This Issue: Protecting Local Government, Metro Strategy, Oxford St, Potts Point Policing, Benevolent Society 200 Years & New Citizens 

In Parliament I opposed the Local Government Amendment (Early Intervention) Bill, which gives the State Government sweeping powers to give orders to and sack councils it claims are “underperforming”. With two separate local government reviews under way, I moved to defer debate until their completion but did not get government support.

I worked with other MPs to require notice before councils are sacked or given an order, and to remove provisions to make councils accountable to the Minister. The Greens may move my other amendments in the Upper House to stop councils being suspended without the opportunity to comply with a performance improvement order and to add guidelines for new ministerial powers in the regulations. Read more…

This Issue: Nurse Ratio Campaign, Planning White Paper, Sydney Heritage Fleet, @Vibewire, Welfare Rights Centre

I’m supporting the nurse ratio campaign, which aims to ensure patient safety and care by limiting the number of patients for whom each nurse is responsible. I’m concerned that the massive health budget cuts will impact on people needing health care. To find out how you can support the campaign go to http://www.morenurses.org

The Government’s planning review White Paper will change the rules for development across NSW, and threatens your ability to have a say about what happens in your community. Learn what it means at the Environment Defenders Office workshop on Tuesday 14 May. Details at www.edo.org.au/edonsw/site/events.php Read more…

This Issue: ANZAC Day, High School Options, Companion Animals, Rights of the Terminally Ill Bill Forum, Support the Welfare Rights Centre

On ANZAC Day I joined community remembrance ceremonies, including Ultimo’s Mustard Seed Uniting Church commemoration and the Lord Mayor’s reception for the Under 16s, who enlisted to fight at the age of 14 or 15. These events are a stark reminder of the horror and loss of war.

The high school campaign continues, and I asked the Minister for Education to open up Year 7 at Sydney Boys High School to more local students under existing rules that apply for Year 8 and 9.  See the Central Courier report HERE.
Read more…

This Issue: Planning White Paper, Garden Island, Right of the Terminally Ill Bill and Progress on Marriage Equality

The Planning Review White Paper and draft legislation were released last week, proposing to end public consultation on individual developments and restrict input to the early strategic planning stage. Loss of community input is a serious concern, and many impacts are difficult to understand before a concrete development proposal is developed. I will assess the proposals over the coming weeks working with community and environment groups, and we are holding a seminar to seek feedback before submissions close on 28 June.  For information go to www.planning.nsw.gov.au/a-new-planning-system-for-nsw Read more…