Rory Amon
Liberal Party Of NSW Candidate For Pittwater
With the announcement by incumbent Pittwater MP The Hon Rob Stokes of his departure from state politics, the local branch of the Liberal party preselection process chose Mr. Amon as their candidate. Rory is a Narrabeen resident who went to school at Belrose before attending Macquarie university and graduating with Honours. An active volunteer firefighter for a decade with Davidson RFB, Mr. Amon works as a lawyer and has served as a Councillor in local government since being elected in late 2017.
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Rezoning – What is your position on the proposed changes to conservation zones?
The current Pittwater Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan is in need of updating. These Plans must meet communicating expectations. I will always listen to and advocate for our community. Once these plans are updated, many of the issues being encountered with developments in Pittwater will be resolved.
There is no proposal to upzone or densify Pittwater.
Council is consulting with the community on updating its Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan so they meet community expectations. Council officers have developed an approach which includes a scenic foreshore protection area. This results in a net gain of 827 properties zoned as conservation. This will see more environmental protection in Pittwater, not less.
I am fighting for and am confident that we will retain all environmental protections for Pittwater. I will continue to listen to residents’ wishes on this.
The primary planning role will rest with Council, but if elected as the Member for Pittwater, I will lobby Council and the Department of Planning if what is proposed does not meet residents wishes.
Do you support communities being given a say in demerging the forced 2016 amalgamations in a binding poll to reinstate Pittwater Council?
Pittwater Council was a wonderful organisation. As a Councillor, I have worked hard to ensure that Northern Beaches Council delivers the familiarity of a smaller council and the scale and benefits of a bigger council.
Local resident associations that opposed amalgamation now tell me they are satisfied with the Council and no longer press for de-amalgamation.
As a Councillor and a candidate for the State electorate of Pittwater, I have not had any resident groups make direct or formal representations to me requesting de-amalgamation. If resident groups make these, I will of course put these representations and requests through on behalf of local community members. The most effective way to lobby for change of this kind is to engage with representative organisations so that the weight for community support or opposition to an issue is inarguable.
Wakehurst Parkway flooding – What is your plan to reduce or stop flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway? and How soon will this be achieved? What is the timeline?
Over 90% of Wakehurst Parkway flooding closures are the result of flooding issues on Council land surrounding the Parkway.
The NSW Liberal Government gave Council $18.1 million for these works several years ago but Council has delayed these upgrades, instead completing further studies. I have spent my time on Council advocating for these works to be undertaken urgently and will continue to do so.
Raising the Wakehurst Parkway to avoid flooding could result in devastating environmental consequences, with the loss of precious bushland and native wildlife, as well as at a significant cost. Before such an option is considered, Council must do its flood mitigation works so that the community can form a view about what further measures we should take.
Mona Vale Hospital - Will you work towards a public acute services hospital at Mona Vale? Will you work towards returning public outpatient clinics such as dialysis to the Mona Vale Hospital campus? What is your view on the increasing privatisation of health services and the resulting creation of a two-tier system, particularly in relation to Northern Beaches Hospital? What is your position on the return to public ownership, of the Northern Beaches Hospital?
The provision of health services and the number and types of hospitals that are located on the Northern Beaches are not a political decision. They are decisions made based on clinical and expert medical advice. Like during COVID-19, government makes decisions by reference to the experts.
Before Northern Beaches Hospital was opened, only 22% of local patients were taken to and treated at Mona Vale Hospital. Mona Vale could not properly care for stroke patients, heart attack patients and could not perform most kinds of surgery. 78% of patients were transferred to Royal North Shore and other hospitals. Northern Beaches Hospital can now treat all of these kinds of patients and more.
The Northern Beaches Hospital build was a monumental investment and has increased the availability of emergency bays, operating theatres, ICU beds, maternity beds and mental health beds across the peninsula. The Northern Beaches now has greater health services than before the opening of the Northern Beaches Hospital. The new Hospital has also served to provide the basis for more affordable housing on the Northern Beaches by providing about 3,000 dwellings in the Frenchs Forest town centre (with a 15% affordable housing target) which accompanies the Hospital. This is a density that is accepted by the Frenchs Forest community and preserves Pittwater from such an increase associated with the new hospital.
Thanks to the strong advocacy of Rob Stokes, $90 million has been invested in the Mona Vale Hospital campus, and there are 400 health workers and staff on site. There are a huge range of services at Mona Vale Hospital including the 24/7 urgent care centre, ambulance station, rehab, palliative care, drug and alcohol rehab, dental clinic, and a series of other ancillary services such as speech therapy, physio, podiatry, and diabetes clinic, to name a few. Rob Stokes has successfully secured the future of Mona Vale Hospital and ensured it remains in public hands.
Earlier this month, I was proud to join Premier Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Rob Stokes to announce a further $6.34 million to deliver 5 dialysis chairs at Mona Vale Hospital.
Northern Beaches Hospital is publicly owned. The State of New South Wales and its people own the land, the building, infrastructure and the assets. The public part of the hospital is operated by Healthscope under a 20 year lease and the private part of the hospital is operated by Healthscope under a 40 year lease. After the duration of these leases, the operation of the hospital will revert to the State. This operating model facilitates an ‘activity based funding’ approach which ensures that services are able to meet increases in demand over time.
Cost of Living - Local Business; What plans do you have to ease the cost-of-living burden residents are currently being impacted by? How quickly could these be implemented? Do you have a plan to decrease the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors whose tax burden erodes their income?
With interest rates rising and cost of living pressures mounting, I am proud to be part of the Perrottet Liberal team, who have a strong track record of providing targeted and effective relief for household budgets.
There have been 31 tax cuts since 2011. Premier Perrottet and the NSW Liberal Government have committed to no new taxes on households and small businesses.
The NSW Liberals are easing pressures on household budgets with $7.2 billion of financial assistance, including up to $750 a year in toll relief, $600 a year to help with power bills and $150 back to school vouchers to support families. This builds on existing support, like the active kids vouchers and support for seniors, so there’s more money in your pocket at the end of the week.
A re-elected Liberal Government will also introduce a new free universal pre-kindergarten including $280 million to support early childhood educators, making pre-school and long day care more affordable, establish a Future Fund for kids to assist our young people pay their higher education fees or a house deposit, and continue to provide stamp duty relief for first home buyers.
Cancelled Bus services: Since the bus service was privatised we have experienced a decrease in runs, with many cancelled, including those for our children to get them to school, who we have witnessed being driven straight past by bus drivers while waiting at bus stops. What is your plan to remedy this? How will you decrease the amount of vehicles on roads?
Based on the feedback I have received, the B1 and Keoride services have been really successful.
When the B1 was introduced, it was estimated that public transport usage would increase 5% on the Northern Beaches. I understand patronage has increased 25% which indicates the success of the service.
There are definitely some issues at the moment with cancelled bus services due to driver shortages in the Mona Vale depot. This is a nationwide shortage. Similar shortages are being experienced in key jobs around the country, including hospitality workers, engineers, several trades and more. I understand that the Minister for Transport and Transport for NSW have taken this matter up with the operator (Keolis Downer) and have announced a plan to address these driver shortages. The measures include the offering of a $2,000 sign on bonus, free public transport (valued at about $4,000 per year), waiving Bus Driver Authority fees and subsidising training courses and establishing a recruitment taskforce to attract skilled bus drivers from outside NSW.
All buses, depots and associated infrastructure remain publicly owned by taxpayers.
Environment:
Net Zero – What is your plan to reduce all local emissions to net zero in the Pittwater Electorate and timeline for achieving this?What alternatives for energy supply have you identified and how will these be implemented in the electorate?
I am proud to be standing with the Perrottet Liberal Government, who are taking real action to address climate change and protect our local environment.
The NSW Liberals have committed to a 70% reduction in emissions by 2035. This target is expected to attract $39bn in private investment and support more than 13,000 jobs by 2035.
The NSW Liberal Government is leading the nation in the transition to renewable energy. NSW was recently ranked the number one jurisdiction in Australia in the race to become a renewable energy superpower, as independently assessed by the World Wildlife Fund.
During my time on Council, I have advocated for a range of environmental improvements and policies. These have included the installation of solar panels on as many Council buildings as possible, also making it easier for residents to do the same on their own homes, as well as securing Council’s commitment to tackle the recycling of soft plastics following the collapse of RedCycle. I am proud that Council will shortly commence a soft plastics recycling program following my initiative which was supported by Council’s 14 other elected representatives.
PEP-11 – What is your plan to end the PEP-11 licence off our shores? What is the costing estimated should the proponents seek compensation? How quickly do you expect to achieve this?
The NSW Government has been against PEP-11 every step of the way. Back in February 2021 the NSW Government recommended against renewing the PEP-11 licence, and in February 2022 the NSW Government announced it would not support any exploration or mining on our coastal waters.
I was really pleased to join the Minister for Energy at Mona Vale last month to announce the NSW Government will pass a law to ban offshore gas exploration in NSW waters, including off our Northern Beaches coastline.
Wildlife – Habitat retention in urban spaces – The requirements for tree removals aren’t being checked by councils around tree replacements connected to DA’s nor are the any ‘offsets’ for habitat for larger developments left in the LGA. What will you do to protect the places urban wildlife lives in? What mechanisms can you introduce into state government to support local wildlife carers who are all volunteers and all currently funding ‘saves’ from their own pockets?
It is essential that we protect the natural beauty of Pittwater and NSW.
One of my proudest achievements as a Councillor was working alongside independent Councillor Alex McTaggart to secure $4.6 million to protect Newport Littoral Rainforest from development. Since 2011, the NSW Liberals have secured over 1 million hectares to our national park estate, protecting hundreds of threatened species, including our precious koalas.
The NSW Koala Strategy is the biggest commitment by any government to secure koalas in the wild. The $190 million dollar commitment is supporting a range of conservation actions that will provide more habitat for koalas, support local community action, improve koala safety and health, and build our knowledge to improve koala conservation.
Council needs to tighten its development controls as it develops its updated / new Local Environment Plan and Development Control Plan to ensure tree and canopy protection.
Lizard Rock proposal - What is your position on the proposal to develop land at ‘Lizard Rock’? Do you support further parcels of MLALC lands in the Pittwater electorate granted being brought under development through planning proposals? Have you identified and costed alternatives to support the aspirations of the MLALC?
As a Northern Beaches Councillor, I have worked hard to prevent inappropriate overdevelopment, including in Newport, Warriewood and Ingleside. I will continue to fight against any inappropriate development proposals.
Since the development of ‘Lizard Rock’ was proposed, community members, some local indigenous community leaders, elected representatives and myself have lobbied the NSW State Government to put a stop to the proposal.
Earlier this month, I was pleased to share that the NSW Liberal Government has cancelled the plan.
This win does not belong to any individual but is a combined, community-led effort that could only be delivered by a Liberal Government. We must continue working with MLALC and the community to ensure the land is protected.
Support for local Volunteers - What will you do to ensure the volunteers base who work locally is increased? How will you support this to occur?
I have been a volunteer firefighter with the Davidson Rural Fire Brigade for almost a decade. As President of the Brigade, I oversaw fundraising efforts to raise over $150,000 to have the Brigade’s Fire Station extended to accommodate their growing volunteer membership.
I am passionate about our local community and encouraging others to get involved in localgroups. To attract and facilitate a larger local volunteer base, we must ensure our facilities are built for purpose and well maintained. I will continue to advocate for essential projects in our community, such as the proposed upgrades to the Newport Surf Life Saving Club.
Seniors - What is your policy to expand connections and inclusiveness for our local seniors? Local seniors and others are being ‘double dipped’ through having to pay council rates and estate fees – what will you do to stop this? How soon will you implement this? Do you have any other policies for our local seniors?
The NSW Liberal Government has committed to providing an additional $2 million of investment in the highly successful Tech Savvy Seniors Program, as well as enhancing training for Service NSW staff who interact with older customers.
