David O'Byrne for Franklin

Speech from my formal Campaign launch

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:07:00 +0000

Thanks everyone for coming along today, it is wonderful to see so many friends here, some old and some new.

Firstly I would like to thank Mark for his kind words. Mark is such an inspiration for me, when I first became secretary of the Tassie branch I must admit I was like a rabbit in the headlights, not fully understanding the role I had taken and really what it was going to take to lead and it was Mark who I looked to for support and inspiration in my new role, and he gave it to me in spades, he was not only generous with his time and his support he always gave advice where he thought it was needed and gave a tremendous amount of support and encouragement when I thought it was needed but never had the courage to ask for.

Mark was an innovator; he was creative and brought a sharp strategic edge to not only the union in South Australia but also across the country. Whist the union is missing his direct leadership I know that the federal Caucus of the Alp and the Australian people are benefitting from his passion, his intellect and commitment to others. He is a friend, and if can be so bold Mark is by far the best karaoke singer, bar none, in the Australian Labor Movement…although I suspect that this part of his work is far behind him.

Before I start I think it’s important that I thank a few people, firstly my campaign team who are working so hard to make sure this is the best campaign it can be, to all of those people that are knocking on doors, letterboxing, knocking up posters sites and attending all of the events and fundraisers we are holding. Thank you so much. I am deeply humbled by your support and your commitment to what we are trying to build. The responsibility I now have is not lost on me.

Since making the announcement to stand for the seat of Franklin, approximately 12 months ago I have been on such an amazing journey. I have been inspired by so many people I have met and I am so appreciative by the level of support I have received.

From Old Beach to Opossum Bay from Richmond to Dover and all places in between Franklin would have to be one of the most diverse seats in the state, diverse economically, geographically and culturally.

But the richness of Franklin comes from the spirit of its people. The community groups, the sporting clubs, the amazing network of neighborhood houses that are working so hard to assist people in need and to build the capacity of the community to grow and prosper.

I have met some of the most amazing people these past months —each one with their own story. Their lives and dreams and stories have touched me, and it my great honor to be able to put my name forward to represent them.

Together, we can help create a better life, and a Stronger Tasmania.

This election is about who will best listen to and represent the people who work and raise their families here in Franklin.

This is a critical election. Tasmania is at a crossroads moment and there is a very clear choice before us.

On the one hand, a Labor team led by David Bartlett is committed to ensuring that we move forward on the issues we face.

I, and the rest of the Labor team will invest in the early years so that all children can get the best start in life and in an education system that will serve all children regardless of who they are or what circumstances they were born.

We will build a health system that despite the enormous demands placed on it can ensure that people receive the high quality primary and acute health services possible.

We will fight for the rights of all workers to be able to work with dignity and have their rights at work respected.

We will confront the massive challenge of climate change, and continue building a strong economy.

And finally I will work with a Labor government to ensure it is compassionate and solutions focused rather than blame focused.

On the other hand we have a Liberal opposition that is racked by internal division,

that is controlled by the hard right of the party,

that will seek to attack workers rights,

that will privatize health facilities and take an axe to a range of government services that currently underpins the strength of our community.

All of these things are part of a failed ideology, a failed agenda, an agenda that works against the community and not for and will only deliver for the few and not the many.

Tasmania and the families I have met in Franklin can not afford to go backward. I want to be a part of a labor government that is focused on making all Tasmanians lives better. Together we can move forward.

This is more than just campaign rhetoric to me. It is deeply personal.

My personal journey and the values that have been instilled in me are a big part of the reason I am seeking to become an elected representative of the people of Franklin.

My father was a swampie from Launceston, a tradie painter, a shop steward and a life member of his union, Dad instilled in us a workers comradely spirit.

My mum is a daughter of a coral sea veteran and council clerk that worked across and for a number of Tasmanian municipalities. Mum worked fulltime caring for three very grateful kids eventually returning to the workforce as a cleaner and yes being elected by her peers as a shop steward for her union….Mum instilled in us a passion for social justice, for equity and above all an ability to be compassionate and to be able to walk in other peoples shoes, to understand their perspective, but importantly Mum also challenged us to find a way to help.

My experiences working in the union movement and as leader of the LHMU have given me the insight into so many different peoples lives -- from cleaners to croupiers, brewery workers to bakers, early years professionals to custodial officers.

It’s taught me that building relationships, working together with people and finding the things that unite us will always lead to a better outcome for all.

This election is going to be tough. There are a number of people have asked me why I am running for public office now, why at this time in the electoral cycle, when surely there must be an easier time for to be a politician.

Well I am not running for office because it’s the easy thing to do.

I am not wanting to be a politician just to fill a seat.

I am running because I passionately belief that Tasmanians want people that “get it” – who are decent, hard working and committed to the community .

After door knocking thousands of doors and having thousands of conversation with people right across Franklin I am convinced that most people simply want political leaders that make their decisions based on core values, not political calculation.

These are the values I hold – and they are Labor values.

Values such as fairness equity, justice and compassion.

It’s not enough to simply talk the talk. Labor people have to have the capacity to walk in other people’s shoes to try and understand what people are going though so that when they make a decision they know exactly what impact that decision will have.

