LABOR: A CHOICE BETWEEN THE FUTURE AND THE PAST
November 22, 2007

Macquarie Labor candidate Bob Debus said today that working families in Macquarie face a choice on Saturday between the past and the future.

" Over the past six weeks, Kevin Rudd and Federal Labor have laid out a positive and detailed plan for Australia, a plan that deals with the challenges of the future," said Mr Debus.

" A plan that is costed and affordable, unlike the wild and unaffordable promises of a desperate government.

" Families in Macquarie have a choice between a government that has sat on its hands for 11 years and a new leader with fresh ideas.

" If elected, Federal Labor will deliver an education revolution that ensures every child in the electorate of Macquarie has the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

" With the private sector, we will build a state-of-the-art National Broadband Network – capable of connecting families, schools and business in the Macquarie region to high-speed internet up to 40 times faster than most current speeds.

" We have also laid out major plans to fix local hospitals and to stop the buck-passing between Canberra and the States.

" Labor will take decisive action on climate change and we will immediately ratify the Kyoto Protocol and put in place important initiatives to tackle greenhouse gas emissions."

Mr Debus said Federal Labor would provide balance and fairness in the workplace.

" Over the past few months it has become clear that families in Macquarie want to see an end to Mr Howard's unfair WorkChoices laws. If elected, Labor will put in place a workplace system that gets the balance right between fairness and flexibility.

" It is clear that Peter Costello, as Prime Minister, will take WorkChoices even further.

" But most importantly, a Federal Labor Government will deliver a strong economy that delivers for families and business across Macquarie.

" The Howard Government has lost touch and, after so long in office, Mr Howard has forgotten the pressures on working families.

" Mr Howard has no plans for Australia's future. He has announced he is retiring already - so what's the point in voting for him?

" The contrast with Kevin Rudd's new leadership and fresh ideas is clear.

" Labor has the plan that addresses the challenges we all face and if elected I will ensure Macquarie shares in the benefits of a Rudd Labor Government."