Saying farewell

The National Indigenous Youth Parliament wrapped up tonight. It was a big day starring former PM Kevin Rudd. As the man responsible for the Apology to the Stolen Generation, KRudd was always going to be popular with this mob.

He spoke to them today and then took the time for photographs. Love him or hate him, he certainly knows how to work the crowd.

What a wonderful experience this parliament has been. I am so lucky to have had the chance to meet all these youth leaders from all across Australia. They all have incredible qualities. So glad I got to work with them.

I have so loved working with Penny Bradfield on this project. She took the photograph for the Australian Electoral Commission.

Beautiful day

It was one of those beautiful Canberra autumn days. Sun was shining and our Members of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament soaked it up. Some of them have come from way up north and are not used to the cold. So they loved the sun.

It was another day of interesting debates and then when Jenny Macklin came to the closing ceremony they all wanted to be photographed with her. See, not everyone hates politicians at the moment, although some of the others I have spoken to over the past few days are a bit upset about a few things.

Where it's at

Some days are just magic. Today I drove into work and saw rainbows for most of the way. Then I got to Old Parliament House where the National Indigenous Youth Parliament is being held. Not only were all the youth Members impressive but so were the two speakers - Senator Gary Humphries and Gai Brodtmann MP. I had to pinch myself a couple of times to think I was sitting in the same chamber as my step-mother's father, John England, had sat as the member for Calare from 1960 to 1975. It was the chamber where Gough Whitlam sat as Prime Minister. It was the chamber today where the Members debated and sat and soaked up the atmosphere. And for an added bonus a colleague, Gordon Taylor from ABC TV, turned up to report on proceedings. Gordon and I used to report on the same medical and scientific stories (20 years ago). How wonderful to see him in person. As I said to the young Members yesterday, I have been a journalist for a very long time and there is no other job I that I would rather do. I'm a little bit sad that this project will soon come to an end, but as my friends tell me, something else will emerge. There is a place for me and it is my turn to be in it.

More inspiration

This morning four of my media colleagues  - Hugh Riminton, Louise Dodson, Sid Maher and Dan Harrison - spoke to and answered questions from the 50 Members of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament. As I said in my introduction there is so much media available in Australia and people can be well informed if they choose to be. I also said I have been a journalist for a very long time and it is a job I love and I cannot possibly think of any other job I would rather do. So I may have taken a sideways turn over the past few years working in politics but I think that experience has only added to my knowledge. Tonight we all went to Government House for a reception with the Governor-General. How special is that? Very. But then Ken Wyatt, MP for Hasluck, the first Indigenous member of the House of Representatives spoke to our youngsters after dinner. They were mesmerised and gave him a standing ovation. I have heard many many many political speeches but the one I heard tonight was a real catch-your-breath one. I've always told my pollies to speak from the heart. When they do they can soar and Ken did that tonight.

Inspiration

I am working on a project - the National Indigenous Youth Parliament - and the 50 Members from across Australia and the Torres Strait are in Canberra. Today they visited Parliament House. I have been putting them in touch with TV, radio and newspapers for interviews and they have leapt at every challenge. I'm working with my colleague Penny Bradfield who took this wonderful photograph.

Three-and-a-half years ago Senator Barnaby Joyce offered me a job. I will thank him and the heavens and the stars and God until the day I die for the opportunity he gave me and the amazing doors that has opened.

Tonight Bliss and I sat and listened to Peter Garrett, who most of you know from Midnight Oil, and he left his speech on the table and spoke from the heart. I shouldn't give away secrets but that's what I tell anyone I'm preparing for a media interview: speak from the heart. Be yourself. People can disagree with you and your beliefs but they will admire and respect you for believing in something and sticking to your principles.

I wonder what comes next?

Colleagues

I love working with the people I have worked with over the years. At the minute I am working with my colleague Penny Bradfield who is a wonderful person and photographer. Tonight we heard some very inspiring speeches and she got what I'm sure will be great pix. I am working on a project that combines my knowledge of media and politics and puts me in touch with some incredibly interesting people. Wonder what will be next? You can never rule out anything.

It is also State of Origin night and it would be soooooooo good if NSW won. At the moment it is 10-12 (NSW v Qld). Maybe I will watch Senate estimates after all. It couldn't be as heart-in-the-mouth as this. Could it?

Some days

Today at work was flat out as my latest project hots up. There is much to be done over the next week and then it will all be over and I will be looking again for another exciting project. I quite like the nomadic life but must admit when I went to visit last night I felt quite at home. Let's see what changes the solar eclipse (which was not seen from Australia) stirs.