Government's Early Engagement With Community
Thursday, 13 December 2007
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans and Parliamentary Secretary Laurie Ferguson have completed two days' talks and meetings with a range of community representatives in Melbourne and Sydney as part of their early engagement with key stakeholders involved in the portfolio.
'It was an important and welcome opportunity to meet so many people in such a short timeframe at events organised by my department in Melbourne and Sydney,' Sen Evans said today.
'The Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson and I met with representatives from a range of groups covering, community, media, business and legal interests,' the minister said.
'Their commitment to the issues surrounding my portfolio was clearly evident in our conversations, and in the coming months I look forward to further engagement with them and their various members.
'At this stage, both the parliamentary secretary and I are keen listeners; we have a lot of information and briefing material to absorb about this very exciting portfolio of immigration and citizenship.
'It is an area of government policy which has been at the heart of nation building for more than 60 years.
'I am committed to ensuring we continue to contribute to Australia's development through the well managed entry of people to our country,' the minister added.URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2007/ce07002.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST