Ocean Plastics Inquiry and Out & About in Warringah
27 July 2023
While Parliament has its winter sitting break, I’ve been busy back home in Warringah meeting with constituents and working to support a number of local organisations and businesses.
As a member of the Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy Environment and Water I also spent a week on the road as part of the inquiry into plastic pollution in Australia’s oceans and waterways to learn more about the scale of plastics pollution in Australia, as well as learning about strategies and approaches to address it.
Ocean and Waterways Plastics Inquiry
In Adelaide the inquiry team visited Ausmap who have been conducting microplastic surveys on metropolitan and regional beaches as well as YCA Recycling who run a ‘return all plastics initiative which allow for those items that are harder to recycle.
In Perth we observed Veolia’s recycling plant, which has the capacity to process up to 30 tonnes of waste per hour and Ardash Australia which transforms waste into recycled materials to use in 3D printing.
In Melbourne at a public hearing we heard From Plastics Ocean Australia, the National Waste and REcyling Industry Council, Port Phillip EcoCentre and RM Consulting Group.
And back in Sydney we heard from more organisations including Clean Up Australia, Boomerang Alliance and the Total Environment Centre. The committee also visited the Sell & Parker Yard & Shredder Facility and Infrabuild Steel Processing to learn more about the steel recycling industry and sector as part of another line of inquiry.
The plastics inquiry added to our understanding of the huge impact plastics are having on our ocean environment and while we may think about the ocean plastics problem as debris floating around, there is a lot more that is much harder to see. Microplastics have infiltrated all parts of our oceans and water ways.
I applaud the dedication and innovation that some organisations are undertaking to tackle this growing problem, but sadly the problem is too big for them to solve alone – we must look at solutions that take the use of virgin plastics out of our economy and encourage both business and consumers to use more sustainable, environmentally friendly alternatives.
Coming up in Parliament
Parliament reconvenes next week, on 31 July and we have a busy return schedule which includes a range of legislation including a bill to increase tax compliance for multinational companies, a national register for silicosis, enhancements to biosecurity compliance and finally, perhaps the most contentious, a bill to enable the carbon capture and storage in disused gas and oil wells under the sea.
I will also be hosting an event in Parliament on the urgent need to address methane emissions which are 60-80 times more potent than carbon dioxide for warming potential. The event will look at the results of a field study looking at fugitive methane emissions from fossil fuel facilities and consider the findings of a report about what other countries are doing to address the issue.
Keep up to date with all my Parliament updates and my voting record.
Out & About Snapshot
SIMS Seahorse Release
I had the pleasure of meeting researchers from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS) who have been working tirelessly over the past 6 months to raise 400 baby seahorses. Last week these babies were released into their new home in Warringah’s beautiful Chowder Bay.
Sydney’s White’s Seahorses have recently become an endangered species due to loss and degradation of their habitat. The collaborative project between SIMS, the University of Technology Sydney, and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries is trialling different methods of raising the baby seahorses. Using a world first tagging method and encouraging the local community to help monitor the progress of the seahorses, the team hopes to develop best practices for future release projects.
I’m proud to have such talented and dedicated researchers working to protect some of Warringah’s most precious marine species and grateful for the philanthropic support which has also contributed to making this program such a success.
More EV chargers
EV charging is becoming even easier with another new fast charger just installed in Frenchs Forest. I spoke to the team from Evie Networks at the launch who told me it’s the fastest charger on the northern beaches and is powered by 100% renewable energy.
It’s just off Warringah Road in the Allambie Grove Business Park (25 Frenches Forest Rd) and open to the public, so check it out.
Community Northern Beaches & Governor Visit
Last week I visited Community Northern Beaches (CNB) along with Her Excellency, the Hon. Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC to hear about the incredible work the CNB volunteers do to help support some of the most vulnerable in our community. We heard from domestic violence support workers, a men’s mentoring and support group, refugee and asylum seeker support workers as well as case workers supporting homeless people to find more permanent accommodation.
The CNB is an amazing organisation and helps so many in our community and relies on the support of our community to undertake this vital work. If you’d like to support them visit
If you'd like to see more updates you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
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Events
My first speech
Calling all students in years 10-12. The House of Representatives national My First Speech Competition is now open. It provides the opportunity for three lucky students to be flown to Canberra with a parent or guardian to present their speeches live and undertake a program at Parliament House.
To enter, students need to consider what they would say if they were a newly elected Member of the House of Representatives and record themselves presenting the 90 second speech on video.
