After a Canberra forum on school funding, I spoke briefly about the recently announced Gonski Review. To read the report and have your say, log onto www.schoolfunding.gov.au.

An initial list of my community forums and mobile offices for 2012 is below. Other events, forums and mobile offices will be posted on the blog during the year.

Community forums

• Tuesday 27 March 12:30pm Belconnen Community Theatre
• Tuesday 15 May 6:00pm Dickson Quality Hotel (Trevor Scott Room)
• Saturday 11 August 10:30 Ginninderra Labor Club
• Tuesday 25 September 6:00pm Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club

Mobile Offices

• Multicultural Festival, City Centre, Saturday 11 February
• Civic Bus Interchange 8:00am Wednesday 22 February
• Canberra Show, Exhibition Park, Saturday 25 February
• Welcoming the Babies, Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Sunday 4 March
• Canberra Day , Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, Monday 12 March
• Charnwood 10:00am/Kippax 11:15am Saturday 12 May
• Gungahlin 10:00am/Dickson 11:15am Saturday 30 June
• Civic Bus Interchange 8:00am Wednesday 29 August
• Gungahlin 10:00am/Dickson 11:15am Saturday 24 November

And don’t forget Welcoming the Babies, 10.30-12.30 on Sunday 4 March, Stage 88, Commonwealth Park.

I have a mobile office at the Civic bus interchange tomorrow morning (Wed), from 8-9am. If you’d like to chat about anything from Dickson shops to disability support, do come up and say g’day.

The initial stages for the Majura Parkway are now underway and ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and I invite Canberrans to have their say on the proposed design.

Our media release is copied below.

Drop-in session to showcase proposed design of Majura Parkway

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and Federal Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh, have invited Canberrans to attend a drop-in information session next week to view the proposed design and alignment of Majura Parkway.

“Drop-in information sessions will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February 2012 at the Ainslie Football Club,” Mr Leigh said.

Continue reading ‘Have your say on Majura Parkway’ »

I spoke in parliament yesterday about the benefits of e-health; telling the story through the prism of 82 year-old Canberran Pat Douglass.

Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records Bill 2011
16 February 2012

On 14 December last year, I had the honour of assisting Pat Douglass to sign up to Calvary eHealth as the first patient in the ACT and southern New South Wales. It was a delight to meet Pat Douglass. She is 82, still living independently, a bright person and a wonderful contributor to the north Canberra community. Mrs Douglass had a fall in the street near her home and acquired a brain injury. Her experience of her care and her health records demonstrate why e-health is such an important development. Mrs Douglass was confined to hospital for 10 weeks. After undergoing rehabilitation she returned home, but none of her regular doctors knew that she had been in hospital. None of her doctors knew about her injury or how she had been progressing. Similarly, the hospital was unaware of Mrs Douglass’ regular health requirements. Any information on normal medicines or routine check-ups that Mrs Douglass might have required during her time in hospital was not available to the doctors at Calvary.

Continue reading ‘E-Health’ »

I was on Sky’s AM Agenda program this morning with Kelly O’Dwyer and hosted by Kieran Gilbert. Topics discussed today included contrasting the Labor Party’s strong record on economic and productivity with the Liberal Party’s plans to cut wages and conditions. We also talked about the Prime Minister’s statement on Closing the Gap.

At last weekend’s Canberra Multicultural Festival, I met Greg, a wardsman at the local hospital. He spoke with me about the importance of making long-term decisions for the sake of future generations.

I spoke in parliament yesterday about Australia’s economic performance.

Appropriation Bill (No. 3) 2011-2012, Appropriation Bill (No. 4) 2011-2012
14 February 2012

It is with great pleasure that I rise today to speak on these appropriation bills—important legislation to support the reforms that this government is implementing. The Gillard government’s economic reforms take place in a context in which the performance of Australia’s economy among the best in the world. Jorg Decressin of the IMF said last month:

‘There is no advanced economy—or maybe there are one or two—that is as well placed as Australia in order to combat a deeper slow down, were such a slowdown to materialise, and that’s because you still have room to cut interest rates if that was necessary and you also have a very strong fiscal position.’

Anoop Singh of the IMF said, on 2 February 2012, that ‘despite the global slowdown, Australia is facing good times’. The IMF’s article IV analysis of Australia in October 2011 described our performance since the onset of the global financial crisis as enviable.

Continue reading ‘Australia’s Economic Performance’ »

I spoke in parliament yesterday about the splendid Australian National Botanic Gardens in my electorate.

Australian National Botanic Gardens
14 February 2012

The Australian National Botanic Gardens is one of my favourite places in my electorate of Fraser. It is not only a national institution; it is also a key part of the local community. The first plantings in the gardens took place in the 1940s, but it was not until 1970 that then Prime Minister John Gorton officially opened the Australian National Botanic Gardens. It was the first botanical institution to specialise in Australian native flora and has grown to be the world’s most comprehensive display of Australian living native plants. Today the gardens have about a third of all Australian plant species represented.

Continue reading ‘Australian National Botanic Gardens’ »

I spoke in parliament yesterday, recognising National Sorry Day.

