Minister for Sport Kate Lundy today thanked all participants for getting together with friends, family and colleagues to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The Mother’s Day Classic is now in its 15^th year and whether you run, jog, walk or stroll, this great event is a way to remember loved ones and celebrate the lives of breast cancer survivors on a very special day for all mothers,” Senator Lundy said.

“Since 1998, half a million men, women and children have raised more than $10.8 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research programs.

“Participants in the Mother’s Day Classic events across Australia – including Darwin for the very first time – are not just doing something healthy and fun they’re doing their bit to support quality, cutting-edge research.”

A record 51 events will be held across Australia, and with an increased numbers of registered runners and walkers, organisers hope to raise $4.2 million.

“Congratulations to Women in Super, the many hundreds of volunteers and the sponsors for their ongoing work and for the enormous effort they put in to stage such a quality event every year to benefit of others,” Senator Lundy said.

For more information about the National Breast Cancer Foundation research programs visit http://www.nbcf.org.au/

Senator Lundy was invited to cycle with Matt from Regatta Point to Manuka Oval, both crossing the finish line at half time during the Greater Western Sydney versus Gold Coast Suns clash.

This final leg of his journey completed the epic 42 day, 3908 kilometre bike ride.

“Matt’s ride began on 1 April to raise awareness of people living in poverty across the world,” Senator Lundy said.

“His personal contribution to complete this remarkable feat is an inspiration and serves as a strong message about the power of the individual.

“Along the way he spoke with more than 200 primary and secondary college students who heard that clean water, proper sanitation, health and education projects can make an enormous difference to the lives of people caught up in the cycle of poverty.”

Make Poverty History is a coalition of more than 70 international aid and development organisations, community and faith-based groups working to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and halve global poverty by 2015.

Make Poverty History exists through Australian community support. The campaign is entirely funded through community donations, its member community organisations and through some corporate sponsorship.

“I want to thank Matt for inviting me to cycle with him and finish in front of this great crowd,” Senator Lundy said.

“I wish him all the best in achieving this very important goal to make poverty history.”

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

Senator Kate Lundy

Senator for the ACT

Gai Brodtmann MP

Member for Canberra

Andrew Leigh MP

Member for Fraser

2012-13 Budget and the ACT

Federal ACT Labor representatives, Kate Lundy, Gai Brodtmann, and Andrew Leigh, have welcomed additional funding in the 2012-13 Budget to support Australia’s key collecting institutions and the National Capital Authority.

Over the next four years the Gillard Government will provide over $39.3 million in supplementary ongoing funding to help our collecting institutions deliver services and programs.

Additional funding will be provided until the end of 2015-16 to help Canberra’s collecting institutions to ensure they are able to continue to meet the demand for their services. This funding boost will give institutions like the National Archives, Library, Museum, Gallery, Film and Sound Archive, Old Parliament House and the War Memorial greater capacity to open their collections to the community during the Centenary of Canberra.

The National Capital Authority (NCA) will also receive an additional $11.9 million in funding to ensure their financial sustainability and allow them to implement recommendations from the Hawke Report. This investment will ensure the NCA can operate effectively and fulfill its asset management responsibilities for Canberra.

The 2012-13 Budget is a responsible budget that will deliver much-needed cost-of-living relief to families and businesses under pressure in Canberra.

The Government is returning the Budget to surplus, on time as promised, which will provide a buffer in uncertain global times.

The Budget outlines a reduction to average staffing levels across the public sector which means the Canberra public sector will contract by 1,500 positions through the uptake of voluntary redundancies and natural attrition. 

This will take us back to 2009-10 levels and is based on each agency’s expectations of their staffing. The APS will continue to pursue graduate recruitment at levels comparable to the historical high of 2011.  

While the Labor Party is committed to a stable public sector into the future, the Coalition have confirmed if elected they would pursue their ideological agenda to gut the public service, slash jobs and axe the number of incoming graduates.

Last night Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey revealed the Coalition would take a slash-and-burn approach to the public sector and immediately slash jobs if they were in government:
INTERVIEWER: So you’d cut 20,000 jobs from the public service?

JOE HOCKEY: We would cut, we have said, we will have to cut the size of the public service.