When talking to people on their doorstops, people rightfully ask – somewhat suspiciously -- what am I promising, and how they can know whether or not I will deliver on my promises.

Well I think people are very cynical about politicians claiming they are the white knight, and that they can fix everything.

The fact is no person alone can do this. So talk is cheap, and I make no grandiose promises.

I alone will not be able to deliver lasting solutions because I know by experience that lasting solutions can only be found by people working together, harnessing all of the goodwill and spirit around us.

But I will promise one thing, and that is if I am fortunate enough to be elected on March 20 I commit my heart and soul to the people of Franklin and Tasmania and commit to uphold my values everyday of every week of every month of every year.

And I commit to give life to those values by acting transparently, ethically and with integrity.

I don’t want to go backward, I want to move forward. And I want to be a part of a labor government focused on making all Tasmanians lives better. Because Tasmanians deserve and should expect no less.

Well we have 34 days to go and I know that if we work hard, if we knock on doors, if pick up the phones, if we talk to our friends and our neighbors that the community will understand that we, the labor party, cares deeply about our community and is a party that is wiling to invest in our community, to make a difference in peoples live because we are the party of compassion, we are the party of decent, community values. And with your support, together we will not only win three seats in Franklin but we can win majority labor govt.

Thank you so much for your support and I look forward to working with you and for you for many years to come.
Thanks very much…

Busit Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:11:00 +0000

Over 2 days this week I was fortunate enough to take part in the Busit challenge, the challenge being that for 48 hours the only form of transport I travelled on was public transport.

The 2 days proved to be, exciting, exhilarating, funny, frustrating but most of all very informative.

The highlights were meeting and chatting to some amazing people and becoming a part of a public transport community, the view from the bus over the Tasman Bridge and, importantly at this stage in my career, the time to reflect and think as we travelled through the diverse suburbs of Hobart and surrounds.

A funny moment was standing at the bus stop in Clarendon Vale after a State Govt announcement chatting to locals watching government officials, media and others drive by, then slow down, look in wonderment at why I was standing at a bus stop….

The lowlights were the downtime waiting for buses at the outer reaches of Hobart and Metros coverage, although I did have some wonderful chats to people whilst waiting for the next bus. The other lowlight was the frustration of having to coordinate the double pick up of my daughters, my eldest being in vacation care and my youngest in long day care, at either ends of the city. But again the silver lining was that my girls were so excited about the bus trip and there squeals of excitement when they pushed the button to call for the next stop will stay with me forever.

Appropriate preparation for the challenge was crucial in ensuring I could satisfy the demands of the campaign, checking timetables, routes and ticket prices. Travelling to Rokeby, Clarendon Vale and having to criss cross the city to make meetings was tough, but absolutely doable, especially the more familiar I became with timetables and routes.

The one thing I learnt about public transport in Hobart is that if you live on a significant arterial route close to the city or key shopping district such as Eastlands and you travel predominantly between 8am and 6pm you are ok. But the further you live from the city and the later you travel the harder it is to get around.

I have a number of ideas and suggestions but my preference is to look at the consultative structure that is needed to ensure all stakeholders, the travelling public (importantly those that travel now but those that do not but might travel on public transport if provided with a better service) and drivers/employees of Metro are but two that need to be established to facilitate a constructive debate focusing on positive improvements to services. Once we have a dynamic, solution based framework for ongoing consultation then we can talk.

There is one thing that I am certain about though and that is public transport is a public service that should be provided equally and of a high standard to all of our community, it should not be something that we seek to make money on or see as something that can be cut back on the basis of marginal economics. Being able to travel efficiently and safely across all of our community is a fundamental human right. It is also an environmental priority, in a carbon restrained future the provision of public transport, moving significant amounts of people, will become more of a priority.

A great few days, I will be taking public transport far more often from now on.

Lets make the fun of festivals last...all year...

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:38:00 +0000

The summer months are an amazing time in Tasmania. Thousands of Tasmanians who live and travel the globe come home to spend time with family and friends and holiday makers from across the world all converge on our island to expand our population (albeit temporary) and enrich our culture and lifestyles.

It is also the time events of national and international significance are held.
These activities enrich not only the lives of those that visit our island but it also sustains many thousands of Tasmanians lives, socially, artistically and economically. Unfortunately this vibrancy is only sustained for a short period.

In many parts of Tasmania during the summer months the full house sign is a regular feature. But in many parts of the state the winter months produce the exact opposite result. The Tourism industry is calling for more tourism development to cater for the extra tourists in summer, sustainable development should be supported of course, but there are sections of the industry that nervous about the resultant increase in rooms and what impact they will have in our low period, and what that may do to the overall viability of many businesses. Some believe that state government marketing is the silver bullet to this issue and that by paying for a better marketing strategy we will be able to cater for increased numbers in the busy times and build tourism numbers in the low seasons.

Thousands rely on the tourism industry for their livelihoods, the industries good name relies on strong sustainable businesses with a highly skilled and well trained workforce. Festivals are the cream on the cake, it’s the business (accommodation and others) that operate 12 months of the year that are the backbone of the tourism and hospitality industry, they ensure that when people do come to Tasmania their experience is a high quality one.

