MARK DREYFUS MP

Access to justice is important. We need our courts to be able to provide real, affordable access to all citizens, not just pay lip-service to it.

The committee found that despite facing the challenges associated with considerably increased budgets and the rapid, large-scale recruitment of staff all agencies are currently managing expenditure appropriately

It is the Rudd government which has acted early and decisively to stabilise the financial system.

The government's Climate Ready Program will invest $75 million to support research and development, proof of concept and early-stage commercialisation to develop solutions to climate change challenges.

The government is investing heavily in fixing the problems in our health system and, as a member of this parliament, I am committed to ensuring that the reform of the health system meets the needs of all Australians.

Refusal to pass this bill will prevent the government from honouring the second major commitment made in the industrial relations area, which was to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission. Refusal to pass this bill condemns the opposition as what they are: the party of Work Choices.

In contravention of international law, Hamas continue to use Shalit as a hostage and as a bargaining chip.

I am proud to be part of a Labor government which is undertaking the largest school modernisation program in Australia's history to support local jobs, to stimulate every local economy and to invest in important long-term infrastructure.

There was robust debate among the 70 attendees about the issue, but the overriding message was crystal clear: the local community wants action on climate change, and now.

In these difficult times, the Rudd government is working hard to support jobs and businesses now, and build economic prosperity for the future. The Building the Education Revolution program is a critical part of this plan.