Geoff Field's Blog | 2Day FM 104.1 | Sydney's Number 1 Hit Music Radio Station

Posted: 18 April, 2013

Why I Won't Be Getting Married In New Zealand

First and foremost congratulations to the conservative government of New Zealand for allowing a conscience vote there. It has become the 13th country in the world to recognise gay marriage.

I was so happy last night when I received a phone call telling me the MP's across the Tasman had made such a progressive and positive decision.

Many people have asked me recently whether Jason and I would travel to New Zealand to officially tie the knot. The answer to that is 'no'.

I have been campaigning for many years to have marriage equality laws changed here.

After countless rallies, Mardi Gras and even the my own 'illegal' marriage on the Kyle and Jackie O show, politicians in this country are still dragging the chain and refusing to reflect public opinion .

Last years vote against gay marriage in our federal parliament was a disgrace, as are Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott's continuing comments opposing gay marriage.

Good luck to those who are going to New Zealand to get married, but remember you won't be recognised as a couple under Australian law.

Jason and I have waited this long for change and we will continue to do so.

Hopefully the decision in New Zealand and other progressive countries will put more pressure on our MP's who are looking increasingly isolated.

I look forward to the day when I can get married to my lifelong partner, Jason, here in my home country. I don't think that's too much to ask.

Also See

Gay Marriage Legalised In New Zealand

Becomes the 13th country to legalise same-sex marriage

Posted: 7 February, 2013

The House of Commons In Britain Has Passed Gay Marriage Laws - But Will Our Gay News Reader Geoff Marry In The UK?

Will society eventually look back and realise it allowed discrimination?

(Source: Channel 10 News)

In Britain the House of Commons has passed laws that would allow gay marriage - a great step forward! But would Geoff and Jason marry in the UK?

No way says Geoff, who's been with Jason for 20 years, and of course took part in Sydney's first illegal gay marriage on the "Kyle and Jackie O show" in 2005.

We have both decided we will wait till Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott or whoever is in power to change the laws.

Why should we have to travel overseas to get a marriage certificate that has no legal standing in this country.

We know the public is behind us on this issue, so I wish the politicians would start listening and do something.

In my opinion, the person that leads the change, will become a national hero.

In 20 years time, society will look back and think " how did we allow this discrimination to happen"?

In the meantime gays and lesbians continue to be second class citizens in this country with immeasurable damage being done to you gay people with self-esteem issues.

C'mon Australia, if the UK can do it and it's about the change in the USA, why are we dragging the chain?

Take a look at the video below!

Posted: 12 November, 2012

Drown The Movie Charity Night at SLIDE

Tomorrow night at SLIDE nightclub an event will be held to raise money and announce details about the upcoming movie Drown The Movie.
It will be hosted by Charlotte Dawson and there'll be entertainment from Sarah McLeod and Altiyan Childs.

It's really important this project is well supported, so come along and say hello, as tickets are still available

All the details including the Facebook page and details of the event can be found here

http://www.drownthemovie.com

Posted: 7 August, 2012

Just do it JULIA - Geoff Field On Same Sex Marriage

A poll released by Galaxy last night shows support for gay marriage has risen to 64 percent, and a TV commercial was released in support of equality.

Three cheers to the Tasmanian and ACT governments who are trying to circumvent the federal laws which ban same-sex marriages, despite overwhelming public support for marriage equality.

A poll released by Galaxy last night shows support for gay marriage has risen to 64 percent, and a TV commercial was released in support of equality.

I am dumbfounded by the stubborn manner in which both Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott have handled this issue, an issue that is all about choice, equality and removing discrimination.

We can only hope the Tasmanian and ACT parliaments have the courage to pass the legislation. We then have to wait and see whether Canberra will try and overturn it in the high court.

While I'll be happy for Tasmanian and Canberra to change their laws I don't intend giving up the fight until we have laws that apply nationally.
As much as I like Hobart and Canberra I want to be married in Sydney to Jason.

I keep coming back to this simple argument; why shouldn't same-sex couples who want to spend their lives together be given the right to marry? Until we are given that right we remain second class citizens.

I'm sorry, but I don't buy the argument that marriage is for a man and a woman. Just because that is the "traditional" way doesn't make it right. And we shouldn't forget the fact that John Howard was the one who changed the laws to ban gay marriage - that's how recently it happened.
Once, blacks and women weren't allowed to vote, but society eventually realised how wrong it was to exclude them from a process that everyone else was allowed to participate in. The same goes for gay marriage.

I'm sure things will eventually change, but we have to keep up the fight so politicians know there is a growing movement for change right across Australia.

I find it extraordinary that Jason and I, who have been together for 19 years, are still not allowed to legally marry in this country. In fact, I think it's a disgrace.

Posted: 28 June, 2012

Geoff Field - You're Not Alone

Earlier this year I was approached by a group called The Community Brave Foundation who campaign against bullying, homophobia and youth suicide.

