Speeches

Students on our university and TAFE campuses are fighting to guarantee an educational experience that is equitable, accessible and safe for all. They are fighting back against university funding cuts and the imposition of trimesters that squeeze them for money while reducing the quality of their education. They are fighting the threat of $100,000 degrees, fed up with politicians who went to university for free repeatedly jacking up their fees. 

This Bill extends to those who are experiencing unimaginable suffering and pain some temporary respite, some dignity and some basic human compassion.

I offer my sincere thanks to Portuguese Australians for all their contributions to our communities and culture. I wish them the best for their national day celebrations on Saturday 10 June 2017.

National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for Australians to stop and reflect on the unfinished business of reconciliation with Indigenous Australians. As a nation we must acknowledge the actions of the past that have brought so much pain to Indigenous Australians and we must recognise the ongoing disadvantage that they face.

 I speak in debate on the Liquor Amendment (Reviews) Bill 2017. The bill legislates a number of reforms announced by the Government in relation to the review of the so-called lockout laws conducted by former High Court Justice Ian Callinan. As foreshadowed by the Minister for Lands and Forestry, and Minister for Racing this bill enacts those recommendations that were unable to be prescribed through regulation. 

When it comes to public education, we must pull back the pendulum and restore the ability of all parents to make these decisions for themselves.

I am in awe of those mums out there who are balancing complex needs, including single mums, mums caring for children with disability or illness, and mums with postnatal depression or facing their own health issues.

This year's theme "Love Makes a Family" focuses on the importance of celebrating family diversity. This year's events will also recognise the horrific abuse and murder of gay men in Chechnya.

The Leader of the Opposition and NSW Labor have had the backbone to rule out One Nation preferences in New South Wales but the Premier and those opposite have refused to do the same. 

The work of Barnardos and other services is critical because they lift young people out of the cycle and help them realise their full potential.