friday. I look forward to seeing many young people benefit from the retail experience and training that is offered there and seeing many families have access to low priced, quality goods.
I would like to thank all of the ladies who joined me and some of my staff last week for our Menopause the Musical fundraiser. The turn out was wonderful and a great time was had by all. Keep an eye out on the website for photos from events like this updated regularly in the gallery.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
It has been a while....
Well it is almost over... and what a joy and learning experience it has been, however more on that next week, my final week at the United Nations.
The last few weeks have been full of meetings, visits to different embasies, and speaking with various Ambassadors. Was very priviledged to speak to a young man who was for some years a "child soldier" who spoke of his torment and treatment..he was accompanied by two young women who were taken from their village to fight, but were not able to speak about it.
The past week has also been taken up with discussion on the death penalty, the debate was quite fierce between countries both for and against. Whilst names were not mentioned it was noted that some at the table had two sets of standards.
Saw a wonderful Australian rock band all members had a disabilty (5out of the6) "Rudely Interupted" from Melbourne who came especially to New York to play at the United Nations. Well they brought the house down.. it was noted that in all the years of the UN never had there been a rock band play.
The Australian Mission also put on a special screening of the film Australia with Nicole Kidman.. There was a long waiting list to get in. Many different countries were present, and were fascinated with the scenery.
Thanksgiving was celebrated and there is no doubt that the Americans do it well... Nearly always at home with friends and family. My extra treat is seeing the unbelievable display of Christmas lights, and shops decorated for Christmas, almost had the snow , just managed the sleet.
Wish we could do it at home, but then here in New York it is dark at 4.30pm. Whilst here I had to get rid of some blood( Ihave to much iron) and it is a whole different scenario here.. they actually pay you to give blood..No they didn,t me, as I had to have it taken not donated, but the point is that in America they actually use my blood , providing I passed all the tests, whereas in Australia they throw it away, and being just a little political, the Gov. of the day wants to charge Private hospitals for giving it to those who need it....
In closing just thought I would list some of the countries that make up the 295 member countries, will do some more in my next blog.
AFGHANISTAN...ALBANIA..ALGERIA..ANDORRA..ANGOLA.ANTIGUE-BARBUDA..ARGENTINA..ARMENIA...AUST.....AUSTRIA..AZERBAIJAN..BAHAMAS..BAHRAIN
BANGLADESH BARBADOS..BELARUS..BELGIUM..BELIZE..BENIN..BHUTAN..BOLIVIA..BOSNIA/HERZEG...BOTSWANA..
The last few weeks have been full of meetings, visits to different embasies, and speaking with various Ambassadors. Was very priviledged to speak to a young man who was for some years a "child soldier" who spoke of his torment and treatment..he was accompanied by two young women who were taken from their village to fight, but were not able to speak about it.
The past week has also been taken up with discussion on the death penalty, the debate was quite fierce between countries both for and against. Whilst names were not mentioned it was noted that some at the table had two sets of standards.
Saw a wonderful Australian rock band all members had a disabilty (5out of the6) "Rudely Interupted" from Melbourne who came especially to New York to play at the United Nations. Well they brought the house down.. it was noted that in all the years of the UN never had there been a rock band play.
The Australian Mission also put on a special screening of the film Australia with Nicole Kidman.. There was a long waiting list to get in. Many different countries were present, and were fascinated with the scenery.
Thanksgiving was celebrated and there is no doubt that the Americans do it well... Nearly always at home with friends and family. My extra treat is seeing the unbelievable display of Christmas lights, and shops decorated for Christmas, almost had the snow , just managed the sleet.
Wish we could do it at home, but then here in New York it is dark at 4.30pm. Whilst here I had to get rid of some blood( Ihave to much iron) and it is a whole different scenario here.. they actually pay you to give blood..No they didn,t me, as I had to have it taken not donated, but the point is that in America they actually use my blood , providing I passed all the tests, whereas in Australia they throw it away, and being just a little political, the Gov. of the day wants to charge Private hospitals for giving it to those who need it....