Ensuring seniors can safely utilise technology is essential in keeping them connected to family and friends.
The challenge faced by residents in estates such as Shearwater in Warriewood is a result of complex and historical regulatory regimes. I will work with the Government and residents to attempt to remediate these challenges.
Youth - What do you intend to seek for younger residents should you be elected? Younger residents state they do not want to travel to Dee Why to access youth facilities/listen to bands at all ages ‘gigs’ - likewise for bike tracks and getting to Belrose. Do you have a plan to introduce any new play facilities or a ‘stage for playing on’ north of Narrabeen? If so – please outline you plan and a timeframe for delivery.
Schools, sporting facilities and community groups are essential for our youth. I will continue Rob Stokes' great work, ensuring the completion of the $60 million upgrade to Narrabeen education campus, supporting the proposed upgrade of Newport Surf Life Saving Club and the improvement of Rat Park.
Currently, the Northern Beaches Council Youth Development Team run an impressive array of programs through ‘KALOF’, including events in Pittwater. The highly successful Northern Composure Band Competition is hosting its first round of semi-finals at Mona Vale Memorial Hall.
Mental Health - Residents state 61 beds at NBH for mental health services is not enough – do you have any policy to increase access to services for younger residents?(many are calling for a 24/7 facility outside of public hospitals to be made available and fully funded for all ages as the young and the old and everyone in between are having problems accessing ‘fit for purpose’ facilities, or people find these spaces exacerbate their condition)
There are 61 acute mental health beds at Northern Beaches Hospital. Prior to the opening of Northern Beaches Hospital, Mona Vale Hospital had 0 designated mental health beds.
Young people in Pittwater are also served by the wonderful Avalon Youth Hub. It is important that we continue to support and get the word out about services available to residents.
Schools - Many of our schools are at capacity – what plans do you have to increase places for infant, primary and high school students?
Under Rob Stokes, the $53 million upgrade of Mona Vale Public School has been undertaken, as well as other local schools such as the Elanora Heights Community Preschool.
Through the Gonski funding agreement, our local public schools have received millions of dollars of additional funding.
I am committed to seeing the continued improvement of our local schools, including the $60 million upgrade of the Narrabeen Education Campus (Narrabeen North Public School and Narrabeen Sports High School).
The NSW Liberals universal pre kindergarten program will also see significant investment into early childhood education, providing all children access to a full year of free, play-based learning in the year before school. The Perrottet Government has already committed to commence construction of a new preschool in Terrey Hills in the second half of this year to deliver some of these pre kindergarten spaces for local children.
Integrity - Residents state they do not believe much of what comes out of the two party system or its representatives any longer – What will you do to reinstate confidence in state government should you be elected?
Being part of a political party is what allows you to deliver for your community. If elected, I will be part of a team that can govern, the same kind of team that Rob Stokes has been a part of, which has consistently delivered for our community.
As a member of the Liberal team, Rob has been able to deliver monumentally for Pittwater, restoring Currawong Beach, completing the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, delivering the Mona Vale Public School upgrade, widening Mona Vale Road (East) and introducing the B-Line and Keoride.
But there is still more to do. We need to finish widening Mona Vale Road, we need to upgrade North Narrabeen Primary School and Narrabeen Sports High. We need to fast track the upgrade of Newport Surf Club, and we need to flood proof the Wakehurst Parkway, demanding Council spend the funds given to it by the State Government to fix the flooding.
Only a Liberal Government can deliver these for Pittwater.
If you win (the seat of Pittwater) and are sitting in opposition or on the cross-bench, what will be your priorities for the community?
I will fight to continue the good work of Rob Stokes by ensuring that Pittwater receives its fair share of funding and investment. I am committed to seeing the upgrade of Newport Surf Life Saving Club, upgrade of the Narrabeen education campus, duplication of Mona Vale Road (West) and the delivery of the Beaches Link Tunnel.
A vote for Labor, the Greens, a minor party, or Independent is a vote for a Chris Minns Labor Government.
Labor has promised to increase development on the Northern Beaches and cancel infrastructure projects, including funding for the Wakehurst Parkway upgrade and Beaches Link Tunnel. Our local environment will be trashed, and our roads will reach gridlock.
Why should I vote for you?
I am a lifelong Northern Beaches local who is passionate about our community and way of life. Whether it be my five years delivering for the community as a Northern Beaches Councillor, or my time as a volunteer firefighter and family lawyer, I have a proven track record of standing up and delivering for Pittwater.
As interest rates and inflation rise, I understand that cost of living pressures are mounting. The Perrottet Liberal Government has a track record of providing targeted and effective relief. This election is about who you trust to continue reducing cost of living pressures.
I will also ensure we protect and enhance the natural beauty of Pittwater and continue Rob Stokes’ legacy of improving services and increasing investment in local infrastructure, including surf clubs, community facilities, schools and roads.
If elected, I will advocate to finish the duplication of Mona Vale Road (West), ensure the Wakehurst Parkway is flood proofed, and fight for upgrades to Newport Surf Club, North Narrabeen Public and Narrabeen Sports High.
Jacqui Scruby
Independent Candidate For Pittwater
Jacqui is mum, an environmental lawyer (DLA Piper - Sydney and Melbourne offices, The Environment Defenders Office - Melbourne, and decarbonisation and climate risk management consultant at Energetics), been a business owner (The Wedding Nest and Real World), and most recently was an advisor to Federal MP, Dr Sophie Scamps. Jacqui also developed and delivered an online course - 6 Weeks to Plastic Free internationally, including through Northern Beaches Council, to help individuals reduce waste, helping NSW achieve it's target of 10% household waste reduction. She is running to protect our beautiful Pittwater: our environment, our community, and our economy.
Rezoning – What is your position on the proposed changes to conservation zones (in Pittwater)?
I am Strongly against the proposed rezoning model for Pittwater and strongly support the establishment of a scenic foreshore protection area.
Strongly against the NSW Department of planning Rezoning Pathways Program and policy.
How will you ensure residents concerns about developments are heard and acted on?
Be a true community independent with no vested interests to represent people - this includes getting out into the community, engaging people in their democracy and working with all levels of government to advocate for the community AND Seek to amend the Local Government Act to enable more engagement around deamalgamation and bring people back into the planning process, including through deliberative democracy.
What planning controls will you support to address residents concerns?
I will engage with the Minister regarding community requirements e.g. environmental criterion, character statement, scenic foreshore must be included for the LEP. Also seek to amend Local Government Act to allow 10% of the former Pittwater Council residents to trigger a plebiscite to determine deamalgamation (note only with an independent inquiry to provide a factual pros and cons base to inform the community) and/or look for other planning mechanisms to ensure this occurs.
Our corner of the world is special, unique. Unfortunately, our way of life is at risk from environmental recklessness and overdevelopment. Let’s protect Pittwater’s environment – and our state’s environment – so our children and grandchildren can enjoy it like we have.
If elected I will work to:
- Protect the peninsula by ensuring there is no more land clearing in our electorate, especially making sure we listen to the community when it comes to the controversial Lizard Rock and Warriewood developments
- Protect our beaches by legislating to stop oil and gas mining off our coastline – including the controversial PEP-11 project – once and for all, as well as implementing smarter strategies to combat coastal erosion
- Ensure the Local Environment Plan maintains our conservation areas, that local developments comply with planning controls, and that there is no inappropriate development
- Ensure community is at the heart of redesigning innovative urban green spaces
- Increase state funding to manage invasive species, including noxious weeds on the Northern Beaches.
Do you support communities being given a say in demerging the forced 2016 amalgamations in a binding poll (to reinstate Pittwater Council)?
In theory, yes.
However, we also need to first define the problems and see if they can be addressed in the existing structures we have. That starts with working with the community and also getting a factual base and inquiry so people can have informed positions and we know what we’re working with.
If elected will you support legislation that enables this to happen?
The first step will be to work with groups to clearly define what we are missing and what potential solutions we have. I will also seek to amend the Local Government Act to enable 10% of former Pittwater Council signatories to a petition to pave the way for the possibility of a plebiscite.
Wakehurst Parkway flooding – What is your plan to reduce or stop flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway? and How soon will this be achieved? What is the timeline?
We need a longer term solution than is currently proposed. Council’s planned works to dredge alongside the Wakehurst Parkway will still result in some closures each year. Within increased extreme weather over time, this is not adequate for a resilient road. Transport for NSW’s plans do not include flood mitigation. This is flawed and needs to be addressed. We need long term climate risk analysis immediately and then proposals that will mitigate that risk over time, including considering raising the road in sections. This is a priority of mine.
How soon will this be achieved? What is the timeline?
Immediately upon being elected I will work to negotiate that a long term climate / flood risk analysis is undertaken and that Transport for NSW includes flood mitigation in their plans. It is erroneous to commence works widening the road without proper resilience planning. Not on my watch.
I intend to ensure we finally fix the Wakehurst Parkway so it remains open during heavy rain, and ensure the road is future-proofed as the risk of floods grows. I am also a 'no' on the Beaches Link tunnel plan as it is in its current form.
Mona Vale Hospital; Will you work towards a public acute services hospital at Mona Vale? Will you work towards returning public outpatient clinics such as dialysis to the Mona Vale Hospital campus? What is your view on the increasing privatisation of health services and the resulting creation of a two-tier system, particularly in relation to Northern Beaches Hospital? What is your position on the return to public ownership, of the Northern Beaches Hospital?
I’m concerned that the public-private structure of Northern Beaches Hospital has left public patients with poor quality healthcare. This is not only a health issue but an integrity issue as well: Healthscope has refused to attend meetings with our current independent federal MP Dr Sophie Scamps, and the NSW has serious questions to answer about the contract it signed with Healthscope to deliver health services within the hospital.
If elected I’ll seek an inquiry to answer questions about why the hospital has left so many patients frustrated, and I’ll ask the auditor-general to review the contract.
For too long, state governments have chipped away at our local healthcare. We’ve lost Mona Vale Hospital, and the new Northern Beaches Hospital is simply not good enough.
If elected I will:
- Call for a solutions-focused Parliamentary inquiry into Northern Beaches Hospital and the Mona Vale hospital site to deliver better health outcomes and transparency
- Expand the health services and recreational facilities available at the former Mona Vale Hospital site
- Legislate nurse to patient ratios and support increased wages for nurses and other care professions to ensure we all get better quality care
- Urge greater funding for mental health services, including eating disorders, in the community and improved mental health support in schools
- Regulate vaping and stop the underage sale and use
- Support universal access to birth control and abortions
- Strongly advocate for greater state funding for research into women and children's health issues that have been neglected, including endometriosis, lipoedema, premature ovarian failure, autoimmune diseases, menopause, ADHD and autism.
Save Mona Vale Hospital Committee; Jacqui Scruby's Responses to our Candidates Questions
Will you work towards a public acute services hospital at Mona Vale?
I am seeking a solutions-based inquiry or similar into the Northern Beaches Hospital and former Mona Vale Hospital site to improve transparency around the contractual arrangements and improve health outcomes and services and then seek to have the recommendations implemented. I will also fight for the recommendations of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Northern Beaches Hospital to be implemented. This includes recommendation 9 to "investigate the ways and means to restore a public level 3 emergency department at the Mona Vale Hospital site".
Will you work towards returning public outpatient clinics such as dialysis to the Mona Vale Hospital campus?
We need more public outpatient services at both NB Hospital and the former Mona Vale Hospital site. Recommendation 11 of the Inquiry was that the range and availability of medical and health services that are offered are reviewed on an ongoing basis. I am not in a position to say what services those should be, but as soon as I'm elected I will meet with NSW Health and North Sydney Local Health District to assess potential service extension.
Most importantly we need a long-term vision and master plan for the former Mona Vale Hospital site. One that involves evidenced-based approach to health needs, best practice health precinct considerations, community consultation and most importantly, ensuring all land remains for public health services and the site remains suitable for a full hospital should that be required in the next 50+ years.