[ABC 7:30 Report, 8 May 2012]

Key highlights in the 2012-13 Budget for Canberra:

• $1.3 million for the establishment of Chair in Plastic/Cranio Facial Surgery
• $1 million in the 2012/13 financial year to begin the construction of the Eccles Building at the John Curtin School of Medical Research at ANU
• $2.5 million for new lights for Manuka Oval
• $21.4 million for road projects in the ACT
• $11.9 million for the National Capital Authority
• Supplementary funding of $39.3 million over 4 years from 2012-13 to Australia’s key collecting institutions:
• National Archives of Australia ($7.7 million)
• National Library of Australia ($6.7 million)
• National Museum of Australia ($5.5 million)
• Australian War Memorial ($5.3 million)
• National Gallery of Australia ($4.3 million)
• National Film and Sound Archive ($3.4 million)
• Old Parliament House ($1.9 million)
• $2.7 million over three years to establish the National Portrait Gallery as a separate statutory authority under the Commonwealth Authorities Companies Act 1997
• $100,000 in 2012-13 to undertake a feasibility study into a Parliament House Walk between the Civic Centre and Parliament house.
• $83.5 million over seven years to fund a program of initiatives to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the First World War and Anzac Centenary
• SchoolKids Bonus Payment to help 14,000 ACT families with kids in schools. This totals $14,580,850 worth of assistance for Canberra families.

Minister for Sport Senator Kate Lundy said the Federal Government will continue to invest in the future of sport in Australia by providing funding to boost community participation and help our elite athletes reach their full potential.

“Sport is a powerful platform for inclusion and funding for sport is an investment in the future health and prosperity of the Australian community,” Senator Lundy said.

“Sport encourages people to join in, get active and get involved by driving participation and fostering strong community connections.

“The Gillard Government is committed to supporting both community and elite sport and this year’s Budget continues to provide funding to encourage grassroots participation and help our athletes achieve national and international excellence.”

Senator Lundy said the 2012-13 Budget includes more than $120 million in funding to promote community participation and continue a suite of successful national programs that engage the community.

“By investing in community participation programs, the Government is harnessing the power of sport to strengthen communities and encourage Australians to lead active lives,” Senator Lundy said.

Australia’s elite athletes will also benefit from the Government’s commitment to high performance sport with approximately $170 million in the 2012-13 Budget dedicated to ensure Australia can continue to pursue sporting excellence.

“The achievements of our elite athletes inspire all Australians to join in, play and participate in sport,” Senator Lundy said.

“Australia has a proud international sporting record and our investment in innovative high performance sport programs can help add to that record.

“This year’s budget continues to direct funding to support our elite athletes and help drive Australia’s continued success on the international stage.”

The key highlights in the 2012-13 Budget for sport include:

• $39.2 million for the continuation of the Active After-School Communities Program for the 2013 school year;
• $2 million over two years for the Community Street Soccer program and a further $560,000 for Reclink Australia to support our most vulnerable Australians gain an improved outlook on life;
• $4 million over four years to continue the Saving Lives in the Water program to continue to support key initiatives aimed at reducing drowning among children under 5 years of age;
• $3 million towards the Jim Stynes Reach Scholarship Fund to support young men and women to achieve their best through the development of self confidence and their individual skills;
• $8 million for grassroots football initiatives in Western Sydney and the redevelopment of football facilities in Parklea;
• $2.5 million to contribute to the establishment of a new home for netball in Melbourne;
• $10 million to contribute to the construction of a Community Sports Centre in the Olympic Park precinct in Melbourne;
• $8.7 million for the redevelopment of the King George V sport and community precinct in Glenorchy;
• $1.8 million for the upgrade of facilities at Wayne Richards Park, including the complete resurfacing of the Port Macquarie hockey field;
• Approximately $13 million to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to continue its fight against doping in sport; and
• $2.5 million to contribute to the installation of high-definition broadcast standard lighting at Manuka Oval in Canberra

Senator Lundy said the Gillard Government was proud to support Australian sport in the 2012-13 Budget and deliver funding to support the full spectrum of sport from community to elite competitions.

“Sport is an integral part of Australian life and funding for sport benefits all Australians from the grassroots to the elite level,” Senator Lundy concluded.

