South Sea Islanders, Local Government Review, Vote4Love, Diversity & Doctors for Refugees, Paddington Comes to Life and Fair Food Week

Parliament supported my motion recognising the inhumane treatment of Australian South Sea Islanders who were blackbirded to Australia 150 years ago to work on sugar farms where they were exploited and who suffered from mass deportations under the White Australia Policy. The House supported my call for action to remove disadvantage among descendants and the Minister will meet with community leaders. The motion & debate is HERE

Councils across NSW are concerned that overlapping government studies, reviews and laws affecting local government including the Samson Review, Local Government Taskforce, the Planning White Paper and Metropolitan Strategy are not being coordinated. In Parliament, I asked for a whole-of-government oversight body but the Minister said communication between various offices is adequate. My Question is HERE

Last week I joined marriage equality advocates, Senator Louise Pratt, and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young to launch the #Vote4Love campaign. You can find out where all federal election candidates stand on marriage equality HERE

In Parliament, I put on record the inspiring work of Diversity Australia and Doctors for Refugees. My Community Recognition Statement acknowledging their passion for justice is HERE  There’s a rally in support of refugees Saturday 24 August, 1pm at Sydney Town Hall. Information HERE

August is a busy month in Paddington, with the monthly Paddington Market, details HERE , the KulchaFest festival of music, art, fashion and food, details HERE   and the Reelise anti-bullying film festival – details HERE

Have a great week

Alex Greenwich MP
Independent Member for Sydney

PS. There are a range of events about food from paddock to plate during Fair Food Week 19-26 August. More Information: HERE