What is your view on the increasing privatisation of health services and the resulting creation of a two tier system, particularly in relation to Northern Beaches Hospital?
I believe people of the Northern Beaches have become aware of the impact to services privatisation has on communities through our experience with the hospital and buses in particular. There is a role of privatisation when it is the best way to deliver services for the community and will increase positive outcomes, but not when mass privatisation occurs based on ideology and an attempt to make 'quick wins' to balance the budget. The NB Hospital looks amazing and many have had a wonderful experience there but others have not and this warranted a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry only a few years ago.
It was found in the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry that almost every issue examined by the inquiry was linked to the Private Public Partnership, that a two tier system exists and that the NSW government should never establish a PPP again.
I'm focused on how to get the best healthcare solutions for the people of Pittwater - there are a lot of improvements that can be made in the existing structure and we need to take steps to reduce the existing two tier system at Northern Beaches Hospital. People on the Northern Beaches should have public access to pediatrics, cardiology, gastroenterology, ophthalmology and orthopaedic outpatient services - whether that's at the Hospital or the former Mona Vale Hospital site.
First step is more transparency! From contractual arrangements (including the $1 lease deed) to public services provided we need to know the current status (3 years on from the inquiry) as many recommendations have still not been implemented. The 4 beds promised by the NSW government over 9 months ago have still not been delivered. Also we need to educate the community about what they can access at both sites. We have a wonderful local team down at Mona Vale providing some wonderful services - but there is confusion in the public about when to go there over the hospital and a local education campaign is probably required. Dare I say it, a first start would be removing the old, delipidated and somewhat misleading signs to the former hospital and replacing them with new signs that outline the Mona Vale health precinct and its services.
What is your position on the return to public ownership, of the Northern Beaches Hospital?
I take a sensible centre, evidence and community based approach to each issue. I'm focused on outcomes and practicality. I don't have enough data or financial information or legal advice to consider if this is the best approach to get the outcomes we want. Once there is more transparency we can determine the best way to get the outcomes we want. I'm open to all possible solutions, but I have to reserve my position on this issue until I have far more information and community consultation.
Cost of Living: + Local Business; What plans do you have to ease the cost-of-living burden residents are currently being impacted by? How quickly could these be implemented? Do you have a plan to decrease the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors whose tax burden erodes their income?
Our families and small businesses are doing it tough at the moment and from the conversations I’ve had in our community it’s clear the cost of living crisis is biting in two key ways: it’s affecting our mortgages, and it’s raising our power bills.
We need responsible economic management that ensures we keep inflationary measures in check: that means cost saving measures, not cash handouts designed at winning elections insteading of sensibly managing the economy. That’s the best way to reduce inflation and keep our mortgage repayments low.
We can also look towards the clean energy boom as a route to lower power prices: Australian sunshine and wind is the cheapest form of energy available, and the sooner we make that more available to households and businesses the better. That’s why I’m pushing for interest-free loans for solar panels, batteries and electric vehicles so households can be energy independent.
How quickly could these be implemented?
One of the strengths of running as an independent in this election is that NSW is heading towards a likely minority government, which means, if elected, our community could have a unique chance to make significant headway on these issues with a balance of power negotiation. In that situation, I’ll raise these issues, and we have a real chance at getting them implemented in record time.
Do you have a plan to decrease the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors whose tax burden erodes their income?
Absolutely. We need a wide-ranging tax review to make our tax system more equitable and more efficient. In this campaign I’ve singled out payroll tax as an inefficient tax that punishes businesses for hiring more workers - it’s one I’d look at reforming if elected.
I’ve run a small business and I see every day how small businesses are at the heart of our peninsula lifestyle. After a tough few years, the least our small businesses deserve is a local representative dedicated to cutting red tape so businesses can easily hire workers and grow.
If elected I will:
- Lobby the federal government to double NSW’s allocation of visas for skilled migrants from 15,000 to 30,000 so small businesses can find workers and stay open
- Call for a review into payroll tax – an inefficient tax that punishes businesses for hiring workers
- Encourage the state government to properly fund Chambers of Commerce so they can grow, assist local businesses, and have an open line of communication into state government
- Change the guidelines so the state government procures $10 billion worth of goods and services from small businesses each year, cutting the red tape that stops our government buying from us
- Encourage greater female participation in trades by funding fee-free training for women.
- Hasten introduction of free pre-kindergarten to increase female workforce participation and unlock a greater economic potential for NSW.
Cancelled Bus services: Since the bus service was privatised we have experienced a decrease in runs, with many cancelled, including those for our children to get them to school, who we have witnessed being driven straight past by bus drivers while waiting at bus stops. What is your plan to remedy this? How will you decrease the amount of vehicles on roads?
I’m running on a campaign of integrity and this is a great example of how this plays out at a local level. We need transparency and accountability around the contracts. The biggest issue with the privatisation of our bus service is that it feels as though the contractors are simply not being held to the terms of their contract: we need to keep them accountable so that services run on time, are not cancelled, and actually pick people up. If the contractors can’t meet the contract, they shouldn’t keep the contract and the state should deliver the services.
We then need to work on longer term strategies to increase bus routes, frequency as well as further transport options for the Northern Beaches.
A huge issues is that the school sport competition, PSSA is at risk with kids potentially not being able to play due to bus shortages. This is unacceptable and I’m committed to ensuring PSSA goes ahead next term.
How will you decrease the amount of vehicles on roads?
We live in a beautiful corner of the world but there’s a lot more that can be done to make it liveable: making sure we have bike paths that are accessible and safe is important. If we also hold bus service contractors to account for their services, that should also help. We also need to fight overdevelopment which will bring more cars. I’m also calling for the release of the current government’s business case for the Beaches Link Tunnel. Dominic Perrotet has said it will definitely lead to greater housing density which means more cars.
Environment:
Net Zero – What is your plan to reduce all local emissions to net zero in the Pittwater Electorate and timeline for achieving this? What alternatives for energy supply have you identified and how will these be implemented in the electorate?
I have a background in decarbonisation. I’m focused on state policies for Net Zero but will work with Pittwater Council to achieve Pittwater’s net zero plans. From a state perspective, incentivising net zero homes and increasing accessibility and affordability of solar, batteries and EVs and removing hurdles to those in strata blocks and rental apartments. I’m fully supportive of further roll out of the state’s electrification pilot projects that are currently being undertaken (see Australian Story - Saul Griffiths). There also needs to be funding and support for our community buildings and state owned buildings e.g. schools to enter Power Purchase Agreements or electrify themselves.
I’ll also work to hold information sessions for the community and support businesses achieve energy independence and develop urban renewable energy zones, like that in Brookvale.
People in in our Pittwater community consistently tell me they want sensible action on climate change. We live in an electorate that is already bearing the impacts of extreme weather. Responsible economic management means ensuring Australia orderly transitions to a renewable economy.
The first step is considering the impacts of climate change on all new coal and gas projects, particularly some of the biggest projects our state has ever seen that will create emissions for decades to come. NSW should be a world leader in renewable energy, not a climate laggard that keeps approving major coal and gas projects.
The NSW Government has approved 26 coal and gas projects since the Paris Agreement was signed, which together will produce 4.4 billion tonnes of lifetime emissions – equivalent to 30 years of NSW’s annual emissions.
Coal and gas are the key drivers of climate change and the independents are taking their responsibility to bring down emissions, provide clean, reliable and affordable energy, and protect biodiversity and food supply seriously. There is no time left for a business-as-usual approach.
Myself, along with Alex Greenwich MP (Sydney), Joeline Hackman (Manly), Michael Regan (Wakehurst), Victoria Davidson (Lane Cove), Helen Conway (North Shore), Karen Freyer (Vaucluse), and Elizabeth Farrelly (Legislative Council) will pursue these five reforms:
- Reforming planning laws to prevent gas pipelines and coal seam gas development on the Liverpool Plains, effectively stopping the Narrabri Gas Project from going ahead and saving Australia’s food bowl from environmental destruction
- Requiring a Climate Impact Statement as part of the assessment for new and expanded coal and gas projects
- Replacing pro-coal and gas policy statements with a proactive policy requirement for decision-makers to properly consider, and act to minimise, all climate impacts
- Increasing the integrity of the approval process by providing communities with the right to test the merits of all new fossil fuel project approvals in the Land and Environment Court
- Introducing measures to directly regulate and progressively reduce greenhouse gas pollutants, including methane, from existing coal mines.
With a cost of living crisis, we need responsible economic management that provides relief without growing NSW’s debt. If fossil fuel companies profiting off the war in Ukraine pay their fair share, we can make power bills more affordable for families and local businesses. At the same time we’ll be creating a stronger, cleaner economy powered by cheap, Aussie solar and wind energy.
If elected I will advocated to:
- Raise $25 billion from a progressive coal royalties scheme that captures the massive windfall profits being made by companies profiting off the war in Ukraine
- Reinvest those funds into programs designed to address the cost of living crisis, including interest free loans for installation of solar panels, heat pumps, and home batteries so families and small businesses can access cheaper energy faster
- Update state planning controls to deliver net zero new homes and overcome barriers for electrification
- Extend the recent coal and gas price caps beyond their current 12 month expiry date so consumers can continue to save from lower power prices
- Accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and their infrastructure by delaying the introduction of a road user tax and increasing available grants to make cleaner cars cheaper.
As an advisor to our federal MP, Dr Sophie Scamps, I worked with her to improve the landmark Climate Change Act and I’ll bring that expertise to state Parliament. This election is our chance to implement real climate action.
- Ensure there are no new coal and gas projects in NSW, an urgent priority given the current government has approved 26 new coal and gas projects since the Paris Agreement which will emit 34 times our state’s annual emissions over the course of their lifetimes
- Save our forests by ending native forest logging, following other states’ lead in a move that will give koalas back their habitat and save the taxpayer tens of millions of dollars each year
- Trust the science by legislating to reduce NSW’s emissions by 75% by 2030.
What is your timeline for achieving this?
Achieving this will take time but I can commit to negotiating what I can with the government following election and holding a renewable energy forum in the first year of the parliamentary term. Achieving net zero and changes to the market as described take time and will take the good part of the parliamentary term.
PEP-11 – What is your plan to end the PEP-11 licence off our shores? What is the costing estimated should the proponents seek compensation? How quickly do you expect to achieve this?
I’ve already got the support of five other independent candidates, including Alex Greenwich MP, for a bill of mine that if passed would stop PEP-11. Importantly, it’s different to the legislation proposed by the NSW Liberals which would only end oil and gas mining in NSW waters – that doesn’t stop PEP-11. I’m the only candidate in this election that has pledged to work to stop PEP-11 and who actually has a plan to do it.
What is the costing estimated should the proponents seek compensation?
This question is a hypothetical that is difficult to answer. What I can say is our beaches are priceless – they are the reason we live here - and they should be protected at all costs. If successful and a minority government, I will be negotiating to have my legislation passed immediately. This negotiation will include an assessment of jurisdictional considerations, potential compensation and other feasibility with the resources of the parliamentary services and government of the day.
How quickly do you expect to achieve this?
My legislation would ban infrastructure and development in NSW waters associated with oil and gas mining in Commonwealth waters, effectively banning PEP-11 and any future similar oil and gas exploration licences. It will form part of my negotiations in a few weeks.
Wildlife – Habitat retention in urban spaces – The requirements for tree removals aren’t being checked by councils around tree replacements connected to DA’s nor are the any ‘offsets’ for habitat for larger developments left in the LGA. What will you do to protect the places urban wildlife lives in? What mechanisms can you introduce into state government to support local wildlife carers who are all volunteers and all currently funding ‘saves’ from their own pockets?
I will support reforms to increase justice for animals, including ending the greyhound racing industry.
