The importance of integrity
6 December, 2019
I have just finished my last sitting fortnight in Canberra for 2019. Below is an update on the work my team and I have been doing during the sitting week, drawing on our core values of innovation, integrity and inclusion.
INTEGRITY IN POLITICS
There is no denying that the public’s trust of politicians and the political process is declining. This sitting fortnight was rife with allegations of secret deals, doctored documents and Ministers misleading the Parliament.
I proposed the falling trust in politicians by Australians and lack of integrity as a Matter of Public Importance in the House of Representatives. I spoke to it with my fellow Crossbenchers, calling on the government to establish a national anti-corruption body that has real teeth and with clear referral pathways and public hearings.
You can watch my speech HERE
ELIMINATING AGE DISCRIMINATION FOR THE NDIS
I presented a petition on behalf of 69-year-old quadriplegic Chris English who is a victim of age discrimination by NDIS, which doesn't cover people over the age of 65 if they acquire a disability. It is always a privilege to present petitions that represent what thousands of Australians want politicians to hear and this petition received 19,446 signatures.
If you find yourself in this situation – where you are over 65 and cannot access the NDIS - I encourage you to make submissions to the Aged Care Royal Commission and the Disability Royal Commission which you can do HERE and HERE
You can watch the petition being delivered HERE
PAYING TRIBUTE TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
On average, a woman dies every week from family or domestic violence. This is a horrific statistic that we need to change.
I spoke about it in the House of Representatives and paused in memory of those who have died at the hands of such violence. You can watch the speech HERE
My team and I also participated in the Northern Beaches Council domestic violence walk. It was heartening to see so many people in the community including many young men participating in the walk.
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CRAYWEED FILM LAUNCH WITH BALGOWLAH NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL
I was delighted to launch a film by North Balgowlah Public School, which was a perfect combination of science and art at the Manly Art Gallery.
Operation Crayweed is helping rehabilitate Sydney's coastline including our own Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly. Congratulations to the scientists, artists and students for creating such a special film.
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
We held the annual Crossbench Christmas party where both sides of politics joined and put aside their differences for the night.
Each crossbencher was asked to showcase supplies from their own electorate and from Warringah we had Manly Spirits, Dad and Dave beers, Nomad beers and Paradise Beach Purveyors.
I also met with some athletes at the Olympics 2020 Paralympics 2020 The Read to Tokyo Sports Dinner, including rowers Cameron Girlestone and Karsten Fosterling; Melissa Breen, Vanessa Low and Michael Roeger who are all trying out for the Olympics and Paralympics. Good luck to these talented athletes in their quest for qualifying for the Olympics and Paralympics!
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IMPORTANT – WHAT’S COMING UP
The form and questions may look daunting so if you prefer, you can just set out your experience and evidence in an attached word document. For your contribution to be considered as a submission rather than correspondence, make sure you address the terms of reference of the inquiry.
Please be aware that court documents, financial documents or medical records cannot be submitted.
Submissions close on December 18. For all inquiry details, including how to lodge a submission CLICK HERE
HELPING YOU IN WARRINGAH
Since being in office we have received 4430 emails from Warringah residents about a range of issues including the single use plastics, live sheep exports, immigration and climate change. We have created 2226 cases from those emails and resolved 2060 of them. The team and I are available to meet and discuss any issues, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call the office on 9977 6411.
If you would like a printed copy please let us know.
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INTEGRITY IN POLITICS
There is no denying that the public’s trust of politicians and the political process is declining. This sitting fortnight was rife with allegations of secret deals, doctored documents and Ministers misleading the Parliament.
I proposed the falling trust in politicians by Australians and lack of integrity as a Matter of Public Importance in the House of Representatives. I spoke to it with my fellow Crossbenchers, calling on the government to establish a national anti-corruption body that has real teeth and with clear referral pathways and public hearings.
You can watch my speech HERE
ELIMINATING AGE DISCRIMINATION FOR THE NDIS
I presented a petition on behalf of 69-year-old quadriplegic Chris English who is a victim of age discrimination by NDIS, which doesn't cover people over the age of 65 if they acquire a disability. It is always a privilege to present petitions that represent what thousands of Australians want politicians to hear and this petition received 19,446 signatures.
If you find yourself in this situation – where you are over 65 and cannot access the NDIS - I encourage you to make submissions to the Aged Care Royal Commission and the Disability Royal Commission which you can do HERE and HERE
You can watch the petition being delivered HERE
PAYING TRIBUTE TO VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
On average, a woman dies every week from family or domestic violence. This is a horrific statistic that we need to change.
I spoke about it in the House of Representatives and paused in memory of those who have died at the hands of such violence. You can watch the speech HERE
My team and I also participated in the Northern Beaches Council domestic violence walk. It was heartening to see so many people in the community including many young men participating in the walk.
CRAYWEED FILM LAUNCH WITH BALGOWLAH NORTH PUBLIC SCHOOL
I was delighted to launch a film by North Balgowlah Public School, which was a perfect combination of science and art at the Manly Art Gallery.
Operation Crayweed is helping rehabilitate Sydney's coastline including our own Cabbage Tree Bay in Manly. Congratulations to the scientists, artists and students for creating such a special film.
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN PARLIAMENT HOUSE
We held the annual Crossbench Christmas party where both sides of politics joined and put aside their differences for the night.
Each crossbencher was asked to showcase supplies from their own electorate and from Warringah we had Manly Spirits, Dad and Dave beers, Nomad beers and Paradise Beach Purveyors.
I also met with some athletes at the Olympics 2020 Paralympics 2020 The Read to Tokyo Sports Dinner, including rowers Cameron Girlestone and Karsten Fosterling; Melissa Breen, Vanessa Low and Michael Roeger who are all trying out for the Olympics and Paralympics. Good luck to these talented athletes in their quest for qualifying for the Olympics and Paralympics!
IMPORTANT – WHAT’S COMING UP
- CWA FUNDRAISER THIS SATURDAY
- SYDNEY HARBOUR FEDERATION TRUST REVIEW
- LAW INQUIRY SUBMISSIONS OPEN
The form and questions may look daunting so if you prefer, you can just set out your experience and evidence in an attached word document. For your contribution to be considered as a submission rather than correspondence, make sure you address the terms of reference of the inquiry.
Please be aware that court documents, financial documents or medical records cannot be submitted.
Submissions close on December 18. For all inquiry details, including how to lodge a submission CLICK HERE
HELPING YOU IN WARRINGAH
Since being in office we have received 4430 emails from Warringah residents about a range of issues including the single use plastics, live sheep exports, immigration and climate change. We have created 2226 cases from those emails and resolved 2060 of them. The team and I are available to meet and discuss any issues, please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call the office on 9977 6411.
If you would like a printed copy please let us know.
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