Entries close 11 August.
Manly Market Meet - Sunday 6 August
Come and say hello at the Manly Markets this Sunday from 12-1 to talk about issues that matter to you. Or Chat to my volunteer team at the Manly Markets on Sunday, 6 August, 9am to 4.30pm and find out how the Electorate Office can help you.
Did you know, you can also:
- Drop off your old batteries and ink cartridges for recycling
- Stock up on a range of sustainable household products - e.g. 100% biodegradable dog bags & beautiful bread bags made out of recycled plastic bottles?
- Find out about the referendum and the First Nations Voice to Parliament by chatting to representatives from Warringah for the Voice.
Our stall is near Zali’s office on Sydney Road (17-19 Sydney Road). We’re here every first Sunday of the month and would love to see you!
Mosman Markets are back! Saturday 5 August
The Mosman Market is returning on the first Saturday of the month from 8am-3pm on the Mosman Square and Village Green in Spit Junction. Local businesses are doing it tough so it will be great to see local residents out in support.
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Grants
A Big Congratulations to Byron Cahill
I was thrilled to receive a update from Byron Cahill who had great success at the Surf Lifesaving Australian Championships. Byron and his brother were supported by a recent Local Sporting Champions Grant, which supported them to compete in the event.
Byron achieved a fantastic result, becoming the NSW champion and placing 2nd in Australia for the U14 Champion Lifesaver event. Congratulations on your fantastic results in the Champion Lifesaver event, no doubt your hard work, commitment and love of the sport contributed to your success at the national championships.
The Local Sporting Champions program is a wonderful initiative which has helped hundreds of young people in Warringah achieve their sporting goals and many have gone on to represent Australia in international competition.
The Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions grants, which provide financial assistance for coaches, officials, and competitors aged 12-18 and 12-24, respectively, are open again.
Local Sporting Champions Program
The Local Sporting Champions program supports participants in state, national, or international championships. Successful applicants can receive $500-$750 towards their championship expenses.
Local Para Champions Program
The Local Para Champions program offers financial support ranging from $750-$1000 for athletes with disabilities participating in state, national, or international championships.
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Warringah for the Voice
Free Signs & Posters
YES corflutes (yard signs) are starting to go up on fences, front yards and balconies in Warringah.
Order your free YES corflute now to show your support for the Voice Referendum.
We also have free A3 YES posters – perfect for shop windows, doors and walls. Pick up from Zali’s Manly office or the Mosman Community Hub or email us for a free delivery at [email protected]
Door Knocking:
Our Warringah for the Voice volunteer teams have started door knocking the electorate and setting up info spots at shops and transport hubs. We look forward to having many conversations and chatting about any questions you may have. You can also check out the FAQs on Zali's website and contact us at [email protected]
Kitchen Table Conversation – 4 August
Experience the unique and powerful Kitchen Table Conversation (KTC) model of civic engagement in support of the Voice. KTCs are based on the idea that open and honest dialogue has the power to create real engagement. It is not a lecture, it is not training, it is not a debate, rather it is a structured discussion of discovery.
Designed by Together, Yes, the program is run locally by Warringah for the Voice volunteers. You'll be participating in two sessions, about 3 to 4 weeks apart. You can sign up for our next session on Friday, 4 August: 3 to 5pm, at Zali’s Mosman Community Hub.
Community Forum at Manly Leagues Club – 23 August
Join us for a conversation on The Voice, hear from our Panel and what The Voice will mean to them and for all Australians at the Manly Leagues Club on August 23 from 6.30pm.
Special Guest Speaker Thomas Mayo will discuss his journey and involvement with The Voice, and will be joined by Jasper Thatcher, Cr Kristyn Glanville, Uncle Neil Evers and me for a panel discussion and answer questions from the audience.
Thomas Keneally will close the evening with some heart-felt remarks upon which guests will be invited to remain for a drink and a chat.
This event is an evening for people to learn about the upcoming referendum. Click here to register
Fact Check the YES and NO Pamphlets
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has published the Yes and No pamphlets for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. Each essay has been written by parliamentarians who voted for or against the referendum earlier this year. But there is no requirement for truth and no independent fact checking!
Several organisations and media outlets have prepared fact checks. Here are some credible sources:
The Guardian - Fact Check of the Yes Pamphlet
The Guardian - Fact Check of the No Pamphlet
ABC Fact Check with RMIT Fact Lab
General Information on the Voice
Additional general information on the Voice can be found here:
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