There’s a great deal going on in both international and domestic politics.
Here in Australia the Government recently announced Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction target at 62-70 per cent. The science tells us clearly that this isn’t enough to keep Australians safe from the escalating and dangerous weather events as outlined in the Climate Risk Assessment, and it falls short of unlocking the full economic opportunities of the clean energy transition. With the Coalition threatening to abandon a climate target altogether, it will be up to those of us on the crossbench to continue the push to hit the top of that range.
For those interested, you can read my full statement on the 2035 target.
It's been a busy month. Read on to see what else I have been working on.
Making E-bikes safer for everyone:
E-bikes are a great form of clean, affordable transport and have revolutionised the way we move around, especially here on the Northern Beaches. But the technology has raced ahead of regulation, leading to widespread concerns for the safety of riders, pedestrians and drivers.
In August, I held an e-bike safety community forum alongside the State Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby, police, representatives from We Ride Australia, bike retailers, medical experts and youth representatives. It's clear that this issue requires all levels of government to come together to address serious safety and regulatory concerns.
In response, I introduced my Safer E-bike Bill 2025 to Parliament, which addresses an importation loophole where e-bikes do not have to meet any minimum quality or safety standards. This has meant that many imported e-bikes can be easily unlocked to be ridden (illegally) like a motorcycle with no pedalling required. If passed, my Bill would ensure e-bikes imported into Australia meet global best practice standards. I am also working with local State MPs and police to ensure more is done to make e-bike use safe for everyone - riders, pedestrians and drivers.
Independents secure aged care packages:
In June, Independent Members and Senators raised the alarm that delaying the Government’s aged care reforms would leave 80,000 people stranded on the waitlist for in-home support. After sustained pressure from the crossbench, the Government agreed and announced 20,000 new Home Care Packages. This is an enormous win and a reminder of the real impact the crossbench can have. I want to commend Independents Helen Haines and David Pocock for leading this push.
A healthy population is a productive population:
In August, the Government held the Economic Reform Roundtable which brought together some of our nation's top academics, business leaders, economists and unions to shape Australia's future and tackle tricky economic issues from productivity stagnation to growing intergenerational inequality.
As a former GP, I understand that a healthy population is a productive population. Currently Australia only invests 2 per cent of our health budget into preventative health, far less than like-minded countries such as the UK at 5-6 per cent and Canada at 7-8 per cent. Nearly 40 per cent of the disease burden in Australia is entirely preventable. We need to be doing a lot more both for the wellbeing of Australians and to boost productivity which is why my submission to the roundtable called for a greater investment into preventative healthcare.
Since then, the Productivity Commission has recommended establishing a National Prevention Investment Framework to invest in prevention programs that improve outcomes and reduce demand for future acute care services, which I fully support. You can read my full submission.
Speeches in Parliament:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Question to the Treasurer calling to release the Briggs Report |
|
With Parliament to sit again next week, there are several critical issues up for debate. My focus areas will include:
-
Reforms to our federal nature protection laws (EPBC Act)
- The critical need for the director of the new Environment Protection Australia agency to be independently appointed to build greater trust and confidence in the body’s decisions.
- Strongly pushing for an end to native forest logging.
-
Freedom of information laws (FOI) amendments
- Strong FOI laws are essential to ensuring the accountability of government and their decisions. I will be introducing amendments to ensure that new FOI laws are not weakened.
-
The establishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Control
- The need for the Director-General to be independently appointed to avoid what we are witnessing in the US where appointments by the minister are highly politicised.
- Greater protections of intellectual property from generative AI for creative artists
Recent letters to Ministers:
Crossbench won't reward secrecy in Freedom of Information Bill
Letter to Planning Minister and Premier on Opposition to the Patyegarang Redevelopment Proposal
Northern Beaches Domestic Violence Network Conference
The conference last month shone a light on the essential resources and support our frontline services need to keep our community safe.
I will be focused on the following priorities:
- Better responses and resources for young people experiencing family violence. Young people are not merely bystanders to abuse - their voices must be heard, and they need tailored, effective support.
