John Robertson

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Plans to repeal Section 18C of Racial Discrimination Act dumped!

Tony Abbott

Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, announced today that he has dumped plans to repeal Section 18C of Racial Discrimination Act.

He said that he wants to work with communities as part of “Team Australia”.

This is very sensible and very welcome!

Of the 4100 submissions in regards to Sec 18C, 76% were against the repeal or any tempering of Section 18C.

Ethnic communities were overwhelmingly against the repeal. These included Chinese, Arabic, Jewish, Indians and many others.

ALP leaders, especially NSW Leader of Opposition,  John Robertson, and most Liberal Party leaders, especially Premiers of NSW (Mike Baird) and Victoria (Denis Napthine), Craig Lundy (Reid MP), Matt Kean (Hornsby MP), Geoff Lee (Parramatta MP) and Alex Hawke (Mitchell MP) were opposed to the proposal to repeal Sec 18C.

NSW Community Relations Commission (CRC) too took a stand against this repeal proposal. CRC chief, Vic Alhadeff, took a prominent leadership role in opposing this repeal proposal.

From our side, my friends and I ran a campaign via Social media and Blog post.

My post (http://tinyurl.com/pqfv8ct) was forwarded to more than 15000 people of Indian Australian Community, with overwhelming support to oppose the repeal. I encouraged my fellow community members to forward the Blog post to their network and send their submissions to the Attorney General, Senator George Brandis.

My Blog post was also published in many Australian newspapers. Hills News, Penrith City Gazette and Blacktown Sun were the most prominent among them.

http://www.hillsnews.com.au/story/2246552/dr-yadu-singh-why-section-18c-of-racial-discrimination-act-should-not-be-repealed/

http://www.theindiantelegraph.com.au/the-growing-presence-of-a-leader-dr-yadu-singh-takes-the-fight-where-it-matters/

http://www.veooz.com/news/2H8dFMX.html

http://www.penrithcitygazette.com.au/story/2246552/dr-yadu-singh-why-section-18c-of-racial-discrimination-act-should-not-be-repealed/

http://www.blacktownsun.com.au/story/2246552/dr-yadu-singh-why-section-18c-of-racial-discrimination-act-should-not-be-repealed/

I am pleased that repeal proposal has been dumped.

Prime Minister deserves a thank you and people who campaigned against the repeal deserve a special “thank you and well done”.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/5th Aug, 2014

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

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in favour

 

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Great to have attended celebration of 66th Independence Day of Israel in Sydney!

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Yom Ha'atzmaut 120514Israel’s Independence Day Celebrations in Sydney have always been one of the key events of this city.

This year’s celebration on Monday, 12th May 2014 evening at Four Seasons Hotel was no exception, and in fact, was even bigger and better.

NSW Premier Mike Baird delivered the keynote address as 500 people – diplomats, politicians and community, faith and business leaders – gathered to mark the 66th anniversary of Israel’s Independence Day. The event was hosted jointly by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Zionist Council of NSW, Executive Council of Australian Jewry and Zionist Federation of Australia. The event was also addressed by Israeli Ambassador, His Excellency Shmuel Ben-Shmuel and Board of Deputies president Yair Miller.

A toast was raised to mark the 66th Independence Day of Israel.

Israel’s Independence Day is the celebration of the anniversary of the day on which Israel independence was proclaimed by Mr David Ben-Gurion, who read the Israeli Declaration of Independence on 14 May 1948.

In a very Israeli welcoming style, key leaders of the hosting bodies welcomed each and every guest entering the venue. Guests enjoyed the celebration with drinks and traditional Israeli food.

Key political leaders included Mike NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Yom Ha'atzmaut 120514Baird (Premier of NSW), Victor Dominello (Minister for Communities & Citizenship), John Robertson (Leader of Opposition), David Clarke (Parliamentary Secretary), David Elliott (Parliamentary Secretary), Matt Kean (Parliamentary Secretary) and Paul Fletcher (Federal Parliamentary Secretary).

Other notable people attending the celebration included Vic Alhdeff (Chairman, Community Relations Commission), Stepan Kerkyasharian (President of the Anti-Discrimination Board), Dr Tim Soutphommasane (Race Discrimination Commissioner,) and Tim Wilson (Human Rights NJBD_YH66_Mike_Baird_Yadu_SinghCommissioner).