In closing just thought I would list some of the countries that make up the 295 member countries, will do some more in my next blog.
AFGHANISTAN...ALBANIA..ALGERIA..ANDORRA..ANGOLA.ANTIGUE-BARBUDA..ARGENTINA..ARMENIA...AUST.....AUSTRIA..AZERBAIJAN..BAHAMAS..BAHRAIN
BANGLADESH BARBADOS..BELARUS..BELGIUM..BELIZE..BENIN..BHUTAN..BOLIVIA..BOSNIA/HERZEG...BOTSWANA..
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Rotary International mentioned at United Nations
Congratulations to Rotary International for their work with children of the 3rd world.."Life of a Child". Last week there was a day devoted to diabetes at the UN and the work of Rotary was applauded, and case studies were shown on film where they provided free insulin to children who often has to walk 4/6 hours to get their medicine,congrats. to you all members of Rotary.
We often hear the word KINDNESS mentioned... it is heard by the deaf and seen by the blind.
I am now at the half way mark of my tenure here at the UN, and I want to take the opportunity to let the Australian people know how well they are represented here at the Australian Mission for the UN. Whilst Aust. may be seen as a small player on the world stage .. we are a much respected and credible country, made so by the dedicated staff at the mission led by the Hon. Robert Hill.. a minister of the former gov.
The highlight of my past week has been the work done with children of the 3rd world especially "children soldiers in conflict"
It is difficult for us in Aust. to comprehend that in neighbouring countries there are children being abducted abused and forced to fight in the wars of that country. On the other hand there are children and families who actually join their children up as soldiers to escape the poverty they are living in.
To Illaroo Public SChool, you deserve special praise for the work you are doing with children 0f 3rd world countries, you quickly took up the challenge when I contacted your school, and now the UN will be sending you special material so you can continue to do even more.. we are very proud of you all.
Finally, to a city that never sleeps... even the energy crises has hit New York, finally they are starting to turn out the lights at night as notices have gone out to all who live here asking for co operation to do so. Makes sense as for a briefing I attended on the outcome of the G20,, where it was a full house, asking for all countries to include their local citizens.
We often hear the word KINDNESS mentioned... it is heard by the deaf and seen by the blind.
I am now at the half way mark of my tenure here at the UN, and I want to take the opportunity to let the Australian people know how well they are represented here at the Australian Mission for the UN. Whilst Aust. may be seen as a small player on the world stage .. we are a much respected and credible country, made so by the dedicated staff at the mission led by the Hon. Robert Hill.. a minister of the former gov.
The highlight of my past week has been the work done with children of the 3rd world especially "children soldiers in conflict"
It is difficult for us in Aust. to comprehend that in neighbouring countries there are children being abducted abused and forced to fight in the wars of that country. On the other hand there are children and families who actually join their children up as soldiers to escape the poverty they are living in.
To Illaroo Public SChool, you deserve special praise for the work you are doing with children 0f 3rd world countries, you quickly took up the challenge when I contacted your school, and now the UN will be sending you special material so you can continue to do even more.. we are very proud of you all.
Finally, to a city that never sleeps... even the energy crises has hit New York, finally they are starting to turn out the lights at night as notices have gone out to all who live here asking for co operation to do so. Makes sense as for a briefing I attended on the outcome of the G20,, where it was a full house, asking for all countries to include their local citizens.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Gilmore Youth Leadership Forum 2008
Just a quick word of thanks to everyone who particpated in this year's Gilmore Youth Leadership Forum.
It was a one event I did not want to miss but I have had some great feedback and the pictures are great.
I, particualrly, want to thank all the stduents who took part. It is an event that crosses the age barrier but at its heart are the young people of our community and without their support and keen participation it would not exist.
This year's event was again at the Waterslea Conference Centre, which really is one of the jewels in our region's crown. I encourage everyone who has not seen the facility at West Cambewarra to take some time and do so, it is a beautiful facility.
Thanks again to our speakers: Shanaka Fernando, Don Woodland, Tania Hayes, Paula Smith, Mark Ettridge and Anthony Bonnici and to all the leaders, all volunteers, all the sponsors and all the Waterslea staff who assisted.
