CHOGM Presents Challenges and Opportunities

Friday, 4 November 2011

For this week’s Red Alert I am sharing with you my experiences of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting – including a quick trip to Karratha.

Decriminalising Homosexuality in the Commonwealth

CHOGM bought with it the opportunity to hear from one of my favourite public figures – former High Court Justice, Michael Kirby. As a member of the Commonwealth’s Eminent Persons Group, Michael was behind the push to decriminalise homosexuality in the 39 of 54 Commonwealth countries where it is still a crime.

He rightly pointed out that this type of sexual apartheid is hampering the fight against HIV/AIDS. While the push received mixed results, the experiences of African gay rights activists remind us that change only begins when you speak out.

Karratha Communities for Children Expo

I was again among the long queues of people at Perth Airport flying to the north of our state. With so many people lined up for the long trip to work, it’s little wonder the Government is inquiring into the impact of FIFO on our communities.

My roundtrip to Karratha, attending the Communities for Children Expo, was great. Hearing from all the non-government organisations delivering the work needed to give vulnerable, disadvantaged children a better start in life was inspirational. It reminded me of how important Labor’s historic investments in early childhood learning and care are.

Meeting the Queen

It was exciting to see the Queen in Perth this week. My mother took me to see her at the airport when I was seven and I am sure she still has the same ladies in waiting.

However, as someone who firmly believes that Australia should be a republic I would prefer our relationship with the monarchy to be one as head of the Commonwealth of Nations and not as our head of state. Nonetheless, it was terrific to be among all the WA families on Friday out in the city making the most of her visit.

Empowering Women Panel Discussion

I later attended a panel discussion on women’s empowerment hosted by Julia Gillard. It was a fascinating event, which included distinguished women like the Prime Ministers of Trinidad & Tobago and Bangladesh, as well as Cabinet Ministers from Nigeria and Samoa.

While all women came from diverse cultures and work, they held the common desire to address women’s equality, especially education and political participation. I very much agreed with our PM when she said she hoped to see the day when it is unremarkable to have women in senior political positions.

I also attended civil society discussions at the Peoples’ Forum regarding the push to stop early and forced marriages. These marriages can ruin the opportunity to finish school for millions of girls around the Commonwealth, and often result in complications and deaths when they give birth too young.

Aid & Development

Last Friday, I debated the effectiveness of Australia's aid program with young people at a forum in Perth’s northern suburbs.

That afternoon I headed off to the Belvoir Amphitheatre to support the End of Polio campaign. The music was great, and I especially enjoyed Australian Hip Hop ensemble Bliss n Eso. On Saturday, the Government announced $50 million to help eradicate polio.

The Relevance of the Commonwealth

I have only touched on some of the issues arising from CHOGM and I did start the event with questions about the relevance of the Commonwealth today. However, I was struck by Michael Kirby’s argument that history has gifted to us with an organisation that brings together 2 billion people.

In a world with so many divisions we need to make sure that organisations like the Commonwealth remain relevant in bettering the lot of all humanity.

Best wishes

Louise