Dear ALA Member
You may recall that in the lead up to the 2010 Federal election, ALA worked with its members to create a Policy Platform. The platform now forms the basis of our conversations with government, and our responses to various inquiries. However, in addition to your input into the overall policy platform, we value members’ input into specific issues as they arise. Two such opportunities exist at the moment.
The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure and Communications is holding public hearings as part of its inquiry into the role and potential of the National Broadband Network and ALA CEO, Sally Thompson, has been asked to appear before the Committee. We are interested in hearing from our members about specific programs and activities that you are involved in that might be enhanced by access to high speed broadband. See here for details.
The Hon Peter Garrett MP, Minister for School Education is undertaking a review of the Disability Standards for Education 2005. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has invited ALA to attend roundtable discussions on the Standards and how they have worked in practice. We are interested in hearing from any members who have had practical experience of working with the Standards about the challenges involved and suggestions for improvement.
Responses don’t have to be long; a few dot points in an email to s.thompson@ala.asn.au will suffice.
Finally, I would like to warmly invite you to ALA’s 51st Annual Conference to be hosted by the CAE in Melbourne, Victoria on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th September. We are currently calling for papers. I encourage you to consider taking part.
Dorothy Lucardie
PRESIDENT