Again, I thanks to Andrew Guile from the Nowra Anglican College for volunteering his time to run the program.
It was a one event I did not want to miss but I have had some great feedback and the pictures are great.
I, particualrly, want to thank all the stduents who took part. It is an event that crosses the age barrier but at its heart are the young people of our community and without their support and keen participation it would not exist.
This year's event was again at the Waterslea Conference Centre, which really is one of the jewels in our region's crown. I encourage everyone who has not seen the facility at West Cambewarra to take some time and do so, it is a beautiful facility.
Thanks again to our speakers: Shanaka Fernando, Don Woodland, Tania Hayes, Paula Smith, Mark Ettridge and Anthony Bonnici and to all the leaders, all volunteers, all the sponsors and all the Waterslea staff who assisted.
Again, I thanks to Andrew Guile from the Nowra Anglican College for volunteering his time to run the program.
Monday, November 3, 2008
More from the UN
Things have certainly started to move at the UN, with a lot of committees now finalizing some of their work programmes.
I felt very priviledged to observe a full morning round table with high profile delegates from Russia, China,India Pakistan and the USA. Henry Kissinger was the guest speaker and MC. Must admit it is a bit scary when you hear them speak about the issue of consensus on eliminating WMD and disarmament. As always the Question is who goes first...
This week will see the vote take place at the UN for candidates for the 14 places on the International Committee for the Disabled for the UN.
There are 22 candidates and Austalia is one of them. With the lobbying done to date with the some 44 member countries I do believe that our Prof. McCallum has a good 50/50 chance. Listening to some of the speakers last week, I thought the phrase "Nothing about us.. Without us"
was very apt. Must say it was somewhat disapointing to see that with all the people with disabilities present on the day, that there was really only one room that could take them.
The news in the papers over here has certainly been the number of job losses not just in the financial sector but now also hitting the restaurant, catering and hospitality sections, in fact this news has somewhat overshadowed the coming election for President.
On personal note I took my first train ride last week... and my last, as one who does not like small confined spaces , it totally freaked me out, as people were literally being pushed into the train to make use of every bit of the standing space. Back to the buses and walking for me.
Have been invited to go to the Fireman,s bakeoff at Ground Zero this week ... so it is not only the Milton Ulladulla Show that has bakeoffs. Will try to compare them
Have just arrived home from another Sunday at the soup kitchen, was able to speak to some of the regulars there, as they are starting to know me now. Some of them have some very interesting and sad backgrounds.
I felt very priviledged to observe a full morning round table with high profile delegates from Russia, China,India Pakistan and the USA. Henry Kissinger was the guest speaker and MC. Must admit it is a bit scary when you hear them speak about the issue of consensus on eliminating WMD and disarmament. As always the Question is who goes first...
This week will see the vote take place at the UN for candidates for the 14 places on the International Committee for the Disabled for the UN.
There are 22 candidates and Austalia is one of them. With the lobbying done to date with the some 44 member countries I do believe that our Prof. McCallum has a good 50/50 chance. Listening to some of the speakers last week, I thought the phrase "Nothing about us.. Without us"
was very apt. Must say it was somewhat disapointing to see that with all the people with disabilities present on the day, that there was really only one room that could take them.
The news in the papers over here has certainly been the number of job losses not just in the financial sector but now also hitting the restaurant, catering and hospitality sections, in fact this news has somewhat overshadowed the coming election for President.
On personal note I took my first train ride last week... and my last, as one who does not like small confined spaces , it totally freaked me out, as people were literally being pushed into the train to make use of every bit of the standing space. Back to the buses and walking for me.
