Andrew Leigh

I recently attended the Australia-China forum in Beijing and was a part of a breakfast panel discussing various political issues. We covered off the Asian Century White Paper and optimism in Australian politics during the session. The audio from the panel is available below.

More Canberra public service job cuts promised by Tony Abbott this week. Mr Abbott said in a speech yesterday "Do we really need 20,000 more public servants in Canberra today than we had at the end of the Howard era? We don’t…".

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser

Gai Brodtmann MP

Member for Canberra

23 November 2012

Abbott confirms plans to get rid of 20,000 jobs from the ACT

Tony Abbott has confirmed that a Federal Coalition government will get rid of 20,000 jobs in the ACT – potentially throwing our economy back into the same type of downturn we suffered when John Howard slashed the public sector in 1996.

On 8 May 2012, Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey told the 7.30 program that the Liberal policy is to cut the federal public service in Canberra by 20,000. We know the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency as well as the Department of Health and Ageing are in the Liberals’ sights for job cuts, but the Liberals refuse to say which other departments and agencies are on their hit list.

Now Tony Abbott has confirmed the Liberals’ scythe will be brought again to Canberra, saying there is no need for 20,000 public servants.

This is the same scorched earth policy of Campbell Newman in Queensland, where unemployment has risen dramatically as government services are wound back.

When the Coalition last came to office, they slashed over 15,000 jobs in Canberra.  Small business paid the price, with a huge jump in bankruptcies. Families saw a massive drop in house prices.

Canberra’s public servants and the businesses that rely on a growing ACT economy deserve to know whether their jobs and their community are under threat.

We call on Tony Abbott to give exact details of which departments and agencies will suffer job losses under an Abbott Government.

I'll be holding two of my regular mobile offices tomorrow, Saturday 24 November:

• 10-11am: Gungahlin (on Hibberson St, outside Big W)


• 11.15am-12.15pm: Dickson (outside Woolworths)

These are a good chance to raise policy issues, chat about matters affecting you and your family, or just to say g'day.

The Gillard Government continues to invest in clean energy communities. A new grant program for local government is now open to help local communities reduce their energy use.

Andrew Leigh MP
Member for Fraser

Gai Brodtmann MP
Member for Canberra

NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY GRANT TO HELP LOCAL GOVERNMENT LOWER ENERGY COSTS

Andrew Leigh MP, Federal Member for Fraser, and Gai Brodtmann MP, Federal Member for Canberra, today welcomed the opening of the Gillard Labor Government’s Local Government Energy Efficiency Program, which will help local government to cut costs in community facilities.

The $24 million Local Government Energy Efficiency Program provides support to local governments across Australia to install low pollution, clean energy solar and heat pump hot water systems to drive smarter energy use.

“These grants not only help the ACT Government to save money but also to cut pollution by improving energy efficiency,” said Dr Leigh.

“It’s a great example of the price on carbon pollution doing exactly what it was intended to do – investing money in communities to save money and cut pollution,” said Dr Leigh.

Gai Brodtmann encouraged the ACT Government to apply for a grant.

“Saving on energy costs leaves more money to re-invest in community projects and this grant will strengthen the Canberra economy,” said Ms Brodtmann.

“The Federal government is committed to working with the ACT Government to promote better energy efficiency because it saves money, cuts pollution and improves our living standards at home and in the community,” said Ms Brodtmann.

The guidelines and application forms for LGEEP are now available. To find out more about the package of energy efficiency programs visit: www.climatechange.gov.au

Today on AM Agenda, Keiran Gilbert spoke with Kelly O'Dwyer and me about the complexities of asylum seeker policy

http://www.youtube.com/embed/xfC2hW0knOw

One of the significant achievements of the Gillard Government has been the pay increase awarded to workers in the community sector. The Fair Work Act allowed workers in the sector to bargain for equal pay. The Gillard Government is committed to pay its share of the cost of wage increases, setting up a Special Account to fund the increases. SACS workers will receive pay rises between 23 and 45 per cent in nine instalments starting from December 2012.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser

Gai Brodtmann MP

Member for Canberra

22 November 2012

Government delivering historic pay rises to community workers

The Australian Government has taken the next step in meeting its commitment to deliver historic equal pay rises to eligible social and community sector workers.

