Andrew Leigh

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.

Over 150 people joined Minister the Hon Mark Butler MP and me at the Griffin Centre in Civic to learn about the Gillard Government's significant reforms in the aged care sector. The event was well oversubscribed so I'm holding another event on 7 December at 10:30am, also in the Griffin Centre. If you'd like to come along, please call my office on 6247 4396 or email Andrew.Leigh.MP {at} aph.gov.au

THE HON MARK BUTLER MP

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing

Minister for Social Inclusion

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

ANDREW LEIGH MP

Federal Member for Fraser

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

19 November 2012

LIVING LONGER LIVING BETTER IN FRASER

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler joined local MP Andrew Leigh today to report back to the community on the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reforms.

Mr Butler met with local residents to discuss the Federal Government’s Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package, designed to provide locals with a better aged care system now, and in the future.

Mr Butler said the $3.7 billion reforms provide a strong focus on helping people to stay in their own home as they get older.

“We’re redesigning an aged care system designed a quarter of a century ago which is now ill-equipped to meet the needs of retiring baby boomers and their parents who are living longer and healthier lives,” Mr Butler said.

“These reforms were informed by the community consultations I held with over 4000 carers, consumers, and industry stakeholders across the country.”

Federal Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh said many people at a community consultation last year expressed a need for better aged care services.

“Locals told me during the consultation held in our electorate last year that they wanted more choice and control over the way their services are delivered,” Dr Leigh said.

“In particular, local residents have told me that they want to be able to live in their own home and get the support services they need to continue having a meaningful interactive life in our community.”

“I believe that the Government’s new plan will better address the needs of residents and their families.”

Other key aspects of the reform package include:

·        An increase in residential aged care places from 191,522 to 221,103.
·        Funding of $1.2 billion to improve the aged care workforce through a Workforce Compact.
·        More funding for dementia care in the aged care network, and more support for services.
·        A single gateway to all aged care services, to make them easier to access and navigate.


Information on the Living Longer Living Better package can be found at www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au.

The Australian Training Awards are on tomorrow night and we have two terrific finalists from the Fraser electorate.

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

14 November 2012



Local finalists for the Australian Training Awards

Local company Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) and Aranda’s Sara Burke have been named as finalists for the 2012 Australian Training Awards.

AIE is a finalist in the Small Training Provider of the Year category while Sara Burke is a finalist for the Australian Apprentice of the Year award.

Member for Fraser Dr Andrew Leigh said he was very pleased with the nominations.

“Ms Burke is an outstanding ambassador for the ACT and is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication,” Dr Leigh said.

“The Academy of Interactive Entertainment provides training for a unique industry with many graduates going on to work for world leading companies.

“I wish our finalists the best of luck for the Australian Training Awards.”

Ms Burke, a hairdresser at La Bimbi Hair, completed a Certificate III in Hairdressing with the Canberra Institute of Technology. The Aranda resident won the 2010 and 2011 Australian Hair Expo Apprentice of the Year award. Ms Burke also volunteers to assist the Leukaemia Foundation and the Canberra Blind Society by donating proceeds from her work at fashion parades and runway shoots.

AIE has earned national recognition as Australia’s leading educator for the computer game development and 3D digital industries since its establishment in 1996. AIE offers nationally recognised qualifications from certificate through to the advance diploma levels and has won many state and national training awards.

Federal Minister for Skills Senator Chris Evans congratulated the finalists.

“These prestigious Awards are the peak, national awards for vocational education and training recognising innovation and excellence in the skills sector,” Senator Evans said.

“Being a finalist is a tremendous achievement with each nominee demonstrating personal drive and dedication to their own and to others’ vocational skills development.

“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 the critical ingredient for sustained success.

“I congratulate Ms Burke and the Academy of Interactive Entertainment on behalf of the ACT community whose economy is benefitting from their skills and ongoing commitment to training.”

The 2012 Australian Training Awards will be held on 16 November 2012 in Melbourne.

To view all the 2012 Australian Training Awards finalists, visit:

http://www.innovation.gov.au/Skills/Awards/AustralianTrainingAwards/Pages/2012ATAFinalists.aspx

I was pleased to announce today that a local company received funding under the Clean Technology Investment Program to reduce their energy use and power bills.

MEDIA RELEASE

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser

14 November 2012

LOCAL MANUFACTURER REDUCES EMISSIONS, CUTS POWER BILLS



$90 945 from the Gillard’s Government’s $1 billion Clean Technology Investment will help Elvin Group, a local manufacturer based in Mitchell, to reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and lower carbon pollution.

Andrew Leigh, Member for Fraser, congratulated Elvin Group for preparing for a clean energy future by transforming its operations to reduce energy emissions and improve its competitiveness.



“In partnership with the Gillard Government, Elvin Group will be able reduce carbon emissions of the energy consumed by its operation by 26 per cent,” said Dr Leigh.

“This grant will go towards installing a 55 kW solar photovoltaic panel array on the roof of its Mitchell facility to generate electricity to provide some of the site’s power requirements.

“Elvin Group is matching the Government’s investment with around $90 000 of its own funding.

“The Clean Technology Investment Programs are about helping local manufacturers invest in clean energy. They are an important part of the Australian Government’s plan for a Clean Energy Future.

