LGBTI Global Activism, Our Parklands, Women at Work, Public Housing, City’s Homeless Support, Learn How To Lobby and Getting a Pet

Last week I represented Australia at the LGBTI Leaders conference in Denver Colorado. I learnt from delegates in countries like Russia and Uganda about reform campaigns in many different circumstances. Lessons from activists living under repressive regimes remind me of Australia’s tolerance and inclusion. To support the campaign for Russia’s LGBTI community click HERE. 

Centennial Parklands has a new Masterplan for the next 25 years. The new plan recognises the need for a sustainable future with massive population growth in adjacent areas. It proposes enhancing the park as a peaceful oasis with an outer park that provides ecological forest to buffer the city and traffic from the inner park. There are proposals to improve traffic and access including support for an Oxford Street cycleway and a focus on preserving trees. Review the new plan HERE

Women's labour force participation rate is 58.9 per cent compared with 71.8 per cent for men, because women often take on caring roles that break up their career and reduce financial security. In Parliament I called on all levels of government and employers to work together to support workplace flexibility to enable women and carers to thrive. My speech is HERE

You can nominate inspiring women to receive a 2014 Woman of the Year award HERE

In Parliament, I put on record my appreciation of the work of the City of Sydney Public Space Liaison Officers, who have no formal powers but negotiate with rough sleepers and street drinkers to prevent conflict with other residents and link them into support. This unique initiative helps deal with big city problems compassionately. My community recognition statement is HERE

Pets are for life and not suitable Christmas gifts. Unexpected responsibilities can lead some owners abandoning their pets and at this time of year, rescue groups are overwhelmed by unwanted kitten and puppy litters. If you are thinking of adopting a pet please use rescue organisations saving animals from death row. You can drop off gifts at my office for Give a Dog a Bone to support these groups now

This week the world mourns the death of Nelson Mandela whose life spent furthering the cause of social equality has influenced and inspired many around the world. My electorate office has a condolence book if you wish to record your tribute before 19 December. You can read US President Obama’s moving eulogy HERE. You can also pay your respects at Sydney Uniting Church, 264 Pitt Street Sydney who will hold a Memorial Service for Nelson Mandela this Friday 13 of December at 3pm.

The NSW social, public and affordable housing Committee is holding an Inquiry into social, public and affordable housing, including demand and supply, maintenance, funding and incentives for more low cost housing. Please make a submission raising your concerns and giving your suggestions by 28 February HERE.

Have a great week

Alex Greenwich MP
Independent Member for Sydney

PS. I’m running a free workshop for Laneway Learning ‘How to Lobby your MP’ on Wednesday 18 December. Register HERE