MARK DREYFUS MP

The Australian government is committed to promoting and protecting human rights, whether domestically or internationally, through bilateral dialogue, representations and engagement with relevant multilateral institutions, including the United Nations. It is important to bear in mind that, while the plight of the Akha people is certainly worthy of attention, there are many other ethnic minority communities in South-East Asia and one could name the Shan, the Mon and the Karen minorities of Burma that are facing similar issues to those confronted by the Akha people.

This legislation implements longstanding Australian Labor Party policy to clean up electoral donations and the electoral donations and funding system.

This legislation will reverse a disastrous change in the administration of our tertiary sector. It will go a long way towards restoring the provision of services to students.

It is a long overdue measure, and I look forward to the legislation being introduced.

This plan is all about supporting Australian jobs. We are entering an economic phase that will see unemployment rise and times will get tougher, but I stand proudly in my electorate and say that I am part of a government that is taking every possible step to best cushion the blow of this financial crisis, with decisive and prompt action.

Blowing the whistle, or speaking out against suspected wrongdoing in the workplace, can be a very risky course of action.

I rise today to congratulate the terrific children who have been given the responsibility of being a school captain or holding a leadership role at the 49 primary and secondary schools in my electorate.

This legislation is long overdue. It is legislation which the former government should have introduced many years ago. This legislation as is the case with very much of the legislation that this government has been able to introduce in the parliament is legislation which I commend to the House.

There are vulnerable minorities in our society. There are vulnerable minorities who suffer from discrimination by other parts of our society. The people who are part of those vulnerable minorities have rights, and legislation like this ensures that those rights are respected and it defends those rights

The Red Cross, alongside the Country Fire Authority and other volunteer organisations, are working in the bush as we speak here. More than ever, we thank them for their work. In this crucible, in which our resolve is cast, we find our cohesion as a nation and resilience as a people.