The key role of the state government should be at looking at strategic investments and support in our quieter periods to assists the industry build and sustain itself. Getting people onto the island in this time is crucial and only events or the opportunity to experience something different or unique will get to them the state.

Now the investment with an Australian Rules football club to bring AFL football to Tasmania in winter has been controversial but it has made an enormous difference to the tourism and hospitality industry in the north of the state, full house signs only seen in summer months are regularly put out on the weekends of the game. Something that was unheard of prior to these games of football coming to town. It turns casual jobs into part-time jobs and part-time jobs into fulltime permanent jobs. For many businesses these weekends get them through a very tough time and enables to them to employ more and invest more into their business.

Sport, arts, music, special interests are all ways to bring people to the island but they also ensure that those that live on this amazing island have a rich and diverse life with all that a small, rugged, and beautiful island with a confident, creative and warm community has to offer.

Governments should not try and pick winners in this respect but work with industry to fill the gaps and make strategic investments to support, sustain and build our tourism and hospitality industry for all of us to benefit and share with the world.

Opinion Piece printed in the Mercury Newspaper 26th December 2009

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:44:00 +0000

The recent COAG announcements and the sale of the remaining ABC centers to a not for profit consortium has brought Childcare or Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) as it is now known, back into the spotlight for all the right reasons. The announcements are a positive step towards ensuring that the sector provides high quality ECEC, providing great experiences and opportunities for our most precious resource, our children.

For too long the sector has been marked by negativity, corporate collapse, chronic skills shortages and in some areas inconsistent experiences. Whilst the COAG changes will not resolve these issues overnight it is the first time in many years that the sector is looking forward. It is looking towards a brighter future for early year’s professionals, early year’s services and most importantly families and their children. COAG is a significant step forward.

But why do the early years matter?

It matters because 80% of a child’s development occurs before the age of 5 and studies have proven that giving children access to quality ECEC programs assists them with socialisation, instills in children a love for lifelong learning and allows them to reach their full potential.

It matters because it allows families to balance work and family commitments and enables women to return to workforce and have a genuine choice in maintaining a career.

It matters because parents want to know that they are placing their child in a stimulating and caring environment.

It matters because the economists have acknowledged that a quality ECEC sector is crucial in driving increases in labour market productivity.

But importantly it matters because our children deserve it.

The ECEC sector seems to be have been in transition for many years. From a cottage industry propped up by community groups to support working parents it has now grown into a fundamentally important part of our social infrastructure.

To this point in time funding to the early years sector has been woefully inadequate. Australia currently expends a comparatively disappointing 0.4 % of GDP on ECEC services (childcare and preschool combined). This compares with the OECD average of 0.7% with a number of European countries exceeding 1.00%.

The current funding system, designed under the Howard years, creates a market based solution for the early years. Funds are made available through a complex system of rebates and childcare benefits to parents and then indirectly to services combined with a mish-mash of one off program or time based grants. Corporate providers have aggressively targeted the sector and the provision of care has been based purely on economics, and not need.

This market based system of allocating places to the community is fatally flawed as areas of need, but not necessarily financial capacity, will continue to receive patchy and substandard services where more affluent areas will be well and sometimes over catered for.

It is also crucially important that the financial operations of those either running services or owning/operating the facilities that house the service must be made transparent. It is not only important to know that a service can maintain a high quality operation but also that operation is financially sustainable. Parents have a right to know that the centre where they drop off their children every morning will still be operating next week, next month and next year.

The COAG announcement dealing with staff to child ratios (a staged increase has been outlined) and staff qualifications (it will move the sector from 45% of staff having no formal qualifications to the entire workforce holding an appropriate qualification by 2014), is important but disappointingly it has laid a conservative timetable for implementation.

Crucially it has failed to deal with the ever present issue of the wages for early years professionals.

A quality early childhood system has many elements.
• Evidence based child–staff ratios and group sizes
• Early childhood leadership in rooms, centres and services
• Low staff turnover so that continuity of care and consistent delivery of programs can be achieved
• A highly motivated and qualified staff, with access to professional support and development and importantly appropriate wages, conditions and career prospects.

Without the goodwill of staff the sector as it currently stands would collapse. An ECEC system should not be paid for off the back of low paid early childhood professionals. Annual salaries range from 30 to 35 thousand per year, most early years professionals are part-time working between 15 to 37 hours per week. As a modern developed nation we can do better.

The new system articulated by COAG combined with an increase in state based licensing and the increased expectations of parents means that services must respond and work together to professionalise.

The ECEC has come a long way, but it still has far to travel to provide the best environments for our children.

So do the early years matter? Ask any parent how they feel about their child, it matters.

Speaking notes from my speech at a campaign function last week

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:29:00 +0000

Hello, and welcome,
It’s lovely that you have come along tonight, I am constantly amazed by the willingness of people to help me out in the campaign.

It is very humbling to see so many good friends and colleagues here tonight, friends from the union movement, friends I have made with employers across the negotiating table, friends from my sporting days, friends I have met on my journey through life and of course some of you I am yet to meet, I look forward to building a strong friendship with over the coming months and years.

