Manager of Opposition Business News

Jun 21, 2007

Questions without Notice – Ministerial Staff

Questions without Notice – Ministerial Staff

21 June 2007

Mr ALBANESE (3.15 p.m.)—My question is to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources. Can the minister confirm that he has been allocated more staff than the Treasurer? Are these extra staff deployed as members of the secret unit that operates out of his Brisbane ministerial office, performing the same role as the secret unit that operates out of the Attorney-General’s office in Sydney?

Mr IAN MACFARLANE—There is no secret media unit in my office.

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Leader of the Australian Labor Party, MP for Grayndler, Rabbitohs Life Member. Authorised by Anthony Albanese, ALP, Canberra.

First thing the Prime Minister did when he got out

First thing the Prime Minister did when he got out of quarantine?

Photo op.

Multiculturalism is one of Australia's greatest ac

Multiculturalism is one of Australia's greatest achievements.

Today we launched Labor's Multicultural Statement.

It outlines how a government I lead would make sure people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can fully participate in our country and achieve their full potential.

There's a link to the Statement in my Stories.

My mum lived a lot of her life with a disability.

My mum lived a lot of her life with a disability.

She had crippling rheumatoid arthritis.

Untreated, it meant she couldn't do basic things like hold a knife and fork.

In her later years, mum started getting the support from government and the health system that she really needed.

Surgery meant she could use her hands again and walk without acute pain.

Such a simple change meant she could have the dignity of more independence.

Mum raised me on her own on a disability pension. She was a strong woman with a great mind and a huge heart.

She experienced years of sickness and struggle. And she died too young at just 65.

But through the power of government support, she was able to live a fuller life.

Today is International Day of People with a Disability.

I know people with a disability have so much to contribute to our society – I've seen it first hand.

I want an Australia where everyone can take part. Where everyone can truly flourish.

A government I lead would make sure that no one is held back, and no one is left behind.
#idpd

Early morning social tennis with @topendgoz v @aus

Early morning social tennis with @topendgoz v @ausfedpolice - who happened to be named Anthony and Luke too 😳 #whataretheodds 🎾

Exactly a year ago, during Black Summer, a fire to

Exactly a year ago, during Black Summer, a fire tore through this area near Braidwood, NSW.

It wouldn’t be until February that getting in the fire truck stopped being a daily occurrence for the firies.

We all remember how the smoke from these fires came all the way to the capital cities.

Fire season is expected to be different this year. For one thing, there’s been more rain lately, and the forest is starting to bounce back. But the rain also means there’s more long grass ready to burn.

These communities need our support.

Labor is calling for a national aerial firefighting fleet – something the Morrison Government has refused to buy.

We know for sure that the fires will come again.

And we need to be ready.

This is a sensitive topic, but it's important. A

This is a sensitive topic, but it's important.

And I want to warn you – it's about self harm.

This is Julie-Ann Finney.

Julie-Ann lost her son David to suicide last year.

David had a long career in the Navy, but he battled with post traumatic stress injuries after his service.

There are too many mothers facing what Julie-Ann faces.

In the last three weeks alone, at least 10 veterans have taken their own life.

Today, Labor has decided to oppose legislation for the Government's plan for a National Commissioner for veteran suicide.

The Morrison Government has ignored the families like Julie-Ann who say they don't want this – they want a genuine Royal Commission.

A Labor Government will hold a Royal Commission into veteran suicide.

It should be independent. And it should be fully funded.

The people who have served this country in uniform deserve nothing less.

Teddy Sheean’s nephew Garry Ivory, holding Teddy

Teddy Sheean’s nephew Garry Ivory, holding Teddy’s Victoria Cross medal.

Today means so much to the Navy, to the Defence Force, but above all to Teddy’s family.

They’ve tirelessly campaigned for Teddy to be given the honour and recognition he deserves.

It took 78 years to the day after Teddy gave his life for his mates and his country - but the day has come.

Edward “Teddy” Sheean’s Victoria Cross.
#ausnavy

Teddy Sheean will be awarded the Victoria Cross to

Teddy Sheean will be awarded the Victoria Cross today.

On this day, 78 years ago, Teddy strapped himself to the gun of the HMAS Armidale, which was sinking off the coast of Darwin.

He fired on the enemy as the ship went down.

His last actions were to sacrifice himself to save his mates.

He was not even a gunner, but in that moment Teddy became a shield extended over his mates in the water.

An ordinary seaman who rose to the extraordinary circumstances in which he found himself.

He was only 18.

He is the first member of the Royal Australian Navy to win a VC.

We will remember him. We will honour him.

Vale Teddy Sheean, VC. #ausnavy

We've got bushfires burning across the country alr

We've got bushfires burning across the country already. As we get further into summer, we can only expect more. I want to say to all the firefighters and emergency services personnel putting themselves in harm's way to keep us safe – thank you.

When your dog Toto realises a packed bag means you

When your dog Toto realises a packed bag means you’re headed to Canberra for a Parliamentary week 🐶 #dogsofinstagram #innerwestdogs #dogsarethebestpeople #sadface

In Australia. In 2020. Is this good enough?

In Australia. In 2020. Is this good enough?

Found another #randomsouthsguy the other day – I

Found another #randomsouthsguy the other day – Isaac from Murwillumbah. He even got me to sign his jersey. #sstid

Sensational performance by @sachahorler heading a

Sensational performance by @sachahorler heading a superb cast in #Cursed playing @belvoirst now - the arts sector has done it tough during the pandemic and needs more support #culture #australianstories

Hope you have a whale of a weekend! Thanks to Davi

Hope you have a whale of a weekend! Thanks to David Rogers for the 🐋📷 at Merimbula Marina, NSW.

Just got this pic from Celia, Taylor and Luke who

Just got this pic from Celia, Taylor and Luke who are now on their way home from San Francisco along with the other stranded Aussies. It shouldn’t have taken a call from me to get them on a plane, but if that’s what it takes, I’ll make more. The Australian Government has a responsibility to our citizens. Scott Morrison promised to bring stranded Australians home by Christmas. He must keep his promise.

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