Earlier this year I was approached by a group called The Community Brave Foundation who campaign against bullying, homophobia and youth suicide.
I was only to happy to film this piece for them on how I felt about certain issues relating to bullying, with the intention of helping people who may be suffering or have been victims.
Many others have helped out including Jessica Rowe, Shelly Horton, Charlotte Dawson, Melissa Tkautz and Josh Flynn have added their voice to this important cause.
You too can become a Community Brave mentor and help change the world, the details are at the end of this video.
I hope you learn something from the video. One piece of advice I can give you is that most bullies are cowards who back down once they realise you are onto them.
Remember that if you ever become a victim. Thank you for taking the time to watch.

Tags: Geoff Field, Bullying

Posted: 7 June, 2012

On Marie Claire's 'I Do' Marriage Equality Initiative

I applaud Marie Claire magazine for its "I Do" marriage equality initiative.

(My husband Jason and I at Marie Claire's "I Do" marriage equality rally in Sydney / GetUp! on Facebook)

I applaud Marie Claire magazine for its "I Do" marriage equality initiative. It again focuses attention on a basic human right that is denied to hundreds of thousands of gay and lesbian Australians.

All gay people want is equality. Nothing more and nothing less.

Why shouldn't same-sex couples who want to spend their lives together be given the right to marry? Until we are given that right, we remain second-class citizens.

I find it extraordinary that Jason and I, who have been together for 19 years, are still not allowed to legally marry in this county. In fact, I think it's a disgrace.

In 2005 Jason and I took part in Australia's first "illegal gay wedding" when I was reading breakfast news on 2DayFM. It received national radio and television coverage, along with newspaper and magazine articles. We hoped the attention would lead to change, but unfortunately the fight continues while other countries like Portugal and Spain lead the way.

Julia Gillard, an atheist living in a defacto relationship, continues to staunchly opposed marriage equality. I well remember when this contradictory woman once told Sky News that Australians should read the bible. She says she opposes same-sex marriage just because she does, she never gives a genuine philosophical reason for her opposition.

Recently Julia Gillard and the Labor party decided to allow a conscience vote on the issue in parliament. This is a cop out, because it seems the numbers aren't there to get laws through parliament.

And don't forget the attitude of the Coalition in this debate. Catholic Tony Abbott has forced his will on his own party; a party that has a long tradition of allowing members to vote according to their conscience.

A few years ago Tony Abbott said he was "threatened" by gays. Oh really?

The "I Do" campaign will put pressure on MPs, but realistically I can't see change happening while Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott remain leaders of their parties.

I ask everyone to support this campaign, because every bit of support from the community counts and a future leader with courage and conviction is no doubt keeping a close eye on what is happening with community attitudes.

Posted: 16 February, 2012

Is There A 'White Australia' Policy On TV?

Do you think our TV shows are a good representation of Australians today?

(Firass Dirani / Getty Images)

Home and Away star Jay Laga'aia has caused a storm of controversy claiming Channel 7 is racist after dumping him from the top-rating soapie.

Jay, who's of Samoan descent insists it dumped him because the show already contained a character of ethnic background played by Ada Nicodemou.

(Jay Laga'aia / Getty Images)

His attack comes only days after Underbelly star Firass Dirani asked commercial TV to drop its "White Australia" policy and cast the different flavours of contemporary Australia.

Maybe both men have a point, but I hope the industry TV isn't racist, and compared to the top shows in the 70's and 80's like Number 96 and Prisoner it's certainly moved on to reflect the changing face of Australia.

I would like to think the reason most popular local shows are dominated by anglo-Aussies, is because it represents the majority of Australians, not because of any motives to shut out other races and cultures.

A lot of actors, entertainers and people on screen do portray or represent their original roots. Some that come to mind include Carbo (George Houvardas) on Packed To The Rafters, Sophie Wong (Melanie Vallejo) on Winners and Losers, plus Alex Dimitriades, Nick Giannopoulos and Pia Miranda.

On a more disturbing note is the lack of indigenous Australians on our TV shows, I can't think of any at the moment apart from Deborah Mailman.

Do you think our TV shows are a good representation of Australians today?

Tags: Firass Dirani, Jay Laga'aia, TV, Australia, Race, Racism

Posted: 25 January, 2012

What Should Australia (And Australia Day) Mean To Us?

We know that Australia is the best country in the world, but do we really appreciate it?

(Getty Images)

Australia Day.

It raises so many emotions.

For me it's a day to celebrate all that is good about the country we live in, although I do reflect on the plight of the original Australians who no doubt have a different outlook on our national day.

But for the most part, it should be a day to celebrate the fact that Australia is an amazing place, where most people get a fair go and co-exist in peace and harmony.

High profile brain surgeon Dr Charlie Teo has caused a bit of a stir with his Australia Day address after revealing his daughter and an Indian friend had been the victims of racial abuse.

Good on him for speaking the truth, because there is still a small minority of people who are racist in this country, and they should be exposed.

But Mr Teo shows us what a fair and considered man he is, when he criticises some ethnic communities who have failed to embrace our values.

He also adds that Australia is the best country in the world to live in.

After reading the full contents of Mr Teo's speech, I agree with what he says and I have 100 percent faith that new generations of Australians will continue to ensure the subject of race becomes an issue that doesn't inflame hatred and intolerance.

