Pages tagged "Speeches"
Qantas
I rise to speak in response to appeals from Qantas workers living in my community. Once again, and it is becoming a sadly familiar occurrence, I am being contacted by anxious members of my community, worried about their futures. As recently as last night, one of my constituents contacted me,...
Cambridge Primary School
On 17 February this year, I visited Cambridge Primary School in my electorate. I commend the Principal, Meenah Marchbank, for leading this school on an amazing improvement journey. In 2002, the school was accredited as an international school by the European Council of International Schools; it is the first primary...
Iramoo Primary School Visit
Last week I had the opportunity to again visit the very impressive Iramoo Primary School, in Wyndham Vale, named after the Wurundjeri people's word for the stretch of land upon which my electorate is situated. I was there to stand with Principal Moira Findlay and congratulate the newly announced school...
Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2013-2014 and Cognate Bills
I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. I welcome it not because I am enthusiastic about the content of this bill but because I think it perfectly epitomises the actions and approach of the Abbott government to date. The bill before us is yet another example of their...
Programme for International Student Assessment
I thank the member for Bass for raising education in this place and keeping it on the agenda. Having been a school principal, I have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of school funding. It is fair to say that when I talk about education funding reform I...
Closing the Gap: Prime Minister's Report 2014
I would like to begin by acknowledging the first Australians as the traditional custodians of this land and paying my respects to their elders, past and present. I would also like to particularly acknowledge the Woiwurung and Wathawurung people, the traditional owners of the land that encompasses the electorate of...
General Pinochet
I rise today to speak on behalf the people in the Latin American community in my community, who have contacted me in relation to a specific incident that occurred at the end of last year. They contacted me out of concern, concern that one of this nation's elected representatives had...
National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospitals
I rise today to commend the former Labor government's National Partnership Agreement on Improving Public Hospitals, which has come to fruition today in my electorate. This morning was the official opening of the Werribee Mercy Hospital's rehabilitation centre. This $28 million COAG funded project comprises 30 specialist subacute beds, a...
Wyndham Rotary Club Fun Run
Today I would like to commend the efforts and hard work of the organisers of the annual Wyndham Rotary Club Fun Run. The run, a fantastic community event, raises vital funds for the Good Friday Appeal, a tremendous cause. The event this year will be held this Sunday, 2 March,...
Point Cook Relay For Life
Today I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Point Cook Relay For Life committee, who, on Saturday, 16 November, hosted their annual event in my electorate. I had the great privilege to attend the relay and saw firsthand the work and dedication of the team of volunteers who...