- The need for more crisis and transitional housing, and to reform the Start Safely program’s rental subsidy benchmarks to reflect Northern Beaches housing.
Transition team deployed at Northern Beaches Hospital
We're a big step closer to the end of the public-private partnership at Northern Beaches Hospital. NSW Health has been working alongside staff at the hospital to report back to the NSW Government on a transition plan from the public-private partnership with Healthscope. This marks a new era for the hospital whereby public hospital services will be returned to public management and mandatory safe staff to patient ratios introduced in line with all other public hospitals in NSW. Key to this transition is the continued provision of private healthcare services that cater for a large proportion of the Northern Beaches community.
Progress update for Mona Vale Road
The upgrade of Mona Vale Road between Terrey Hills and Ingleside is moving ahead, after funding secured from both the NSW and Federal Government. From late September until February 2026, geotechnical and biodiversity studies will be carried out between McCarrs Creek Road and Powderworks Road. This is an important step towards delivering a safer, more reliable commute across the Northern Beaches.
Lizard Rock (Patyegarang) update
As we await the NSW Planning Minister’s decision on the development proposal, I have reiterated to the Premier and Minister, the community opposition to the proposal due to biodiversity and environmental losses. I have also reiterated warnings by the Rural Fire Service about bushfire evacuation challenges due to the site’s location and road network. I believe there is a solution that fairly and respectfully compensates the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, as landowners, and ensures the conservation of this land for future generations.
Sydney Academy of Sport Track Update
Great news! Work will begin on the Sydney Academy of Sport track in the last quarter of this year. The new track surface will be laid early next year, with works due to be completed by Q3 2026. Access to the track and site will be unavailable once construction starts.
I’ve been fortunate to join so many wonderful recent events that highlight the spirit of Mackellar. From timely discussions at a Bookoccino event with Marian Wilkinson, to honouring our veterans at the Vietnam memorial services in Palm Beach, Narrabeen and Manly.
I’ve also enjoyed connecting with community groups and volunteers; celebrating the incredible efforts of our RFS brigades, surf lifesaving clubs and SES members.
It’s been a busy month of sport too, with award nights for the Manly Warringah Football Association and Manly Sea Eagles. I've also participated in local events from the Gotcha4Life 24-hour Row for mental fitness and the annual Beach2Beach Fun Run.
We really do live in one of the best parts of the world. I am consistently reminded of the extraordinary dedication, service and spirit of our Northern Beaches community.
Much needed NDIS support secured:
A grandmother contacted our office after her granddaughter was refused NDIS funding, placing her at risk of homelessness. My team provided advice on the next steps for advocating for appropriate funding.
She shared this note of thanks;
“Thank you with all my heart for your warm understanding of our present difficulties with the NDIS. I immediately felt more hopeful just hearing your voice and your kind words of encouragement. Thank you for giving me so much wonderful information and expert guidance in how to proceed in this next stage of our advocacy for our granddaughter.”
Swift visa assistance:
A constituent recently reached out to our office with only one day to secure a travel visa to attend her brother’s wedding. She faced the prospect of travelling without her fiancé, whose visa was still pending. The team advocated with the Department of Immigration, and within an hour the visa was granted. The constituent later described our office’s support as a memorable act of kindness and public service.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges with federal services - whether it’s Centrelink, Home Affairs, NDIS or Aged Care, my team and I are here to help.
Local Sporting Champions and Local Para Champions grants for coaches, officials and competitors, to assist with the cost of competing in state, national and international championships. Applications for Rounds 2 of 2025/26 will close 31 October 2025.
- Local Sporting Champions - for ages 12 to 18 to apply for grants between $500 and $750. Find our more and apply for a grant.
- Local Para Champions - for ages 12 to 24 and grants between $750 and $1,000 for athletes with a disability. Find out more and apply for a grant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As always, it's an honour to represent our wonderful community.
If you have insights, ideas, or concerns you'd like me to raise in Parliament, please write to me via [email protected]
See you out and about!