Monday 30 July 2018

Payroll Tax Win, Pets Regulation, Join the Waste War, Cockle Bay Revisit, Inner City Ferries, Rushcutters Recreation, Woman of the Year & Human Rights Awards

PAYROLL TAX WIN

Payroll Tax can act as a disincentive to employing new staff which is why earlier this year I asked the Treasurer to raise the business income threshold for the tax. This year’s state budget increased the threshold to $850,000 and in the 2021-22 financial year it will increase to $1 million. This is a win that will help more small businesses in NSW grow. My request to the Treasurer: HERE.

PETS REGULATION

Puppy farming is one of the darkest secrets of the pet industry. It involves producing a large number of cute puppies or kittens for sale through overcrowding, overbreeding and unsanitary conditions to keep prices down. Many facilities are unlawful but they are not registered or subject to any compliance regime. Following pressure for action, which goes back to my predecessor Clover Moore’s bill to ban pets in pet shops and her call for a companion animal inquiry, the government introduced new laws that allow all cats and dogs advertised for sale to be tracked back to their breeder. While not groundbreaking, I supported the changes as an improvement on the status quo that hides breeders. A mandatory breeder registration system, as recommended by the Companion Animal Taskforce and the Joint Select Committee on Companion Animal Breeding Practices in NSW, would provide greater protection for animals and I will continue to advocate for this move. My speech: HERE.

JOIN THE WASTE WAR

The ABC program War on Waste is a great way to learn about how we all contribute to massive waste problems – along with practical action we can take to prevent and reduce waste and pollution. You can watch the program online if you missed the first episode, as well as find useful resources and sign up for email updates: HERE.

COCKLE BAY REVISIT

Plans for redevelopment of Cockle Bay Wharf have been revised again, following objections to the previous 235-metre tower proposal. My submissions called for rejection of earlier proposals: HERE.

The revised project reduces the tower height to 183 metres. I am yet to assess plans closely but the public waterfront is not the place for tall towers, which will only degrade Darling Harbour and its experience as public open space. Submissions close 7 August: HERE.

INNER CITY FERRIES

In Parliament, I’ve been asking the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure about progress on the government’s 2013 ‘Sydney’s Ferry Future’ strategy, which included investigating new ferry wharves at Johnstons Bay Pyrmont, Woolloomooloo, Glebe Point and Elizabeth Bay. So far, there is a new wharf at Barangaroo and a cross Harbour ferry route between Pyrmont and the CBD.

Sign my petition if you support the call for inner city ferries: HERE.

RUSHCUTTERS RECREATION

Woollahra Council has revised plans for a recreation facility targeting eight to 14 year olds on exhibition for community comment until 31 August. Following the earlier consultation, changes include moving it adjacent to New South Head Road, no trees losses, new plantings, removal of floodlights, seating, shade shelter, bike racks and rubbish bins: HERE.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR

You can nominate outstanding women for recognition in the 2019 International Women’s Day NSW Women of the Year awards HERE. Each MP also nominates one woman from the electorate to highlight her contribution – please let me know your suggestions.

HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS

Do you know an unsung hero of campaigns for human rights? You can nominated them for a Human Rights Award before 5 August: HERE.