Mardi Gras & Rainbow Crossing, Homeless numbers, Small Bars, and Woman of the Year

This year’s Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was one of the best ever, especially with the Rainbow  Crossing at the heart of the parade route. The crossing is a great piece of public art that recognises this area's gay history and brightens up Taylor Square. Thank you to the nearly 6,000 people who have signed my petition to keep the crossing. Please encourage your friends and family to support the crossing by clicking HERE. 

Taking part in the City of Sydney Street Count last week gave me a great understanding of rough sleeping in the inner city – and the need for renewed action on homelessness as the Camperdown Project and Platform 70 places are filled. Please sign my petition in support of homelessness services HERE.

In Parliament I supported laws for a new liquor licence that will make it easier to open bars of 60 patrons or less; however I argued that small bars should be subject to impact assessments and Councils need powers to prevent areas becoming saturated with licensed venues, which is linked to violence and anti-social behaviour. The liquor freeze has curbed spiralling growth of licensed premises in late night hot spots and my requests got the freeze extended on Oxford Street for another year. Problems stem from larger venues and alternatives are needed to change our drinking culture. Read my speech HERE 

My 2013 Sydney Electorate Woman of the Year Award went to Woolloomooloo resident Pat Waterman (pictured) a dedicated community leader who works hard for to make Woolloomooloo a strong and safe neighbourhood. Thanks Pat for your work over many years!

Have a great week

Alex Greenwich MP
Independent Member for Sydney

PS. Come to the International Women's Day march 12 noon Saturday 9 March at Town Hall Steps. Information: HERE

Website http://alexgreenwich.com.au
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