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Kate is passionate about contributing to public debate on a wide range of important issues. Here are some of the issues she has touched on in the past.
- Should successful athletes have to pay back the AIS 10 Jun 2009
- Let's give youth voice now for a better future 12 Oct 2008
- Organ donation it's the greatest gift of all 21 Sep 2008
- Is safe sex message falling on deaf ears 31 Aug 2008
- Grassroots funding is key to Olympic glorys 10 Aug 2008
- Easy to overlook big issue of homelessness 20 Jul 2008
- Trailblazer Natasha leaves lasting legacy 29 Jun 2008
- Heavy hitters boost our World Cup hopes 01 Jun 2008
- Youth Forum Discussion Paper 17 May 2008
- We can't take sport for granted 11 May 2008
- Women truly can do anything be anything 20 Apr 2008
- Let the Games begin with all our athletes 30 Mar 2008
- Proud past but future a challenge for women 09 Mar 2008
- Young people will be heard at highest level 17 Feb 2008
- Our nation has changed dramatically in three weeks 16 Dec 2007
- Mobile Phone Towers 23 Sep 2007
- Bradken Foundry 01 Jul 2007
- Full Fees 03 Jun 2007
- Eating Disorders 17 Dec 2006
- Iraq 27 Jul 2006
- Electoral Laws 26 Jun 2006
- Dental 08 Jan 2006
- Make Poverty History 18 Sep 2005
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2005
Media Releases
2010 | 2009 | 200819 Sep 2008 - Sporting heroes making a difference to the community
Australia's elite rugby union players today launched a groundbreaking program to assist organisations tackle the biggest health, environmental and social issues facing our nation.
PDF printable version of Sporting heroes making a difference to the community (PDF 20 KB)
Joining Wallaby Captain, Stirling Mortlock to launch the Rugby Union Player Association Foundation and Community Code (RUPA Foundation), Federal Minister for Sport, Kate Ellis said the players would use their status to make a real difference in the community.
"Unfortunately negative stories related to football codes receive much more attention than the positive stories," Ms Ellis said.
"While good news doesn't make the front page, players who use their profile for the greater good can make an important community impact and elevate the standing of their sport.
"Sport is a very powerful tool, both on and off the field, and elite sportspeople are responsible for how they use it.
"Rugby players are superheroes to many Australians, particularly young fans, who follow the game and their favourite players and want to grow up to be just like them.
"With this in mind, today's announcement by the Rugby Union Players Association will have a significant impact on young rugby union players."
Ms Ellis said the RUPA Foundation has selected three worthwhile initiatives for the players to actively contribute to -
- the fight against ovarian cancer,
- protecting our natural resources through the Australian Conservation Foundation, and
- helping the Smith Family which assists thousands of disadvantaged people every year.
"The players will continue their ongoing commitment to developing the game, supporting educational, youth and family programs, and to other charities they are already affiliated with," Ms Ellis said.
"The Federal Government commends Australias elite rugby union players for their involvement in this great project in which they can use their sporting profiles to make a positive difference in the community."
Additional information can be found at www.rupa.com.au