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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-05-15 Daily Xml
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GENERATIONS IN JAZZ

Ms BEDFORD (Florey) (15:33): Today I would like to speak about culture and the arts and the important role they play in shaping and defining our society. On the first weekend in May, for the first time in many years, I was not able to travel to Mount Gambier to support the Modbury High School stage band in their competition performance at Generations in Jazz. Generations in Jazz is an annual weekend jazz festival that brings together many of Australia's most talented, young musicians to participate in and compete for the James Morrison Scholarship, the City of Mount Gambier National Big Band Award and the Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship, each bringing prestige and cash awards.

It is a great way for young musos to share, learn and perform and a great opportunity to hear pros like James Morrison, Daryl Somers, Ross Irwin, James Muller and Graeme Lyall perform. Schools from all over Australia, some travelling great distances, make it a highlight of their year and show why music is such an important part of the school curriculum. Following his first season in 2011, US jazz great Gordon Goodwin returned for his third trip bringing with him his Big Phat Band for an exclusive concert and workshops with students.

South Australia was well represented in all categories, with Marryatville High School winning division 1 and third place in division 2, which was won by Immanuel College. Division 3 was an all-Victorian affair for the awards in both sections, with Modbury High placed fourth in its section. Well done to all of them and congratulations to the music staff, students and the families who support them. Full results are on the Generations in Jazz website. Congratulations go to Karyn Roberts, the board and all volunteers who make this four day weekend possible.

Also missing this year was a spectacular talent who Generations in Jazz regulars have come to know and love, and they had a special reason to be absent. After watching Team Ricky's sing-off last night on The Voice, Australia has discovered what visitors to Generations in Jazz have known for many years, and that is Emma Pask as the first lady of Australian jazz. Although eliminated, Emma has much to look forward to. Her recently released self-funded album has gone number one on YouTube. She will be working with Ricky Martin on his next—

Mr Gardner: iTunes.

Ms BEDFORD: Sorry, iTunes. You know all of that. Ricky Martin will be working with her on his next album and her unique style and professionalism has brought jazz to mainstream Australia for the first time in many years. I hope to be back in Mount Gambier to see Emma in 2014.

The reason I was not able to attend was because I had been invited to attend the opening of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka in Ballarat. MADE, as it is now known, is a purpose-built facility on the actual site of the Eureka Stockade. It houses the famous old flag that I believe was restored here in South Australia. The museum houses marvellous collections and exhibits to show the evolution of Australian democracy, the reasons and how it was established and enshrined the notion of a 'fair go' and access and equity for all.

Apart from its educative role, it will become a major tourist attraction. It will also host visiting exhibitions and displays from the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra. It certainly brought home to me the importance of such a place and how sorely we miss here in Adelaide the old constitutional museum that formerly had its home in the old legislative council building. What a vital role such a place played here in South Australia, telling the story of the many firsts to which we can lay claim, for instance the first place to legislate for dual suffrage for women, the secret ballot and much more.

I sincerely hope everyone shares my passion to see again a place where children and adults alike can learn and marvel about our great state's democratic origins and how important it is to have the rights and responsibilities we enjoy in a participatory democracy. The importance of South Australia's role is appreciated by a growing number of people all over the world. Last week, delegates from 30 countries were here in Adelaide for the international convention of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and toured Parliament House on the invitation of Minister Gago, the President of the Legislative Council, the Hon. Steph Key and myself. Thanks go to our clerk and catering staff and all house staff involved in making this such a successful event.

They came to see this beautiful building and the tapestry in this chamber that depicts, along with Catherine Helen Spence and Mary Lee, Elizabeth Webb Nicholls, the white-ribboner who saw collection of more than 8,000 signatures of the over 11,000 signatures on the petition which sought franchise for women. The delegates found the Parliament House visit a highlight of the convention and will return to their home countries with a very favourable account of their time here. This sort of value-adding experience is what I know our Minister for Tourism is keen to encourage. The value of 170 delegates visiting is very worthwhile, and I know when we are able to re-establish a constitutional museum it too will play a really valuable part in promoting this state and its rightful place as a world leader in democratic practices.

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