Lizard Rock proposal - What is your position on the proposal to develop land at ‘Lizard Rock’? Do you support further parcels of MLALC lands in the Pittwater electorate granted being brought under development through planning proposals? Have you identified and costed alternatives to support the aspirations of the MLALC?
It is important to remember that the Plan for housing at Lizard Rock is still under assessment at present with the NSW Planning Department. It has not been cancelled and cannot be during a caretaker period when plans on this scale cannot be progressed.
By pressuring the Liberal government into saving Lizard Rock weeks out from an election I was standing up for my community and there has been an announcement from the Liberals that effectively reverses their previous announcements.
One of the biggest things that activates the community here is there’s a special beauty up here that people want to preserve. The community is loud and clear: they don’t want this development, which keeps popping its head up with the same issues it had previously, the incredibly high bushfire risk and the loss of conservation zones to make way for residential zones.
What makes this place a bad choice for housing also highlights its invaluable place among the, for instance, Ku-Ring-Gai GeoRegion UNESCO Proposal. Developing a narrative that will support MLALC as well as resident Indigenous peoples
Support for local Volunteers - What will you do to ensure the volunteers base who work locally is increased? How will you support this to occur?
Seniors - What is your policy to expand connections and inclusiveness for our local seniors? Local seniors and others are being ‘double dipped’ through having to pay council rates and estate fees – what will you do to stop this? How soon will you implement this? Do you have any other policies for our local seniors?
My main focus at present is ensuring the growing number of people classified as seniors do not experience homelessness. Please see; Calls To Address Growing Homelessness Among Our Seniors A High Priority For Independent Candidates In 2023 State Election + Government's Response To Homelessness Among Older People In NSW National's Chaired Inquiry
Youth - What do you intend to seek for younger residents should you be elected? Younger residents state they do not want to travel to Dee Why to access youth facilities/listen to bands at all ages ‘gigs’ - likewise for bike tracks and getting to Belrose. Do you have a plan to introduce any new play facilities or a ‘stage for playing on’ north of Narrabeen? If so – please outline you plan and a timeframe for delivery.
These types of questions require listening to the community and finding out exactly what they want: if elected, I’ll set up a consultation process with our young people so we get to the bottom of what programs, law changes, and activities they’re interested in getting so they can enjoy themselves and our local economy can grow.
Mental Health - Residents state 61 beds at NBH for mental health services is not enough – do you have any policy to increase access to services for younger residents?
Schools - Many of our schools are at capacity – what plans do you have to increase places for infant, primary and high school students?
My approach to one local issue is REBUILD NARRABEEN SPORTS HIGH!
It's clear the Narrabeen Sports High community is fed up with the way the government has handled works on the school.
As a mum of kids in public schools, I know how frustrating it is when it feels like a lack of funding is getting in the way of your child's education.
I'm stepping up and making sure Narrabeen Sports High has its voice heard: if elected, I won't just look to refurbish the school, I'll work hard to get the funding needed to properly rebuild it.
It's unacceptable that kids in our community are going to a school that doesn't have enough classrooms, lacks heating and cooling, has inadequate toilets and is rife with water damage.
Over the past year I've chatted to many parents in the Narrabeen Sports High community and they all say the same thing: this rebuild is desperately needed, and the government hasn't listened to them.
This election is an extraordinary opportunity to get the government to come to the table on important local issues like this one: the polls show we're likely heading towards a minority government, and independents may hold the balance of power.
If I'm in a position where I'm negotiating with the major parties, I'll bring this to their attention and make obtaining funding for the rebuild an absolute priority - our children's education is too important.
Our community’s schools and roads have been neglected by the state government. This election we have a chance to send the message that we will no longer be taken for granted.
If elected I will:
- Secure more funding for our schools so long-awaited capital works can finally start
- Support increased wages for teachers and make sure all schools get their allocated SRS
- Reduce the time teachers spend on administration, in line with recommendations from the Gallop Inquiry
- Fund more TAFE places to ensure we have the skills required to build and maintain our communities
Integrity - Residents state they do not believe much of what comes out of the two party system or its representatives any longer – What will you do to reinstate confidence in state government should you be elected?
A lot of people in our community are sick and tired of the major parties acting in their own self-interest, rather than in the interests of the communities they’re meant to represent. We’ve seen endless pork-barrelling, jobs handed to politicians’ mates, and too many politicians who are just in this to get promotions rather than improve their communities.
We need to restore trust and integrity in state politics. One of the ways I’ll do that is by introducing legislation to stop the ‘jobs for mates’ culture in NSW Parliament. As an independent, I’m free to vote and say what I want to reflect my community, and I’ll use that power to hold the major parties to account whenever they say or do something that simply doesn’t hold up. That’s the power of independents.
Some politicians put their parties first by pork-barrelling. Others put their mates first by sneaking them high-paying jobs. Others still put the gambling lobby first, voting with them and against the community on pokies. My promise to you is that honesty, fairness and integrity will be at the heart of everything I do, and I will always put our community’s interests first.
I will work to:
- Ensure evidence-based gambling reforms including not only the implementation of a compulsory cashless gaming card, but also accelerating the removal of pokies from the community, instating a $1 maximum bet per spin, regulating gambling advertising and stopping pubs and clubs from operating pokies between 4am and 10am
- Ban donations from the clubs sector and call on all parties and candidates in this election to refund all clubs sector political donations received in the past 12 months
- End ‘jobs for mates’ by legislating to ensure appointments to taxpayer-funded public service positions are free from political interference
- Stop the waste of taxpayer funds on pork-barrelling schemes designed to serve a party’s interests, not the community’s interests.
- Demand greater transparency from the government, including the timely release of reports to the public.
If you win (the seat of Pittwater) and are sitting in opposition or on the cross-bench, what will be your priorities for the community?
In this campaign I’ve often referred to it as the ‘three Ps’: PEP-11, pokies, and Pittwater. With NSW heading towards a minority government, as an independent I may have significant influence on the crossbench. If I hold the balance of power, I’ll negotiate with the major parties on the three Ps: I’ll seek for them to pass my bill to stop PEP-11, to adopt more ambitious pokies reforms, and improve neglected parts of our community, including fixing the Wakehurst Parkway and improving our healthcare.
An independent MP can:
- Genuinely represent their community in parliament and vote in their interest each and every time, unlike major party MPs who are instructed how to vote on every issue.
- Negotiate across party lines and work collaboratively to develop policies and legislation providing the power of balance no matter which party forms government.
- Introduce new legislation into parliament and advocate on important issues in need of reform which the major parties put in the too hard basket. For example, Alex Greenwich, the Independent MP for Sydney introduced the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation that passed into law in NSW in May 2022.
- Vote independently and speak freely on the issues that are important to the people of NSW. Independents are not constrained by party policies, internal party factions or a coalition partner. For example, Justin Field, Independent MLC, frequently raises issues around poker machines and the way they are regulated by the Liberal/National Coalition government in NSW.
- Hold members of the government of the day to account to ensure they are acting in the best interests of the people of NSW and for future generations. Independents are free to challenge government decisions and ensure our taxes are spent fairly and responsibly. Independents are not beholden to a party or corporate interests and are only accountable to their communities.
Why should I vote for you?
If we don’t like the decisions that are being made, we have to change the decision-makers. I’m standing to protect beautiful Pittwater – protecting its beaches, its trees, and its character. I’m ready to fight for real climate action that ensures our children and grandchildren enjoy our way of life like we have. I’m ready to work to restore trust and integrity in state politics, and also ensure the major parties lower power prices with responsible economic management.
This election is a choice: a choice between an independent crossbencher who may hold the balance of power, and a party backbencher who will likely have little power. I’m asking Pittwater to vote [1] Jacqui Scruby, and together let’s make history.
For too long, Pittwater has been taken for granted by the Liberal Party. Let’s give our community a voice in state Parliament. As a community-led independent, I will always vote in the interests of our community, not in a party’s best interests.
From our beaches to our forests, I will vote to protect Pittwater. We are blessed with the best renewable energy resources in the world, so we should step up as a leader on climate action and enact a 75% by 2030 emissions reduction target. I will fiercely fight any proposal — like PEP-11 — that would see oil and gas mining right off our coastline.
I will also work to save our koalas from extinction by calling for the end of native forest logging.
I will work to restore trust and honesty in NSW politics and ensure taxpayer money is spent responsibly. The NSW ICAC shouldn’t be this busy. The Liberal/National coalition should be focused on creating clean energy jobs, not creating jobs for mates. They should be focused on voting to help those with gambling problems — not the gambling industry. And with state debt repayments spiralling, they simply must stop wasting taxpayer money on rorts that serve party interests and not ours.
As a previous small business owner, I can appreciate how hard the small business owners in our community have worked, particularly over the past few years. Prices are rising, and times are tough. It’s in times like these that we need community representatives in Parliament who know what it’s like to run a business and gets things done.
Independents bring a different kind of politics, characterised by consultation, collaboration and working constructively across party lines to get things done. It’s about being true to your community and your values, rather than complying with party policy or coalition partners. Independent MPs are only answerable to their community.
If elected I will:
- Secure more funding for our schools so long-awaited capital works can finally start
- Support increased wages for teachers and make sure all schools get their allocated SRS
- Reduce the time teachers spend on administration, in line with recommendations from the Gallop Inquiry
- Finally fix the Wakehurst Parkway so it remains open during heavy rain, and ensure the road is future-proofed as the risk of floods grows
- Advocate for Kimbriki Tip to be NSW’s leading FOGO collection, and a state-of-the-art plastic recycling hub
- Reduce traffic to the city by pushing for the NSW Government to prioritise transport innovation for the beaches and tightening privatisation agreements
- Improve mobile phone coverage by working with the federal government to accelerate the delivery of their Black Spot Program
- Increase Keoride bus services to reduce travel times, and hold contractors to account so services are on time
- Fund more TAFE places to ensure we have the skills required to build and maintain our communities
Hilary Green
Greens Candidate For Pittwater
Ms Green has lived in Mona Vale for 22 years. She was born at Manly and has spent most of her life on the Northern Beaches. With a PhD in Statistics and several other degrees to her name, she has been an academic lecturing and researching in Statistics for 25 years at Macquarie and also at other Sydney universities. Hilary applied this expertise in the Voices of Mackellar movement, carrying out their statistical analysis of data collected at “Kitchen Table Conversations”.
Rezoning – What is your position on the proposed changes to conservation zones?
Pittwater needs to be under a separate Local Environmental Plan (LEP) from the more metropolitan areas of the northern beaches so that its unique landscape, flora and fauna, and threatened biodiversity can be protected and remain a national treasure to be enjoyed by many and by future generations.
So, am strongly in favour of the establishment of a scenic foreshore protection area.
I will advocate that Pittwater have a separate LEP to the rest of Northern Beaches and that the council supports and endorses Cr Miranda's motion to the Northern Beaches Council, of the 28 February.
Thus, I would advocate that local planning powers are returned to local council.
So, I am opposed the homogenous approach to planning by the NSW Rezoning Pathways Program. I will insist that Council have the power to:
- apply conservation zonings to properties where any significant environmental values or hazards are present, and
- retain all heritage conservation areas and investigate those proposed – but not yet implemented – by the former Pittwater Council.
Do you support communities being given a say in demerging the forced 2016 amalgamations in a binding poll (to reinstate Pittwater Council)?
Definitely, to both these questions!
Wakehurst Parkway flooding – What is your plan to reduce or stop flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway? and How soon will this be achieved? What is the timeline?
The Greens recommend a solution for the parkway that will stand up to Climate Change induced flooding - and preserve the landscape. This could involve prefabricated bridges and sections of raised road.
We do not advocate for the dredging of sediment nor the destruction of swathes of surrounding bushland. Nor do we advocate widening the road.
A revised feasibility study will need to be undertaken with protecting the surrounding natural environment and biodiversity as a priority.
