Face-to-face with PM

By CASEY NEILL
PRIME Minister Julia Gillard stopped in at The Basin Community House ahead of her Berwick Community Cabinet last Wednesday.
The Mail was offered an exclusive – although brief – chat with the PM and asked its Facebook followers what questions they wanted answered.
Addressing homelessness, more funding to local and state government to implement Bushfires Royal Commission Recommendations, same-sex marriage, mental health funding, and tackling agricultural and environmental weeds were the hot topics.
With limited time due to a flight delay, Ms Gillard couldn’t provide a response to every question but did address a few key areas – and compliment the region.
“Driving through the area I am always impressed by breathtaking scenery, particularly the majestic trees at this time of year,” she told the Mail.
Ms Gillard said the government was “really concerned about homeless Australians”.
“Often when people think ‘who’s homeless?’ maybe in their mind’s eye they see an older or a middle aged man, whereas the truth is it’s often women with kids fleeing some very difficult circumstances who can end up without a roof over their heads,” she said.
Ms Gillard said the government had constructed about 20,000 new social housing places for people to live.
“We did that as part of economic stimulus. And we refurbished many, many thousands more,” she said.
“So we made a big capital injection and we’re continuing to work very, very strongly so that not only do people get a roof over their heads but they get the services that help them get back on their feet.”
On improvements to mental health services, Ms Gillard said the government had made provision in the 2011-12 budget for a more than $2 billion mental health package.
“That’s very focussed on… the community care and also the intensive care that young people particularly need when they first have a mental health condition exhibit,” she said.
“So we’re continuing those investments throughout this budget and beyond.”
On same-sex marriage Ms Gillard said: “One of the great things about our democracy is that all groups and individuals can speak up and have their say.
“We had a debate at National Conference last year on this issue and the party settled its position,” she said.
“A private member’s bill will now be introduced and Labor MPs will be able to vote with their conscience.
“It’s up to Tony Abbott whether he will give his MPs a conscience vote.”