Speeches

I represent a diverse and inclusive community that prides itself on being a welcoming, safe place for people who identify as transgender, gender diverse or non-binary. In our community, and across New South Wales, gender diverse people are loved and valued.

Recently I spoke to a number of TAFE teachers who discussed with me the complete lack of resources available to TAFE students. There is a clear disconnect that exists between TAFE management and the day‑to‑day reality of the learning environment.

The difference between the policies of the Labor Opposition and the Government on land clearing and koala protection could not be more stark. Labor has long fought this Government on its appalling record and approach to land clearing and to biodiversity protection. Labor understands the value of protecting our unique and iconic native species but, unlike the Government, we also understand what it takes to do so: stopping habitat destruction, reversing the tragic loss of our native forest and facing head-on the many threats caused by climate change.

I contribute to debate on the Liquor Amendment (24‑hour Economy) Bill 2020. The year 2020 has not exactly given us much to laugh about. However, one of my favourite memes doing the rounds suggests that when figuring out the best way to shut down a city and impose a night‑time curfew Victorian Premier Dan Andrews asked New South Wales. For far too long Sydney has risked its reputation as a fun, safe and noisy global city through its approach to liquor regulation and its refusal to acknowledge the benefits of its night-time economy.

This bill is about transforming a disused rail line into a key dynamic and living piece of active transport infrastructure. It will create jobs and opportunity, both during construction and into the future. It will enhance protections for the heritage elements along the line and create a fascinating story for future generations.

While we need to strengthen the systems of reporting of sexual abuse and domestic violence, it is also critical that we respect the wishes of survivors. This bill clearly acknowledges that currently survivors may choose not to report crimes if they believe the person they are disclosing to risks being prosecuted themselves or may act against their wishes and report the crime to police without their consent.

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on industries across our economy; however, none more so than the arts. 

Every decision we make in this place about families is important and the interests of the child must always be the priority. Open adoption is in the best interests of children, so too is the introduction of integrated birth certificates.

COVID-19 has caused widespread uncertainty and people are rightly looking to our public institutions for consistency and confidence. Our criminal justice system is under scrutiny as we interrogate the ways it often lets down the most vulnerable, including our First Nations people. The Black Lives Matter movement calls out the unforgivable racism in our criminal justice system—racism that cannot be denied and that demands urgent action.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put our aged care system on a knife's edge. As we know, older people are particularly susceptible to the virus, and protecting aged care settings from infection is crucial.