Key community leaders included myself (Dr Yadu Singh, President of Indian Australian Association of NSW), Ahmet Keskin (Affinity Intercultural Foundation) and David Ossip (Hornsby Councillor), in addition to many NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Yom Ha'atzmaut 120514other key people representing various faiths and ethnic backgrounds.

More than 30 Diplomatic representatives were present too, along with media and business leaders.

Israel is a successful and thriving democracy in Middle East. Despite its difficult, and at times violent, neighbourhood, it has achieved success in many fronts. It wishes and strives for peace in the region under the principle of “Two States Solution” and Co-existence.

People in Israel celebrated their nation’s 66th year by heading out to the national NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Yom Ha'atzmaut 120514parks, watching IAF flyover, visiting army bases and watching the International Bible Contest on Tuesday, 6th May, 2014.

Happy 66th Independence Day to Citizens of Israel, people of Jewish ancestry in Australia and all over the world, and friends of Israel!

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/12th May, 2014

http://www.twitter.com/dryadsingh

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A small vocal group of retirees can’t be allowed to derail Badgerys Creek airport!

Speaking at Badgerys Creek Airport debate

I took part in the debate on Badgerys Creek airport, held in Bowman Hall, Blacktown yesterday (11th March, 2014), and enjoyed it.

I participated in it actively by asking a question and giving my views.

I was impressed with clarity of points in the speeches of David Borger, Mark Lennon and John Robertson. John Robertson stood his ground when a section in the hall booed him. I admire him for this. Even Liberal Councillors, Ross Grove and Justin Taunton, were impressed.  

I was unimpressed with the scare campaign by the “NO” group comprising of Blacktown Councillor, Stephen Bali and activist, Jai Martinkovits.

Badgerys Creek supporters

David Borger from Western Sydney Airport Alliance and Mark Lennon from Unions NSW outlined that Western Sydney needs this major infrastructure project for its economic growth and jobs. Studies after studies have indicated that Sydney needs a second airport beyond 2027, and Badgerys Creek is the only realistic site for such airport. Federal Govt already owns 1700 ha land there.

The “NO” group were mostly into scare campaign, using all sorts of concerns about life style, noise and pollution. “Not my Backyard” was their mantra, suggesting alternative sites like Lithgow, Wilton, and others, which have been dismissed as relatively uneconomical or second best by studies after studies. They wanted yet another study on this subject. It was just ridiculous.

Clr Stephen Bali raised the health concerns for residents if airport came to Badgerys Creek. He had no answer to my question when I asked whether he is aware of health implications of unemployment. It is well known that unemployment creates mental and physical health issues and quality of life issues. I raised the issue of unemployment in Western Sydney, where it can be upto 25% in some areas.

Badgerys Creek forum

When I was given a chance to speak, I said “Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA) will not be able to provide new slots for any airline beyond 2027, while number of passengers will keep growing. 87 million passengers are expected to use KSA by 2035, and these numbers will double by 2060. The capacity deficit in landing slots beyond 2027 will adversely impact NSW/Australian economy. $60 billion is the cost by 2060 due to capacity constraints at KSA.

This is thus clear that Sydney needs a second airport. There is no further capacity at 900 ha KSA to build new runways or extend its operation.

Second airport is needed for economic reasons. NSW needs a second airport for its economic growth, without which NSW will have difficulties in investing money on health, education and transport. That will have an adverse impact on our quality of life.

Badgerys Creek is the only realistic site, where Federal Govt already own 17 ha land”.

My earlier Blog posts are here. http://tinyurl.com/n7oxq93 http://tinyurl.com/mwdycmm

 
I saw that speakers from “FOR” group were booed by a group of vocal retirees who are in their 70s and 80s. They are not looking for jobs and do not seem to care for Western Sydney economy. They have closed their minds and were opposing it with howls and placards. They obviously have all the time in their hands, unlike younger people, who need and work on full time jobs, but were not there in sufficient numbers as they have to work long hours and commute for long hours on a daily basis. Surveys have however shown that majority of Western Sydney residents, including many councils and MPs are in support of Badgerys Creek airport.

There are compelling reasons for Badgerys Airport. What we need is Leadership by politicians.

We can not allow a small noisy/vocal group of retirees, Greenies and scare-mongers to derail this “Once in a Life Time” infrastructure project in Western Sydney.

PM Tony Abbott should make the announcement for Badgerys Creek soon, with Federal Leader of opposition, Premier of NSW and Leader of NSW Opposition to outline/demonstrate bipartisan support of this mega infrastructure project with variety of benefits to Western Sydney.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/12th March, 2014
http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh
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Why Western Sydney needs an Airport at Badgerys Creek?

