Yasmin's work experience
In late November we hosted Yasmin, a local high school student, for her year 10 work experience. We are very happy to host work experience students – giving valuable experience in politics to young people – the next generation. It was a pleasure to discuss politics with her and we'd welcome another student in 2024.
My work experience week with Nicolette and her Chief of Staff, Carey, was an invaluable opportunity that exceeded my expectations in every way. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but from day one I was warmly welcomed and provided with an engaging and exciting schedule for the week, that not only incorporated my own personal interests, but was also flexible. I was introduced to aspects of the political world that I hadn’t considered, particularly money and donations in parliament. I had many insightful conversations about integrity in politics, the levels of government, and climate action around the world.
On top of gaining a range of valuable information, my own insights were made to feel valued and appreciated throughout the week. I was also given a research project, that was of interest to me, allowing me to research and discover new information about the topic. I was given plenty of support and advice in completing the task and left with exciting new knowledge and significantly improved research skills. I spent the week in a welcoming, comfortable and enthusiastic environment. Nicolette and Carey are genuinely enthusiastic about pressing issues in our community particularly real climate action and integrity in politics. I thoroughly enjoyed my week and walked away with an expanded view on the world of politics.
Bradfield – housing proposals
The NSW State Government sprang extensive housing proposals on NSW shortly before Christmas. If implemented, they will have destructive consequences for the flora, fauna and heritage throughout NSW. I am deeply concerned by the absence of consultation.
The rezoning and the ‘Transport Oriented Development’ (TOD) introduce a blanket 6 to 7 storey height rule dealing with construction 400m from selected train stations, most relevantly, Gordon, Killara, Lindfield, and Roseville. Councils may provide a submission to the state government on their community’s behalf, but no direct public consultation has been allowed – I find this approach far from leading practice.
The proposed changes to create low- and mid- rise housing deal with land 400m and 800m from stations and shops. This will most likely include St Ives and other shopping areas. Outside those areas, dual occupancies may be allowed.
I encourage you to find out about these proposals and the impact they may have. For example, I was dismayed to learn that up to 40,000 trees and habitat for flora and fauna could be lost in four suburbs alone. Not to mention the disastrous impacts on efforts to reach net zero emissions within 25 years or preserve our modern cultural heritage.
You can read my public statement here.
Housing stock, affordability and sustainability are nation-wide critical issues. The solutions must be well designed to meet the needs of Australians now and into the future, considering taxes, transport and climate.
Alan Kohler contributes to the debate in his essay: The Great Divide – Australia’s housing mess and how to fix it. It is well worth reading.
You can learn more about the proposals and make a submission to the NSW Government here (closes Friday 23 February).
Independents delivered in 2023
2023 was a year for Independents to tackle the issues that the parties would not, or could not. From gambling, sugar and junk foods, publicising the adverse health effects of proposed fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, strong climate action, lobbying, political donations, transparency, protecting the environment, electoral reform, best practice public appointments, and so on…
By way of example, Zali Stegall’s (MP Warringah) extensive track record includes enabling preservation of North and Middle Head Sanctuaries, stopping the PEP-11 and any future offshore gas and petroleum drilling off the beaches, introducing the Climate Change Bill, introducing ‘Stop the Lies’ Bill, opposing public money being used to fund the fossil fuel industry by moving amendments to several bills, instigating an Auditor-General audit into a government program which supports gas-fired generation and driving the new prohibition of sexual harassment in all public life.
Independents are accountable to their constituents, not their party leaders, so they can genuinely represent their community in Parliament. This benefits their communities as well as the nation.
Lobbying and transparency
In November last year, Dr Monique Ryan (MP Kooyong) introduced the #CleanUpPoliticsAct to improve transparency and honesty in dealings between lobbyists and government representatives. The Senate voted in favour of ACT Independent Senator David Pocock's motion for an inquiry into access to the Australian Parliament House by lobbyists and the adequacy of current transparency arrangements relating to the Lobbyist Register. The Senate Finance and Public Administration Reference Committee will report by 30 April 2024.
