Federal Member for Grayndler Anthony Albanese today welcomed the announcement that a federal election would be held on 21 August.

“Voters will have a clear choice between a progressive Labor Government led by Julia Gillard, committed to offering real solutions to future challenges, or a backward thinking Liberal Party headed by Tony Abbott,” said Mr Albanese.

“I am proud of this government’s record since 2007. Through strong economic management, we have guided the country successfully through the worst global recession in 75 years.

“This Labor Government is delivering better quality teaching, computers in schools, and Trade Training Centres so that we can train students and apprentices.

“In health, we are increasing our expenditure on hospitals by 50%, training 3,000 nurses and 1,300 General Practitioners over the next three years, expanding our GP Superclinics and implementing our health reforms.

“We ratified the Kyoto Protocol and introduced legislation that would have put a price on carbon and reduced our carbon emissions, if it hadn’t been blocked by the opposition parties in the Senate.

“This Labor Government has amended over 100 pieces of legislation to remove discrimination against same-sex couples.

“We have pulled all our combat troops out of Iraq and apologised to the Stolen Generations, something John Howard refused to do.

“At the local level, I am pleased to say we have delivered on all our promises made at the last election.

“We are delivering on our commitments to rehabilitate the Cooks River, to insulate Fort Street High School against aircraft noise, to improve facilities at Leichhardt Oval, and to build an Early Learning and Child Care Centre in Ashfield.

“In addition, through our Economic Stimulus package, we are building new classrooms, halls and libraries in schools across the electorate and we are investing in substantial upgrades to Ashfield Civic Centre, the Italian Forum in Leichhardt and Mackey Park in Marrickville.”