In the News
Private Members' Business on Iran will be debated in the Federation Chamber on Monday 11th February.
Click here for further details of the motion.
MR L.X SIMPKINS:
To move – That this House.
(1) Notes that: a. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct Presidential elections on June 14 (Khordad 24 on the Iranian calendar) of 2013.
b. Within Iran, political activists, journalist, and political opposition leaders are imprisoned, and often tortured, for attempting to express their freedom of speech, political and media freedom, and for attempting to hold their government accountable for its actions.
c. Iran continues to refuse international inspectors free and unfettered access to its nuclear program and this raises suspicions that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.
(2) Recognises that: a. The upcoming Iranian elections will see Mahmoud Ahmadinejad replaced as President by another Supreme Leader endorsed candidate.
b. Political prisoners being held in violation of human rights must be released as a first step towards holding free and fair elections.
c. Iran’s potential acquisition of nuclear weapons poses a serious threat to the Middle Eastern region, and especially to Israel, and could lead to nuclear proliferation.
d. The Government’s decision in sending two senior officials to the Non-Aligned Movement in Iran in August has potentially undermined efforts to isolate the nation. Iran’s Supreme Leader has viewed the participation of nations from around the world at the NAM in Iran as affirmation of sanction failure and as a level of endorsement for Iran.
(3) Calls for: a. The release of political prisoners in Iran in order to take a step towards the nation conducting legitimate elections, and as an attempt to begin to resolve some of Iran’s human rights issues.
b. The taking of all possible steps to increase sanctions and isolate the regime and pressure it to allow free and unfettered access to International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.
Australia Day is a time for us to celebrate who we are, how far we have come as a nation and appreciate the wonderful country we live in. There are many activities being held in the Hills District that you can participate in. You can start the day attending a Flag-raising ceremony, join in and enjoy the family friendly events held throughout the day, and be entertained in the evening with live bands and fireworks.
Flag Raising Ceremonies:
WINSTON HILLS – Third Settlement Reserve, Edison Parade – 7:00am
NORTH ROCKS - North Rocks Park, North Rocks Road – 8:00am
CASTLE HILL – Heritage Park Castle Hill – Heritage Park Drive – 8:00am
KELLYVILLE – Kellyville Rotary Park, Cnr Mediati Rd & Glenrowan Avenue – 9:00am
ANNANGROVE – Annangrove Park, Cnr Annangrove Rd & Curry Ave – 11:00am
CASTLE HILL - Outside Castle Towers Piazza, Old Northern Rd – 11:30am
The Hills Shire Council’s main event will be held at Balcombe Heights Estate from 4pm and ending with fireworks at 9pm.
Treasury Amendment Bill Federation Chamber
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Thursday, 29 November 2012
Local veterans need the Gillard Labor Government to start showing leadership ahead of the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations to ensure they are the success they must be.
The Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke MP, said the silence from Labor about the Centenary of ANZAC needed to end so that veterans and community groups across Mitchell can plan local events.
“The Coalition is concerned about Labor’s silence and lack of public agenda for the Centenary of ANZAC”, Alex Hawke said.
“The Centenary of ANZAC provides our nation with a once in a generation opportunity to ensure that all Australians, particularly young Australians, understand the sacrifices that have been made by so many to protect the values and ideals that we as a nation must never take for granted.
“Delivered well, it will engage all Australians and leave a legacy for future generations who will understand the sacrifices made by those who have served this country and the unique nature of military service.
“However, the Coalition is worried that Labor has given the Centenary commemorations a lower priority than they deserve. I know that veterans and communities across Mitchell are busy thinking about how they can best commemorate this our most significant period of national commemoration.
“Whilst the Government has announced a $9.5 million ‘community commemoration’ fund, there are no details about how much, when and what the money can be spent on in our community.
“Many local projects require collaboration between different organisations, including our local councils and other groups to ensure that local events are successful and leave a lasting community legacy long after the Centenary commemoration activities conclude in 2018.
Alex Hawke said the Coalition was committed to making grass roots community commemoration the central focus of the Centenary of ANZAC commemorations under a Coalition Government.
“The Coalition is determined to ensure the Centenary of ANZAC commemoration is driven locally, enabling all Australians, no matter where they live, the opportunity to reflect, remember and commemorate the service and sacrifice of those who have served in the Australian Defence Force.
“The Coalition wants to ensure that the legacy of the Centenary of ANZAC is a renewed understanding of the unique nature of military service and a rededication of our local community to the covenant which exists between a nation served and those who serve and have served it”, concluded Alex Hawke.