29 February 2016

Historic 78ers Apology, Powerhouse Future Debated, Night Road Works, IMAX Too Much, Clean Up Woollahra and IQ2 Trans* Debate

Historic 78ers Apology 

Last Thursday I joined colleagues from all sides to apologise on behalf of the NSW Parliament for the police brutality that ended a peaceful rally for LGBTI equality in June 1978. Fifty seven were arrested and publication of their names and addresses in the Sydney Morning Herald led to job losses and exclusion from family. I thanked the ‘78ers’ for using the trauma as well as the positivity from the rally to advance fairness and acceptance, which continues to inspire my work as an advocate. Read the debate HERE. 

Powerhouse Future Debated 

With over 10,000 signing the petition to save the Powerhouse Museum, Parliament debated the decision to dismantle the museum, flog the land off for development and move some of the collection to western Sydney. Debate exposed that the government has no plan, no funding and has done no assessment or consultation.

Western Sydney needs a unique cultural institution based on its history, culture and creativity, developed through consultation. I will continue working with the community campaign to overturn the decision. Read the debate HERE.

Night Road Works

RMS road work rules force noisy excavation in the inner city to be done at night and I’ve heard from numerous constituents about the impacts on amenity when jackhammering and noisy machinery is working throughout the night, following by building construction during the day. I’ve asked the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight to review the manual to take resident impacts into account and coordinate work between agencies like NBN, Sydney Water, Ausgrid and road upgrade works. My letter is HERE.

IMAX Development

My submission on the IMAX building redevelopment raises very serious impact on public space and neighbours, and will result in gross overdevelopment of Darling Harbour. I’ve opposed the proposal in its current form, my letter is HERE. 

Clean Up Woollahra & Neighbour Day

Queen Street West Woollahra Association and Holdsworth Community Centre are calling volunteers to help clean up the public domain from 10.30am Sunday 6 March, followed by a sausage sizzle lunch at noon. Details HERE.   

IQ2 Trans* Debate

The Ethics Centre’s Thursday 3 March IQ2 debate is about recognising trans* identities. Information and tickets HERE. The Carmen Rupe Memorial Trust’s Kelly Glanney has a safe Facebook forum for the trans* and gender diverse community in the lead up to the debate, HERE. 

There are four debates in 2016, and you can subscribe to hear about future IQ2 debates and buy an annual ticket: www.iq2oz.com.  

Have a great week