I attended my first AIR Meeting today. Perhaps I should explain what A.I.R. stands for; it is Association of Independent Retirees and is the peak body representing the views of fully and partly self-funded retirees. I joined because the group I set up to represent 410 visa holders, who are also self-funded retirees, have been developing closer links with the AIR, as they have been lobbying the government for improvements to our visa for a long time. Admittedly the majority of the visa holders who are members of AIR are mainly based in Western Australia, nevertheless, as I discovered today there is definitely a ground swell amongst the Australian members to push the Government of the day for a fair deal for 410 visa holders in respect of permanent residence, and it was really very heart-warming for me to hear the passion with which the Branch's President's wife voiced her full support..

The actual meeting today, was certainly not a 'normal' one as is consisted entirely of forum for the five candidates for the position of Mayor for the Gold Coast, including the current Mayor, Ron Clarke (the ex-athlete). Each candidate was given 8 minutes to put forward their proposals and about 15 minutes for Q & A afterwards.

It was only after the meeting that I got an opportunity to discuss my group with some members of the committee and the 410 issue in particular. This AIR branch has around 430 members, although it is not known just how many of those has a 410 visa; it is thought only a few.

Still it all seems quite interesting and I look forward to going to a more normal meeting.