Member for Canberra, Gai Brodtmann, and Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh, today announced the Australian Government’s offers as part of its $2.8 billion share of the increases have begun going out to social and community services organisations in the ACT.

“Throughout November, around 4,400 social and community services organisations across Australia, including 100 in the ACT, will receive letters detailing the Australian Government’s offer towards the pay increases for their workers,” Ms Brodtmann said.

“Workers in the SACS sector have challenging jobs, helping some of the most vulnerable in our community.

“Around 120,000 of these 150,000 workers are women and for too long their work has been undervalued simply because they are women,” said Ms Brodtmann.

Under the terms of the FWA order, SACS workers are receiving pay rises in nine instalments totalling between 23 and 45 per cent from December this year to 2020.

“This historic pay rise also underlines the Government’s aim to increase financial literacy, particularly for women and particularly when it comes to superannuation,” said Ms Brodtmann.

The pay increase is as a direct result of the landmark Fair Work Australia decision on equal pay.

“Many of us are aware of the great work they do right here in Canberra to help women and children in refuges, in support centres for people with disability, in leading teams of counsellors and in managing family support services and emergency relief,” said Dr Leigh.

“Our community is strengthened by the work performed by those in the social and community services sector and I’m delighted to see recognition for this hard work,” said Dr Leigh.

The Government established through legislation in October the Social and Community Services Pay Equity Special Account, locking in its $2.8 billion contribution over the next eight years.

The Government’s $2.8 billion contribution is fully funded and accounted for in the Budget.

The latest information on the implementation process is available through the dedicated website: www.fahcsia.gov.au/node/10776

The Gillard Government continues to invest in quality teaching and learning in the ACT. Today I joined Senator Chris Evans and Chief Minister Katy Gallagher to announce Structural Adjustment Funding for the University of Canberra. The new programs will give students greater options for pathways into university. Senator Evans also announced a national partnership between the University of Canberra and the Aurora Project to open up access and improve the university experience for Indigenous students.

SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research

Leader of the Government in the Senate

DR ANDREW LEIGH

Federal Member for Fraser

MEDIA RELEASE

20 November 2012

$26 million boost for the University of Canberra



A significant investment by the Gillard Government will ensure the University of Canberra can offer better access to a quality education experience.

Federal Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher and Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh, today visited UC to announce the $26 million transformation of the University of Canberra to help it offer more courses, new entry pathways and the latest learning technologies.



“The Gillard Government is committed to removing the barriers to quality higher education and giving more students the opportunity to attend university,” Senator Evans said.

“Students with lower entry qualifications will be supported to achieve their potential with specialised pathways to bachelor degrees, as well as enabling programs offered through study hubs to be created in regional New South Wales.

“Working with the Canberra Institute of Technology, the University will develop pathways to university and develop new qualifications to give students more options for a rewarding career.

“The funding will also help UC redesign its programs and incorporate the latest learning technologies to support flexible learning.”

Dr Leigh said the Gillard Government’s investment is a benefit for the Canberra region.

“This sort of investment will help attract more students from around the region, and overseas, to study at UC’s outstanding facilities,” Dr Leigh said.

“UC is a key contributor to Canberra’s economy and it’s great to see the Gillard Government investment continuing in Fraser.”

Senator Evans said the Gillard Government is giving more students across the country access to first class facilities.

“Labor’s investment is transforming the higher education landscape – we have opened the doors of our universities and changed the lives of students from all walks of life,” Senator Evans said.

“The Gillard Government is ensuring that every Australian who is capable of achieving success at university has the opportunity to do so by creating a more accessible and affordable higher education system of the highest possible quality.”

The funding is part of the $377 million Structural Adjustment Fund, allocated to higher education institutions in regional and outer metropolitan areas to transform and modernise the learning environments of the nation’s students.

Great to see the Spanish Program at ANU being recognised for its innovative approach to teaching and learning.

