(Photo: Damien Tessmann)
September 15, 2014
Back in April last year, South Burnett councillor Damien Tessmann was part of an Australian delegation of young politicians selected to take part in an Australian Political Exchange Council (APEC) delegation to the United States.
APEC sponsors regular political exchanges with a number of countries including China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, the United States, Thailand and Vietnam.
The aim is to provide an opportunity for young political leaders to gain insights into the political systems and cultures of other countries.
Now it’s Australia’s turn to host a return delegation from the United States, and they’re coming to the South Burnett.
The six US delegates – which includes two Republicans and two Democrats – will be in Australia from Wednesday this week (September 17) to September 28.
They will be in the South Burnett from September 24-26.
Their itinerary includes visits to PCA, Tarong Power Station, Meandu Mine, South Burnett Regional Council, Cherbourg Aboriginal Council, The Ration Shed Museum, Smithfield Feedlot and Bethany.
“Our region was selected as part of the itinerary as the delegation indicated they were interested in agriculture, mining and local government – three things that this region is either dependent on or does very well,” Cr Tessmann said.
“In 2013, I represented The Nationals on the 29th Australian delegation to the United States and as an alumni of the Australian Political Exchange Council, I was more than pleased to be able to organise an itinerary in our beautiful region taking into consideration their interests.
“Bringing Republican, Democrat and independent together at this level lays down a strong foundation for personal growth of these young political leaders.
“Indeed, I have formed a lasting friendship with, and even attending the maiden speech of, former Victorian Labor Party Senator Mehmet Tillem on our delegation last year. The Prime Minister’s head media adviser is also now a friend of mine.
“Australia is one of only four countries in the world to have an annual bilateral delegation through this program with the United States.
“When you look back in history and you take into consideration things like the Battle of the Coral Sea it is not hard to see why the US values the relationship with us so highly.”
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31st Australian Political Exchange Delegation:
Micah Ali
President, Compton Unified School District Board of Education (California)
Micah was first elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Micah leads the board in improving Compton public schools and the community as a whole by supporting early childhood education programs, after-school programs, and teacher involvement in administrative decisions. Prior to his election, Micah worked with several California Democrats, including Compton City Councilwoman Delores Zurita and the late Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. He has also shown his commitment to his community by serving on several boards, including the Board of Directors of the Friends of Ballona Wetlands, the Compton Community College District Personnel Commission, and the Compton Unified School District Personnel Commission. Micah started his education in the Compton public school system, and then studied at Stanford, Yale, and Alabama State universities. He received his Bachelor’s degree from California State University.
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Stefani Carter
Member, Texas House of Representatives
Elected in 2010, Stefani serves as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 102. In the House, Stefani serves on the Criminal Jurisprudence and the Energy Resources committees. She was also appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Agriculture & Energy Committee. Prior to being elected, Stefani was appointed to the Crime Victims’ Institute Advisory Council by Governor Perry in 2011. She studied the impact of crime on victims and society at large and evaluated the effectiveness of criminal justice and juvenile justice policies. Stefani also served as an assistant district attorney for Collin County, and also took part on the Romney/Ryan campaign in 2012. On the campaign, Stefani was appointed to the Black Leadership Council to help facilitate dialogue between Governor Romney and respected leaders in the African American community. Stefani received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She continued her education at Harvard Law School and Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she received her law degree.
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Jenny Eck
Member, Montana House of Representatives
Jenny was elected in 2012. She focuses on creating safer communities, mental health, and consumer protection. Since becoming a Representative, Jenny has successfully passed five pieces of legislation that deal with various topics including protecting consumers from offshore lenders. She is also the program manager at Carol’s List, a board made up of eight elected women who work to get other women elected in politics. Prior to being elected, Jenny worked various positions within politics. She took part in the Obama campaign in 2008 as a county volunteer co-ordinator for Lewis and Clark counties. Jenny then worked as a legislative researcher for the Montana Democratic Party before becoming a House Judiciary Committee Secretary in the Montana Legislature. She has also served as the personal staff person for Montana’s Attorney-General. In this position Jenny acted a consumer protection outreach and education co-ordinator, debt settlement regulatory program leader, and land board staffer. Jenny is active in her community and is a member of the boards of the United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area and the Montana Financial Education Coalition. Jenny received her Bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College in Massachusetts. During college Jenny also took part in various wilderness programs at the University of Montana and the Sierra Institute at the University of California.
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Tom Foulkes
Vice President, State Government Affairs Entertainment Software Association
Tom oversees all aspects of the Association’s state and local government affairs efforts in all 50 states as well as co-ordinating the industry’s communication with State leaders. Before he joined ESA, Tom worked at various executive communications and government affairs positions in State and trade associations. His previous employment locations include the Restaurant Association of Maryland, the Direct Marketing Association, and the National Restaurant Association. Tom received his Bachelor’s degree in political science from Iona College in New York.
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Amy Sinclair
Member, Iowa Senate
Amy was elected in 2012. At the beginning of her first term in 2013, she was selected for the following committee assignments: commerce, education, and local government. Before being elected, Amy served two terms on the Wayne County Board of Supervisors. She was also an adult education instructor at Central Decatur Community School District and Southwest Iowa Community College where she focused on improving GED prep and literacy for adults. She also helped support the cow and calf business that her family runs out of their farm. Amy has also held numerous leadership positions on boards and committees such as the Iowa County Engineers, Service Bureau, South Iowa Area Crime Commission, Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa, Chariton Valley Transportation Planning Affiliate, South Central Iowa Community Action Agency and Wayne County Farm Bureau. Amy graduated from Indian Hills Community College in Iowa.
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Mike Buth
Director of International Programs El Pomar Foundation
Mike is the escort for the delegation. At El Pomar, he ensures that all programs run smoothly and oversees the El Pomar Fellows working on the exchange programs that take place in Colorado. He also directs the Cortland Dietler Scouting Opportunity Fund and serves as the deputy director of the Wild Land Fire Fund. Before he joined El Pomar, Mike served in the United States Coast Guard. He also serves on the board of the Colorado Springs Youth Sports Park Inc. Mike received his Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Regis University. Mike is currently studying to earn a Master’s in public administration from Regis University.
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