Print this pageLaunceston Community Cabinet Meeting
On Wednesday 5 November, the Australian Government held its eighth Community Cabinet meeting at Newstead College in Launceston, Tasmania. 420 community members registered to attend a public question-and-answer forum with the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers, which was followed by pre-arranged one-on-one meetings between individual ministers and community members to discuss matters of interest or concern.
Newstead College’s performing arts students provided pre-meeting entertainment, performing a variety of musical items, and music student Ebony Best sang a delightful rendition of the National Anthem to commence proceedings.
Ms Janet Simms, Acting Principal of Newstead College, welcomed the Cabinet to the school and introduced Mr Ronnie Summers who welcomed the Cabinet and community members to the indigenous lands on which they were meeting. Mr Summers performed a song accompanied by guitar which reflected on his ties to country.
After being introduced by the Federal member for Bass, Ms Jodie Campbell MP, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd spoke about the role of Community Cabinet meetings to facilitate a democratic engagement between the community and Federal Cabinet. After outlining key national policy objectives relating to the global financial crisis, climate change, and health services provision, Mr Rudd opened the floor to questions.
The Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers answered a series of questions that touched on, among other things, pensions and cost of living pressures, early childhood education and parenting support services, interstate transport equalisation, the global economic crisis, population sustainability, energy and water security, and overseas development assistance. Questions were also asked about the Gunns Pulp Mill assessment process, the health impacts of pesticide use, and forestry investment schemes.
Following the forum the ministers moved on to their pre-arranged one-on-one meetings. These meetings gave individuals and community groups an opportunity to discuss particular matters of concern, ranging from personal affairs to issues of national policy, directly with Cabinet ministers.
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