As at the time of preparing this BOELE-tin edition, there were 15 submissions made publicly available. They provide sobering information on the consequences of the current opaqueness of the system and make a cogent case for reform. All are worth reading. Some points are:
- INCOMPREHENSIVE: The current Lobbyist Register only applies to those who engage in lobbying on behalf of third-party clients – not in-house lobbyists for corporations or peak bodies.
- OPAQUE: At least 1,791 orange sponsored passes have been issued which allow the holder full access to the non-public areas of Parliament House.
- INEQUITABLE: There is an imbalance of access (according to Prof Anne Twomey in discussing the relevant High Court case) which is counter to the Constitution’s underlying principle that the rights of individuals are secured by ‘ensuring each an equal share in political power’.
The submissions call for several measures that would enable more scrutiny by the public, including a more comprehensive Lobbyist Register and adequate disclosure of lobbying activity. I made a submission, which I will be able to release only when the Committee has advised me that it has been accepted and published.
New Vehicle Efficiency Standard
New cars in Australia use 20% more fuel than those in the US. But the Federal Government will introduce a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, to cut fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and overall running costs of private vehicles.
Once operational, the Standard would apply to dealers of new cars. Dealers will have a cap on the average emissions of all the new cars they sell each year. The Standard will not apply to existing vehicles.
The Government is seeking public input on three proposed options:
- Option A - very modest reforms
- Option B - "balancing ambition and achievability” - the Government’s preferred approach
- Option C - a much more ambitious approach - the Smart Energy Council prefers this position to meet and beat the United States’ standard by 2026.
This paper is available on the consultation page New Vehicle Efficiency Standard—Cleaner and Cheaper to run Cars for Australia.
You can make a submission here. Submissions close at 11.59pm on 4 March 2024. The Standard will come into force on 1 January 2025.
Tax, tax, tax
Tax has been in the news lately, with the Stage 3 tax reforms – hopefully – triggering a much-needed discussion on holistic tax reform.
Tax plays many roles in the economy including raising revenue to fund essential services and sending pricing signals to business and consumers incentivising desirable activities and dissuade undesirable ones - for example, imposing a tax on sugary drinks to reduce unhealthy consumption.
The Henry Review was published in 2010 as a comprehensive review of Australia’s taxation and transfer payments system over a 40 year planning horizon. Nearly all the 138 recommendations remain relevant for today, alas the proposed reforms are not currently in place.
The Australian economy faces significant modern challenges, and our taxation system is not up for the job. The current tax configuration increases inequality, including intergenerational inequality.
Unfortunately, tax reform is politically difficult. Successful reform requires focus on the long-term national interest, strong leadership and the ability to construct, and sell, a compelling argument for reform.
It is time to revisit our national tax system and undertake a holistic system review, preferably by updating the good work of the Henry Tax Review.
What's next - after the Referendum?
After last year’s referendum outcome, many people were in contact to find out how they can stay involved in awareness raising and support for First People’s recognition and self-determination.
Recently I was introduced to Taldumande Youth Services, based in Crows Nest. Taldumande is an aboriginal word meaning “place of refuge”. It is a small but mighty organisation providing homeless young people a safe place to live, heartfelt care, access to health services, continued schooling and, if possible, it gets them back to their families.
Homeless youth is not ‘us’ and ‘them’. It is ‘us’. Our community, our village, our mob.
Due to funding constraints, Taldumande turns away 30% of young people (aged 12 – 25 years) who need their help, leaving them homeless.
Taldumande is raising much needed funds by hosting a Taldumande Family dinner on 21 March 2024, at The Ivy - coming together to keep families together.
It would be great if you could join us – a single ticket or a table would be amazing. If you can’t attend and would like to financially donate or have a prize for the auction, that would be greatly appreciated. Businesses who donate items or experiences will be featured on the website and socials as well as promoted throughout the evening's event. Here is a link for more information:- The Taldumande Family Gala Dinner
Thanks for your generosity and help.