National Sorry Day
13 February 2012

It was William Faulkner who said: ‘The past is never dead. It’s not even past.’ Today, we are so reminded of how apt that line is in considering the national apology. The national apology to the stolen generations on 13 February 2008 saw the Australian parliament acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by previous policies and finally say, ‘We are sorry’. It is an honour for me to follow in this debate the member for Hasluck (Ken Wyatt), somebody who I have a great admiration for on this issue and many others. I count myself among those in this place who has been fortunate to have benefited from his wisdom, and I hope to learn more from him during our times here.

Continue reading ‘National Sorry Day’ »

I’ve put forward a private members’ motion in parliament this week on the importance of public services jobs, and am hoping it’ll be debated in the coming weeks.

Public Service

That this House:

(1) recognises the important role played by the Australian Public Service in upholding and promoting our democracy and its key role in ensuring stable government;

(2) commends the Australian Public Service on continuing to be one of the most efficient and effective public services in the world; and

(3) condemns plans by the Opposition to make 12,000 public servants redundant.

Moved: Andrew Leigh. Seconded: Gai Brodtmann

To encourage more Australians to dive into a book, the federal government supports the National Year of Reading. There will be events in libraries, bookshops and community venues, working to raise reading levels across Australia. I was pleased today to attend the official launch by the Prime Minister, at the National Library.

With ACT Reading Ambassador Marion Halligan & Centenary of Canberra Creative Director Robyn Archer

With my friend and colleague (& National Reading Ambassador) Dick Adams MP

Also, for dads with 3-5 year-old kids, Dickson Library are holding a reading event this Saturday. Details here.

I spoke today in parliament on a motion relating to same-sex marriage. Stephen Jones also tabled a private members’ bill today, which will come up for a vote in the coming months.

Same-Sex Marriage – Supporting Reform
13 February 2012

This is the third time I have spoken publicly on same-sex marriage. In August 2011, I reported back to parliament on the views of my constituents for and against same-sex marriage. Within Labor Party forums I have also spoken out in favour of changing our part platform. But this is the first time I have spoken in parliament since the Labor Party changed its national platform. That platform now reads:

Continue reading ‘Same-Sex Marriage – Supporting Reform’ »

With my annual Welcoming the Babies event less than three weeks away, parents intending to come should register their baby.

GO GA-GA …
IT’S WELCOMING THE BABIES

Andrew Leigh, Federal Member for Fraser is inviting locals to come along and celebrate the newest members of our community at the second annual Welcoming the Babies event on Sunday 4 March 2012 (10.30am to 12.30pm) at Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park.

“I am proud to be holding my second Welcoming the Babies event and am looking forward to celebrating the day with parents and members of our community,” said Andrew Leigh.

The inaugural Welcoming the Babies held in 2011 had 150 people in attendance, including babies, their parents, and siblings.

Andrew Leigh invites parents to register babies up to 18 months of age, so that they can participate.

“As a father of two young boys I know how daunting it can be trying to get information about what’s out there. By bringing together the various services and organisations in one place we’re hoping to make looking after young ones that little bit easier,” said Andrew Leigh.

“It’s a chance for parents to find out the different things out there for them and it’s also a way for us to celebrate our youngest and cutest residents.

“Last year was a great success and was a fun filled day with face painting, balloons, and entertainment. I’m looking forward to an even bigger Welcoming the Babies this year.

“The event is also a reminder that we need supportive families and a strong community to give children the best opportunity in life,” said Andrew Leigh.

Parents wishing to register their babies should email andrew.leigh.mp < at > aph.gov.au or call 6247 4396 with the name of their baby and their contact details.

All members of the community are invited to come along and help celebrate Welcoming the Babies.

For more information and background, you can find details on last year’s event on Andrew Leigh’s blog: http://www.andrewleigh.com/blog/?p=695

I only started it an hour ago, but here are a few of my favourite parliamentary Valentines so far.

First, there was #HealthPolicyValentines:

• I promise to cover you, in sickness and in health, ’til death panels do us part.
• My love for you is like health care cost growth: out of control.
• You are my statistically significant other

Then, Justin Wolfers created #FedValentines:

• I’d like to borrow you overnight and then hold you to maturity
• Roses are red, violets are blue, thank you for Twist and, of course, QE2!
• The non-traditional stimulus was way better than I thought it would be

But both have reminded me that 14 Feb is a long parliamentary sittings day (the House rises at 10.30pm). So since I won’t be taking my wife out for a romantic dinner, perhaps I should be coming up with an apt parliamentary Valentine. Here’s a few to start off:

• If you were a bill, I’d pass you without amendment
• You’ll always be my first preference
• Our love is always in surplus
• It’s hard to believe I was ever a swinging voter

But I’m sure Twitter can do better. Let’s make the hashtag #AusPolValentines

My Chronicle column this month is on politics and parenthood.

Politics and Parenthood
The Chronicle, February 2012

Canberra FM recently had parents phone in with their favourite parenting disaster stories. A woman told of the time that she was rushing her two children out of the house to get to swim school. Wanting to assist, her 2 year-old shouted out ‘I’ll get towel’. When swim class finished, the discovery was made that ‘getting the towel’ meant helpfully stuffing the swimming bag with paper towel.