MEDIA RELEASE

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser







20 November 2012



Award winners improve the university experience

The Spanish Program at the Australian National University has been recognised as one of Australia’s best higher education programs at the 2012 Australian Awards for University Teaching at the National Gallery Australia in Canberra last night.

Member for Fraser Andrew Leigh said Associate Professor Martin and his team had won the Award for Programs that Enhance Learning for their dedication to improving the experience for students in the higher education sector.



“In teaching the next generation of students, it’s almost like you’re getting to touch the future – to help shape Australia in decades to come,” Dr Leigh said.

“The Spanish Program at ANU inspires students to shape Australia and the world by opening up opportunities to work in and link with Spanish-speaking countries. It’s highly deserving that Associate Professor Martin and the team has been recognised with such a prestigious award on the national stage.”

The Spanish Program received the Award from Minister for Tertiary Education, Senator Chris Evans, for innovation in curricula, learning and teaching.

The program led by Associate Professor Martin emphasises competency in spoken, written and aural Spanish with awareness of the variety of accents and colloquialisms of a language spoken in 23 countries. The program makes extensive use of technology and immerses students in the Spanish language, levelling the playing field for international students.

“Top university teachers are essential for giving our students the best university experience and a quality education,” Dr Leigh said.

“As an ANU economics professor, I enjoyed the chance to explain difficult concepts to students, and loved those ‘aha!’ moments when everything clicks into place.

“The influence of a university teacher lasts a lifetime.”

Dr Leigh said the Gillard Government had opened up the doors to universities and more students than ever before were taking up the chance of a higher education.

I was delighted to find out that a local hairdresser, Sara Burke, won the Australian Apprentice of the Year award last week. Sara also volunteers her spare time to assist her two favourite charities, the Leukaemia Foundation and the Canberra Blind Society. For fashion parades and runway shoots, Sara charges a small fee for doing the models’ hair, with all proceeds going to charity. Congratulations Sara!

SENATOR THE HON CHRIS EVANS

Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research

Leader of the Government in the Senate

DR ANDREW LEIGH MP

Member for Fraser

MEDIA RELEASE

19 November 2012

Canberra hairdresser named Australia’s best apprentice

Aranda resident Sara Burke was on Friday 16 November announced as the Australian Apprentice of the Year at the 2012 Australian Training Awards.

The La Bimbi Hairdresser recently completed a Certificate III in Hairdressing through the Canberra Institute of Technology. Now fully qualified, Ms Burke mentors the salon’s Australian Apprentices.

The Australian Apprentice of the Year Award adds to her impressive resume which includes being named 2010 and 2011 Australian Hair Expo Apprentice of the Year.

Ms Burke also regularly volunteers to assist the Leukaemia Foundation and the Canberra Blind Society by donating proceeds from her work at fashion parades and runway shoots.

Member for Fraser Dr Andrew Leigh MP congratulated Ms Burke.

“Ms Burke’s dedication to her own and others learning and development has been deservedly rewarded,” Dr Leigh said.

“To be named Australia’s best apprentice for 2012 is an outstanding achievement and it is very exciting to have a Canberra resident receive national recognition.”

Federal Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans, said the Australian Training Awards recognised the winners’ outstanding achievements and their contribution of many Australians to vocational education and training.

“This year’s winners are representative of what is possible with the right skills and qualifications,” Senator Evans said.

“For individuals, skills are the passport to a better job, a bigger pay packet and a more rewarding working life. For businesses, skilled workers are critical for sustained success.

“The Gillard Government is committed to boosting the training opportunities for Australians because we understand that investing in a highly skilled Australian workforce will keep the country competitive and innovative.

“That’s why we have made an unprecedented investment of more than $15 billion in skills and training over the next four years.

“Congratulations to the 2012 Australian Training Award winners - they are all very deserving of their place and should be proud of their achievements and contributions to skilling Australia.”

The Australian Training Awards were held at a ceremony at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.

For more information and images of the 2012 Australian Training Awards winners, please visit www.australiantrainingawards.gov.au.