We need to stop investing in half measures and quick fixes. However, using prefabricated structures would reduce the time taken to flood proof the road.
Mona Vale Hospital - Will you work towards a public acute services hospital at Mona Vale? Will you work towards returning public outpatient clinics such as dialysis to the Mona Vale Hospital campus? What is your view on the increasing privatisation of health services and the resulting creation of a two-tier system, particularly in relation to Northern Beaches Hospital? What is your position on the return to public ownership, of the Northern Beaches Hospital?
The Greens have consistently campaigned with the community for the re-establishment of Public Emergency and acute care, including surgery and maternity and mental health at our Mona Vale hospital site.
Poor patient experiences still occur amongst public patients, and the hospital has no public clinics. We should not be forced into a two-tiered healthcare system!
The Greens also plan for Northern Beaches hospital to be brought into public hands.
Cost of Living: + Local Business; What plans do you have to ease the cost-of-living burden residents are currently being impacted by? How quickly could these be implemented? Do you have a plan to decrease the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors whose tax burden erodes their income?
As a Green I will be following the Greens plan to scrap the public sector wages cap and invest to ensure lower energy prices and build affordable housing.
- The Greens are committed to easing cost of living pressures by making public transport cheaper and ensuring public schools are genuinely free.
- The Greens will help households get off gas with grants and zero-interest loans for replacing old polluting gas heating and hot water appliances with energy-efficient electric heat pumps and induction cooktops.
- The Greens will provide support for people to install solar panels on their homes and businesses. And they will introduce requirements to ensure low-income earners and renters can access energy efficiency measures in their homes.
- To help renters the Greens will immediately introduce a rent freeze to get rents back under control, and end unfair no grounds evictions.
I would also support decreasing the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors, especially those for whom their tax burden erodes their income.
Cancelled Bus services: Since the bus service was privatised we have experienced a decrease in runs, with many cancelled, including those for our children to get them to school, who we have witnessed being driven straight past by bus drivers while waiting at bus stops. What is your plan to remedy this? How will you decrease the amount of vehicles on roads?
Transport contributes about 27% of our emissions on the Northern Beaches. This is a problem we could all help alleviate - by using more public transport, if it were available and reliable. Free, frequent and reliable public transport would take pressure off families, cut congestion and transform how we move around.
The Greens are committed to easing cost of living pressures by making public transport cheaper and locally, indeed, statewide putting our transport service back in public hands.
In Pittwater, we need more public transport, and expanded routes. Primarily we need more bus drivers, drivers who can be assured of job security and decent pay.
The Greens will also abolish the public sector wage cap and deliver real wage increases, as well as increased resourcing for frontline community, health and transport workers.
We would also support incentives to invest in electric vehicles – cars will still be a major feature of our transport system.
Environment:
Net Zero – What is your plan to reduce all local emissions to net zero in the Pittwater Electorate and timeline for achieving this? What alternatives for energy supply have you identified and how will these be implemented in the electorate?
In Pittwater, we need more public transport, and expanded routes. We also need to invest in electric public transport.
The Greens will help households get off gas with grants and zero-interest loans for replacing old polluting gas heating and hot water appliances with energy-efficient electric heat pumps and induction cooktops.
The Greens will provide support for people to install solar panels on their homes and businesses. And they will introduce requirements to ensure low-income earners and renters can access energy efficiency measures in their homes. As well I would advocate for the installation of community batteries on the Northern Beaches.
These initiatives are high priority for the Greens.
PEP-11 – What is your plan to end the PEP-11 licence off our shores? What is the costing estimated should the proponents seek compensation? How quickly do you expect to achieve this?
I will support legislation that rules out granting an extension permit to fossil fuel project PEP-11. The Federal Court has overturned the Morrison Government’s decision to stop the project, so it now must face the scrutiny of proper procedure, and thus avoid compensation payouts. Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has already introduced the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment (Fight for Australia’s Coastline) Bill to the Senate.
As a Green, I will support legislation that would set a precedent for permanently stopping destructive offshore oil and gas exploration in our oceans. Any government that allows this project to go through will be short lived. But we must be on our guard and legislate against it as soon as possible.
Wildlife – Habitat retention in urban spaces – The requirements for tree removals aren’t being checked by councils around tree replacements connected to DA’s nor are the any ‘offsets’ for habitat for larger developments left in the LGA. What will you do to protect the places urban wildlife lives in? What mechanisms can you introduce into state government to support local wildlife carers who are all volunteers and all currently funding ‘saves’ from their own pockets?
The requirements for tree removals must undergo the proper scrutiny by council.
We need to include any properties in areas with recognised biodiversity, tree canopy, biodiversity corridors, as well as hazards including bushfire, flood, coastal erosion, and landslip in Conservation Zones.
Retain all controls on those Conservation Zones as provided in the Pittwater Development Control Plan in the new DCP, moving those that are resulting in development outside the clear intent of the Pittwater DCP into the new LEP. (Cr Korzy in motion to NB Council, 28th Feb 2023)
Wildlife carers and volunteers need to be compensated for out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst protecting the environment. Career pathways are needed to encourage more workers in this essential area.
Lizard Rock proposal - What is your position on the proposal to develop land at ‘Lizard Rock’? Do you support further parcels of MLALC lands in the Pittwater electorate granted being brought under development through planning proposals? Have you identified and costed alternatives to support the aspirations of the MLALC?
The Greens, along with many others, believe the Lizard Rock development should be stopped. The Greens will not support any development in environmentally sensitive areas.
The ultimate decision making around Lizard Rock should not be in the hands of inexperienced arbiters with no expertise.
I have not identified and costed alternatives to support the aspirations of the MLALC, but believe that a mutually satisfactory agreement can be made with the MLALC.
Support for local Volunteers - What will you do to ensure the volunteers base who work locally is increased? How will you support this to occur?
The Northern Beaches Greens, are intending to drive for increased engagement in community projects, especially amongst young people. Community involvement is perhaps overlooked by this cohort as a wonderful opportunity for social interaction, exercise and connectivity, and is sorely needed for the ongoing health and vitality of our area.
Seniors - What is your policy to expand connections and inclusiveness for our local seniors? Local seniors and others are being ‘double dipped’ through having to pay council rates and estate fees – what will you do to stop this? How soon will you implement this? Do you have any other policies for our local seniors?
I support the council in their stated aims to improve the quality of life for our seniors community by providing access to services, activities and support networks across the Northern Beaches.
The situation described at Shearwater Estate is not fair, and needs to be fixed. The rates should be paid once to the provider who delivers the services. This should be addressed at the next Council Meeting!
Youth - What do you intend to seek for younger residents should you be elected? Younger residents state they do not want to travel to Dee Why to access youth facilities/listen to bands at all ages ‘gigs’ - likewise for bike tracks and getting to Belrose. Do you have a plan to introduce any new play facilities or a ‘stage for playing on’ north of Narrabeen? If so – please outline you plan and a timeframe for delivery.
Our youth are so important. We must ensure they have equal opportunity to quality education, sporting and other age-appropriate cultural activities. It is so important for their physical and mental health.
Young people should be provided with free public transport, so they can easily access these activities.
The Greens have a plan to provide all 15- to 24-year-olds four $50 vouchers a year to spend on live music of their choice. This will encourage opportunities for musicians to perform in a wider range of indoor and outdoor venues.
I would be happy to work with Councils to implement a process for the delivery of activities for youth.
Mental Health - Residents state 61 beds at NBH for mental health services is not enough – do you have any policy to increase access to services for younger residents?
Mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent amongst all cohorts. We must increase the availability of mental health clinics and drug, alcohol and gambling clinics to help people address these issues and access effective treatment.
It is important that this is treated as a public health issue, and I would endorse the establishment of a 24/7 facility outside of public hospitals to be made available and fully funded for all.
Schools - Many of our schools are at capacity – what plans do you have to increase places for infant, primary and high school students?
The chronic underfunding of public schools in NSW and the rest of Australia is an education and social disaster. The Greens plan to remove any demountable classroom that has been in operation for more than 3 years and invest $1 Billion to address the school maintenance backlog by 2026.
Integrity - Residents state they do not believe much of what comes out of the two party system or its representatives any longer – What will you do to reinstate confidence in state government should you be elected?
The Greens will:
- End the special relationship between government and business by banning all corporate political donations, fixing political lobbying and closing the revolving door between Parliament and the big end of town.
- Tackle corruption every day with independent funding for the ICAC and new criminal offences for corrupt conduct.
- Restore confidence in our democracy by putting a stop to pork-barrelling, bringing truth to political advertising, and rebuilding our public services.
As a Green in state government, I will work to the Greens integrity policies first up. Donors and lobbyists must not be able to buy a level of access to politicians that ordinary people can’t afford. Such activities hamper the democratic process.
If you win (the seat of Pittwater) and are sitting in opposition or on the cross-bench, what will be your priorities for the community?
In order –
- Integrity
- the rest
Why should I vote for you?
As a member of the progressive Greens party, I will work towards looking after the environment and tackling climate change. The Greens will restore confidence in our democracy by putting a stop to pork-barrelling, bringing truth to political advertising, and rebuilding our public services.
We must vote for the benefit of the next generations. All of us deserve to feel safe and have equal opportunities in life, no matter our background, ability, gender or sexuality. Young people need to be hopeful of a future where they have prospects to thrive amidst a healthy, natural environment. It is imperative that we remove the loopholes which enable unfair distribution of wealth and promote inequality.
As your member, I will listen to the community’s concerns and address them for the greater good of the people and the community.
Jeffrey Quinn
Labor Party Candidate For Pittwater
Jeffrey is a life-long local who currently lives in Church Point with his family. Jeffrey owns a local small business specialising in education consulting, working closely with families across our community. Jeffrey will be part of a Minns Labor Government fighting for improved public transport services, real climate action, and maintaining our crucial public services.
Rezoning – What is your position on the proposed changes to conservation zones (in Pittwater)?
Labor understands the deep community concern over the proposed zoning changes. The NBC has reviewed all 935 submissions received in response to the public exhibition of the Conservation Zones Review and Technical Studies. We can read the Consultation Report via the NBC website which summarises the key issues and Council’s response to this feedback. It is imperative that the people of Pittwater have their concerns taken into consideration and that NBC continues the process of developing a strong and consensus-based local environment plan and development control plan. As a member of a Labor government, I will act to protect Pittwater from overdevelopment working with local groups and the NBC. This would mean scrutinising each proposal based on its merit and on expert technical geological and environmental scientists advise.
What is your position on the establishment of a scenic foreshore protection area?
A scenic foreshore protection area plan for Pittwater is a desirable inclusion in the LEP.
What planning controls will you support to address residents concerns?
As a member of a Labor government, I will act to review current NSW State planning controls to ensure all concerned parties have their rights protected.
What is your position on the NSW Department of planning Rezoning Pathways Program and policy?
This statement on the website is salient: “The Minister for Planning and the Minister for Homes will retain the discretion to recommend, or otherwise, the making of the associated State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) or Local Environmental Plan (LEP).” As a member of a Minn’s Government it would be contingent on me to act as a conduit between various community groups and the NBC to the Minister to ensure local concerns and issues were adequately ascertained and a consensus fair position arrived upon in each individual situation.
How will you ensure residents concerns about developments are heard and acted on?
As the local MLA I would actively consult with concerned parties. This means that if I learn about developments that may affect locals I would be proactively bringing these matters to their attention. Moreover, should a matter of concern come to my attention it would be offices and my responsibility to act on my constituents concerns as appropriate.
A Minns NSW Labor Government will draft new rules and streamline planning processes to stop new developments on dangerous Sydney floodplains. New South Wales has experienced an escalating number of major flood events in recent years. It's increasingly clear that we cannot continue to develop and build on dangerous floodplains, and risk putting more people in harm's way.
There are too many government entities responsible for planning, flood recovery and reconstruction, and while all intentions are good, there is often too much buck-passing and a lack of accountability. Other than the Minister for Local Government, there are five separate ministers in the current government with various planning powers.