I would like to thank Tim Gartrell for his kind words, he is an intelligent, decent human being and a person I am proud to call a friend. He has and continues to give much to the labor movement and we all owe him a debt of gratitude. His boyish good looks are something which is of constant amazement he never seems to age, you wouldn’t know that he is actually well into his 60’s.

There are a number of people have said to me why are you running for public office now, why at this time in the electoral cycle, surely there must be an easier time for you to become a politician.

Well I am not running for office because it’s the easy thing to do, I am not wanting to be a politician just to fill a seat, I am running because I passionately belief that in their political leaders (and when I say leaders I mean all of those people fortunate enough to be elected to a parliament in leadership positions, because they all have the responsibility of leadership) Tasmanians want people that smart, decent, hard working and committed and ones that make decisions based on values, Labor values. Values such as fairness equity, justice and compassion. Labor people have the capacity to walk in other people’s shoes to try and understand what people are going though so that when they make a decision they know what impact that decision will have.

Only a labor government has the demonstrated commitment to these values and the people to deliver on them after the next election. I along with many other labor candidates across the state are working very hard to gain the trust of the Tasmanian people and have a conversation with them about the future of our community.

Some of them are in the room tonight, Deputy premier Lara Giddings, current ministers, my sister Michelle O’Byrne and Lisa Singh and fellow candidates Bec White in Lyons and Scott Bacon in Denison all of them are amazingly committed to their communities and are working so hard to be the best representatives they can be. and I really should also take this time to thank them for coming along tonight as I know in Hare Clark elections every cent a candidate has is being put into their campaign and for them to come along and support me is very much appreciated. It is decent, hard working Labor people like these under the leadership of David Bartlett that paints a bright future of Labor leadership in this state. Now I know that David is copping a bit in the polls at the moment, well polls come and go but I want to tell you what I know, I know that David Bartlett has strong labor values and he is a decent, hard workingperson that cares deeply about the future of this state.

As I look around the room tonight there are many people who are helping me out my campaign, I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and the generosity of their time. Over the last 4 months hundreds of people have been crisscrossing Franklin letterboxing for me, door knocking with me and standing at street stalls and having conversations with thousands of people, engaging them in the future of their community. I would like to thank them, I have some old mates who are not very political, although they care deeply about their community, who are for the first time knocking on strangers doors and having a political conversation, and when I say political I am not saying party political but the political issues that matter, health, education their hopes and their dreams. They are not ALP party members, they are not paid to do this work, they do it because together they believe we can make this State a better place for all to live.

You see that’s what we have in the labor movement that no other movement has in such numbers, and that is real people, no gimmicks, no spin just real people who care, talking to their friends, their neighbors, their workmates about the things that matter. We saw that in the Your rights at Work campaign, a campaign about values.

And that is why I firmly believe that Labor can win the next election because with labor it is not just about winning public office, it is about fundamentally changing people’s lives for the better.

I understand the cynicism in the community about politics,

I was sitting in the Risdon Vale neighborhood house recently where I was introduced to a woman, a mum in her late 30’s, she told me very clearly that she disliked politicians and was not going to talk about politics…well for the next 30 mins we had a chat, do you know what we chatted about? Health, education, public safety and job prospects for her kids. At the end of the conversation I thanked her for chatting to me and informed her that we had actually been talking politics because politicians can either improve or diminish these things. She was genuinely shocked but thankful and wished me all the very best.

Now this election is going to be tough, very tough. We have lots of issues flying around. It’s going to be a fight, well I have never walked away from a fight, especially a fight worth fighting for.

In my working experience to date, whether it be my time as Chair of Smoke Free Tasmania in our battle to protect hospitality workers from the deadly impact of second hand smoke. Whether it be my time as secretary of the LHMU representing and giving voice to childcare professionals, cleaners, hospitality workers, manufacturing workers. It has always lead me to believe that together we can make a difference, together we have hope for a better stronger community and together we build something so much greater than the sum of our parts.

By empowering individuals to make their own decisions, helping them find their own voice and giving them the support they need to take the necessary steps we will find lasting solutions

By building good relationships based on respect and dignity, acknowledging that you may not always agree but understanding that whatever happens, if we are to build something positive for all those involved the relationship must work. Having strong professional relationships means you must be open to different points of view and that through debate and discussion comes better solutions.

And when facing a crisis being honest about it is crucial, its no use hiding it… but in acknowledging it I also understand that if there is a crisis and people are angry about it they need their leaders to have a plan, they need their leaders to give them hope it can be fixed and they need their leaders to enable them to take action to assist in the resolution.

By being united and acting collectively, harnessing all the skills, knowledge and goodwill of those around you, you will achieve so much more than when you act alone.

I believe in the power of positive leadership, leadership based in sound values, values that inspires people and elevates them above the day to day struggle, will always enable people to walk that extra mile, take that extra step or carry that extra burden.

Close, thank you and comments

A sustainable future, economically and enviromentally..