Continue reading ‘Politics and Parenthood’ »

I spoke today in favour of legislation to means-test the private health insurance rebate.

Continue reading ‘Fairer Healthcare’ »

In parliament today, I entreated more parliamentarians (and staff) to live on the northside of Canberra.

Continue reading ‘Living on the Northside’ »

Along with Gary Humphries, Paul Bongiorno and new editor Michael Keating, I re-launched the journal ‘Inside Canberra’ last night. In the first issue, I have a short piece on economic growth, which is below. (And yes, my title is shamelessly cribbed from Gene Sperling’s splendid book of the same name.)

Continue reading ‘Inside Canberra’ »

I spoke in parliament today on a condolence motion for the late AAP journalist Peter Veness.

Continue reading ‘Peter Veness’ »

I spoke in parliament today about Joe Hockey’s extraordinary attacks on public servants.

Continue reading ‘A Strong Public Service’ »

I spoke in parliament tonight about Asia-literacy, Ken Henry’s Asian Century report, refugees, and the Canberra Multicultural Festival. The speech is below (and if you’re at the Festival this coming Saturday, please come over to the Andrew Leigh stall and say g’day).

Continue reading ‘The Asian Century’ »

There’s been a lot of talk about productivity lately, so I figured it’d be worth doing a short video to talk about why it matters, and what the federal government is doing to boost productivity.

I spoke yesterday with ABC 666′s Ross Solly. He was keen to talk about personalities, and I wanted to talk about issues. It was a fun conversation, and a link to the audio is below.

Talking Politics with Ross Solly – 6 Feb 2012

I was on ABC News Breakfast this morning, my first time on this particular program but with the familiar antagonist Kelly O’Dwyer. Topics included Australia’s strong economy and the Coalition’s plans to deny personal income tax cuts, but instead give them to big miners and big polluters.

The Regional Development Australia committee for the ACT is looking for community volunteers.

Continue reading ‘ACT Regional Development Committee’ »

I appeared yesterday on Sky AM Agenda with host Kieran Gilbert and Liberal MP Kelly O’Dwyer. Our discussion focused on the strong Australian economy (inflation, interest rates, and income taxes are all lower than when Labor came to office in 2007), and the Gillard Government’s commitment to equal pay.

Along with Gai Brodtmann and Kate Lundy, I’ve put out a statement today regarding a claim in the Canberra Times that the efficiency dividend will cost jobs. See also a piece that I wrote for the Canberra Times recently on the negative impact that the Liberals’ promised 12,000 job cuts will have on Canberra.

MEDIA STATEMENT

1 February 2012

Gai Brodtmann MP
Federal Member for Canberra

Andrew Leigh MP
Federal Member for Fraser

Senator Kate Lundy
Senator for the Australian Capital Territory

PUBLIC SECTOR JOBS

The figures presented in the Canberra Times today are not correct.

The Government believes it is important the public service continues to play its part in delivering savings to the Budget given tight fiscal conditions.

The Government expects agencies to continue to meet the efficiency dividend without resorting to forced redundancies.

We know the Liberal Party likes to boast about sacking 12,000 workers:

“For a start, 12,000 public servants in Canberra will be made redundant over a two-year period immediately upon us being elected.”
HOCKEY – Q&A – 27 JUNE 2011

However we expect agencies to create savings in areas including: reductions in the use of big consultancy firms and contractors; replacing travel with the use of virtual meeting facilities; reductions in agency spend on hospitality and entertainment; minimising media and advertising expenditure; reductions in printing and publication expenditure, and more efficient and consistent delivery of training.

The future figures for wages and salaries used by the Canberra Times do not account for new policies that may be agreed to by government in future budgets.  Adjusting for this would change the projections.

The figures also do not reflect the Government’s expectation that agencies meet the Efficiency Dividend from non-salary expenditure.  This means in future years the wage and salary figures are expected to increase at the expense of non-wage and salary departmental expenditure.

Unlike the Liberals, we believe that a strong public service is essential to support the community and deliver critical government programs.

I have a confession to make: I’m a twitter-sceptic. In a piece for the Australian Literary Review in 2010, Macgregor Duncan and I surveyed what politicians were reading, and concluded that federal politicians ought to read more and tweet less. It was the words of an armchair critic, but when I unexpectedly found myself transitioning from professor to politician later that year, I decided it would be hypocritical of me to tweet. So I refrained.

But over the past 17 months, enough people who I respect have made a good case for twitter that it seems churlish to base my decision on theory alone. In other contexts, I frequently complain about people who make decisions without looking at the evidence, so I figured I really ought to test the theory, and find out once and for all: does twitter make me happier and more productive?

So, following in the footsteps of my good friend Justin Wolfers, I’m embarking on a month-long twitter randomised trial. Each morning in February, I’ll toss a coin. Heads, I’ll tweet for the day. Tails, I shan’t. At the end of each day, I’ll record how happy I’ve been, and how productive. And at the end of February, I’ll tally it all up.

If you’re interested in joining me for the ride, you can follow me by clicking the button below.

Follow @ALeighMP