NSW Labor will adopt a proactive approach to planning and mitigating against the impact of floods and charge one Minister with the responsibility of stopping further development on dangerous floodplains. Labor’s commitment builds on the recommendations of the O’Kane and Fuller flood report, which called for simplifying the planning system, coordinating with councils and planning authorities, and ensuring flood planning is factored into future planning decisions.
Do you support communities being given a say in demerging the forced 2016 amalgamations in a binding poll (to reinstate Pittwater Council)?
NSW Labor did not support the forced mergers of Councils that were pushed through by the Liberal/National Government in 2016. NSW Labor continues to recognise the right for local councils and communities to explore demerging voluntarily and decide their future.
This must be done with the clear support of local residents and by resolution of council, as confirmed through a local plebiscite. A business case for the proposed changes must also be presented to the NSW Government and Minister for consideration.
Wakehurst Parkway flooding – What is your plan to reduce or stop flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway? and How soon will this be achieved? What is the timeline?
My long-term plan is to bridge the ecologically sensitive section of the Parkway that floods. This would involve combining Local, State and Federal levels of government. It is a priority of my first term. The complexity of manifesting this project will depend upon consensus and funding. I am expecting positive news about The Wakehurst Parkway soon.
Mona Vale Hospital; Will you work towards a public acute services hospital at Mona Vale? Will you work towards returning public outpatient clinics such as dialysis to the Mona Vale Hospital campus? What is your view on the increasing privatisation of health services and the resulting creation of a two-tier system, particularly in relation to Northern Beaches Hospital? What is your position on the return to public ownership, of the Northern Beaches Hospital?
Will you work towards a public acute services hospital at Mona Vale?
Yes
Will you work towards returning public outpatient clinics such as dialysis to the Mona Vale Hospital campus?
More than returning but increasing the number of dialysis units from the five that the Liberals removed to an initial 10 and eventually a number consistent with the needs of our community.
What is your view on the increasing privatisation of health services and the resulting creation of a two-tier system, particularly in relation to Northern Beaches Hospital?
Depending on the commercial in confidence contracts the Liberals have signed, I would be acting with our Minister for Health to improve public services at the NBH.
What is your position on the return to public ownership, of the Northern Beaches Hospital?
Depending on the commercial in confidence contracts the Liberals have signed, I would advocate for it to be owned by the public of NSW.
Cost of Living: + Local Business; What plans do you have to ease the cost-of-living burden residents are currently being impacted by? How quickly could these be implemented? Do you have a plan to decrease the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors whose tax burden erodes their income?
LABOR WILL ADDRESS THE COST OF LIVING
No matter where you go and who you talk to, the rising cost of living is putting an ever increasing burden on households to make ends meet and they just feel the Perrottet government doesn’t get it.
NSW is the highest taxing state in the country and the cost of living is spiralling out of control with skyrocketing electricity prices and the most toll roads in the country. It’s true Dominic Perrottet doesn’t get it, he wants to tax you more, including by introducing a tax on the family home forever. And refuses to rule out more privatisation, despite electricity prices increasing after privatisation.
Labor will do what it takes to ease the cost of living on families across NSW. We will stop the Liberals and Nationals Land Tax. We’ll also end privatisation of public assets, putting a stop to ever increasing prices that are costing everyone living in our state. NSW needs a fresh start if we’re going to tackle this cost of living and only Labor is listening and will deliver this.
LABOR’S FRESH START PLAN FOR ROADS & TRANSPORT
Labor believes everyone should have access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transport – whether that be road, rail, bus, light rail, bike or emerging platforms. Our Fresh Start Plan will invest in better public transport – including an end to the privatisation of these essential services. We will improve the quality of public transport by building our trains, buses, ferries and light rail right here in NSW.
And we will stop selling our motorways to private, for-profit companies, and instead deliver practical toll relief to motorists by introducing a $60 weekly toll cap.
Only Labor will deliver the transport system that NSW deserves.
Central to our future prosperity is the growth of a NSW economy that works in the interests of people – not the other way around.
The Liberals and Nationals have sold off over $90 billion worth of public assets but failed to set our economy up for the future. Since they came to office 12 years ago, the number of people in NSW finishing apprenticeships each year has more than halved; the state has lost 42,000 manufacturing jobs; and NSW gross debt has increased by five times to over $128 billion.
And by selling off so many public assets, our budget has lost billions of dollars in dividends that were previously reinvested back into essential services like schools and hospitals.
Labor’s Fresh Start Plan will build a strong economy for the future and provide jobs growth and skills to fulfill the ambitions of the people of NSW.
We’ll halt the privatisation of public assets, back local manufacturing – starting by building the Tangara replacement trains right here, back local businesses with a NSW Jobs First Commission, and address the skills gap through TAFE Manufacturing Centres of Excellence.
How quickly could these be implemented?
Labor will start governing for the people, the environment, the economy from the day we are sworn into government. With a majority government our highly credentialled and astute ministers will hit the parliament running. Of course we will be careful and considerate of all the people of NSW so we achieve our goal of making NSW a better place to live.
Do you have a plan to decrease the taxes paid by local businesses and sole proprietors whose tax burden erodes their income?
NSW Labor will back the state’s small businesses by ramping up local procurement as well as empowering small business by improving engagement with government.
Boosting local procurement - A Minns Labor Government will ramp up local procurement from small business by:
- Including a local supplier element to tender weightings which gives priority to small businesses in the area nearby the projects they are tendering for;
- Increasing the threshold for direct procurement with small business from $150,000 to $250,000;
- Increasing the proportion of government expenditure through procurement with small business from approximately 12 per cent at present, to 20 per cent by 2026 and 30 per cent by 2030;
- Only requiring small businesses to provide relevant insurance when a contract is awarded, and not when submitting a tender;
- Pre-qualifying small businesses as suppliers through a single form; and
- Simplifying contracts for whole of government schemes and key goods and services programs.
NSW Business Bureau
Labor will improve engagement between small business and government by establishing a NSW Business Bureau to navigate regulation and processes, as well as engage with overseas markets, by:
- Assisting businesses in navigating government regulatory framework;
- Reducing red tape;
- Providing support in tendering for government contracts;
- Guidance in accessing government programs, grants and initiatives, and how to use them to help grow their businesses; and
- Supporting small businesses to sell their goods and services overseas.
Charter for small business
NSW Labor will create a Charter for Small Business to provide small business with a voice and seat at the government policy making table, including:
- codifying the NSW Government’s commitment to small business, and the framework for which the NSW Government will engage with and support small businesses;
- recognising the importance of small business to local economies; providing valuable employment; and the role of NSW Government procurement to help small businesses grow; and
- consulting with the small business industry to develop new processes and performance metrics and allowing small business to be represented in policy development and decision making.
A Minns Labor Government will invest in essential services with savings from slashing Liberal waste. NSW Labor will deliver $1.6 billion in savings by reducing the Liberal government’s reliance on labour hire workers by 25 per cent. This includes cutting wasteful spending on private external contractors. Labor will reinvest this into essential services, with schools and hospitals to see the most benefit.
Dominic Perrottet's refusal to rule out selling Sydney Water and other vital state-owned assets means higher water charges for NSW and over $7 billion lost in dividends to NSW that could be used to help fund schools and hospitals.
NSW can’t risk another four more years of Dominic Perrottet and his privatisation agenda – it means NSW ends up paying more in the long run:
- The Liberals privatised roads and now NSW is the most tolled city on the face of the earth.
- They privatised electricity and now NSW households pay $100 more than needed for power per year, with biggest brunt borne by areas served by privatised electricity networks.
NSW Labor is pledging no more privatisation, and a guarantee that NSW’s water infrastructure will stay in public hands.
Under Labor, the NSW government will work with the Commonwealth to give small businesses the choice of lodging their payroll tax returns directly with the Australian Taxation Office, sidestepping annual payroll tax reconciliation. This single-touch system, allowing businesses to lodge monthly payroll tax returns with the Australian Taxation Office as well as Revenue NSW, will cut red tape for some 52,000 businesses, Labor says.
A Minns Labor Government will put rail safety and budget honesty first by abolishing Dominic Perrottet’s Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). TAHE has been a financial and ethical disaster for the NSW Government. The Government first ignored multiple warnings from its own advisors about the inherent conflicts of allowing a for-profit company to manage the safety and value of the State’s rail infrastructure, land and trains.
Last year, the Auditor-General took the rare step of refusing to sign-off on the accuracy of the state’s accounts, amidst concerns that Mr Perrotett’s government was using TAHE as a device to artificially reduce the size of the state’s budget deficit. The Auditor-General has warned that TAHE has created a multi-billion budget blackhole, and concluded that future governments will need to find a further $10.2 billion to fund TAHE from 2026-27 to 2030-2031.
Despite its for-profit status, TAHE has never earned a profit. Millions in public money has already been spent by TAHE on consultants and PR firms. Last year Labor revealed the State Government plans to fix TAHE’s budget hole by turning it into a mega-property developer. TAHE was secretly tasked with selling off over $40 billion worth of public land near train stations for high-density apartments, student accommodation and even a hotel at Sydney’s Central Station. If elected, NSW Labor will abolish TAHE when it is safe to do so.
51,000 drivers each week will have more and better toll relief under NSW Labor’s plan to introduce a $60 weekly toll cap. This will be immediate help to ease the burden of increasing tolls across Sydney and Western Sydney. Labor’s toll cap will be on top of the existing toll rebate and M5 cashback schemes. This means under Labor, drivers will be safe in knowing they will not pay more than $60 a week in tolls.
Labor’s toll cap will be in place for two years, and will commence on 1, January 2024. It will be administered by Service NSW. Any tolls charged above the cap will be refunded on a quarterly basis.
A Minns Labor Government will also appoint Professor Allan Fels AO, former chairman of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC), to lead an overhaul of the toll network. Professor Fels’s overhaul would:
- immediately take charge of the current Treasury and Transport review of tolls;
- be responsible for negotiating with tolling operators to drive a good deal for motorists; and
- be tasked with looking at long term reform options to overhaul the tolling system in NSW including but not limited to potential competition in toll contracts, moving freight on toll roads at night, the intersection of public transport and toll roads, long term concessions, what other jurisdictions are doing and compliance with toll contracts.
Under Labor the review and recommendations will be made public, it will be open to submissions and will consult with the transport sector and the toll paying public.
A NSW Labor Government will make the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Sydney Harbour free for all to see, by removing fees for tickets to access public vantage points. Currently, tens of thousands of people are forced to fork out as much as $600 for the chance to watch our world-leading fireworks in person.
Prior to Covid, over one million people would attend harbour foreshore events on New Year’s Eve, with events being largely non-ticketed. During the pandemic, local councils implemented free but ticketed events to control numbers. However, the NSW Government has been increasingly imposing charges for tickets and vantage points in recent years.
Currently over 45,000 people have to pay to simply to watch the fireworks around the harbour. This means some families have to pay hundreds of dollars just to sit in the park with their kids, while some sites under NSW Government ownership or management are currently charging up to $595 for tickets to access to foreshore sites on New Year's Eve.
Removing ticket fees would bring these events and locations in line with 30 other locations spread among council areas that span the whole harbour foreshore. More importantly, it would return fairness to one of the fundamental joys of living in Sydney - ringing in the New Year by watching the fireworks in person with friends and family.
Ticketing can still be used for the purposes of crowd control and safety, but at no cost to attendees. Labor will stop the creeping user-pays approach this NSW Liberal Government has taken to almost everything it can get its hands on and make the NYE fireworks free again.
Cancelled Bus services: Since the bus service was privatised we have experienced a decrease in runs, with many cancelled, including those for our children to get them to school, who we have witnessed being driven straight past by bus drivers while waiting at bus stops. What is your plan to remedy this? How will you decrease the amount of vehicles on roads?