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 22:08:00 +0000

David Suzuki is quoted as saying that when viewing the planet earth from space you can’t see the economy. As an environmentalist Suzuki is passionate about the sustainability of our planet and the quote is emotive and clearly stirs passion amongst people. The quote perhaps gives the impression that it is an “either or” proposition, I do not necessarily subscribe to that, realistically economic growth and consumption will continue and the challenge will be how we manage those forces to ensure that in a carbon constrained future our planet and lifestyle are sustainable.
. The challenge for the community is to ensure that the approach to economic management and importantly to consumption and the provision of renewable sources of energy is structured in a way that not only protects the environment and ensures the long term future of the planet but also allows us to lives our lives with dignity.
In relation to the provision of energy the big criticism has been that current sources of renewable energy will not provide the current level of base load power generation required. The passing of legislation in the Senate that will see the introduction of an expanded Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme in Australia is a big step in allowing the economics of this industry ( importantly regulated and supported by Government actions and not purely left to the risk of market demand) to turbo charge renewable energy projects.
Tasmania is very fortunate, we are the single biggest producer of renewable energy in the nation and the introduction of this scheme will allow us to go even further – it will enable hundreds of millions of dollars of what can only be described as frustrated investment to be unlocked in areas such as wind, wave, solar and geothermal energy. It also represents an opportunity to supply our renewable energy expertise to the rest of Australia and the world.

We must seize this opportunity and not let it pass us by. There is now international consensus on the impact of climate change, we must not continue to waste our breath on arguing the toss of the impact of carbon pollution, what we must work on is one of the most significant things we can do, and that is create a base load power generation powered by renewable energy sources.

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to attend a public meeting in Lindsfarne where a proposal, soon to go to the Clarence City Council, was being presented for the creation of a truly sustainable medical facility. Sustainable environmentally, by the use of solar, wind and geothermal sources to not only provide all the power for the facility but also selling excess generation back into the grid and sustainable medically, by creating a comprehensive and high quality services to the community, in part funded by the savings made on power usage. A great concept and the Clarence City Council should move quickly to get this project up and running.

Projects large and small must be supported by all tiers of Government and fast tracked if we are to not only have an impact on reducing our carbon emissions and therefore saving our environment but it must be done to place Tasmania at the forefront of this industry.

Authenticity and core values...

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:14:00 +0000

I have just returned from the ALP national conference. National conferences are full of contradictions, intrigue, and yes some boring speeches. The media portrayed the conference as bland and stage managed. Well, if that was the public perception then so be it but it is really just the tip of the iceberg.

The reality is the work on progressing policies begins months out from the conference with party members, trade unions, NGO’s and various other people in the community being consulted and having input into the development of the platform of the party. In fact some policies areas are the result of years of lobbying, negotiating and campaigning for change. The platform settled on will continue to evolve into the future.

What the media did not report on were the intense caucus debates held out of the glare of the media spotlight, where passionate contributions and contests of ideas were played out. The ALP believes in a collective decision making process, we argue, we disagree but we acknowledge that when the time comes we must agree on something that reflects the diverse views of the party and allows us to govern in the best interests of the community. You win some arguments and you lose some but the contest of ideas occurs and will continue because through this debate comes better outcomes for all.

The other key element of the conference were the various fringe events held on all matter of policy areas, from economics, refugees, health, industry and infrastructure to the environment and presentations on progressive campaigning.

Two things stood out for me;

The first was the life membership presentation to former Prime Minister Bob Hawke. Bob’s speech was more than just a thank you it was a reminder on what values the labour movement represents. They are core community values, values such as equity, justice, dignity and respect and taking actions that unite our community as opposed to dividing. Bob made the point that while the community and politics constantly evolves fundamental values and the guiding principals of the labour movement remain the same.

The second was a speaker at a fringe event, Jeff Blodgett, Barack Obama’s campaign director in the state of Minnesota. There were three elements to Obama’s campaign, authenticity (a values based candidate), strategy (a clear understanding on why when and how) and the importance of involvement of the community in a genuine grass roots campaign. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Jeff outside of his presentation and he reinforced in me my views on how I want to conduct myself in political life and how I want to run my campaign.

It is no surprise that the message from the past in Bob Hawke and the future in Barack Obama are similar. Decent values are important, people want to know those that represent them live those values in their day to day life and apply them in a decision making process.

It is easy to be cynical and for the media to only look for division. So unity and mature debate may be boring but I can tell you the contest of ideas and passion for our future is as strong as it ever has been.

Because our children deserve better...

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:20:00 +0000

This week is Early Years Professional Appreciation Week in Tasmania. It also a week in which the Senate Inquiry into childcare (set up after the collapse of the ABC chain of childcare centres) came to town and also COAG consultations were held on the regulatory impact statement on the options for early childhood education and care quality reforms. It was also the week where a for-profit service claimed that a state tax was to blame for the closure of a number of out of school hours services. A week of high and lows.

The importance of the early years is now beyond debate, the research is in, 80% of a child’s development occurs before the age of 5 and studies has proven that giving a child access to quality early years programs not only assists them with socialisation but also instills in children a love for lifelong learning. It also allows families to balance their work and family commitments and enables women to return to workforce and have a genuine choice in maintaining a career.

The current funding to the early years sector is woefully inadequate. Australia currently expends a comparatively woeful 0.4 % of GDP on ECEC services (childcare and preschool combined). This compares with the OECD average of 0.7% with a number of European countries exceeding 1.00%.