Enjoy Australia Day and celebrate the fact that we are a nation that has an distinct identity, but is also open to new ideas and people.

Posted: 15 November, 2011

Why Julia Gillard’s Gay Marriage Conscience Vote Is A Cop Out

While this may sound fair to some, it effectively means any laws to end discrimination will not get through parliament.

(Getty Images)

On the very day when a new poll showed increased support for gay marriage, committed atheist Julia Gillard reiterated her view that marriage should remain between a man and a woman.

The Nielsen poll showed 62% of Australians support marriage equality. Yet our PM, who lives in a defacto relationship and believes people should read the bible, announced that she preferred a conscience vote on same sex marriage in parliament.

While this may sound fair to some, it effectively means any laws to end discrimination will not get through parliament.

Julia Gillard knows that there are enough members of her party who will vote "No" along with the Coalition to scuttle any attempts to end years of inequality.

Despite this setback I ask people to maintain the rage and continue to sign petitions and attend demonstrations in favour of marriage equality.

Surely Ms. Gillard can't ignore the 71% of voters in her own party that support marriage equality, and the 62% in the general population! But it appears she will and in 20 years time when equality is a given, she will be in the history books for all the wrong reasons.

Over to you - should the government introduce same sex marriage legislation?

Posted: 31 October, 2011

Qantas: Back In The Air, But For How Long?

Can Qantas bosses and its employees work together to keep the flying kangaroo in the air?

(Getty Images)

Qantas… where do I start. Writing a blog about this aviation crisis is one of the most difficult I've ever done.

On one side unions and pilots are worried about job security with jobs heading offshore, while on the other management claim they need to be competitive to survive in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

I do however think it was a bad look that Alan Joyce was given a 2 million dollar bonus just 24 hours before he announced the grounding of the entire Qantas fleet.

On the weekend the normally conservative Pilot's Association claimed the action of grounding of the fleet was "pre-meditated, unnecessary and uncaring".

I'm no aviation expert, so I'm having difficulty working out what the answer to all of this is, but one thing's for sure, the once invincible Qantas is on shaky ground, and I can't see a simple solution in sight.

One thing I will say is that it's going to take a miracle for Qantas to come through this without being severely damaged in the long term.

There are a lot of angry passengers who are unlikely to fly with them again after what happened at the weekend, and would you take the risk of booking Qantas over Christmas/New Year knowing how delicate the situation is?

It's easy to blame the management or the unions, but I still don't know who's right and who's wrong.

At least planes are up in the air again, but for how long? Sunday night's Fair Work Australia hearing has rattled unions, and you can bet they are planning their next move.

It's very sad to see our once great national carrier involved in such a bitter and angry dispute, which is now threatening its very future.

Can Qantas bosses and its employees work together to keep the flying kangaroo in the air?

Tags: Qantas, Politics, Unions, Strike, Alan Joyce, Jobs

Posted: 14 October, 2011

VIDEO: "I Do" For Aussie Marriage Equality

Earlier this month Geoff and his husband Jason took part in an ad for marriage equality that was filmed at the scene of the recent Monster Hall, the Sydney Town Hall.

The ad features other identities including Dave the farmer from Big Brother and social commentator Mia freedman.

The aim of the ad is to raise awareness of the issue in the lead up to the all important vote at the ALP national conference in December.

Geoff is hopeful both sides of parliament will come on board with the majority of population who are in favour of marriage equality.

A large demonstration is also being planned to coincide with Labor's conference which will be attended by Julia Gillard, who has stated on several occasions she is against gay marriage.

Hopefully politicians will come to realise that all gay people want is the same rights as everyone else, nothing more - or nothing less.

Tags: Gay Marriage, Politics

Posted: 15 September, 2011

Why It's Okay To Ask 'RUOK?'

Today is the third annual RUOK? Day, which encourages Aussies to connect with people they care about, and help stop little problems turning into big ones.

RUOK? is an independent non-profit organisation that is concerned about our suicide rate, and the amount of people who suffer mental illness and depression.

I'm 100 percent behind this day, because I believe in this world of Facebook and Twitter, more and more people are losing human contact and are actually feeling disconnected from the real world.

Make today an excuse to ring your mum, dad, grandparents or brothers and sisters and ask them how they're doing.

It's amazing how many people are full of guilt and remorse at funerals saying they wish they had kept in contact with loved ones who were having problems.

Well today's the day to make a start.

You could also ask a work colleague or even a stranger if they're OK, you would be surprised what a difference a conversation could make.

Every year more than 2 thousand Australians take their lives, and for every suicide another 10 attempt it.

On top of that hundreds of thousands are struggling with their feelings, and have trouble getting through every day.

A special mention for the amazing Donald Ritchie who spends a lot of his spare time at Sydney's notorious Gap, where he asks people on the verge of suicide to come and have a cup of team with him and discuss their problems.

Donald has saved almost 200 lives and has been awarded an OAM.

So make RUOK day a success and at least check on a family member or a workmate who you suspected might be having a rough time.

It's amazing what a conversation and friendly ear can do.

Find out more about RUOK? Day at ruokday.com.au