Once we know the details in the contracts Labor will scrutinise the private companies performance in relation to KPIs and KBIs and work with the company and the drivers, mechanics and administration to improve the service. This is contingent upon what the Liberals conceded to when privatising this area.
How will you decrease the amount of vehicles on roads?
This is a multi-level answer but fixing the public transport system, improving the NBN (which is happening now Labor is the Federal government) so people may work more effectively at home
Environment:
1. Net Zero – What is your plan to reduce all local emissions to net zero in the Pittwater Electorate and timeline for achieving this? What alternatives for energy supply have you identified and how will these be implemented in the electorate?
What is your plan to reduce all local emissions to net zero in the Pittwater Electorate?
CREATE THE NSW ENERGY SECURITY CORPORATION
After a decade of failed privatisation, a Minns Labor Government will create the NSW Energy Security Corporation, a state-owned body that will accelerate investment in renewable energy assets that will deliver cleaner and more reliable energy and help keep the lights on.
NSW is going through an energy transformation. The private sector is driving important investment in cheaper, cleaner generation like wind and solar. However, the Liberal National government have not done enough to ensure the dispatchable supply of clean energy needed for when the sun doesn’t shine or the wind doesn’t blow. Labor’s Fresh Start Plan for energy will ensure we can help keep the lights on, and do so while keeping essential services in public hands, and creating good jobs across the state.
THE NSW ENERGY SECURITY CORPORATION
The NSW Energy Security Corporation will be seeded with a $1 billion investment from the existing Restart NSW Fund.
The role of the NSW Energy Security Corporation will be to partner with industry on projects that provide affordable, accessible and reliable energy to NSW including:
- Medium to long duration renewable storage solutions like pumped hydro, as well as any other commercially viable technologies able to provide grid stability;
- Community batteries to maximise the benefits for households of rooftop solar.
These areas are critical to managing the transformation of NSW’s energy system and providing the reliability the state needs.
The private sector has made it clear it is difficult to invest in these areas alone. The NSW Energy Security Corporation will help fill the gap and ensure the benefits of the renewable energy transition are fairly and evenly enjoyed.
The Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap was predicated on the Liberal National Government promise that all five Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) would be up and running by 2030, supported by 2GW of storage.
Feedback from industry is concerned these targets will be missed due to delays and a lack of government certainty.
The NSW Energy Security Corporation will result in an overall expansion of the private sector renewable energy investment in New South Wales similar to the way the Commonwealth’s Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has expanded total renewable energy investment across Australia.
There is a clear choice at the next election when it comes to the energy security New South Wales needs. More privatisation under Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals which has led to a cost of living crisis in NSW.
Or a fresh start under Labor, with the end of privatisation and more investment in reliable and secure energy for New South Wales.
COMMUNITY BATTERIES in Pittwater, including Terrey HILLS AND DUFFY’s Forest.
A Minns Labor Government will deliver more stability and reliability in our state’s energy supply by building community batteries. Community batteries allow homes within a neighbourhood to store excess power generated during the day from their rooftop solar panels. The stored power can be used later in the evening when demand on the electricity network is traditionally higher.
It also means that families can use more of the power that they actually generate, particularly at night, lowering their overall energy bills. It will also take pressure off the grid during periods of peak demand.
New South Wales has the lowest rate of households with solar energy systems out of any state – 26.6 per cent. Of that, 1 in 60 households have a battery to store the energy they produce from their panels.
The community batteries will be delivered through the NSW Energy Security Corporation.
The NSW Energy Security Corporation will work with the Commonwealth and industry to ensure that NSW gets an outsized share of community batteries to deliver lasting cost-of-living relief to NSW families.
What is your timeline for achieving this?
As soon as possible. These are long-term state building proposals. Having me as the MLA will decrease their implementation. Definitely positive changes will be observed.
2. PEP-11 – What is your plan to end the PEP-11 licence off our shores? What is the costing estimated should the proponents seek compensation? How quickly do you expect to achieve this?
3. Wildlife – Habitat retention in urban spaces – The requirements for tree removals aren’t being checked by councils around tree replacements connected to DA’s nor are the any ‘offsets’ for habitat for larger developments left in the LGA. What will you do to protect the places urban wildlife lives in? What mechanisms can you introduce into state government to support local wildlife carers who are all volunteers and all currently funding ‘saves’ from their own pockets?
Lobby council and councillors to lift their game. As the MLA I’ll have more impact.
I will advocate to ensure we keep our trees, wildlife corridors, that we make sure the roads work and don't kill animals when they're trying to cross them.
What mechanisms can you introduce into state government to support local wildlife carers who are all volunteers and all currently funding ‘saves’ from their own pockets?
This is a matter that I will pursue as the Pittwater MLA. At time of writing I do not know what to do but as a part of the government I will have access to all the relevant ministers and departments.
Labor will fix the state’s broken environmental offsets system if it wins government next Saturday. Current policies are causing the decline of endangered ecosystems and species instead of avoiding more damage. A Labor government will use the five-yearly review of the state’s environmental laws, due to report in August, to deliver changes within the first 18 months of government.
A Minns Labor Government will save koalas from extinction by protecting key habitats and restoring environmental protections torn up by the Liberals and Nationals over the past 12 years.
Labor's plan will:
- Establish a Great Koala National Park on the mid-north coast.
- Protect Koalas in Southern Sydney by creating a George's River National Park and new protected areas in Heathcote.
- Finally complete the ‘National Parks Establishment Plan’
After 12 years of Liberal National Governments, they just don’t get it. They have left these precious animals vulnerable to extinction.
A Minns Labor Government would scrap plans for a $10 billion toll road tunnel linking Sydney's Northern Beaches to the city's north-east. We don't need new expensive roads for the Northern Beaches that will destroy its environment, we need brand new public transport in Sydney's west.
Lizard Rock proposal - What is your position on the proposal to develop land at ‘Lizard Rock’? Do you support further parcels of MLALC lands in the Pittwater electorate granted being brought under development through planning proposals? Have you identified and costed alternatives to support the aspirations of the MLALC?
NSW Labor understands the deep community concerns over the Lizard Rock proposal.
We note the Government’s election promise reverses its earlier encouragement of a housing proposal for the site.
A Minns Labor Government will work with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Northern Beaches Council to consider suitable uses for the site.
NSW Labor is opposed to the development of this site. Labor Planning Spokesman Paul Scully has stated he would work with the land council and the council to find a use for the site, but that wouldn't include a housing plan.
Additionally, a Minns Labor Government will commit $5 million to a 12-month consultation process with First Nations communities on a treaty process for New South Wales. For many years, First Nations communities in New South Wales have called on the government to recognise their rights, culture and history and commence a treaty process. This consultation will provide a first step towards a truthful and honourable basis for reconciliation.
Almost every other state and territory around Australia have committed to pursuing a formal treaty process – some are more progressed than others. New South Wales is lagging, and only a Minns Labor Government will ensure a consultation process on Treaty begins in the next term of government. This process will determine whether First Nations communities in New South Wales want a treaty or agreement making process; and if so, what that process would look like.
A treaty process must be led by First Nations communities from the start. The consultation process will begin after the referendum on the Voice in the second half of this year. Only a Labor government will lead the way on a path to treaty and work towards genuine reconciliation with First Nations communities in New South Wales.
Support for local Volunteers - What will you do to ensure the volunteers base who work locally is increased? How will you support this to occur?
Seniors - What is your policy to expand connections and inclusiveness for our local seniors? Local seniors and others are being ‘double dipped’ through having to pay council rates and estate fees – what will you do to stop this? How soon will you implement this? Do you have any other policies for our local seniors?
I am not across this matter but will investigate it.
Youth - What do you intend to seek for younger residents should you be elected? Younger residents state they do not want to travel to Dee Why to access youth facilities/listen to bands at all ages ‘gigs’ - likewise for bike tracks and getting to Belrose. Do you have a plan to introduce any new play facilities or a ‘stage for playing on’ north of Narrabeen? If so – please outline you plan and a timeframe for delivery.
The first step is to make what we have now work better for our youth. Then we can start to develop better venues and encourage more involvement from the community at large.
We're committed to restoring Sunday penalty rates, a day many young people work to earn money while studying, and we will legislate to ensure they can never be cut again.
A Minns Labor Government will commit $93.7 million to hire an additional 1,000 apprentices and trainees across the NSW Government by 2026 – to tackle the NSW skills shortage and get young people into work.
Labor will set targets across the NSW Government to make sure 1,000 NSW learners have the opportunity to undertake on-the-job training in places like Sydney Water, Essential Energy, National Parks and Wildlife Services, Homes NSW and the NSW Energy Security Corporation. This is on top of 200 apprentices to be hired through Labor’s commitment to build the next fleet of Tangaras in NSW – and the 1,000 to be trained each year in our Manufacturing Centres of Excellence.
The decline in NSW education and skills under the Liberals means more than a quarter of students now leave school without completing their HSC – the lowest rate of any mainland state and 10 per cent worse than Victoria.
Apprenticeships are an important route into the job market for young people who choose not to complete the HSC. The new commitment will help rebuild opportunities for young people and those without formal qualifications.
It sits alongside Labor’s plans to save NSW’s crippled TAFE system – which now has 140,000 fewer enrolments compared to 2011 – and reverse the state’s decline in manufacturing jobs. Our TAFE system was once a force to be reckoned with. In the hands of the Liberals and Nationals it has been crippled. The only way to turn this around is to invest in a TAFE system that is accessible to all.
Reports show that parents, teachers and principals are concerned that vaping and e-cigarettes in schools has gotten out of control with internal departmental documents showing that reported incidents of vaping had increased by 771% in the space of one year. Alarmingly, these reports also show that vaping is occurring in primary schools as well as high schools.
Principals and teachers have been pleading with the NSW Government to take action and help with the rapidly growing problem. A 2021 email from the principal of a Coffs Harbour High School to the Department of Education shows that vaping has become an issue “that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency”.
In response to the growing problem, NSW Labor has a plan to address it:
- In the immediate term, NSW Labor supports the implementation of e-cigarette detectors in common vaping spaces like bathrooms for schools where this problem is getting out of control.
- NSW Labor will host a roundtable on smoking and vaping in schools within the first year of Government.
- NSW Labor supports the launch of a health and safety campaign warning about the use, sale and sharing of e-cigarettes in schools
Labor will shift the focus away from a traditional arts policy towards a whole-of-government approach to the new and exciting opportunities emerging across the arts, cultural and creative sectors.
Key elements of the strategy include:
- Shifting focus beyond the narrow arts sector to include broader cultural and creative sectors, including screen, music, architecture and design, fashion and tech.
- Moving focus beyond the major cultural institutions in the city’s east to the broader creative businesses right across the city. This is an economic story that is consistent with NSW Labor’s focus on supporting arts and cultural spaces, including by reducing regulation of grassroots music and arts spaces
- Charting a path to growth for the sector which does not rely solely on public sector funding and support.
- Making culture central to the story that NSW tells about itself, including as a part of the Destination NSW pitch for visitation, especially repeat visitation.
- Widespread consultation about a new NSW arts, culture and creative industries policy should Labor win Government.
Labor will continue to back the traditional institutions and fiercely defend art for art's sake while also expanding our focus to concentrate on investing in creative people, the grassroots and innovation, rather than just bricks and mortar.
NSW is the dominant state when it comes the creative sector workforce. This is especially the case in screen, recorded music, fashion and technology. Creative sector jobs are growing more rapidly than other sectors of the economy and are more likely to be resistant to automation. That makes them very important when it comes to thinking about future jobs and industries that will be important to the NSW economy.
Artists have been among the hardest hit from the pandemic over the past three years, enduring capacity limits, border restrictions, industry uncertainty and COVID hesitancy.
There is currently no guarantee in NSW that artists receive a minimum wage when working at events that are receiving public money. A NSW Labor Government will ensure fair pay for musicians by implementing a $250 minimum fee for musicians at commercial events that receive public funding.