The current funding system, designed under the Howard years, creates a market based solution for the care of children. Funds are made available through a complex system of rebates and childcare benefits to parents and then indirectly to services combined with a mish-mash of one off or program or time based grants. Corporate providers have aggressively targeted the sector and the provision is care is now based purely on economics, and not need.

It is no exaggeration that the early years sector is in crisis.

I put the argument at both the Senate Enquiry and the COAG consultation that the current debate and direction of the Federal Government review of the sector is very positive but unless they create a national system of regulation and licensing driving quality and based on the highest of standards (including significantly reduced staff child ratios) combined with a comprehensive workforce strategy dealing not only with qualifications but also more crucially with wages and conditions.

Without addressing the issue of chronic low wages the sector will face either crippling staff turnover or an increase in the practice of deeming for the purpose of satisfying ratios (deeming is a process where people are deemed qualified but are without a formal qualification, this usually occurs when people have either worked in the sector for many years or are part way through their studies). This will undermine quality.

The demand driven, market based system of allocating places to the community is fatally flawed as areas of need but not necessarily financial capacity will continue to receive patchy and substandard services where more affluent areas will be well and sometimes over catered for. A national planning system that assesses need, demand while respecting choice and that provides some transparent regulation for communities is desperately needed.

It is also crucially important that the financial operations of those either running services or owning/operating the facilities that house the service must be made transparent. It is not only important to know that a service can maintain a high quality operation but also that operation is financially sustainable. Parents have a right to know that the centre where they drop off their children every morning will still be operating next week, next month and next year.

Without a comprehensive package combined with a reform of the funding model where funds are directly targeted to the services and linked to quality outcomes our children and their families will continue to be let down. Our children deserve better.

And remember if you use childcare or know an early years professional…say well done and thanks….

greater than the sum of the parts....

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:41:00 +0000

I was fortunate last week to meet with Andy Stern, the leader of the largest union in the world with over 2 million workers living in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. Over 3 hours he briefed our national leadership group on the experience of progressive organisations in the US under the Obama administration.

Andy spoke about how after so many years of taking an oppositionist approach to national policy making and the decisions of Government the adjustment had not been easy for many and that some groups have struggled to rise to the occasion of what a progressive administration in the White House represents.

Building a progressive voice that can articulate a vision, build consensus around an action plan, prosecute the case for change and deliver on outcomes is no easy task, especially in a country that has seen the politics of division over the last few years being the dominant political paradigm.

A number of things Andy said have made me reflect on how progressive groups in Tasmania organise themselves and how they advocate, for example the environment movement, community organisations and various industry associations. Tasmania unfortunately has seen the politics of division play it self out too may times.

As leaders in our community it’s so important that we focus on what is, and not what isn’t and that to build something greater than the sum of our parts we must act as partners and not critics. We must ensure that we really have something to say, I mean really something to say…what are the big ideas and what can we really achieve if we harness the ideas and goodwill and work together to enable us to think big..

The challenge for us is to ensure that we are not held back by our own negativity and fear and that we see our history not as an anchor but just an experience. We must, whilst acknowledging the journey so far always have an eye on the future, we must look forward.

In relation to the structure of services and institutions in our community we must always remember that things can change, people created our current structure of services and institutions and it is people that can change them to maximise the outcomes for our community. The question that Andy Stern has asked of progressive groups in the US is the question we must ask ourselves and that is how do we aggregate our behavior for the common good when so much of our history, work and activity actually separates, it dilutes at best and undermines at worst our best efforts to make a positive impact on peoples lives.

The tension between incremental and fundamental change is also a challenge, managing expectations and delivering on outcomes that have tangible benefits takes energy, goodwill and leadership. It takes all of us to work together to achieve profound and positive change for the community.

What is the infrastructure we need to build a progressive coalition in Tasmania, a coalition based on respect and passion for the future of our state and a coalition that applies intellectual rigor to confront the problems of today with an eye firmly on the future?

I do believe we have an opportunity over the coming years to build a progressive, vibrant and rich community in Tasmania. But it will not just take the Government, it will take all of us, industry, commerce, small business, community organisations, environmental groups and unions all working together building a progressive agenda. What is our ability to rise to this occasion, the challenge is great, and the road will be hard but the rewards are significant.

It's about what you do if you get there, not about just getting there...

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:53:00 +0000

I have been prompted to write about the upcoming Pembroke election and the decision by Vanessa Goodwin to back flip from seeking the support of the people of Franklin, some 70,000 people, as an endorsed Liberal candidate at the next state election to seek the support of the people of Pembroke, some 20,000 people, as an endorsed liberal candidate in the upcoming by-election.

Why has she done this only Ms Goodwin can explain, but I can’t help but be cynical about her reasons. Ms Goodwin clearly desperately wants to be a politician and in her eyes this is her best chance to achieve that goal. Ms Goodwin has run twice unsuccessfully over the last few years and I can understand a level of impatience.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to be a politician of course, in fact working for your community in their bests interests is something that should be respected, but to back flip from one commitment to another on the basis of your chance to win does indicate that the attainment of the political seat is more important than what you seek to do with it once there.

