Mardi Gras Comes to Parliament, Local Government Comment, Disability Inclusion Plan, Homeless Support, and Pet Speed Dating

This year you are invited to join Mardi Gras celebrations at NSW Parliament. I am hosting the inaugural Mardi Gras comes to Parliament event, to be held on the 25th of February. It will be the "Tipping Point" fundraiser for Australian Marriage Equality and also for Mardi Gras Arts. The Hon Michael Kirby will deliver a key note address along with visiting New Zealand MP Louisa Wall, who I met when the NZ parliament passed her marriage equality legislation. For information and tickets click HERE.

The Local Government Review Panel and the Local Government Acts Taskforce have reported on proposals for local government changes, and community comment is open until 7 March 2014. The recommendations include amalgamating Botany Bay, Randwick, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra Councils in to one mega-Council.

The reviews propose keeping a separate Act for the City of Sydney, with changes to the non-resident electoral roll. Also proposed are ‘City Partnership Committees’ of all levels of government to carry out integrated planning and promote economic development, as in Adelaide. The reviews suggest a metropolitan councils’ organisation, similar to the South East Queensland Council of Mayors. Further details are HERE

Last night I participated in the City of Sydney Homeless Person Street count. This provides vital data that helps the city, government, and non-government agencies address homelessness in the inner city, further information is HERE. Today, I joined the NSW Attorney General at the launch of the Homeless Person Legal Service at the Mission Australian Centre. Details on the service are available HERE.

You can comment on the draft City of Sydney draft Inclusion (Disability) Action Plan 2014–2017 before 31 March HERE. It proposes key directions and priority actions to help people with a disability get around, access City information, participate in cultural and recreational activities and have their say on shaping the City’s future.

Animal Welfare League NSW holds its first-ever Pet Speed Dating at Customs House Square, Circular Quay on Valentine’s Day, Friday February 14 to match pets and people. If you are looking for a pet come along! Details HERE.

Have a great week

Alex Greenwich
Independent Member for Sydney

PS. Clover and I have limited spots left for our Mardi Gras Parade Entry. If you would like to join us click HERE asap.