Monday 19 March 2018

New South Wales has over 94,000 electronic gaming machines and up to 75 per cent of the money going into these machines comes from moderate risk and problem gamblers. This has led to disastrous social costs including financial ruin, homelessness and broken families.

(Bills - Second Reading Debate, 13 March 2018, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

Problem gambling can have serious community impacts with disastrous costs for those affected including lost homes and jobs, financial ruin and broken families.

The 2010 Productivity Commission Report on Gambling found that between 80,000 and 160,000 Australian adults suffer from a significant gambling problem and a further 230,000 to 350,000 are vulnerable. It estimated that problem gamblers account for 22 to 60 per cent of gaming machine spending, which increases to 42 to 75 per cent when combined with use by moderate risk gamblers.

Tuesday 13 March 2018

I am concerned that the government’s new laws to enable Revenue NSW to use its extensive powers, including to garnish a debtor’s account, to collect debts on behalf of councils and government agencies could cause some people hardship.

(Bills - Second Reading Debate, 7 March 2018, Legislative Assembly, NSW Parliament)

The State Debt Recovery Bill allows a government agency or a local council to enter into an agreement with the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue so that Revenue NSW can recover debts on the agency’s behalf. Revenue NSW will be able to use its existing powers to garnishee wages, seize property and place a charge on land, as well as new powers under the bill to suspend some state issued occupational licences.

Monday 5 March 2018

The Minister for Finance, Services and Property’s December response to my questions about protection of personal information held by government agencies states that the government is working to meet current cyber security challenges. Information HERE. However the NSW Auditor General has raised concerns about State agencies’ protection of personal information, reporting no whole‑of‑government capability, very limited sharing of incident information amongst agencies and some agencies have poor detection and response practices and procedures. The report is HERE.

Tuesday 27 February 2018

The Minister for Correction’s response to my questions about providing computers in prison cells shows progress in prisoners being able to access counselling and education, vital to rehabilitation and re-integration into the community. The Offender Digital Services Program Blueprint has measures to prevent misuse and will give prisoners access to education, legal resources and prison programs. My questions are HERE. 

Tuesday 27 February 2018

The Legislative Council Inquiry into The Music and arts economy in NSW is open for submissions about the Night-Time Economy Roundtable Action Plan as well as support for music and arts culture, venue spaces, reducing red tape and funding options. Closes 28 February, see HERE.

Monday 19 February 2018

Renters who haven’t signed a lease with a landlord but have an informal agreement with another tenant are not covered by tenancy laws and have few rights: they can be evicted without notice and refused bond for no reason, and can’t access the tribunal for recourse. The government has been reviewing tenancy laws and in Parliament I asked the Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation to introduce protections. While his response acknowledged a gap, he said the government would monitor the situation and complaints. My question is HERE.

Redfern Legal Centre Tenants’ Advice Service, 9698 5975 or the Tenants’ Union, 1800 251 101 can advise renters.

Monday 19 February 2018

Redfern Legal Centre finishes celebrating 40 years with a Comedy Night on Thursday 8 March 7.30-9.30 pm at the Giant Dwarf Theatre 199 Cleveland Street Redfern. You can also buy a commemorative tea towel or t-shirt. All funds help Redfern Legal Centre provide free legal advice and advocacy for vulnerable people. Details HERE.