Print this pageNewcastle Community Cabinet Meeting
On Monday 29 September 2008, the Australian Government held its seventh Community Cabinet meeting at Lambton High School in Newcastle, New South Wales. 484 community members registered to attend a public question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers, which was then followed by pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings between individual ministers and community members to discuss matters of interest or concern.
Lambton High School music students entertained the assembling crowd for over an hour and then, at the start of the meeting, a school vocal ensemble and trumpet trio gave a captivating interpretation of the National Anthem.
Mr Martin Rosser, Principal of Lambton High School, welcomed the Cabinet to the school and introduced Aunt Phyllis Darcey, a representative of the Awabakal Nation, who welcomed the Cabinet ministers to the traditional lands on which Newcastle is situated.
After being introduced by the Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Grierson MP, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd noted the Government’s objective to be effective as a democratically elected government. Mr Rudd outlined the Government’s priorities and responses to current national and international challenges, and the Government’s intention to keep in touch with what communities around the country expect of it.
Mr Rudd invited the community representatives present to share the problems in the Hunter and how the Government can help.
The meeting progressed to the public forum. The Prime Minister and Cabinet ministers answered a broad array of questions that touched on local, national and international challenges. These included the scientific and technological break-throughs needed to properly address climate change, the impacts of the global financial problems, Australia’s engagement in global security and child poverty reduction processes, and support for national and local services for child injury prevention and child sexual abuse recovery. There were further questions about equitable funding for public education and the barriers to access for disadvantaged students to university and further education. Questions were also posed on various state and national debates such as the Medicare Surcharge Levy threshold, National Schools Education Curriculum, and broadband and NSW electricity privatisation. The potential for tourism in the Hunter was explored and for Parliamentarians working together rather than as adversaries.
Following the forum, ministers moved to smaller rooms to have one-on-one meetings with members of the public. These meetings provided individuals with an opportunity to discuss particular matters of concern to them, ranging from personal matters to issues of national policy.
Photos on this page provided by AUSPIC