Image

(Pic courtesy Daily Telegraph Newspaper)

Does Sydney need a second airport, and if yes, where?

This debate has been going on for decades. It is about time that Govt starts a real action.

Kingsford Smith Airport (KSA) will not be able to provide new slots for any airline beyond 2027, while number of passengers will keep growing. 87 million passengers are expected to use KSA by 2035, and these numbers will double by 2060. The capacity deficit in landing slots beyond 2027 will adversely impact NSW/Australian economy. $60 billion is the cost by 2060 due to capacity constraints at KSA.

Capacity constraints can be ameliorated to some extent if landing/taking off curfew at KSA between 11PM to 6AM can be relaxed or removed. This is not practical because this curfew is part of an Act, and it will not be allowed by people living near KSA.

This is thus clear that Sydney needs a second airport. There is no further capacity at 900 ha KSA to build new runways or extend its operation.

Badgerys Creek, a 1700 ha land in South West Sydney, can be a good site for second airport. The land is owned by Commonwealth, and has been meant to be used for 2nd airport. It was acquired wayback in 1986-91. Wilton near Campbelltown is not as good a site as Badgerys Creek is, because it will require much bigger cost in building an airport and the associated infrastructure. Badgerys Creek can be built and be in operation in 10 years, while Wilton will take 17 years.

Badgerys Creek is therefore the only realistic site at present for Sydney’s second airport.

Studies have shown that an airport in Western Sydney will generate 28000 jobs by 2050, and add billions to the economy. It will supercharge the economy in Western Sydney.

Western Sydney has higher unemployment rates, and there are pockets where upto 30% are unemployed.

It is expected that here will be 500,000 job deficit in Western Sydney by 2050.

Western Sydney needs major infrastructure projects to turbo-charge economy and create jobs.

An airport in Badgerys Creek is definitely one such infrastructure. An airport alone somewhere in the middle of paddock in Western Sydney will not be enough. The region needs road and rail network, linking it with South West Rail link and possibly NW Rail Link. Roads in the region will need to upgraded and linked with M4, M5 and M7. It will cost money, which needs to come from Federal and State funding. That is where it becomes necessary for Commonwealth and NSW Govt to work co-operatively for the sake of Western Sydney region and its residents.

Western Sydney can’t be ignored because its people are not second class, and it is the engine-head of NSW economy. Recent survey has suggested its economic growth to be far superior to North Sydney and Sydney CBD. Some area within Western Sydney had economic growth rate above 6%, while CBD grew by about 1% only.

NSW economy needs Western Sydney!

Recent surveys have found that majority of people in Western Sydney support an airport in Western Sydney. Many councils including Liverpool Council and Holroyd Council are sympathetic to Badgerys Creek Airport.

NSW ALP and its leader, John Robertson, and federal ALP Opposition leader, Bill Shorten, are in support. Deputy PM, Warren Truss, Treasurer, Joe Hockey, and PM, Tony Abbott, are in support for the second airport. There appears to be a bipartisan support federally. Mulgoa MP, Mrs Tanya Davies, is in support. Penrith Council Mayor is sympathetic. Many federal MPs like Craig Lundy and Alex Hawke are supporting it, but others like Fiona Scott, Chris Bowen and Ed Husic are apparently opposed to it.

People living in Western Sydney will need to lobby their State and Federal MPs, and local Councils to get them behind an airport in Western Sydney.

Initially, NSW Premier, Barry O’Farrell was against such airport, and was in favour of extension/upgrade of Canberra airport  for this purpose, but this proposition is not being favoured by anyone, because of distance and $8-10 billion cost in providing a high-speed rail between Canberra and Sydney.

It is about time that leaders from all persuasions and all tiers of Govt start working co-operatively for the interest of Western Sydney region and its residents!

I see merit in the demands of Western Sydney Airport Alliance, asking for a definitive announcement of Badgerys Creek Airport soon (if we want aeroplanes to start Flying from Badgerys Creek Airport by 2027), establishing a dedicated “Western Sydney Airport Authority” and starting community awareness/consultation about technical aspects of the airport, not the site per se.

Badgerys Creek is practically and realistically the only site for an airport in Western Sydney.

To avoid any political implication for any Party, let there be a bipartisan announcement from leaders which should include Prime Minister, NSW Premier, Leader of Federal Opposition, and Leader of NSW Opposition.

Dr Yadu Singh/5th March, 2014

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