27 October 2015

White City DA, ICE Action, Electorate Survey, Powerhouse Museum, Voluntary Euthanasia Progress and Harvey Milk Opera

White City DA

White City has been in disrepair for years and renewal of the site is needed. While it is disappointing that the latest proposal does not restore and retain the historic centre court, recreation facilities are needed for Paddington and I support the non-profit fitness proposal. There will be a swimming pool, a gym, a playing field, basketball/netball courts and childcare. My submission to Woollahra Council called for a reduction in the clubhouse building height and measures to prevent traffic impacts. The proposal will be considered by the Joint Regional Planning Panel. My submission is HERE. 

ICE Action

In Parliament, I called for increased treatment and support for methamphetamine (ICE) users rather than just a focus on increased penalties for drug users. We must engage with drug users to contribute to solutions, rather than stigmatise and demonise them. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has made it clear that decriminalisation of personal drug use is consistent with international drug protocols and meets human rights obligations and must be considered.

My speech also published in the Huffington Post HERE.  

Electorate Survey

I’m keen to hear constituents’ thoughts, priorities and policy concerns directly, and invite you to help inform the work I do in parliament and in the community for Sydney. Please consider completing my online survey, which finishes this week: www.alexgreenwich.com/survey.  Thanks to everyone who has already provided feedback.

Powerhouse Museum

Thanks to the many, many people who helped collect signatures on our petition to retain the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. To see the government’s response to my latest question in Parliament click HERE. 

I have lodged 10,000 citizen signatures, triggering debate on the government’s plans. It is not clear whether debate will occur this year or early next year and I will keep you posted. You can still download and sign the petition and I will continue to submit them in Parliament, the petition is available HERE.

Voluntary Euthanasia Progress

I will support the NSW Parliamentary Working Group on Assisted Dying, a cross-party group also working for reform to allow assisted dying to prevent prolonged pain, suffering and distress where people are terminally ill and wish to die. To keep up to date, like and follow the group’s Facebook page HERE. 

Please join the campaign if you would like to help achieve law reform at www.dwdnsw.org.au.

Note, the Dying with Dignity NSW workshop today on ‘Medically Assisted Dying: Why Choice Matters’ with University of the Third Age Eastern Region was cancelled by the All Saints Centre in Woollahra at the last minute and is not going ahead now.

Harvey Milk Opera

Join me on 15 November at Sydney Town Hall for the Sydney premiere of Harvey Milk - The Opera in Concert. The opera, about the fight for GLBTIQ rights led by local government member Harvey Milk in California, is presented in association with the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir and a chorus of 60. Information and tickets available HERE.