“It’s a win for business, the economy and the environment.

“The Clean Technology Programs are open for business and I encourage more local manufacturers to apply for support.”

The grant was one of 89 announced recently by Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet.

“The $800 million Clean Technology Investment Program and the $200 million Clean Technology Food and Foundries Investment Program are in place to support manufacturers,” Dr Leigh said.

For more information, companies should contact AusIndustry on 13 28 46 or visit the website – www.ausindustry.gov.au.

My terrific chief of staff (aka office manager) Louise Crossman has just been offered a job as women's adviser to Julie Collins, Minister for Community Services, Indigenous Employment and Economic Development, and Status of Women. Louise has run my office wonderfully well over recent years, and many in the Canberra community will have had the opportunity to get to know her at community forums and other events.

I'm very sorry to see her moving on, but am also pleased that in past years, I've seen staff happily move into jobs with Ministers Combet, Garrett and Collins. No job is forever, and having the chance to work with a team bright and energetic people is one of the things I really enjoy about this job. Over the coming years, Louise is certain to make her mark on Australian politics.

Accordingly, I'm now looking for a new Louise. You can think of the job as a hybrid of 'chief of staff' (managing people) and office manager (managing paperwork). Successful applicant will need to be politically attuned, good at teamwork, and enjoy community development. Sense of humour a plus.

The official job ad is below.

OFFICE MANAGER

Applications are invited for the above position based in Canberra.

The duties of the positions include: managing a team of five full-time and part-time staff (plus volunteers), community engagement, liaising with government departments, preparing and coordinating correspondence, organising events and meetings.

Applicants should possess the following skills and experience:

• Experience in managing a medium-sized team in a high-pressure environment


• Passionate about community engagement


• Hard working and enthusiastic about addressing local issues


• Excellent oral and written communication skills


• Understanding of local media

Extensive understanding of government and parliamentary processes

A commencing salary between $67 956 and $76 548 will be paid, plus allowances up to $25 060, depending on skills and experience.

A probationary period of 3 months will apply.

Applications attaching a CV plus at least two referees should be forwarded to [email protected]

Applications close on 21 November 2012. For further information please contact Louise Crossman, acting office manager, on 02 6247 4396.

My latest Chronicle column is on parenthood.

Wonderous Times With Newborns, The Chronicle, 6 November 2012

Ever wondered why a calf can walk after a few hours, while a baby takes a year to learn the same skill? It turns out that the problem arises from two features of humans – we stand on two legs (which requires a small and bony pelvis), but also have large brains (which are hard to fit through that pelvis). Evolution’s solution to this problem is that all humans are born – in a sense – prematurely. After emerging from the womb, we need more protection from the world than do most other animals.

I’m typing this article one-handed, with a one month old boy asleep in the crook of my left arm. There’s something extraordinary about new life – its beautiful vulnerability and that unique ‘new baby smell’ that disappears all too quickly. Zachary is our third child, and we’ve gotten a few things right this time that we wish we’d done before.

First, when the baby arrived, we politely asked friends who thought of sending flowers to please instead make a donation to the charity ‘Send Hope – Not Flowers’. The charity was established by three young Canberrans - obstetrician Steve Robson, journalist Emma Macdonald and internet entrepreneur Alex Fahey - along with Sydney writer Julie Ulbricht. For the cost of a bunch of flowers, you can save the life of a mother in the developing world. The charity works with partner organisations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Solomon Islands, and donations can be made through their website: www.sendhope.org.

Second, I’ve really been relishing taking a bit of extra dad time with the children. A new baby is both exciting and unsettling for siblings. So the chance to kick a football or read a book with the two older boys has given them a bit of stability at what would otherwise be a chaotic time. Paternity leave isn’t so easy in my job, since no-one else becomes the Member for Fraser when I’m not at the office. But community organisations have been wonderfully understanding when I’ve told them I can’t attend an evening event because of the munchkins. Indeed, Zachary arrived only a few months before the commencement on 1 January 2013 of ‘Dad and Partner Pay’. The program will give eligible fathers and partners two weeks’ leave at the minimum wage (currently $606 a week).

Third, my wife and I are realising that the right answer when anyone offers help is ‘yes’. Family and friends are invaluable at a time like this, and we’ve been lucky to have a strong network of people around us. Some of our friends came through Gweneth’s mother’s group. These groups are coordinated by ACT Playgroups, which will celebrate its 40^th anniversary next year. If you’re a new parent, I can’t recommend them highly enough.

But while we’ve learned a thing or two over the past five years, we’re still bumbling our way along – trying to work out the best way to raise our kids. It’s fun, it’s daunting, and it’s exhausting. It’s parenthood.

Andrew Leigh is the federal member for Fraser.

On Sky AM Agenda, I spoke about lessons from President Obama's victory for Australian politics, the need to better manage peak power demand, and why good governments routinely cost policy ideas that are in the public domain. The presenter was David Lipson and my co-panellist was Kelly O'Dwyer.

On ABC24 Capital Hill, we spoke about Australia's trifecta of strong growth, low unemployment and stable inflation; about the difficult issue of live exports; and about wheat deregulation. The host was Lyndal Curtis and my co-panellist was Dennis Jensen (who bravely abstained from the Coalition's vote against deregulating the wheat export market).