The Sophie Times - Democracy belongs to all of us
Highlights:
• Mackellar People’s Jury on Housing
• My take on the energy debate
• Men’s Mental Health Roundtable
• Government walk back on promised environmental laws
• Vaping legislation changes
• Duty of Care Bill rejected
• Diabetes Inquiry recommendations
• Mackellar matters - community update
• Northern Beaches hospital audit
First up, thank you to everyone who joined the Town Hall event hosted by the Voices of Mackellar last weekend where the people of Mackellar were invited to ask me questions. We covered a lot of ground and I’d like to particularly thank Jeff McMullen for moderating the event so professionally.
Well, it has been a jammed packed several weeks since my last update. Energy and the environment topped the agenda in Canberra, as well as the cost of living and housing affordability.
My team and I have also hosted several significant events in the electorate in recent weeks including the Mackellar People's Jury on Housing and a roundtable on men’s mental health. My team and I are always looking for new ways to hear from the community.
The Mackellar People’s Jury on Housing
On 15 June, I hosted the Mackellar People’s Jury on Housing at Terrey Hills Miramare Gardens. Thirty randomly selected residents from across Mackellar came together to debate solutions to the complex problems of housing availability and affordability.
Participants heard from a diverse range of experts, then deliberated to come to a consensus on the Jury's top policy recommendations for me to weigh up. Watch here.
The final report and Jury recommendations will be released on Tuesday August 6. Register for the webinar.
You can also find out more about the deliberative democracy process and the independent not for profit group newDemocracy Foundation who partnered with me to host this project.
Canberra Matters
Energy debate
Energy affordability and reliability are paramount for households and businesses across Australia and are critical if we are to rebuild the manufacturing industry base here in Australia.
The Coalition’s nuclear power announcement consumed much of the national political debate last month. With climate change driving the need for a rapid energy transition both here and around the world – it is reasonable that all options for a non-fossil fuel energy future be on the table for consideration and comparison. My position is that technology is not political or ideological and each technology must be assessed on its merits and grounded on feasibility and facts.
As it currently stands – nuclear would be too little, too late and too expensive.
See my reasons why here.
Government has walked back on promised strengthening of environmental laws
In the face of the twin threats of climate change and continued deforestation, strengthening our national environment laws – the EPBC Act - is a national priority. The Albanese Government promised in December 2022 that it would fix the “broken” environmental laws, but it has now split the reforms into three stages, the main part of which has disappointingly been postponed, with no clear indication that it will be enacted prior to the next election.
Over the last sitting fortnight, the House of Reps debated Stage 2 of the reforms which established two bodies, Environment Protection Australia and Environment Information Australia. It is astounding that a national environment protection agency has not existed to date, so it is crucial that this regulatory agency be created.
However, I argued that the structure of this new body should maximise its independence and integrity so that the Australian public can trust it is making decisions that truly protect our environment without undue influence from strong vested interests. Working with the Centre for Public Integrity and environmental organisations I argued for an independent board to be established to sit above the EPA’s CEO to enhance accountability and transparency.
With the postponement of Stage 3 of the reforms, I also introduced further amendments to the Stage 2 reforms to strengthen protections for our native forests and bushlands from clearing and logging. These amendments will be taken up in the Senate for further debate.
Information on the Senate Inquiry into the Stage 2 EPBC Act reforms can be seen here.
Vaping legislation changes
It’s great news that new laws to end the importation and sale of single use vapes and e-cigarettes in Australia have finally passed. Our children in particular were being cynically targeted by those selling vapes with colourful packaging and lolly flavours, selling them from ‘convenience stores’ close to their schools and bus stops.
These single-use vapes were often laced with very high levels of nicotine, one of the most addictive substances in existence, despite labelling to the contrary. Not only was this causing serious behavioural and learning issues for many students but was creating a whole new generation of young people addicted to vaping and smoking. These laws are a major step forward in solving a serious public health problem.
