ANZAC MEMORIAL
On Wednesday, 23 October, a group of RTA members participated in a guided tour of the ANZAC Memorial in Sydney’s Hyde Park South. The memorial is a commemorative site opened in 1934, which was designed to honour those who served in the Great War. Today it stands as one of NSW’s most significant cultural institutions. The Hall of Memory, the Hall of Silence and the Hall of Service were visited and the accompanying artworks were highlighted and explained by our guide.
PM’S BAN ON PROTESTS
The Retired Teachers Association strongly condemns Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his November announcement of federal legislation to ban protests. This is a direct attack on free speech and seriously undermines our democratic processes. Enid Hokin’s motion expressing this alarm was carried unanimously by our association.
AFTINET REPORT
Ian Massingham indicated 15 governments have now become part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. India has refused to join, but there may be further negotiations. However, the text of this agreement remains a secret with the promise that it will be released in 2020. There have been recent protests in Chile against the government and its signing of the Trans- Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP-11). Protesters believe the agreement features inequality and is biased towards transnational companies and big business. The Australian Labor Party has announced it will support trade agreements with Indonesia, Hong Kong and Peru.
RTA OFFICE HOLDERS FOR 2020
At our association’s AGM on 8 November, the following positions were determined:
- President: Max Prince
- Vice Presidents: Margaret De La Garde, Anne-Marie Kestle, Ron Denham
- Minutes Secretary: Kerry Regan
- Treasurer: Ian Massingham
- Blog Manager: Terry Jones
- Administrative Secretary: Paul Regan.
RTA MEETINGS
The final meeting for 2019 will be on Friday, 13 December, with a committee meeting at 11am followed by lunch at 12.15pm and concluding with a general meeting.
The first meeting in 2020 will take place on Friday, 21 February, with lunch at 12.15pm, a guest speaker at 12.45pm and the general meeting commencing at 2pm.
Finally, to all retired teachers, best wishes for the festive season and a happy and healthy new year. For more information visit rtansw.blogspot.com.
Paul Regan is the Administrative Secretary, NSW Retired Teachers Association