PRIME Minister Julia Gillard faced some tough questions when she fronted the Berwick community last night (Wednesday).
About 400 people came to see the Prime Minister and 12 of her cabinet colleagues at the Community Cabinet session at Timbarra College P-9.
Questions in the public forum included the introduction of compulsory student unionism, PISA tests, the rollout of the National Broadband Network, help for workers from ethnic backgrounds, and support for teenagers with mental health issues.
The first question of the night came from Doug Mitchell of the Citizens Electoral Council, who asked why Australia was ‘‘escalating war with our biggest trading partner’’, China, by hosting more troops from the United States in the Northern Territory.
In reply, Ms Gillard said Australia had good relationships with both countries.
‘‘I don’t think it’s an either/or choice.’’
Questions about the carbon tax and the state government’s cuts to skills-based training drew applause, but no one asked about the controversies surrounding Peter Slipper or Craig Thomson.
Finance Minister Penny Wong was a popular figure in the crowd during the community reception, but there were no questions in the forum about her appearance on TV program Q&A on Monday.
Click on the image below for our gallery of the big night.
