2011: Labor's Year of Decision & Delivery

Friday, 23 December 2011

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said 2011 was going to be a year of decision and delivery, and it certainly was that.

It has been a challenging year, but one that has produced results.

The lesson for 2011 is that perseverance pays off.

The Gillard Labor Government has taken the right long-term decisions for the country, and it is worth reflecting on the many achievements that we have had this year.

Delivering the Clean Energy Future Package

From 1 July next year, around 500 of the biggest polluters will for the first time pay for the carbon pollution they put into the atmosphere.

And because we are Labor, more than half the revenue raised from the scheme will be used to help households, families, students and pensioners. We are also supporting local jobs in manufacturing industries like steel, aluminium, pulp and paper, glass, zinc, copper and nickel production.

Securing a fairer share of the mining boom for all Australians

The Minerals Resource Rent Tax (MRRT) and the extension of the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), which have passed the House of Representatives, will help create a sustainable economy beyond the mining boom.

We know Australia’s resources boom won’t last forever. The minerals can be dug up and sold only once. Our tax changes make sure this temporary boom creates permanent gains for small business, retirees and regional Australia.

This is particularly important for Western Australia. Unless we invest now with in our state’s infrastructure and people, we will limit our potential beyond the resources boom.

Rolling out the National Broadband Network

The National Broadband Network is Australia’s single biggest infrastructure program. This year has seen several important pieces of legislation passed, as well as the continued roll out of fibre.

By reaching 93% of homes, schools and businesses with fibre technology, the Network is a major piece of Labor’s nation building agenda, which will drive a modern economy that will benefit all Australians.

We started rolling out fibre in Geraldton in September, and I know that locals are excited about the benefits they will reap when it is activated, hopefully by late 2012.

My Year in Review

I have spent my time out of Canberra criss-crossing this great state of ours, from Geraldton and Northampton to Bunbury to Karratha. What I am consistently seeing is how vital Labor’s investments in health, education and infrastructure are to driving our economy and our communities forward.

One major event that deserves special attention is the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, held in Perth in October. With a strong agenda on human rights and women’s empowerment, it was a pleasure to take part.

Finally, the year ended on a high note for Labor, with our National Conference continuing its tradition of upholding fairness and equality by endorsing equal marriage. Of course, the fight does not end here, and I look forward to pursuing the issue further until we have legislative change.

Despite the bad press, this really has been a good year for Labor. However, with your continued support and activism, we can make 2012 an even better one.

My best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and New Year!

Louise