Tuesday 3 October 2017

Tenancy Reform, NBN Problems, Access Parliament, Maules Creek, Adani Day, Don’t Lose Your Marbles & Yes Events

Tenancy Reform

I co-hosted a Parliamentary briefing with the Greens and Labor on tenancy laws. The Tenants Union, welfare and legal service reps and tenants showed how no grounds terminations hide the eviction of tenants who pursue their rights. The law should provide a wide range of reasons for landlords to evict a tenant but the catch-all no grounds provisions mean a tenant can be unfairly evicted from their home.

A huge proportion of Sydney constituents rent and I support greater security for renters when the government proposes amending the act later this year. To support the Make Renting Fair campaign: rentingfair.org.au.   

NBN Problems

Constituents have been calling about problems with NBN construction and connections, and there are many media reports about slow connections. The first point for complaints is NBN Co, 1800 687 626 or [email protected]. If this does not fix the problem, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman may be able to help: www.tio.com.au. As this is a Commonwealth Government program, your federal MP may have contacts to help resolve urgent problems or sort out disputes.

Access Parliament

During school holidays, visit Parliament’s Family Fun Day Family 10am-3pm Friday 6 October. You can see inside the chambers and behind the scenes, hear stories from the ‘Ghosts of Our Colonial Past’, see the Parliament’s 1967 referendum display and take part in arts and crafts, role plays, guessing competition and a children’s trail. Details HERE.

Find out how NSW Parliament operates at ‘A Little Night Sitting’ Tuesday 10 October 5-7pm, where you can meet members, watch Legislative Assembly & Council sessions, learn about the Parliament’s history and our democracy. Free but bookings essential HERE. 

Maules Creek 

I have been working with environmentalists on questions in Parliament to increase transparency on the controversial Maules Creek open cut coal mine in north west NSW, near Gunnedah. The mine was allowed to destroy the Leard State Forest which was home to over 30 endangered species and has impacted on neighbouring farmland through dust and noise pollution as well as a decline in agricultural output.

After three years of failing to comply with a number of environmental criteria, the Environmental Protection Authority escalated the mine’s environmental risk to a Level 3, shared only by two other highly polluting coal mines in NSW. Despite this, Whitehaven Coal has aggressive expansion plans that must be resisted, including a proposed Vickery 10 Million tonne per annum mine which would have a pit just 300 metres from the Namoi River, placing downstream users at risk. While this is outside the electorate, species loss, risk to food growing regions and waterways as well as erosion of rural communities are important concerns for city dwellers. To find out more and get active: [email protected].

Adani Day

The revelations on Four Corners about Adani’s track record of environmental destruction and alleged money-laundering, bribery and corruption are shocking, HERE. An Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis report raises serious concerns about financial viability and why governments are propping up this business, HERE.

Join the call to the federal government to stop the Carmichael coalmine and move to clean energy, Saturday 7 October 8.30-10am Campbell Pde Bondi Beach, information HERE.

Don’t Lose Your Marbles

October is Mental Health Month and I’m again taking part in the Marbles Challenge with the Inner Sydney Mental Health Recovery Network 3-5.30pm Friday 13 October at the Northcott Community Centre Surry Hills. Come along and have some fun! Details HERE.

Yes Events  

Two more marriage equality events are coming up. I’m speaking at the free City of Sydney ‘Vote Yes’ BBQ in Harmony Park 1-4pm Saturday 7 October, with live music, kid’s activities and stalls from NSW Police, AME, ACON, Mardi Gras, Twenty10, Gender Centre, OII, PFLAG, Rainbow Families, Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby and Inner City Legal Centre. Details HERE.

Australian Marriage Equality has a street party Sunday 8 October at Taylor Square to thank volunteers and supporters, with Ricki-Lee Coulter, John Paul Young, Alfie Arcuri and Peking Duk. Information HERE.