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ACL welcomes defeat of NSW same-sex marriage bill
Abortion report ignores the rights of babies
Sign petition to protect doctors conscientious objection to abortion in Victoria
Qld government considers funding boost for chaplaincy
Vic child abuse report calls for tougher laws
CEO of Barnardos Louise Voigt on the Political Spot about proposed changes to boost NSW adoptions
Garrick Professor of Law James Allan on the Political Spot about proposed changes to Racial Discrimination Act
Lyle Shelton on the Political Spot about church service opening the 44th Parliament
Darwin screening: Nefarious Merchant of Souls
Freedom of speech an important value, not an absolute right
Crossroads: Pro-life walk across Australia 2014
In the media – a wrap up of the last week’s commentary
For the diary – a selection of upcoming events
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Typhoon Haiyan wreaked a human catastrophe in the Philippines this week. The Australian Government responded with $10 million in aid.
While this is good, we think a rich nation like Australia could to better and we’ve suggested this in meetings in the parliament this week.
Last night’s resignation of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd from the parliament came as a surprise.
Throughout the 2000s he constructively engaged Christian voters for Labor, famously declaring that God was not a wholly owned subsidiary of the Liberal Party.
In 2007 he and John Howard participated in ACL’s Make it Count election webcast, a landmark event and the first use of webcasting technology in Australian politics on such a scale.
Mr Rudd’s apology to the stolen generations was perhaps the highlight of his Prime Ministership.
Until May this year, he was one of the greatest champions in the parliament for preserving the definition of marriage.
His backflip was a big disappointment and highlights how difficult it is for even sincere Christians to maintain their principles in the face of cultural and media pressure.
Mr Rudd rightly apologised for the removal of indigenous children from their biological parents but now supports public policy that would do the same to a new generation. A more mature discussion is needed.
Meanwhile, the 44th Parliament commenced on Tuesday with a 7:30am church service at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Manuka.
It was great to see so many members and senators from both sides of politics in attendance, including Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
The theme of wisdom was apt and let’s pray it guides the 44th Parliament.
Lyle Shelton
Managing Director
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