Friendship Grants
I was delighted to attend the launch of the new Australian Aid Friendship Grants. These grants will be made to community organisations that undertake projects in the Indo-Pacific region. Already many individuals and organisations have practical programs of aid. Many…
One people one destiny
In 1891, Sir Henry Parkes, the long-serving Premier of New South Wales, spoke of Australia becoming “one people, with one destiny.” Parkes, who is known as the Father of Federation, was speaking about the movement in the 1880s and 1890s …
Freer Trade
Australia is a trading nation. For more than two centuries, our prosperity has depended on our ability to trade our products. Blessed with vast natural resources and a significant agricultural industry, Australia has thrived on exports. Although the economy has …
National Disability Insurance
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), when fully operational in 2020, is expected to have some 475,000 participants. This major Commonwealth, State and Territory commitment will cost some $20 billion and is designed to improve the lives of the most…
Stronger Communities
I was pleased to be able to support and announce a series of grants to local organisations in the third round of the Stronger Communities programme. Fifteen local groups in Menzies were successful for: Doncare to purchase a crew van to assist with …
National Energy Guarantee
A few weeks ago, I wrote that Australia needs a Reliable Energy Target. As I indicated, reliance on intermittent renewable energy had forced up prices and resulted in unreliable supply. This is a case that I have been arguing with…
Lest we forget
I recently participated in the annual Human Rights Dialogue between Australia and Vietnam. The Dialogue is conducted each year, alternating between the two countries. It is an opportunity for Australia to raise General human rights issues, including the cases of…