(Community Recognition Statement, Tuesday 4 May, Legislative Assembly NSW Parliament) 

On behalf of the Sydney electorate, I wish to congratulate Reverend Josephine 'Jo' Inkpin for her induction as Minister of Sydney's Pitt Street Uniting Church. In a first for Australia, Reverend Inkpin is the first openly trans person to be inducted into a mainstream church.

Pitt Street has a long history of progressive inclusive practice. Jo served the Anglican Church of Southern Queensland for four years before moving to the Uniting Church. She is lecturer in Church History, Senior Tutor at St Francis College and has served as the Co-Chair of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland's Reconciliation Action Plan Group. When I met with Jo and her wife Penny Jones, it was clear that both are passionate about inclusion in the Church and inspiring others to be welcoming and compassionate. I am sure Jo will continue to inspire and support the community in this new appointment. I commend Jo on her historic appointment to Pitt Street Uniting Church and look forward to working with her to support equality and acceptance, where I know she will continue to educate and challenge our ideas, understanding and knowledge.