I have been urged by some over the last few days to put my hand up for Pembroke and, unlike Ms Goodwin, it is not something that I would contemplate. I have given a public commitment to the people of Franklin that I wish to represent them, that is a solemn commitment that should not taken lightly. Regardless of the chance of me winning a quicker path into parliament I have given my word and chosen my path. I will not change it for any short-term gain. I also want to run in a house where if I am fortunate enough to be elected I feel I can achieve outcomes for as much of the community as I possibly can, and that is in the house where Government is formed.

There is much cynicism in the community about politicians and decisions such as this to jump from one opportunity to another based on the pure chance of winning does not help. Whilst tactically it may be smart and clever I think a number people think otherwise.

Politicians have so much influence on the direction of our community, the richness of our culture and ultimately the level of our well being. Given the importance of this role it is incumbent on politicians to not only act ethically but also be humble in the knowledge they have been fortunate enough to have been elected by their community to lead them through the good and the bad times.

The examples of greed and unethical behavior in the UK by politicians from all parties are just simply obscene and I am glad steps are being taken to deal with it.

Tasmanians are pretty cynical about their politicians too and it is up to everyone seeking political office to acknowledge that cynicism and behave with integrity. It is exciting to see some high caliber candidates running for Labor in next year’s election.

Running for public office is an honor and something that should be respected, we should not get ahead of ourselves and therefore put our interests and ambitions above that duty. Jumping ship because you get a better offer is I think disrespectful of the community to whom you seek to have a deep and lasting relationship with and it’s something I will not do.

Thoughts on a Budget

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:06:00 +0000

When framing the state budget the Government faces competing interests, as a manager of its own books and that of manager of the state economy.

It is crucial the budget and underlying strategy has an eye not only on the short term but also the medium and longer term. In my view there are no areas of public policy that can be developed and implemented for today with little or no thought for tomorrow.

The bookends of the circumstances surrounding the budget are at one end collapsing state revenue and GST receipts and the other end massive COAG and Education revolution spend.

The good news is that sound financial management over the last 10 years has meant we have cash reserves to see us through this period without having to borrow, so the net debt free position the government is able to deliver on is structurally sound and protects the states credit rating.

The bad news is that some jobs in the public sector will be lost and some programs and activities either deferred or discontinued.

There have been many changes to the states public sector to reduce overall Government spend but there are two methods used that concern me and they are 1. the flat percentage figure efficiency dividend from departments delivered back to the treasury and 2. vacancy control as means of reducing wage costs.

These are blunt instruments to reduce overall costs and whilst I am sure they will result in ‘savings’ they do not guarantee sound public policy outcomes. The role of the public sector is to provide high quality, predominantly essential, services, and that should not be forgotten.

My preference would be a more forensic review of departmental activities with some intellectual rigor applied that improves the quality of the services delivered and did so in an efficient, common sense way that is related and connected to an overall government strategy.

The opposition parties response have been varied, when looking at the Liberals approach to these matters when actually in government, as opposed to a politically refined response, we look to two experiences, the first is the example set by Robin Gray, a premier who bankrupted the state for short-term political gain and the Howard government who cut public services, made massive short-term cash splashes to small sections of the community to curry favor with, to hold/win seats, and more importantly or should I say more disgracefully an appalling underinvestment in the human and physical infrastructure of our nation. They offer nothing new.

The Tas Greens took a couple of unusual steps firstly of releasing a pre-budget response, I am not sure of the sense of it as the full budget position would have been unknown to them and secondly was the proposal to unilaterally cut public sector employees hours by 2.5 per week, it does seem to show a naivety about the level of wages paid to public sector employees and the commitments they have as I am sure cleaners in our schools who earn an ave of 35k per annum, in many instances these people live week to week, would not be able to cope with a pay cut. They offer nothing strategic.

As Saul Eslake has observed in his assessment, the Treasury forecasts are pessimistic because they compare the current state position to those that were in place during the recession of the early 90’s and do not take into account the structural differences in the Tas economy that have occurred since that time. I share Estlake’s view and its inherent optimism.

There has been much change and reform to Tasmania's economy that has benefited the community and strengthened our economy, this work should be acknowledged and built on as there is much more work to do.

Its about the Community Stupid...

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:42:00 +0000

This time last year childcare provider ABC children’s services was the biggest provider of childcare in the world, but today the company is in receivership, reputations are in tatters and early years professionals and families are only just having their jobs and care guaranteed after nearly 6 months of uncertainty.

No corner of Australia was left untouched by this corporate failure.

In Tasmania approximately 12 centres faced closure in the lead up to Christmas. Fortunately all but two services were quickly identified as going concerns by the receivers and have had their future guaranteed. Two services, Hobart Airport and Margate were left behind by the corporate world.

Once the announcement was made that the Margate centre was likely to close the community responded. Margate ABC Childcare service workers, their Union and parents vowed to fight for the future of the childcare service. The “Save our Margate Childcare Service” group came together to rescue the Centre, a centre that provides vital long day care and out of school hours care services to over 100 families in the local community.

Within days hundreds of people committed their support for the provider of childcare by signing petitions in the Kingston and Channel area and over 300 people joining a Facebook group.

