The Australian Democrats today launched a new research foundation named after the Hon Don Chipp AO in recognition of his role in the founding of the Democrats and as the Party’s first leader, as well as his broader political legacy.
“In naming the Foundation after Don Chipp the Democrats are honouring a living legend,” said Leader of the Democrats, Senator Andrew Bartlett at the launch, which Don Chipp attended.
Don Chipp told the audience at the Melbourne launch about the public meetings that led to the founding of the Party and Democrat senators being elected to the Parliament in 1977.
“The next seven years were the most exciting and rewarding of my 26 years in Parliament,” Mr Chipp said.
“Australia now more than ever needs the Democrats to expose any Government or politicians who wish to lie, cheat or mislead the voters.”.
The launch was followed by the first activity of the Foundation, a seminar on issues affecting children and youth which included speakers on ‘Family and Work’, ‘Shared Care’, ‘Protecting Children from Abuse’ and ‘Indigenous Children and Youth’.
Senator Bartlett said the first topic was chosen in recognition of a quote from Don Chipp 23 years ago.
“When you decide on a party you’ll support, you’re not really thinking about yourself... are you? Subconsciously, you are in fact thinking about your children and your grandchildren. You know that somehow or other, you and I will survive the 80s, but what kind of Australia are we going to present to our kids at the end of the decade?” (Senator Don Chipp, 1980)
The Foundation is committed to research and public debate on environmental, social, cultural, economic and political policies. The Foundation is an independent entity run by a board compiled of Democrat members and non-members. Funds will come from the Department of Finance of Administration (DOFA), sponsorships for research projects and tax deductible donations.
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