ANDREW GILES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIES AND URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP
MEMBER FOR SCULLIN
STATEMENT ON APPOINTMENT
I’m honoured to be appointed as Labor’s Shadow Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Shadow Minister Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship.
In each of these important portfolios I look forward to holding the Morrison Government to account, and to working with my colleagues and the community to develop and articulate alternative policies for our country.
In the area of Cities and Urban Infrastructure, I am deeply conscious of a proud Federal Labor legacy. Tom Uren, Brian Howe and of course Anthony Albanese set out a clear sense of national responsibility for our cities, suburbs and the millions of Australians who live in them.
But, after nearly six years of conservative government, there is so much to be done. Investment has declined, the institutional framework has been diminished and short-term politics has dominated over sound planning.
Australia’s cities deserve more attention, and Australia’s economy requires that we tackle the productivity challenge within and between them. I’m excited to get to work with Catherine King on the policies that will secure more productive cities, which are also more liveable, equitable and sustainable.
I’m so proud of our multiculturalism, but concerned that we can’t take it for granted. We have to celebrate it, and fight for it - and for communities that feel under pressure. Australians are entitled to political leadership that unequivocally condemns racism, and which resists the forces of division.
As Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs I will strive to demonstrate this leadership, and to be an active listener, in endeavouring to bring the full range of Australian experiences to inform our public life.
It’s also very pleasing to have the opportunity to support Senator Kristina Keneally in her Immigration and Citizenship portfolios. These are areas which have been of great interest to me over many years, and which go, fundamentally, to our national character. I appreciated the opportunity to work with and learn from Richard Marles and Shayne Neumann in their careful stewardship of these responsibilities.
I would like to thank Tanya Plibersek for giving me the opportunity to work with her as Shadow Assistant Minister for Schools in the 45th Parliament, particularly in developing policies to better support students with disability.
I can think of no greater privilege than being Minister for Cities and Urban Infrastructure, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister Assisting for Immigration and Citizenship in an Albanese Labor Government.