Recent research shows that while the Coalition has been focused on their own future, Community Independents have been focused on the future of Australians. A study by think tank Amplify found that Community Independents dedicate more time than any other senators and MPs on genuine policy work, rather than political point-scoring or poor behaviour.
My team and I were delighted to take out the top spot for the most time spent on policy. What has become clearer than ever over this term is the vital role of a strong crossbench in both holding the government to account and introducing fresh ideas.
Parliamentary Wrap Up
Israeli President Herzog’s visit to Australia
Last week, I made the decision not to attend Question Time while the Israeli President was in Parliament House. I could not condone the invitation for a foreign head of state, who has been found to have incited the commission of genocide by the United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry, to visit our national Parliament.
Sadly, this visit clearly deepened divisions in our community at a time when the Government’s priority should have been fostering healing, safety and social cohesion here. Watch my interview on Afternoon Briefing.
I have also written to NSW Premier Chris Minns, calling on him to apologise to the people of Sydney and NSW for the excessive force used by police at the Town Hall demonstration. The actions of police that day stemmed directly from the decisions of Premier Minns to extend restrictions on peaceful protests and expand police powers. Peaceful protest and freedom of political expression are fundamental pillars of a healthy democracy. Many constituents have written to me of their shock and horror at what they both witnessed and experienced that day.
Calling to extend Commonwealth Prac Payment Scheme
Last week, I again joined other Independents in calling for an expansion of the Prac Payment Scheme to include allied health and medical students. Long, mandatory practical placements are putting students under intense financial pressure, causing too many to drop out or burn out. No student should have to choose between finishing their degree and paying the rent.
There is a real shortage of these health professionals across the country, so if we want a strong healthcare workforce, we must properly support the people training to deliver it. If you support this call, please sign the petition here.
Supporting the Fix Our Feeds campaign
We’ve long passed the point where social media is just a place to connect. Today’s hyper-targeted algorithms are engineered to addict and generate outrage – often by pushing harmful content – all in the name of profits for tech billionaires.
On Internet Safety Day, I called on the Government to back the Fix Our Feeds campaign, led by Chanel Contos at Teach Us Consent. Australians deserve to be able to curate their own social media feeds and have the choice to switch off harmful algorithms. We cannot underestimate the damage these social algorithms are doing to both our social cohesion and the mental health of individuals. We have the technology to fix this; we now need the political courage to bring it in.
Pushing for a ban on junk food advertising
Off the back of my Healthy Kids Advertising Bill, the Government commissioned a feasibility study into restricting unhealthy food marketing to children on TV, radio and online. But it has been sitting with the department for months without a response. I used my recent adjournment debate to put this issue firmly back on their agenda.
The evidence is overwhelming, and parents are fed up with corporations targeting children with marketing that harms their health. If we’re serious about tackling Australia’s obesity crisis, prevention must start early. It’s time to release the study and move from consultation to action.
Is it time to introduce a Polluters Pay Levy?
This summer, Australia has endured record-breaking heatwaves, fires and floods — a brutal reminder that we are already feeling the impacts of climate change. In Mackellar, we felt it firsthand, with torrential rain triggering flooding in Narrabeen and Newport, and a landslide at Mackerel Beach, where coastal erosion also threatens homes and has cut off access to some of them.
These disasters aren’t one-off events; they’re becoming more frequent and more expensive for communities to rebuild from. With housing becoming increasingly expensive to insure, individuals and councils should not be left carrying the cost alone.
Last Parliament, it was interesting to meet with The Superpower Institute, headed up by Rod Sims and Ross Garnaut. The Institute is calling for a polluter-pays levy so fossil fuel companies help fund the cost of recovery and resilience.
Northern Beaches Hospital Update
Since the announcement by the NSW Government last month that a planned Surgery Hub will be established at Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) to perform day surgeries on people from out of area to reduce public elective surgery waitlists in the state, I have sought assurance from the NSW Health Minister that these additional surgeries will not impact Northern Beaches residents’ priority access to care at their local hospital.
I have been informed that these day surgeries will be performed when there is spare capacity at NBH, ensuring locals remain the priority. I will hold the NSW Government to this commitment. A taskforce that includes theatre nurses and surgeons will be set up to consult on and plan for the Surgery Hub.
As NSW Health continues to transition NBH to full public management from 1 May this year, I continue to work closely with clinicians, nurses, the AMA, and both the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to ensure the continuity and enhancement of high-quality, accessible public and private services for our community throughout and beyond the transition.
Out and about in Mackellar
When not in Canberra, I’ve enjoyed attending a whole range of community events. From Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremonies, to racing with the Collaroy Swim Club and visiting the many fabulous volunteers at the Collaroy Turtles Water Safety Swim Program.
It was a joy as always to attend the Special Olympics Awards lunch, as it was the special roast dinner with all the kids and team at the Bush to Beach program at South Narrabeen Surf Life Saving Club. This programme rewards First Nations kids from Brewarrina for good school attendance throughout the year and gives them an opportunity to visit the Northern Beaches and have a whole lot of fun including learning to surf and snorkel. Thank you, Jack Cannons and the team from Bush to Beach, for this big-hearted event.
The Member for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, and I visited Great Mackerel Beach to hear from residents following the recent landslide and flooding. The community there needs support from all levels of government to address the many issues raised. I was also delighted to help open the new Learning Hub at Covenant Christian School and of course spend time at the Warriewood organic markets hearing directly from locals about what matters to you.
When I'm out and about, I always marvel at what a generous and supportive community we live in.
Grants
2026 Federal Volunteer Grants are now open. To find out how to apply join our Zoom briefing Wednesday 25 February at 6.30pm. Email [email protected] to register for the Zoom.
Applications for Local Para Champions and Local Sporting Champions Grants are currently open. These grants provide financial assistance to athletes towards costs associated with participating in eligible sports.
2026 Seniors Guide Available Soon
Contact [email protected] to request your free digital or physical copy.
Have your say
- Fair Work Amendment (Right to Work from Home) Bill 2025 – Parliament of Australia – closes 26 February
- Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Bill 2025 and a related bill – Parliament of Australia – closes 26 February
- Inquiry into the relationship between domestic, family and sexual violence and suicide – Parliament of Australia – closes 13 March
Constituent wins
✔️ Supported a Narrabeen constituent in having their aged pension reinstated after it had been suspended, ensuring their income support was promptly restored.
✔️ Assisted an Ingleside constituent with a spinal cord injury to secure access to the NDIS, helping them obtain essential supports.
✔️ Advocated for the repair of a Telstra mobile tower in Newport following significant storm damage, ensuring that the mobile coverage for the impacted community was restored as quickly as possible.
✔️ Helped a constituent resolve a longstanding child support matter, bringing closure to an issue that had remained unresolved for 12 years.