Vic: Latham draws broad vision for Australia

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2003
Vic: Latham draws broad vision for Australia

New Labor leader MARK LATHAM has given a broad outline of his vision for Australia
in a speech to the Victorian state branch's conference in Melbourne.

The opposition leader says Australia has been made small by the HOWARD government and
that the focus needs to be on the need to protect and nurture the nation's children.

Mr LATHAM says the government must be big enough to invest in the education and health
of Australia's children.

And he says it should also free all children in detention.

Mr LATHAM's also promised to launch a national program for early childhood development
with improved pre-school access and a national campaign to encourage parents to read aloud
to their children.

Mr LATHAM says this represents the first rung on the ladder of opportunity, with the
second and third rung being the creation of extra places in tertiary education without
saddling the young with debt.

MORE RTV ra/kc/ce/swe

KEYWORD: ALP LATHAM (MELBOURNE)

2003 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.