There was interest in the business and through my current role we assisted those interested companies and receivers to work together to ensure the service continued.

When representing childcare professionals you can never separate their interests from the interests of the children and their families. Childcare professionals are not highly paid and show a tremendous amount of commitment to the children in their care and to the families that rely so heavily on the care

Over the last 10 years the childcare sector has seen massive changes with significant increases in regulation and licensing and more importantly parent expectation, these changes are transforming the sector into a highly qualified and professional one. The transformation impacts on how and who might run a service, it is early development and education in a structured, caring environment so it would be impossible for just anyone to walk in and start operating, it needed to be taken up by an existing service able to provide professional development to staff and meet all of the regulatory and licensing arrangements.

I was inspired by parents like Emma Griffin,
“The Margate community relies so heavily on this service, it is an essential part of our community and that’s why we are working with the staff and the community to fight to save it, my two children attend here and many families that live not only in Margate but also in the surrounding areas use it. We love the staff and they love our kids. There are very few other options for families in the area and we love this service, to lose it would have an enormous impact on families. Please help us fight to save our centre”

The community campaign continued to build massive public support and on Tuesday the 28th of April over 100 people attended a public meeting to hear about the future of the Margate CC Service.

I facilitated the meeting, spoke about the importance of the service and the steps being taken to save it, the meeting also heard from Grandparent and a former ABC employee Jannette Armstrong.

The meeting was a tremendous show of support by the community to the workers and the families that rely so heavily on the quality care provided to children. All tiers of Government were represented. The meeting heard the news that a number of Tasmanian childcare operators were interested in purchasing the service and one operator, Stepping Stones had confirmed an offer had been put. This offer has been subsequently agreed to and the future of the service guaranteed.

It was a cold night in Margate but the community turned up in droves and sent the message that they wanted their service saved, with the union, its members and the parents all working together we were all very focused and very driven.

The show of support from the community was overwhelming for the staff and parents who had fought so hard to keep the service open. Without the community support the possibility of a sale was remote, but with the petitions and the public turnout Margate has shown that the community really supports this service.

I am convinced that by working together we brought about this successful outcome and that is the approach I intend to take into Parliament if I am elected.

2 Million Voices Fighting for Dignity and Justice for All

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:23:00 +0000

I have just returned from the Triennial ACTU Congress held in Brisbane. The ACTU Congress is known as the workers parliament and representatives from all professions (finance sector workers, miners, teachers, nurses, cleaners, building workers to name but a few) came together for three days to debate, to inspire and to celebrate the contributions of working people across Australia. We also heard amazing stories from across the world from unionists in Zimbabwe, United States and New Zealand.

There were significant contributions on trade, infrastructure, climate change, the GFC and yes industrial relations. Unions stand up for so much more than just wages and conditions, they stand up for decent jobs, sustainable industries, stronger communities and tolerant, just societies.

Whilst the debates were fierce and hotly contested one thing struck me, and that was the missed opportunity that was the 10 years of John Howard where the voices of over 2 million workers were effectively ignored.

2 million working Australians pay each week to be part of their union to allow their voice to be heard and for Governments of any persuasion to ignore the ideas and the views of so many people represents a missed opportunity for this country. Governments should govern for all, the voice of working people like the voice of the community services sector (another sector marginalised by Howard) is just as legitimate as the voice of business, all need to be heard and respected.

We need to respect all in our community, all members of our community deserve a seat at the table. Harnessing all the spirit, goodwill and inspiration is the responsibility of our political leaders, not suppressing it.

And so it begins...

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Thu, 28 May 2009 04:07:00 +0000

Welcome to my website.

The ability to be heard, to present a view, to be involved in a conversation or discussion about the things that impact on you or the things that you care about is one of the most powerful things we can do, yet very few people actually do it in a way that can change lives.

I believe in building strong relationships with people, relationships that will enable us to have a conversation about things of importance, and maybe things of little consequence, but regardless of what is said the conversation and the relationship is the most important thing and something that will sustain.

I believe my capacity to enable you to have your voice heard is crucial if we are going to make a difference for our community.

And that’s where my website comes into the picture…

I want to hear from you, I want you to have a conversation about your home, your place, your community and how we together can make a difference.

If I am pre-selected for the Labor Party in Franklin I will engage in traditional forms of campaigning - doorknocking, letterboxing, meetings in peoples homes, coffee shop conversations and street corner chats. But I will also be using my website and other electronic forms of communication to enable people to have a say and enable me to lift your ideas to a level of action.

I want this website to be an ideas engine, I want to hear about your hopes, your ideas and yes it sounds a bit corny but the dreams you have for your community.

I want to hear the worries you have about your community but I also want to hear your ideas and solutions for these challenges.

Email me feedback and ideas any time of day (david@davidobyrne.net)

Subscribe to the rss feed or Register to get regular updates.

To genuinely find lasting solutions we must be able to build a relationship, to find common ground and most importantly, to work together.

I look forward to hearing from you.

David

Pre-selection Speech

noreply@blogger.com (David) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:17:00 +0000

David announces his decision to seek pre-selection with the Labor Party for the seat of Franklin, State election March 2010.
read the speech