Globetrotting Pm To Finally Stop By Hunter

Newcastle Herald

Saturday September 13, 2008

By JULIEANNE STRACHAN

PRIME Minister Kevin Rudd will finally visit the Labor heartland of the Hunter later this month after a hectic overseas schedule.

The Rudd Government will announce today its seventh community cabinet meeting will be held at Lambton High School on September 29.

Newcastle MP Sharon Grierson said the cabinet meetings were held every four to five weeks in metropolitan and regional areas.

It will be the first time Mr Rudd has visited the Hunter since becoming Prime Minister.

He has been under fire this week for the number of overseas trips he has taken, with Paterson MP Bob Baldwin suggesting he trade in his job for the Foreign Affairs portfolio.

"It seems that he wants to be an international statesman more than Australian Prime Minister," he said.

"When people are struggling with their fuel and grocery bills they expect him to be here."

Ms Grierson said the cabinet meeting was a show of commitment to the Hunter and would give residents the opportunity to meet federal ministers.

"I am very pleased to be able to host the Community Cabinet in Newcastle and I invite the people of our region to come and see their government in action," she said.

"I am sure the people of Newcastle and the Hunter will take advantage of this unique opportunity."

She said Lambton High would host an open forum with ministers, which hundreds of people were expected to attend.

Residents could also request private meetings with ministers, she said.

The meeting will start at 6pm. Registration is essential and can be done at www.pmc.gov.au

Costello by the book Page 6

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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