Hillary Clinton Speaks In Melbourne

Nov 07, 2010

The United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has spoken at a range of events in Melbourne today.

In the morning, Clinton spoke to a group of young Australians at the University of Melbourne.

  • Listen to the “Australian Conversation with Hillary Clinton”, as broadcast by the ABC.

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Hillary Clinton at the University of Melbourne

Hillary Clinton at the University of Melbourne

Later, Clinton spoke at the announcement of an Australian-US collaborative research venture aimed at cutting the cost of solar energy to the level of conventional fossil fuel power within five years. Clinton was joined by Prime Minister Julia Gillard at a joint press conference. [Read more...]

Baillieu and Brumby Meet in Election Debate

Nov 05, 2010

The Victorian Labor Premier, John Brumby, and the Liberal Opposition Leader, Ted Baillieu, have debated each other tonight in the only televised encounter of the 2010 state election.

The one hour debate was a lacklustre event, enlivened by a scrap over Greens preferences. Baillieu insisted that Brumby announce whether the ALP would preference the Greens, whilst Brumby said it was only Liberal preferences that were likely to elect Greens’ candidates.

Baillieu argued that Labor has presided over an increase in violent crime and problems in transport, children in care, and hospitals. He said government debt, waste and mismanagement had to be reined in.

Brumby said they key issue was “who will keep the jobs coming”, arguing that his government’s focus on education and infrastructure was the key “to meeting the challenges of the times ahead”. Brumby said he offered strong leadership and stability.

"Brumby and Baillieu meet in 2010 TV election debate"

Brumby and Baillieu meet in Victorian election debate

Click the PLAY button to listen to the debate (60 mins):

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Giving Substance To The Words

Nov 04, 2010

There are thirty-two new members of the 43rd Parliament, elected on August 21st. Three of them are returning after a voluntary or enforced absence. As a group they constitute one-fifth of the House of Representatives, a significant turnover and renewal of the lower house. Many of them will be there for years to come.

Maiden SpeechesOver the past month, I have made a point of watching the maiden, or first, speeches of these members. On the whole, it is difficult not to be impressed by these fledgling parliamentarians.

There has been much comment on the moving speech from the Western Australian Liberal, Ken Wyatt, the first indigenous member of the House, but others also delivered considered and thoughtful speeches.

Take Andrew Leigh, the member for Fraser in the ACT. His reputation as an economist and thinker preceded his election. In his speech, he spoke of the importance of education for the nation’s future, of “optimistic experimentation” and of rebuilding “a sense of trust between citizens and politicians”. Leigh’s book, “Disconnected”, has just been published. [Read more...]

Americain: Governor-General Presents 2010 Melbourne Cup

Nov 02, 2010

The Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, has described the Melbourne Cup as a “day of national unanimity”.

She made the comment during her presentation to the connections of the winning horse at Flemington Race Course in Melbourne.

The 150th Melbourne Cup was won by Americain. Maluckyday was second, whilst the sentimental favourite, So You Think, came in third.

Bryce said it was also a day of “individual financial adventure” and, “if you are female, exuberant showing-off”.

By tradition, the Governor-General makes the presentation to the winner of the Melbourne Cup.

  • Click the PLAY button to listen to the Governor-General’s presentation:

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

  • Click the PLAY button to listen to the call of the race by Channel 7′s Greg Miles.

    Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Watch the Melbourne Cup:

Politics at the Melbourne Cup

Nov 02, 2010

The Melbourne Cup, the so-called “race that stops a nation” will be run for the 150th time today.

Such is the pull of this sporting event that it takes precedence over other events and institutions. For instance, the days are long gone when the Federal Parliament met on Melbourne Cup day.

Sir John Kerr at the 1977 Melbourne Cup

[Read more...]

«Older Posts
Newer Posts»