SPEECHES
Economic & Fiscal Update: Response Turns to Recovery
The last 12 months have been up there with the toughest ever.
First, came drought – the worst in a century – with dams depleted and regional communities on the brink.
We deployed our financial strength, with more than $2 billion in relief and assistance.
Community Recognition Statement – Epping Rotary
I recently attended a dinner meeting held at the Epping Club for Epping Rotary. I was hosted by past president Bruce Jacob, as well as Peter Saez and David Taylor from the Epping Club. We were...
The challenges before us: Federal Financial Relations Review Forum
My speech delivered to the NSW Review of Federal Financial Relations: OVER the course of today you’re going to hear about all of the major economic and fiscal challenges that lie ahead. The...
Condolence Motion for those impacted by the tragic bush fires
The bush fires have caused untold devastation across NSW. This week I had the opportunity to speak in Parliament about the impact on so many people across our State and also to honour the work and...
Community Recognition Statement – Epping Public School Upgrade
Last week, I attended the official opening of the Stage 1 Upgrade to Epping Public School with the Premier and the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning. I was pleased to be able to...
2020 Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Storey Park
Welcoming people who become Australian citizens is one of the privileges and joys of my role as an MP. This year I attended Hornsby Council's Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony at Storey Park...
Speech to Australian British Chamber of Commerce – Global NSW
Last time I was here was about 18 months ago. Or as we say in Australia - that’s about one prime-minister-ago That also applies to the UK where they’ve had a change of leader recently. I actually...
NSW Parliament: Tribute to the Children’s Bookshop Beecroft
The Children’s Bookshop in Beecroft will be familiar to any resident in Beecroft and Cheltenham as a local institution. Established in 1971, it is the oldest specialist children’s bookshop in NSW....
NSW Economic Blueprint charts trillion dollar future for NSW
There has never been a better time to live in NSW - to work in NSW - and to invest in NSW. While there’s no denying that we are here in a time of economic uncertainty. The signs are everywhere. Last...
Community Recognition Statement – Beecroft and Cherrybrook Firefighters
This fire season has been one of the most devastating on record. Six people have lost their lives, 760 properties have been destroyed and fire has burnt through over 1.65 million hectares. Many...
Community Recognition Statement – Cheltenham Girls’ High School
Cheltenham Girls’ High School has been servicing the Beecroft/Cheltenham area since 1957. The school is known for its great staff and positive learning environment. I was recently invited to the...
Community Recognition Statement – Remembrance Day 2019
On Remembrance Day, Australia stops to remember the sacrifice of all of our brave soldiers and veterans in war, and to acknowledge the freedoms they fought for. Yesterday I attended the Remembrance...
Community Recognition Statement – 1st Cherrybrook Girl Guides
Girl Guides Australia is one of the fantastic organisations that keep our communities strong. And the 1st Cherrybrook Girl Guides in my electorate is a case in point. In their own words: “We provide...
Community Recognition Statement – Epping local business awards
In my electorate we are privileged to have some fantastic local businesses. I am a strong believer that local business is the lifeblood of any community and it is our responsibility as a Government...
Community Recognition Statement – Cherrybrook Deepavali festival
Today I want to pay tribute to the Cherrybrook Hindu community and in particular I would like wish all my constituents a happy and prosperous Deepavali. Deepavali (also known as Diwali, Divali or...
Community Recognition Statement – Epping Chamber of Commerce
Recently I was invited to speak at a special event organised by the Epping Chamber of Commerce titled ‘Epping: Today & Tomorrow’. It was good to meet with local businesses, community groups and...
Beecroft Primary School P&C secure My Community Project grant
Recently I announced the successful 'My Community Project' in Epping. Thanks to huge local community support, Beecroft Public School P&C has been awarded a grant of $180,000 for an all-weather...
Community Recognition Statement – Karonga School multi-sports court
Today I wish to pay tribute to one of the great schools in my electorate. Tucked away in the peaceful back streets of Epping is a unique and special school designed for unique and special students...
Community Recognition Statement – The Epping Sleep Out 2019
On Saturday 24 August, the second annual Epping Sleep Out took place in Boronia Park. The Epping Sleep Out aims to raise awareness about homelessness, and to raise funds to support local...
Speech on Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019
I rise to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves. Speaker, this is a challenging issue. There are passionate feelings involved - and deeply held personal beliefs. There are...
CIS – Foundations for reform in a time of political disruption
I want to begin with two pictures. The first is of today. We live in a golden age. Just 200 years ago, more than 9 in 10 people around the world lived in extreme poverty. Today it’s less than one in...