It was also a chance to publicly pay tribute to a few important people, in particular: my predecessor, Mark Arbib, for his excellent stewardship of the sport portfolio; former Chair of the Australian Sports Commission, Warwick Smith, for his contribution to the board; and John Coates for his leadership as he handed over the critical role of Chef De Mission for London to Nick Green.

And it was the perfect opportunity to reflect on the significance of the forthcoming Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games for all Australians.

The Summer and Winter Olympics and Paralympics bring together diverse nations and sports people from around the globe. Once every four years these events showcase tremendous sporting talent for everyone to watch and enjoy.

Beamed around the world these sporting moments touch and motivate people to get involved and play sport. Powerfully, these moments of both glory and anguish demonstrate sportsmanship and sow the seeds of inspiration for kids to get involved and live an active life.

The benefits of sport and an active lifestyle are well understood and recognised in Australia. I often describe sport as being far more than the sum of its parts. It is a tremendous platform to promote social inclusion and creates and fosters a sense of belonging for participants. Sport teaches people valuable life lessons like how to work in team and how to win or lose gracefully. It also cultivates respect among participants and helps them to learn discipline and reach for their full potential.

Over the coming months, the achievements of our Olympians will inspire our children and highlight the important bridge between elite sports and participation. To tap into the spirit of the Games and boost junior participation in sport children across Australia the Federal Government is encouraging kids and schools to take part in the Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Challenges. The aim of these programs is to ensure our children’s enthusiasm for the Olympics and Paralympics is positively channelled into playing community sport.

Sport can bind people together and if we successfully harness the inspiration from the London Games, we know that countless Australians will benefit. To get your kids involved in the Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Challenges visit: http://www.olympicchallenge.gov.au/

The Hon Simon Crean MP

Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, Minister for the Arts

Senator the Hon Kate Lundy

Minister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation

$1.5 MILLION TO RECOGNISE ISLAMIC CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Arts Minister Simon Crean and Multicultural Affairs Minister Senator Kate Lundy today announced $1.5 million in Australian Government funding to support capital works for the creation of the Islamic Museum of Australia in Melbourne.

Speaking at the launch of a new documentary Boundless Plains – the Australian Muslim Connection, Senator Lundy said the Australian Government was proud to support such a significant project that recognised the invaluable contribution of Islamic culture and heritage.

“The Islamic Museum of Australia will help to foster understanding and promote community harmony and social inclusion,” Senator Lundy said.

“It will serve to educate the wider Australian community of the rich and longstanding history that Islam has had in our nation.”

“Here in Melbourne, the Museum will join a rich tapestry of cultural institutions celebrating the contribution of Greek, Italian, Jewish and Chinese communities.”

Mr Crean said the Islamic Museum of Australia would make a significant contribution to the cultural life of our nation.

“Culture is incredibly important to understanding ourselves better, not just as individuals, but as a nation,” Mr Crean said.

“Australia is uniquely placed. We have one of the oldest living cultures on earth and we continue to attract the greatest diversity of cultures on earth.

“That is why we are proud to be involved in this partnership for community cultural development.”

Senator Lundy said $300 000 in grant funding will be available through the Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program to support the costs associated with promoting sport and physical activity in multicultural communities.

Applications opened today and eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding of up to $50 000. Grants will be awarded to sporting organisations or community groups that can demonstrate a capacity to create sustainable opportunities for youth from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to participate in sport within local communities.

“The Gillard Government understands the importance of ensuring all Australians have the opportunity to participate in community sport,” Senator Lundy said.

“Sport is a great platform for inclusion and can help build bridges of understanding and respect.

“All Australians should have equal access to sporting opportunities and this grant program helps to ensure more young Australians from diverse backgrounds can participate in sport at a local community level.”

Senator Lundy encouraged eligible sporting organisations and community groups to apply for funding under the grant program.

“Participation is a sporting activity or club can be critical to the successful settlement experience of new migrants in Australia. For many it is their first opportunity to make new friends and build strong community links.

“The Multicultural Youth Sports Partnership Program grants will enable more of our multicultural youth and their families the opportunity to take part in that iconic Aussie tradition – weekend sports and physical activities across local communities,” Senator Lundy added.

Visit http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/all_cultures/get_involved/grant for eligibility details and information on how to apply.