Under the final legislation, e-cigarettes will still be available for purchase through pharmacies without a script and with a script if under the age of 18. Monitoring of this new system, particularly sales through pharmacies, will be key to ensuring the success of the program.
I strongly believe it should not be permissible for companies to prey upon our children for profit to the detriment of their health and wellbeing. See my speeches on this matter here and here.
Duty of care to protect our kids and grandkids rejected
You may recall from our Paddle Out earlier this year, I was backing Senator David Pocock’s Duty of Care Bill. During the last sitting week however, a Labor-led Senate Committee rejected a push to legislate the bill.
The bill was an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in long term political decision-making. It aimed to embed a consideration of the health and wellbeing of current and future children into the decision-making process for projects that had potential to make climate change worse.
We are facing multiple crises right now from a lack of affordable housing to climate change and environmental degradation. Short-termism is at the root of these crises. As a GP I understood the duty of care I had to my patients. Government too should have a duty to protect our children and the generations to come.
Regardless of the Senate’s recommendation, the campaign continues. Follow the Duty of Care campaign to keep up to date.
Why my healthy kids bill is more important than ever
With one quarter of all children and two-thirds of adults above the healthy weight range, obesity and type 2 diabetes have become societal problems requiring a societal response. That’s why last week, I called for the Albanese Government to immediately act on the recommendations in this landmark report into diabetes by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport.
- Implementing a levy on sugar-sweetened beverages, graduated according to sugar content. This will encourage manufacturers to reformulate their products and lower their liability, delivering benefits to consumers.
- Restrict marketing and advertising of unhealthy food to children on all platforms including online and gaming platforms.
As a GP I saw the impact that diabetes has on patients. That’s why I moved my Healthy Kids Advertising Bill in June 2023. This is not radical. Some 40 countries have done it. It is time for Australia to stand up to the powerful soft drink and junk food industry.
Mackellar Matters
Northern Beaches hospital audit
I receive a lot of correspondence from constituents about Northern Beaches Hospital, and so I recently met with the NSW Minister for Health to pass on this feedback. After advocating for a performance audit into the Northern Beaches Hospital I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with the NSW Auditor-General to provide input regarding the audit’s scope of inquiry. It is crucial this is a thorough inquiry.
I also met with representatives from Healthscope and will keep advocating to ensure residents of the Northern Beaches receive top quality public health care despite having the only hospital in NSW to be run under a public-private partnership arrangement.
Mens's Mental Health Roundtable
8.6 Australians die every day by suicide. That’s more than double the road toll (ABS, 2022). 75% of those who take their own life are male. It’s no different here on the Northern Beaches.
So, thank you to the many local community groups who took part in our Men’s Mental Health Roundtable. But even more, thank you because I know the vast majority of these community groups are run by volunteers.
I held the roundtable because I wanted to hear from people on the ground in our community about what the issues men here are facing and what the solutions could be.
Blokes, if you are feeling lonely or doing it tough right now - here are some groups who are ready and waiting to support you:
• Lifeline Northern Beaches
• Mongrel Men
• Men’s Table
• Gotcha4Life
• Man Anchor
• Saltwater Veterans
New Warriewood community battery is on!
It is exciting news that the new Warriewood community battery is up and running. I was pleased to celebrate its opening alongside Ausgrid and local First Nations artist Daniel McDonald who has beautifully decorated it. This is another important step in the solar power journey for the Mackellar community and will help deliver, clean energy and lower energy bills for nearby households. It was great to see the wonderful Go Solar Mackellar group out in action. Check out their new website and how they can help you transition to home solar here.
Thank you - Mackellar Volunteers Awards
To mark national volunteer week, I was delighted to host an awards ceremony to acknowledge volunteers from across Mackellar for their contribution and service to our community. Forty-five volunteers, nominated by their organisations, received awards. Such is the community spirit on the Beaches that it is not surprising we have one of the highest rates of volunteers in the country. Thank you to every single one of you that makes this area so special.
