Reaction to the Community Cabinet Announcement

As we reported earlier that Julia Gillard is coming to Regents Park Christian School, more details are now available through the school's newsletter which was distributed to students today. Regents Park Christian School will be providing catering to guests and members of parliament attending the Community Cabinet on Wednesday 22nd May. Information on the Prime Minister's department website also provides the opportunity to register to meet with a minister for a 10 minute interview prior to the general forum on the day. The general public is advised that attendance is only permitted with successful online registration and security clearance from the Australian Federal Police.

The reaction to the announcement of Julia Gillard's impending stop over in Western Sydney is mixed. Attitudes towards the visit seem to be highly varied similar to Australian political opinion of the current government and Prime Minister. Some students are reported to be very enthusiastic about the opportunity to see the Prime Minister in person whilst others were not concerned about the event at all. The reaction by parents is also mixed although a fair amount of interest is expected with the school stating that it cannot take registration requests for the event.

A parent's reaction to their child's excitement regarding Julia Gillard's visit.

Current school staff were not available for comment but it is understood that the organisation tasks required for this event will be stringent and a cause of disruption to normal routines. Not all staff members will be attending the event due to other commitments. Political attitudes within the school are also varied with staff generally not permitted to disclose their political opinions. Comments from ex-students included that it was a wonderful opportunity for the school to be welcoming to others and that it was a very Christian deed to invite the Prime Minister.

Other cabinet ministers expected to attend the Community Cabinet include the Federal Education Minister Peter Garrett and the Home Affairs Minister/local MP Jason Clare. A few local residents in the electorate have also commented that this event would be a good opportunity for the school to open its doors and also to promote itself as a good Christian school. Local MP Jason Clare was also seen campaigning at Berala railway station this morning with his staff handing out flyers as he spoke to residents. Other formal media outlets including the Australian and Ninemsn have respectively reported on this announcement.