Labor successfully passed a motion in support for a minimum fee for musicians in the NSW Upper House in 2021, despite the Liberals and National voting against it.
Mental Health - Residents state 61 beds at NBH for mental health services is not enough – do you have any policy to increase access to services for younger residents?
Big changes need to happen. As an active member of Rebuild Mona Vale Hospital this and many other public health policies will be addressed vigorously with me as your MLA.
If I am not elected the current malaise will continue.
NSW Labor will invest in an expansion of Lifeline’s services after the NSW Liberals opposed a request for more funding, amidst a surge in demand for its services. Since the last state Budget, demand for Lifeline’s text and webchat services has grown beyond the predicted numbers and their ability to meet this need has been limited by funding constraints.
Under Labor Lifeline’s current funding will be guaranteed, with an additional commitment of $8.2 million over five years to increase text and webchat services. Lifeline requested an increase in funding for text and webchat services ahead of the state budget last year, which the NSW Liberal Government denied.
A Minns Labor Government will boost access for mental health services for young people in New South Wales by committing $17 million to the Kids Helpline over four years to increase their capacity to respond to a rising number of calls.
NSW Labor’s funding will:
- Further increase the Kids Helpline’s capacity to respond to more children and young people in New South Wales and support more young people in deeper and more meaningful ways;
- Help more children and young people across the whole of New South Wales to get help when they need it by ensuring ongoing access to Kids Helpline services, 24/7, no matter where they live;
- Strengthen the integration of Kids Helpline with local, area and state-wide services across mental health, child protection, education, employment, and other social systems in New South Wales;
- Assist appropriately qualified counsellors to obtain practical skills and capabilities needed to deliver quality mental health service by recruiting up to 28 FTE additional counsellors to respond to children and young people; and
- Build the New South Wales mental health service system’s capability to respond more rapidly to the impacts of crises on children and young people.
A Minns Labor Government will establish legislation to enshrine a whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention – to help tackle the complexities of mental health in New South Wales and address the need for urgent action in suicide prevention. Suicide prevention legislation has proven successful overseas in legislating whole-of-government prevention priorities, having been established in Japan, Argentina, Canada and recently in South Australia.
Legislation will be modelled on similar legislation in these other jurisdictions and may include state-wide objectives to reduce suicide including training and education; an advisory council; and a suicide prevention plan with annual reporting and specific measures for priority populations, to inform the work of every government department.
Schools - Many of our schools are at capacity – what plans do you have to increase places for infant, primary and high school students?
Firstly we need to build and maintain. I will get the funding back for Narrabeen High and Narrabeen North PS and then consult with P.&C’s and Principals across the district to make a new start plan for public education n Pittwater.
A Minns Labor Government will build 100 public preschools co-located with government primary schools, in its first term of government if elected.
Labor will commit $3 million to upgrade Northbridge Public School, which is 16 per cent over its capacity. Last year Northbridge Public School had 484 enrolments despite being built for only 416 students, this has meant the school is forced to rely on demountables.
NSW Labor will commit $7 million to upgrade Cammeray Public School which is 25 per cent over its enrolment capacity. Last year, Cammeray Public School had 781 enrolments despite only having capacity for 624, which meant children were forced out of permanent classrooms and into demountables.
A Minns Labor Government will also restrict the use of mobile phones in NSW public high school classrooms to improve students’ learning and social development. NSW Labor will also conduct a review into the impact of technology on children and young people and will develop digital media literacy programs with a focus on online ethical behaviours, data privacy and critical thinking skills.
The mobile phone policy would replicate similar initiatives used in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, which restrict the use of mobile phones, smart watches, tablets and headphones, unless students are under the instruction of a staff member. Education outcomes in NSW have been declining over the past decade, with NSW now ranked 23rd in reading, 31st in maths and 23rd in science compared to other countries in the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) rankings. In 2006, NSW was effectively ranked 6th in reading, 9th in maths and 3rd in science.
There will be exemptions for students with special circumstances, such as needing to monitor a health condition, or when under the direct instruction of a teacher for educational purposes or with teacher permission for a specified purpose such as for language translation and communication.
Integrity - Residents state they do not believe much of what comes out of the two party system or its representatives any longer – What will you do to reinstate confidence in state government should you be elected?
Work hard, help people and maintain my ethical stance against corruption.
If you win (the seat of Pittwater) and are sitting in opposition or on the cross-bench, what will be your priorities for the community?
Make Pittwater a safe, peaceful and accepting community for all who live and work here.
Why should I vote for you?
I am a local resident of Pittwater and lived here since birth except for travelling and four years on the north coast of NSW studying in Lismore.
I live in the electorate. I grew up on the North Narrabeen Peninsula in Malcolm Street, then Collins Street, then in Charlie Brady’s place in 184 Ocean Street then back to Collins Street and finally living in Lisle Street until 1987 when I moved to Bungan Beach. Now I live in Church Point with my wife of 30 years.
I own and operate tutoring businesses in the Mona Vale and Frenchs Forest. It is my 26th year owning and operating this tutoring and supplementary education business with franchisees in Rooty Hill, Castle Hill and Bankstown. The aim of the business is to treat every student as an individual and design a learning programme that helps the student improve his or her academic performance.
Many state issues are salient in this area. The main three fall under the headings of Health, Transport and Environment. Education is important, and public schools in this area have suffered under the repressive regime of a developer and private school-orientated government that has underfunded public schools and the health system, including mental health since taking office.
The main issue for me in Pittwater that exemplifies the neglect and cynical handling of the rights of the people has been the demolition of Mona Vale Public Hospital. Since then, Pittwater has not had an emergency ward nor any Acute level of care available except from the publically funded, privately operated Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) many kilometres away and the urgent care staffed by amazing medicos who always do their best. Access to the NBH via the Wakehurst Parkway is tenuous during rainfall events as it floods. I want Labor to state that after we analyse the contracts made by the Liberals with the private hospital, we would rebuild and regenerate Mona Vale Public Hospital on the existing site and keep it in perpetuity as an Acute Level 5 facility with teaching and nurse training capability.
Contingent on being elected as MLA of Pittwater and the contractual arrangements the Coalition Government put in place, I will work within parliament and the Labor party to rebuild Mona Vale Public Hospital to a minimum Level 5 across a public medical precinct located at the site still called Mona Vale Hospital offering the following services to the residents of Pittwater and visitors to Pittwater:
- Clinical Support Services including Pathology, Pharmacy, Diagnostic Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Anaesthetics, Intensive Care, Coronary Care, Operating Suites;
- Core Services including Medicine, General Medicine, Cardiology, Dermatology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Haematology – Clinical, HIV/AIDS, Infectious Diseases, Medical Oncology, Neurology, Radiation Oncology, Renal Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Rheumatology;
- Surgery including General Surgery, Burns, Thoracic/Cardiothoracic Surgery, Day Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat, Gynaecology, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery;
- Maternal and Child Health Services, including Maternity, Neonatal Medicine, Paediatric Surgery, Family and Child Health;
- Integrated Community and Hospital Health Services, including Adolescent Health, Adult Mental Health (Inpatient Care), Adult Mental Health (Community Care), Child/Adolescent Mental Health (Inpatient Care), Child/Adolescent Mental Health (Community Care), Older Adult Mental Health (Inpatient Care), Older Adult Mental Health (Community Care), Child Protection Services (PANOC Services), Drug and Alcohol Services, Geriatrics, Health Promotion, Palliative Care, Rehabilitation, Sexual Assault Services; and,
- Community-Based Services including Aboriginal / Indigenous Health, Community Health - General, Community Nursing, Genetics, Multicultural Health, Oral Health, Sexual Health Services, and Women's Health. I've attached definitions of services at various levels.
- The current operation as an Urgent Care Centre with other limited outpatient services needs to be maintained with the ability for upgrading while Mona Vale Hospital is being rebuilt.
The two main transport problems we need to be fixed that only a Labor government could do are road related. The first would need to be done in conjunction with the electorates of Davidson and Wakehurst, as it would involve fixing the flooding predicament of the Wakehurst Parkway by building spanning land bridges high enough to allow the flood waters to flow underneath them. This would have the extra benefit of allowing native fauna to transverse the area without becoming road kill. Another transport problem is the Mona Vale Road at Ingleside. This is a real problem as it costs much more than the initial budget and could be considered a very dangerous road. Only a determined Labor government can fix this situation and build a long-term solution that better provides for the people of Pittwater. Greater scrutiny of the private contractors' maintenance of the main roads leading to and through Pittwater is imperative as the people rely on cars and trucks because we now have a privatised bus system that has cut many services. This needs to be very closely scrutinised because I do not want the company, nor the workers to be disadvantaged because of mismanagement by the present government.
After the Liberals amalgamated the local government areas of Pittwater, Warringah and Manly, Pittwater's natural and built environment has felt the threat of overdevelopment and habitat destruction looming. Pittwater needs a Labor MLA to ensure that development harmoniously regenerates the urban environment with a long-term habitation viewpoint. That means scrutinising the current state policies that underpin the Northern Beaches Council advocating changes to zoning in Pittwater that could facilitate undesirable development that denudes and destroys the natural environment with building that changes the characteristics of the place.
We need to strengthen and expand the frames of reference for the Pittwater LEP with a corresponding strengthening of the DCPs so they are effective and responsible for the people of Pittwater.
I will:
- To advocate for fully electric "gold standard" bus rapid transit (BRT) from Mona Vale to York St/Central and Dee Why to Chatswood.
- No more privatisation of public services and assets.
- Finish stage 2 Mona Vale Rd upgrade with express public transport to Gordon railway station.
- Stronger and better drafted planning controls for Pittwater and environs.
- Consider adverse environmental impacts of off-shore sand dredging for the purpose of beach nourishment.
- (Remembering that it has been Labor Party Federal and State to not allow PEP-11, ever, regardless of TEAL independents trying to make it a state issue when everyone knows it is a Federal one.)
- Review current modelling of coastal processes relevant to Northern Beaches and Pittwater in particular.
- Consult with experts like Angus Gordon and Greg Britton about sea walls and how to ecologically restore our golden beaches without offshore sand dredging and the de-regulation of environmental laws.
As a member of a Minn’s Labor Government I will make a positive difference in the community and area I have lived in all my life.
Craig Law
Sustainable Australia – Stop Overdevelopment/Corruption
Craig's Sustainable Australia – Stop Overdevelopment/Corruption referred Pittwater Online to a webpage for their Pittwater Candidate as a response to a request for contact/more information from their Candidate for Pittwater. That webpage reads:
Pittwater candidate - Craig Law, Sustainable Australia Party
Craig is Northern Beaches born and bred and about 8 years ago embarked on a tree change to raise his young family on a small acreage in semi-rural Glenorie on the outskirts of Sydney. Craig has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (Hons) degree from the University of NSW and soon after graduating began his career in Information Technology at Roche Products in Dee Why back in the early 90's. Since then Craig has worked in the media, insurance, telecommunications, aviation, hospitality, advertising and marketing sectors.
Craig has many ties to the Northern Beaches with most of his family still calling the area home and is a 30 year member of the Coal and Candle Rural Fire Brigade at Terrey Hills where he continues to volunteer his time for the community.
Craig is a founding member of Sustainable Australia Party having joined many years ago because of his deep concern about endless and unsustainable growth in resource consumption and population in Australia (and the rest of the world).
Standing in the 2023 election for the seat of Pittwater he's hoping to raise awareness about the ramifications of continued growth such as overdevelopment, overcrowding, choked roads, ecosystem degradation and destruction and, of course, climate change. The fact is that with all of the problems confronting Australia none of them will be alleviated by increasing our population and resource consumption. With two young children of his own the stakes are high and he's determined to ensure the country he grew up in continues to be the Lucky Country.
Craig is campaigning to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption.