Northern Beaches youth mental health roundtable
The NSW Minister for Mental Health, Rose Jackson, hosted a roundtable to discuss the issue of youth mental health here on the Northern Beaches. I attended alongside community service providers, clinical experts from NSW Health and Northern Beaches Hospital, together with fellow local and state representatives. We also heard from young people and community members with lived experience.
There is a huge unmet need across the community at all levels of severity. This is a critical issue I will continue to work on and advocate for more resources here on the Beaches.
Catch up on my speeches in Parliament!
Catch up on how I have been representing you on cost of living, the live sheep export ban, NDIS reform, domestic violence support, housing affordability and environment law reforms - safe to say this month has been mammoth!
Events
Save the date! Sophie will be in conversation with Prof David Lindenmayer at Bookoccino discussing how we can save the Aussie Bush and protect our unique wildlife from extinction by ending native forest logging. Saturday 25 August 2024. Book your place now.
Business matters
Own a small business? Don’t be surprised if you get a knock on the door from our small business volunteer team. A thriving small business community is vital for the economy and the community, so my team and I have been working hard to raise awareness of all the supports available to help small business. Our latest initiative is a small team working their way through Mackellar’s business areas door knocking. Please encourage the business owners you know to sign up to our business specific newsletter to find out more.
Constituent Wins
Thank you to our amazing constituent liason team; Helen, Meredith, Carmen and Vivien for your work on these cases.
A Collaroy constituent contacted the office after his daughter’s youth allowance had been ‘stuck in the system’ for 140 days with Services Australia. My office resolved this in a week. The father wrote: ‘Our whole family will definitely be voting for Sophie in our next general election though we do miss her as our local GP.’
A constituent from Warriewood had been waiting for 7 months for their aged pension. This long standing issue was resolved by my office in just one day. They shared; "I can't believe this, my pension was granted today!!! What a relief. I appreciate your help very much and definitely owe this to you and you colleagues!"
A Narrabeen constituent came to our office because her 3 month old grand-daughter needed citizenship so she could travel with her parents to USA for family reasons. They had been told this would take 2 months. After my team's advocacy to the Department of Home Affairs, the citizenship was granted in one day.
Grants
Northern Beaches Council Community Grants
If you're passionate about making a difference in our community, then apply now for a Northern Beaches council community grant. Whether you're a not-for-profit, community group, sporting club, artist or business, this grants program is here to support your initiatives and make our community a better place.
Applications are now open for arts and creativity, community development, environmental and placemaking grants, and close on Monday 5 August 2024. Sports and recreation infrastructure grants close Friday 9 August 2024. Find out more here.
Volunteers call out!
Friends of Bungan are seeking volunteers to help protect and preserve our beautiful Bungan Beach. Please contact Janet Kershaw [email protected]
Legacy Week (1-7 September 2024) is a week dedicated to raising awareness and support for the partners and children of veterans who have passed away or been injured due to their service to our nation.
The Northern Beaches Division of Legacy supports 609 widow/ers and 27 beneficiaries with a disability. Please consider volunteering at one of the Northern Beaches locations this Legacy Week to help sell the iconic badges and bears. Register here.
Permaculture Northern Beaches is a local community organisation focused on sustainable living, and bringing food production back to where we live to build communities and a healthier environment. They hold a monthly public meeting on the last Thursday of each month. Find out more here.
Sophie in the Media
Manly Observer - July 11
Northern Beaches Hospital goes under the microscope
Sky News - June 27
On the cost of living and Assanges return home
The Guardian - June 18
‘More secretive than the Morrison government’: Labor accused of transparency failure
ABC News - June 15
When there's no 'bank of mum and dad', families in unaffordable areas face an anxious future
Sky News - June 11
The Coalitions Climate Change Strategy
The Guardian - June 7
Pressure mounts on Tanya Plibersek to assess Beetaloo Basin fracking project
SBS News - June 6
Dr Sophie Scamps MP calls for global social cohesion
Northern Beaches Advocate - May 24
Community battery charged up