Have been invited to go to the Fireman,s bakeoff at Ground Zero this week ... so it is not only the Milton Ulladulla Show that has bakeoffs. Will try to compare them
Have just arrived home from another Sunday at the soup kitchen, was able to speak to some of the regulars there, as they are starting to know me now. Some of them have some very interesting and sad backgrounds.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
United Nations presentation, October 17, 2008
Sixty-third General Assembly
First Committee
11th Meeting (PM)
FIGHTING BIOLOGICAL WARFARE TURNS CORNER AS BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION EDGES
CLOSER TO UNIVERSALIZATION, FIRST COMMITTEE HEARS IN THEMATIC DEBATE
Potential of Missiles to Deliver Payload of Mass Destruction Weapons Quickly,
Accurately Makes Them Major Political, Military Issue; Three Related Drafts Tabled
JOANNA GASH ( Australia ), chair of the Australia Group which works with 40 other countries and the European Commission in strengthening chemical and biological export control lists, said that the Chemical Weapons Convention had emerged as a cornerstone of the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.
It was crucial to efforts to halt the proliferation of chemical weapons. Australia was encouraged by continuing progress in the destruction of chemical weapons, which had resulted in the verified elimination of more than one third of declared stockpiles. One former possessor State had completed elimination of all chemical weapons. She urged the other five possessor States to make every effort to meet their extended deadlines for destruction.
At the same time, she regretted that the Second Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention in May had experienced a difficult negotiating environment, which had prevented constructive discussion of many of the challenges facing the treaty and, thus, agreement by States parties on how to deal with them.
It was now vital that all of them look to the future to ensure that that Convention adapted to developments in science and technology. “We must continue to strive for the full and effective implementation of declaration and inspection requirements to activities not prohibited by the Convention”, she urged.
Asserting that the Biological Weapons Convention was strengthening global defences against biological weapons and bioterrorism, she noted the strides made by the Convention, with an increase from 155 to 162 State parties with an additional 13 signatories.
She congratulated the three States that had acceded to the Convention this year -- Zambia, Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite those monumental steps, more needed to be done to counter weapons of mass destruction delivery systems, especially absent an international treaty covering ballistic missile proliferation.
Australia and the Republic of Korea would submit a resolution on the prevention of illicit brokering -- black market activity -- by which the perpetrators sought to avoid the restrictions set out in the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions and the export control regimes.
First Committee
11th Meeting (PM)
FIGHTING BIOLOGICAL WARFARE TURNS CORNER AS BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION EDGES
CLOSER TO UNIVERSALIZATION, FIRST COMMITTEE HEARS IN THEMATIC DEBATE
Potential of Missiles to Deliver Payload of Mass Destruction Weapons Quickly,
Accurately Makes Them Major Political, Military Issue; Three Related Drafts Tabled
JOANNA GASH ( Australia ), chair of the Australia Group which works with 40 other countries and the European Commission in strengthening chemical and biological export control lists, said that the Chemical Weapons Convention had emerged as a cornerstone of the multilateral non-proliferation and disarmament architecture.
It was crucial to efforts to halt the proliferation of chemical weapons. Australia was encouraged by continuing progress in the destruction of chemical weapons, which had resulted in the verified elimination of more than one third of declared stockpiles. One former possessor State had completed elimination of all chemical weapons. She urged the other five possessor States to make every effort to meet their extended deadlines for destruction.
At the same time, she regretted that the Second Review Conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention in May had experienced a difficult negotiating environment, which had prevented constructive discussion of many of the challenges facing the treaty and, thus, agreement by States parties on how to deal with them.
It was now vital that all of them look to the future to ensure that that Convention adapted to developments in science and technology. “We must continue to strive for the full and effective implementation of declaration and inspection requirements to activities not prohibited by the Convention”, she urged.
Asserting that the Biological Weapons Convention was strengthening global defences against biological weapons and bioterrorism, she noted the strides made by the Convention, with an increase from 155 to 162 State parties with an additional 13 signatories.
She congratulated the three States that had acceded to the Convention this year -- Zambia, Madagascar and the United Arab Emirates.
Despite those monumental steps, more needed to be done to counter weapons of mass destruction delivery systems, especially absent an international treaty covering ballistic missile proliferation.
Australia and the Republic of Korea would submit a resolution on the prevention of illicit brokering -- black market activity -- by which the perpetrators sought to avoid the restrictions set out in the Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions and the export control regimes.
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