Monday 9 November 2015

ILGA Weakened, North Eveleigh Plans, Newsletter No 9, Trans* Day of Remembrance, TPP Forum and Palm Oil Boycott

Below is an update of the work I have been doing in the parliament and the community, and information on how you can get involved in various activities across Sydney.  

ILGA Weakened

In Parliament, I opposed a bill which removed powers and independence from the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. While liquor and gaming have damaging impacts, they provide income to government and a strong independent enforcement body is vital. My speech is HERE.  

Meanwhile, the ABC documentary Ka-Ching! showed that poker machines are rigged and designed for addiction. I’ve asked the Minister for Racing how he will prevent poker machine addiction and community harm. Read my questions HERE. 

You can view the documentary and take action to support the Alliance for Gambling Reform campaign to prevent poker machine harm at www.pokiesplayyou.org.au.

North Eveleigh Plans

You can comment on proposals for redevelopment of North Eveleigh precinct in the Central to Eveleigh at a workshop on Thursday 12 November 6-9pm at the Bay 4 Dining Hall, Australian Technology Park Locomotive Street Eveleigh. Plans include 20 storey residential tower, park, retail spaces, parking space and the long-promised pedestrian and bike crossing over the railway line.

Information and online comment HERE or register for the workshop HERE. 

Newsletter No. 9

My latest newsletter is being distributed across the electorate now. You can also view it online HERE.  

Transgender Day

This year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance event is at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre on Friday 20 November 6.30-8.30pm. This annual event remembers transgender people who’ve been the victim of hate crimes. Details HERE. 

I’m meeting again this week with the Trans Parent Support Group again this week to hear their stories and discuss how I can help get reform to prevent transphobia and abuse and violence.

TPP Forum 

Find out the devil in the detail of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) at a public forum on Wednesday 18 November 1-2pm in the Jubilee Room Parliament House Sydney. Speakers will cover the impacts on special rights for foreign companies to sue governments over changes in our laws and policies, medicine prices, internet copyright restrictions, and labour rights, health, environment and other policies.

Details HERE.

Palm Oil Boycott

I’ve been contacted by many people concerned about the massive fires for palm oil plantations in Indonesia that have been destroying huge areas of forest and orang-utan habitat. There’s a major campaign to boycott palm oil and save habitat, information HERE.