Canberra

View from plane coming into Manila

Currently sitting on a plane bound for Manila after leaving Canberra this morning.

Today is this first day of my Nuffield 2013 global Focus Program - a seven week journey through The Philippines, China, Louisiana, Washington DC, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Ireland.
 Eight of us travelling together including Carly Buttrose,Kate Mason, David Cook, Anthony Vagg, Pete Kaylock, Jason Size, Matthew Pooley - all Australian, and myself !
Lisa Harper, from Malborough NZ was to be with us, however health problems have prevented her from doing so and will complete her GFP next year.

 I arrived in Canberra on Wednesday 29th for a series of briefings and the chance to catch up with six scholars who are embarking on the India GFP.Richard Green, Director of Nuffield New Zealand, also made the trip over to Canberra to wish the scholars well on their travels.

 Thursday started with our host for the day Ross Gough, a Nuffield supporter and volunteer taking us to the top of Mt Ainslie to get a geographical perspective of Canberra and the surrounding area. This was followed by a visit to the National Museum of Australia. During our time at Parliament we sat in on question and answer time in the house and were able to see the Members battle out some of the key issues pertaining to the country.

 Later in the day, Ross took us to the War Memorial Museum where we got an amazing history lesson on the wars of the past. The ANZAC theme is very prevalent with particular reference to the kiwis on many occasions. The highlight would have to be the memorial ceremony which is held at 5pm each day, with wreath laying and the playing of the last post.
 To round out the day, the scholars were treated to a dinner at parliament with The Honorable Bruce Scott MP, The Honorable Sid Sidebottom, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Senator Richard Colbeck, Shadow Minister for Agriculture.
 Once again we are reminded of the esteem in which Nuffield is held.

Friday sees the scholars being briefed on agriculture from a global perspective with Sam Archer Nuffield Scholar 2008 doing a grand job of facilitating.
 Allison Mann from NZ Embassy, John Tuckwell from EU Embassy, Hugh Mc Ginnes from the USDA all presented.

This was followed by a panel discussion and an interactive session on multi lateral and bilateral trade agreement, which included the TTP. Consensus was that in most cases 'it was better to be involved rather than peering through the window.' New Zealand seems to be well in front in terms of Free Trade Agreements with the developing countries ie. China. This may be frustrating for some of our competitors but it must be remembered that new Zealand has been working on those relationships for over 20 years and were initiated through necessity in the years following the removal of subsidies.

The China GFP scholars spent some time doing a DISC profile test - to see how the team dynamics will fit. It will be interesting to see how that plays out over the coming weeks ! Terry Heir Nuffield Aust. Chair and Jim Geltch Aust Nuffield Secretary then briefed on the itinarary and expectations for the trip. As darkness rolled in it was time to head to the ACT rugby club to catch the end of the Crusaders/Brumbies game that saw the red and blacks sneak home ! This was also the last chance to wish the India GFP team all the best ....

As we head across the Gulf of Carpentaria and reflect on the last few days, I'm sure everyone is excited but also a little nervous about what lies in front of us and the fact we are leaving our families and businesses to fend for themselves for 2 months or in some cases, more.