Tuesday 5 October 2016

Callinan Review, Hanjin California, Mental Health Month, Homelessness Reform, Old Smartphones, Grandparent of the Year and Honour Award

Callinan Review

Lord Mayor Clover Moore and I presented to the minister ways that the lockout laws could be improved to restore vibrancy and retain safety benefits following release of the Callinan review. The review did not get the balance right and did not suggest much-needed reforms like reducing liquor outlet density which is a known cause of alcohol related violence.

We suggested lifting the 1.30am lockout for live performance venues, small bars of 120 patrons and well managed venues on a trial basis. This could be done across the board or just in the CBD and Oxford Street. The government is yet to respond.

Hanjin California

I’ve asked the Minister for Roads, Freight and Maritime why the Hanjin California was moved from Port Botany to site at Glebe Island while the Federal Court determines its ownership and future, with noise, light spill and air pollution impacts on adjacent residents and called for its removal as early as possible. My question is HERE.   

The Guardian report on the case is HERE. 

Mental Health Month

October is Mental Health Month, with events and awards, and I’m supporting the launch activities in Parliament House on Thursday. Information HERE. 

The Inner City Mental Health Recovery Network is holding its annual Marbles Challenge at the Northcott Community Room next to Ward Park Friday 14 October 3-6pm. Details HERE.  

You can give feedback on the NSW Mental Health Commission’s ‘Living Well Strategic Plan for Mental Health’. Take the survey HERE.   

Homelessness Reform

The Department of Family and Community Services has a Discussion Paper on better addressing homelessness for public comment, aiming at a stronger focus on preventing homelessness, with collective action across all levels of government, non-government sectors and the community. Census data showed homelessness increased by 20 per cent in the five years from 2006, with 28,192 people identified in 2011. Comment due Friday 14 October HERE.  

Old Smartphones

Donate your unwanted working smartphone to Able Australia’s Ablelink program, which connects Braille machines to smartphones to help people with deafblindness stay socially connected and communicate with family and friends. Information HERE, and download a free reply paid postage label HERE.  

Grandparent Of The Year

Grandparents Day on 30 October celebrates the contribution grandparents and older people make to families and communities, and each MP can nominate a grandparent for an award to help recognise this contribution. If you know someone who is deserving of this recognition, please let me know by Wednesday 12 October.

Information: www.grandparentsday.nsw.gov.au.   

Honour Award

I was very proud to be part of the NSW Parliamentary LGBTI Cross Party Working Group given the joint President’s Award at this year’s NSW annual LGBTI community service Honour Awards. MPs from across the political spectrum have been working together for community outcomes and includes Liberal MP Bruce Notley-Smith, Labor MLC Penny Sharpe, The Greens MP Jenny Leong, Nationals Legislative Council Deputy President Trevor Khan and myself. Winners of the 2016 Honour Awards HERE.