New Melbourne Memo
14.4.08
The Autumn edition of the Melbourne Memo is now available. This edition includes articles about the apology to the Stolen Generations, Climate Change and changes to Immigration Policy.
Visit to Homeless Shelter
13.12.07
Today I visited St Mary's House of Welcome. St Mary's House of Welcome is located in Fitzroy and provides support services to marginalised and homeless adults.
Homelessness is a particularly important issue in the Melbourne electorate as studies show that people who are homeless tend to be concentrated in the inner suburbs. Although organisations like St Mary's House of Welcome are doing excellent work, it is clear that homelessness is an issue that should be a higher priority for governments, and I am proud that Kevin Rudd has indicated that he is passionate about addressing this issue.
Visit to Schools in the Electorate
12.12.07
I recently visited two schools in the electorate - Fitzroy North Primary School and the Sophia Mundi Steiner School. Education is a top priority of the Rudd Labor government, and it is important to bear in mind the diverse range of schools that exist within Australia when formulating relevant policy.
Improving the educational outcomes of all young Australians is crucial both for the individual, and for Australia's continued economic prosperity. The Rudd Labor government believes we need to invest more in all levels of education.
Lindsay Tanner Appointed Minister
3.12.07
Today Lindsay Tanner MP was sworn in as the Minister for Finance and Deregulation in the new Rudd government.
Campaign Diary - Week 5
19.11.07
Last week I was in Brisbane for Labor’s campaign launch. The party launches are probably the most significant of the various campaign set pieces. They cut through to voters who are only just beginning to turn their mind to voting, and a successful launch can make or break final week momentum. Read
on...
Campaign Diary - Week 4
10.11.07
There is no denying that modern elections are promises games. Given the regularity with which promises are made by politicians, it is no wonder than the trustworthiness of politicians is the subject of public debate. Read
on...
Campaign Diary - Week 3
03.11.07
The popular history of election campaigns is often written around a single concept. Think of 'aspirational voters' in 2004, Tampa in 2001 or One Nation in 1998. Such concepts are supposed to encapsulate the mood of the electorate. They are used years later by columnists as a kind of shorthand to explain long-run trends in voting behaviour. Read
on...
Campaign Diary - Week 2
28.10.07
Two nights ago I was in Torquay in the electorate of Corangamite to launch the campaign of Labor candidate Darren Cheeseman. Changing demographics in Corangamite, such as the burgeoning population along the Surf Coast, have turned this once safe Liberal seat into a real chance for Labor. Read
on...
Campaign Diary - Week 1
21.10.07
This
week has shown how control over political communication in Australia is slowly
shifting away from its traditional TV and newspaper guardians. Direct communication
between politicians and constituents through the internet and 24/7 news channels
is a growing challenge to the authority of Australia's media establishment. Read
on...
