At the opening of the 48th term of Parliament, Aunty Violet Sheridan welcomed us to Country and encouraged all MPs and Senators to lead with “care, connection and community” front of mind. I loved this remark and will hold it close as I represent Mackellar for another 3 years.

We hit the ground running during the first couple of weeks back in Canberra. Student debt relief and urgent childcare reforms were top of the Government's agenda; I added setting the stage for a strong 2035 climate target and calling for greater action from our Government to push for a resolution in Gaza.

This term I'll continue to have both a local and long-term lens to my policy approach. This will include continuing to push for urgent climate action starting with a strong 2035 emissions reduction target, fixing our broken environment protection laws, and ensuring with have an independent national Environment Protection Authority; tax reform that boosts productivity, allows our small businesses to thrive and enhances intergenerational fairness.

I’ll continue to call for commonsense investment in the prevention of chronic disease to boost the health of our nation and save our budget bottom line. This will include protecting our children from harmful junk food and gambling advertising.

I will of course also continue to push for greater integrity in our political system.

PARLIAMENTARY UPDATE

Gaza:

Over a thousand of you have written to me of your horror at the ongoing deaths and starvation of children and civilians in Gaza – the most correspondence by far I have received on any issue. I share your distress.  

I used my first question in Parliament this term to ask the Prime Minister when Australia will take a stand and recognise Palestine as a state, as a clear step towards the 2-state solution and the only way to bring lasting peace and security to both Israeli and Palestinian people living in the region.

You can watch my question to the PM; read my statement and watch my ABC TV interview.  

Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) reforms:

An urgent bill to boost the safety of children in early education and care services passed both houses of parliament in this first sitting period. This means that the Federal Government will have the capacity to withdraw Commonwealth funding to centres that do not comply with safety and quality standards.  

I believe further changes also need to be implemented, including a national database for Working with Children Checks, and mandatory child safety training for all childcare staff. Most importantly, I will be calling for a ECEC Commission to be established to oversee the implementation of these necessary changes so parents can be confident their children are safe when they drop them off at childcare or preschool.

HECS relief welcome but more work to do: 

Last week, a bill to cut existing student HECS debt by 20% passed both houses. This outcome is due in large part to sustained pressure from the crossbench, and it's a welcome step forward for these younger generations trying to get ahead in a cost-of-living crisis. 

But while this once off debt relief is welcome it does not address the root cause of the problem and leaves current and future students facing financial pressures. A quality education should set you up for life, not leave you in long term debt. That’s why I joined other crossbench colleagues in a press conference to call for further meaningful reform; firstly to abolish Scott Morrison’s Job Ready Graduates' Scheme which has doubled the cost of some degrees, and to extend payments to all those undertaking mandatory practical placements, particularly in allied health. Watch my speech.

Climate action remains front and centre: 

Climate remains a top priority. The best thing we can do for our children is to provide a safe and stable climate. Our actions in the next decade to 2035 will be critical in mitigating the worst impacts of climate change and the extreme weather events it causes. 

Last week in Canberra, I joined the Climate Council, environmental groups, civil society leaders and my crossbench colleagues to call for a strong, science-based 2035 climate target. The business community and investors are also calling for greater long-term certainty as the lack of clear and consistent targets is a handbrake on productivity in our nation.   

I also: 

• Met with The People’s Delegation on the 2035 Climate Plan and heard personal stories about the toxic algal bloom in South Australia and flooding across the Pacific Islands.
• Attended a briefing with UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell on international efforts and Australia's opportunity to lead. 
• Met with the Australian Marine Conservation Society and PEW Trust about the Highseas Treaty, the Global Plastics Treaty and the 30 by 30 Global Biodiversity Framework (to protect and conserve 30% of both our marine and land area) focusing on what needs to be done to ensure that Australia not only joins and complies with these treaties but also leads internationally on these initiatives.  

MACKELLAR UPDATE

E-Bike community forum:

Pittwater State MP Jacqui Scruby and I are teaming up to host a community forum on e-bikes this month. The growing use of e-bikes is impacting many different sectors of our community - young people have a right to access transport and e-bikes have been liberating for them; pedestrians have a right to feel safe on our footpaths; and parents want to know that their kids are safe.    

There’ll be a panel discussion with key experts and Jacqui and I will update the forum on what we are calling for at the State and Federal levels of Government to keep pace with this evolving issue. Bring along your ideas and questions and we’ll do our best to address them. 

When: Thursday 21 August, 6:45pm

Where: Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club 
RSVP HERE

Home battery installations surge:

There has been an extraordinary surge in household battery installations since the 30% rebate came into place on 1 July. More than 11,500 systems have already been installed in just the first three weeks. I’m proud that this is a policy that I was calling to be implemented as a practical way to drive down household emissions, boost energy security and reduce the cost of electricity not only for the individual households but for all users of the electricity grid.

If you are considering making the switch to cleaner cheaper electricity, but are unsure how to proceed, then check out Go Solar Mackellar - an experienced group of local clean energy volunteers supporting others on their journey to cleaner, cheaper energy. You can register for one of their Kitchen Table Conversations to hear practical insights on next steps.  

Go Solar Mackellar have a meeting scheduled for 4 September at Collaroy, and 25 October at Forestville. Register now.

See here for more information on the Cheaper Home Batteries rebate.

Out and about in Mackellar:

I’ve been out in the community in recent weeks; listening, learning, and celebrating all the things that make Mackellar such a special place. From hosting roundtables in my office; on the NDIS legislation changes with local allied health providers and with men's mental health advocates in the community, to cheering on our local footy legends at Pittwater Tigers Sponsors Day and joining Surfers 4 Climate and MWP Care for a film screening and panel discussion.  

A recent highlight was the Mind Café fundraiser music evening. The cafe has become a place of belonging for everyone, promoting kindness and inclusion. They are currently in the process of becoming a charitable organisation. If you are looking for a great cup of coffee and friendly chat, or want to support what they do, please pop in and say hello. It’s always a privilege to connect with locals and be part of the incredible work happening across our electorate. 

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

Fast-tracked visa to visit family

A local constituent was facing technical delays with her Returning Resident Visa just days before she was due to travel to Germany to visit family. Our office worked quickly to resolve the issue, and the visa was granted within 24 hours. 

Supporting a child’s NDIS needs
A family from Dee Why contacted our office after 18 months of delays and errors with their child’s NDIS plan reassessment. Their 12-year-old son, who has complex needs, had been missing out on crucial therapies. Our office advocated directly to the NDIA and secured a significantly improved support package. His mum told us, “All that effort has paid off. We are so grateful for what you and Sophie did.” 

Urgent aged care support secured
Andrew from Frenchs Forest was deeply concerned about a gap in high-level care for his mother, Joye, whose Level 4 Home Care Package was set to expire months before her renewal. Without support, she faced entering respite care. Our office contacted My Aged Care, secured urgent interim funding for nursing and in-home support, and helped the family find a more suitable provider. Thanks to this support, Joye can now remain safely and comfortably in her own home.

If you or someone you know is facing challenges with federal services; whether it’s Centrelink, visas, NDIS, Aged Care, my team and I are here to help.

One last thing! The Economic Reform Roundtable is coming up (August 19 -21), and I know many of you are deeply engaged in the issues being discussed; from productivity and climate resilience to tax reform and housing. 

If you have insights, ideas, or concerns you'd like me to raise in Parliament on these issues, please write in to [email protected]

In the meantime, come say hi and let me know your ideas at the Warriewood Beaches Markets on August 15th. 

That’s it from me,  

Wishing you all the best, 

Sophie 

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