MARK DREYFUS MP

Sixteen years after the enactment of the Native Title Act, it has to be said that our nation has not realised the high hopes of that time. We must continue to strive towards the aim of recognition of native title, which is a beginning of reconciliation, not the end result.

These bills represent the most substantial reforms to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 since it was enacted by this parliament.

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.