I’m very proud to announce that I have been endorsed as Labor’s 2nd Senate candidate for the ACT. It is a privilege and an honour to run as a member of Julia Gillard’s team at the next Federal election.
Recent News
Canberra ahead in internet usage
ZDNet posted an article yesterday showing Canberra is ahead of the rest of Australia when it comes to internet access and usage. The raw info comes from the ABS’s release of statistical data on the ACT and its feature on internet accessibility. 88% of Canberra households have access to the internet, and while this is [...]
All systems go for National Broadband Network
Minister Conroy released the National Broadband Implementation Study today, saying the study confirms the network is “achievable, viable and will transform life and business in Australia”. The major findings are: ■ Government’s objectives for the National Broadband Network can be implemented within the $43 billion estimate of capital expenditure by deploying fibre to 93 percent, [...]
ACT Budget – easy does it
Treasurer Katy Gallagher released the ACT Budget this afternoon and it’s an “easy does it” approach to working our way out of a net operating deficit of $83.9m in 2010-2011. The Treasurer has forecast a return to a balanced budget by 2013-2014 (two years earlier than originally forecast) and there are modest investments in transport, [...]
Gov2.0 Response
Minister for Finance Lindsay Tanner yesterday released the Federal Government’s response to the Government 2.0 Taskforce. The key outcomes are: Commitment to draft a Declaration of Open Government for presentation to the Parliament and the people Finance to lead a Gov2.0 Steering Group to include Prime Minister and Cabinet, the proposed Office of the Information [...]
Common Ground Project in Canberra
I was having a chat last night with Liz Dawson who is working hard to get a Common Ground project up and running in Canberra. Common Ground was started back in the early 90s in New York to create affordable, supportive and attractive accommodation for homeless people and those on low incomes. Its philosophy is [...]
New draft ACT Liquor Licensing Laws
The ACT Government has released an exposure draft of new liquor licensing laws. Key elements of the changes include making it an offence to: Provide alcohol to an already intoxicated person by both patrons and employees on licensed premises Abusing, threatening or intimidating an employee for refusing service of alcohol; and Offering alcohol promotions which [...]
Launch of the kissproject
Our design partner, Georgina Carberry from Spice & Co together with Jane Pettersen of Pink Inc have launched the kissproject, a not-for-profit foundation to support mental health services in Australia. As the info on their website says: “As well as raising awareness, kissproject will be allocating money raised to existing mental health programs that are [...]
Blue Water, Green Water
Some food for thought from Brisbane web cartoonist Stuart McMillen, challenging our thinking on water resources and management….
New National Standards for Early Childhood Education
The COAG meeting in December agreed to implement compulsory national standards for early childhood education and care services which will be phased in from 1 July this year. There has always been a heterogeneous approach to early childhood services across the country and the COAG reform will mean there will be consistency across every state [...]
