Michael meets Angela
Parliamentary Secretary to Leader of the Opposition, Michael Danby, represented the Opposition at the Lowy Lecture at the Lowy Institute given by G20 visitor, German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.
The Government was represented by Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane at the function.
Angela Merkel meest Michael Danby
Michael Danby had the opportunity, at the conclusion of the function, to shake Ms Merkel’s hand and to congratulate and thank the Chancellor “for her principled stance in her speech, recently given to a public rally in Berlin, organised by the German Jewish community” (link). At the German rally, Angela Merkel had denounced anti-Jewish bigotry, which she said had been too prevalent in the previous months, when the fighting in Gaza was taking place.
Merkel’s talk to the Lowy Institute made important remarks about the current negotiations, lead by the United States, but including Europe, seeking to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Mr Danby said he was satisfied with Ms Merkel’s response following a question about Iran from Lowy Institute Executive Director, Michael Fullilove. The function, which was held at the Westin Hotel was very prestigious, and Danby thanked the Institute’s patron, Frank Lowy, for holding the important occasion, which had been attended by former PMs, Howard and Keating, ABC Chair Jim Spigelman, and former defence chief Angus Houston.
