Operating more as a 'working meeting' than a conference proper, Shaping the Future Today is looking to participants to 'do the talking' and generate ideas and solutions to the dilemma of young people with acquired disabilities living inappropriately in residential aged care services, now and in the future.
Keynote speakers are representative of the federal/state partnership and collaboration needed to successfully articulate a way forward.
The Hon. Bill Shorten
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children’s Services
Elected as the Labor member for Maribyrnong on November 24, 2007, Bill was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
In this position, Bill has taken a leading role in the renegotiation of the Commonwealth State Territory Disability Agreement (CSTDA). He has also instigated a range of measures to strengthen the delivery of services to Australians with disability including the development of a Disability Investment Group to explore innovative funding ideas from the private sector to help people with disability and their families' access greater support and plan for the future; and a National Disability Strategy to increase the economic participation, social inclusion and wellbeing of Australians with disability.
Prior to his election to federal parliament, Bill was National Secretary of the Australian Workers' Union. In that role, and as Victorian President of the Australian Labor Party, Bill has been a key figure in standing up for working families. Having represented workers from Esso Longford to the Beaconsfield Gold Mine, workplace safety is a key concern.
As well as being the interim CEO of the Australian Netball Players' Association, Bill was on the advisory board to the Australian Cricketers' Association and Patron of the Australian Jockeys' Association.
With arts and law degrees, an MBA and years of experience dealing cooperatively with employers, he also understands the needs of the business community.
He is a former director of AustralianSuper and the Victorian Funds Management Corporation.
Bill is President of the Victorian Branch of the ALP, and a National Executive member of the ALP. He lives with his wife, Debbie, in Moonee Ponds
The Hon. Jenny Macklin
Minister for Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
Jenny has been the Member for Jagajaga since March 1996 and immediately joined the Shadow Ministry.
In her first term she held a succession of portfolios covering Aged Care, Social Security, Family Services and the Status of Women.
After the 1998 election, Jenny was appointed Shadow Minister for Health and the Status of Women. She was elected Senior Vice-President of the ALP from 2000-2004.
Jenny was elected Deputy Leader of the Opposition from 2001 - 2006. She was the Shadow Minister for Employment, Education & Training from 2001 - 2004.
After the 2004 election, Jenny became the Shadow Minister for Education, Training, Science and Research. In 2006 Jenny held the Shadow portfolio of Families and Community Services and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.
Prior to entering the Parliament Jenny was the Director of two major strategic reviews reporting to the then Deputy Prime Minister, Brian Howe:
- 1990 - 1993, Director, National Health Strategy, a comprehensive review of Australia's health system.
- Between 1993 and 1995, the Australian Urban and Regional Development Review.
Jenny has also worked as an adviser to the Victorian Minister for Health and as an economics research specialist.
Jenny was born in Brisbane, went to primary school in Cohuna and to high school in Wangaratta, both towns in Northern Victoria. Jenny also spent a year as an exchange student in Japan.
In addition to her family and politics, Jenny's great passions in life are camping, surfing and jazz music. Jenny also enjoys bush walking and Australian literature. She is a long-time Geelong supporter and enjoys an occasional game of hockey.
Jenny holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.
The Hon. Lisa Neville
Victorian Minister for Mental Health, Community Services and Senior Victorians, Member for Bellarine
Lisa Neville is a proud resident of Geelong and has served the growing Bellarine region as Member for Bellarine since 2002.
Lisa is also Victoria's first Minister for Mental Health, pioneering the reform effort required to deliver better care to more patients, while raising awareness of the crucial issues of depression and other mental illnesses.
Lisa also has responsibility for Victoria's drug and alcohol prevention and treatment programs. Lisa also serves as Minister for Community Services and Minister for Senior Victorians. Lisa previously served as Minister for Children.
Prior to her election as the Member for Bellarine, Lisa worked and volunteered in a range of organisations that have sought to build strong local communities in the Geelong region.
Lisa has an Arts Degree from Griffith University and a Law Degree from Deakin University.
Lisa enjoys relaxing with a good book, supporting her son's sporting pursuits, and cheering the Geelong Football Club on to premiership success.
Julie McCrossin
TV and Radio personality
Renowned for her warmth, humour, intelligence, professionalism and commitment to justice and diversity, Julie McCrossin is one of Australia’s most in demand speakers and facilitators.
Julie talks to people for a living, but equally important is that she listens. Her approach to her work is marked by detailed research and her ability to maintain a specified event timetable.
Her strong public profile as a radio broadcaster, a TV personality and a print journalist, means she brings a depth of understanding to her work that is appreciated by all she encounters.
Equally at home (and equally accepted) hosting TV coverage of the ANZAC Day Parade and the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, Julie was a regular on the TV comedy series Good News Week, co-chaired the NSW Government's Childhood Obesity Summit in 2002, and explored modern social issues for Life Matters on ABC Radio National, including some remarkable interviews with Australian and overseas guests.
Julie presents Up and Away on Radio Q as part of Qantas in-flight entertainment and writes feature articles for ABC Magazine Life Etc.
She has an ability to engage her audience, inspiring open and often surprisingly honest communication and generating discussion, reflection and resolution. And she makes it all fun!