To Canberra and Beyond!
Left Right Think-Tank representatives recently traveled to Canberra, our nation’s capital, to present some of our most recent work to MPs and big wigs who matter. Some of yours truly hadn’t been to our illustrious seat of power before. Enamoured? Hardly. Surprised? Undoubtedly!
For all the criticism we launch at Canberra, one couldn’t expect much — drab buildings and a sulky atmosphere is the image portrayed. We found Canberra to be a refreshing experience, immersing ourselves in the city in the little time we had. From the National Capital Exhibition to the High Court, the National Museum, Old Parliament House and of course Parliament House proper. It was odd, but a strange feeling of patriotism emerged, something it seems isn’t felt as much in our other major cities. Kindly referred to as the “dumping ground for the Federal Government”, Canberra has much more to offer than meets the eye.
The trip involved so many meetings we hardly had time to eat. Of course, the nature of a sitting week means some people have more time than others. Further, meetings are often cut short or cancelled due to the constantly distracting “ringing of the bells” (watching our leaders scrambling through the Parliamentary corridors is an amusing experience). Having said this, here is a select list of those we met with:
- Tanya Plibersek (Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion)
- Rebecca Barton, adviser to Kevin Rudd (Minister for Foreign Affairs)
- Jessica Loefstedt, adviser to Anthony Albanese (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport; Leader of the House)
- Warren Truss (Leader of the Nationals; Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Transport)
- Luke Hartsuyker (Shadow Minister for Regional Communications, Youth and Sport; Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the House of Representatives)
- Wyatt Roy (youngest MP)
- Sam Riordon, adviser to Julie Bishop (Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Through our meetings though we were enlightened to a number of insights from the inside. We heard numerous times that most of what happens at parliament house is not contentious and wholly agreed upon by both parties. Ministers and Shadow Ministers explained that unfortunately the media only portrayed the adversarial side of politics, but that they feel most of their work is constructive and making a difference for good.
We were well received by all the MPs we met with, and heard how both sides of government are keen to use Left Right as a bridge through which they can reach young Australians from all walks of life. We would agree and would welcome your thoughts, opinions and ideas — we want to act as a voice for young Australians, and we want you to join us in participating in creating a future we can all be proud of.
We’re making a serious impact on our politicians regarding what they think about young people and our views, and this was reinforced by all the well wishes we received on our most recent escapade to Canberra!
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