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December 2008

Friday, 19 December 2008

Submitted by Heather Roy on Sat, 20/12/2008 - 12:54pm

Partially Worn - Serviceable (PWS)

My new role as Associate Minister of defence has obvious implications for my 'other life' as a Territorial Force Army engineer.

While MPs that are not members of Cabinet - my portfolios are all outside of Cabinet - can serve in the Reserves, the potential conflict of interest for me is obvious.

Consequently I have declared myself, in military terms, 'PWS' and transferred to the Non-Active reserve for three years. This means I am not out of the Army, but neither am I required to do any training. I will re-assess the situation after the next election.

Joining the TF was one of the most significant and rewarding undertakings of my life. I have learned many skills, learned much about myself and made friends from every walk of life. It is with a tinge of sadness that my political 'promotion' has meant putting that part of my life on hold - but that's what choices are all about.

Friday, 12 December 2008

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 12/12/2008 - 5:24pm

First Days Of The New Administration

It has been a busy week, with Parliament sitting for the first time since the election and formation of the new National-led Government.

The week began with the Commission Opening of Parliament - where all MPs were sworn in - and the election of Lockwood Smith as Speaker of the House on Monday. Tuesday saw the State Opening of Parliament, where the Governor-General delivers the 'Speech From The Throne' and outlines the Government's agenda.

Already the country has been given a taste of what to expect from the new government, with National and ACT policies on the Order Paper - positive steps to deliver on the promises made to voters during the election campaign.

Friday, 5 December 2008

Submitted by Heather Roy on Fri, 05/12/2008 - 4:12pm

Reinforcing Success Is The Right Choice
Since the formation of the new Government the pace of briefings, introductions and information flow has been relentless. Parliament will be formally opened on Monday December 8, and there will be two sitting weeks - probably under Urgency - so that the Government can deliver on its campaign promises.

While National and ACT have much in common, there are also many policy areas where we are markedly different. When it comes to managing differences politics is no different to business, sporting or other groups: participants can choose to spend most of their time focussing on differences, or on the things they agree upon. I intend to run a positive and pro-active three years, and thought it useful to highlight areas where ACT and National can reinforce policy congruence and create excellent outcomes.

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