President's Report

Each year seems to be a tumultuous year and the sentiments expressed in my last annual report could equally be read again today. The Victorian Parliament passed its Relationships and Vilification Bills and the government proceeded with a series of initiatives in the fields of prostitution, homosexual activity, drug policy and embryo experimentation. At the federal level, major problems arose with the Australian ratification of the International Criminal Court, the approval of the Morning After Pill and more recently the decision of the Council of Australian Governments on the issue of Embryo Experimentation. It has been frustrating to deal with our political system which has a well entrenched technique of deflecting criticism and relegating important issues to the outer margins of engagement. We have received good responses from the National Party in Victoria and 2 Independents but the evasions of the 2 major parties are nothing short of "soft totalitarian behavior".
The media has hardly behaved any better, especially with many of its soapy programmes and more explicit erotic episodes. It has played a major role in the desensitisation of the community so that marriage and family are projected as being deviant institutions. But this is not a universal phenomenon and there are many reputable journalists who are quietly trying to balance the ledger.
A successful meeting was held at the Toorak Campus of the Deakin University in July 2002. It was called Family Forum and was organised by Graeme Cray and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The event attracted over 200 people. The speakers included visiting professors from Brigham Young University - Professors Hill and Barlow - and Anna Krohn, Director of the Pastoral Formation Centre, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our speakers, the organisers and those who participated.

The FCV joined with Endeavour Forum and the Drug Advisory Council of Australia to produce a booklet on A Proposed Drug Policy for Australia. This was sent to all federal and state politicians and was sold to the public. Our representatives are working closely with other organisations in Australia to form a national Coalition against illicit drug use.

Our Council has still to achieve its own home base, with a supporting infrastructure to sustain its operations on a day by day basis. In this regard, we are indebted to several individuals and organisations for their generous support - Jenny and Peter Stokes, Babette Francis, Graeme Cray, Michael Treacy and Isobel Gawler. All members of the Executive have played significant roles but I mention in particular my dear friend over many years, Phyllis Boyd who died last year. Even in her last days, she remained an outstanding example of living and dying with dignity.

There has been considerable discussion about the need to form a National Federation of State Family Councils. Expressions of interest have been received from W.A., Queensland and South Australia. The local state bodies have been active for some years but to gain national recognition and possibly federal government funding, it is necessary to be constituted as a peak national incorporated organisation. We are close to achieving that outcome.

I take this opportunity to thank all members of our Council and Executive who have maintained their enthusiasm and dedication to a cause which at all times has brought little joy. But we must persevere, for the signs are beginning to emerge that the effects of the liberal philosophy that has threatened the survival of the natural family, are beginning to hurt so many in the community that we are likely to win greater support in the near future.

Joe Santamaria
President August 20, 2002