PRIME MINISTER

MINISTER FOR SPORT

$2.5 million to light up Manuka Oval

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Sports Minister Kate Lundy today announced funding of $2.5 million to the ACT Government for the installation of broadcast quality lighting at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

The announcement was made in the grounds of Manuka Stadium prior to the kick off of the inaugural Prime Minister’s Cup AFL Match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Western Bulldogs.

Manuka Oval has been a part of Canberra since 1929 and the upgrade will ensure the oval meets the high definition broadcast standards required to host elite sporting matches.

It will provide opportunities to attract new competitions, such as Twenty20, international cricket matches and pre season AFL games.

As a Senator for the ACT Minister Lundy, along with her ACT Labor colleagues, has been a constant campaigner for the necessary upgrades to Manuka Oval to encourage more elite sport to the nation’s capital.

The upgrade will enhance Canberra’s community infrastructure with the new lights designed to minimise light spill into surrounding residential and commercial areas.

The total cost of the lights is approximately $5 million with the remaining $2.5 million to be contributed by the ACT Government.

The Gillard Government is committed to local infrastructure projects and ensuring that communities have access to high quality facilities.

The Gillard Government has provided $225,000 in funding to establish the new Australian Sports Technologies Network and invest in Australia’s continued improvements in sporting performance.

“This new network has the potential to unearth a new wave of Australian-made sports technologies,” Senator Lundy said.

“As global market opportunities emerge, growing this industry in Australia could lead to great economic opportunities and thousands of jobs.

“This is why the Australian Government is supporting the establishment of the Network and investing in continued improvement in sporting performance and economic performance.

“With some of our finest researchers, developers and entrepreneurs supporting this new initiative, I am confident it will deliver dividends.”

The Australian Sports Technologies Network is a national collaboration based in Geelong.

Its foundation partners include four universities, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), eight sports technology enterprises, venture capitalists and Information Technology experts.

In its first year, the Network will focus on projects that bring technology developers together, examine market opportunities and support product exposure and marketing.

The two national programs tap into the spirit of the Games and aim to boost junior participation in sport by encouraging children to get active and try an Olympic or Paralympic sport.

“A generation of young Australians will watch the Games in London and be captivated and inspired by our athletes as they compete on the world stage,” Senator Lundy said.

“The Prime Minister’s Challenge ensures our children’s enthusiasm for the Olympics and Paralympics is positively channelled into sport, by encouraging participation and an active lifestyle.

“Through the program primary school children will be encouraged to get active, play sport, and have fun.

“We know that kids who are encouraged to lead an active lifestyle and play sport are happy and healthy. Junior sport helps kids build strong friendships and learn about the important values and ideals of inclusion, sportsmanship and fair play.”

Minister Lundy encouraged parents and teachers to embrace the initiative and register their kids and students for the Prime Minister’s Olympic and Paralympic Challenges.

“As a parent, I appreciate the power of the Olympics and Paralympics to ignite a continuing passion for sport that can extend from primary school all the way through to adulthood,” Senator Lundy said.

“Kids want to emulate their sporting heroes and as a community we need to encourage and foster this enthusiasm and use this opportunity to encourage our children to lead an active lifestyle.”

Senator Lundy said children registering for the Olympic Challenge will be able to participate individually or as a class or group to accumulate points which will contribute towards a gold, silver or bronze award depending on their level of participation.

The Paralympic Challenge will build on the existing Paralympic Education Program and will teach children about the unique Paralympic sports and encourage students in years five and six to be active and inclusive of others. 

Registrations are now open for primary school students to participate in the challenge and compete for awards, vie for prizes and score a chance to meet one of their sporting heroes.

The Challenges will run from 28 May until the close of the Olympics on 12 August and the Paralympics on 9 September.

Mascots for the program, Participation Pablo, Active Alice and Energetic Eric, will encourage participants to join in, embrace the challenge and have fun.

The Olympic and Paralympic Challenges builds on the Australian Government’s strong commitment to increasing sport at a grassroots level by providing more than $117 million in the 2011-12 Federal Budget to support participation initiatives and programs.

“I encourage all primary school children to be part of the experience and follow in the footsteps of our Olympic and Paralympic heroes by taking up the challenges,” Senator Lundy said.

For more information about the Challenges or to register visit www.olympicchallenge.gov.au (Olympic Challenge) or www.paralympicchallenge.gov.au (Paralympic Challenge).