THOMPSON SQUARE - REMOVAL OF 200 YEAR OLD CONVICT-BUILT DRAINS

August 15, 2018

We are at a crisis point in Windsor. The New South Wales government is removing historic box drains from Thompson Square and covering over for ever the impressive 200-year-old convict-built barrel drains. This will happen over the next few nights under the cover of darkness. It's essentially heritage vandalism of some of Australia's oldest colonial remnants. I don't think this Georgian square, the oldest public square in the country, should be...

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OLDER WOMEN - THE CHANGING FACE OF HOMELESSNESS

August 15, 2018

When we talk about someone being homeless there are probably stereotypical images that flash in people's minds, but the nearly 100 people, mainly women, who joined me in Windsor to discuss older women's homelessness know another reality. Women over 60 are among the most at-risk groups in our community. As part of national homelessness week, I thought it was time to shine a spotlight on this issue. I was joined by the shadow minister for homele...

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Western Sydney Airport

August 13, 2018

The Prime Minister got upset with his local council for considering a skate park operating in daylight hours because the noise would disturb local residents. Yet he has not a qualm about subjecting the ever-growing Western Sydney population to sleep-disturbing noises through the night. Given the 24-hour nature of this airport, nor can I accept that the project is barrelling on ahead without the release of flight paths.

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University Funding

August 13, 2018

Just before Christmas, the Turnbull government decided to freeze growth in university places as part of a fourth attempt at university cuts. At Western Sydney University, which many of my constituents attend, they're facing some of the largest hits to any university in New South Wales. Of the more than $2.2 billion being denied to universities across Australia, $93 million will not go to Western Sydney University. About a quarter of the studen...

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Aged Care Home Care Packages

August 13, 2018

You know how desperate things are in a sector when someone who gets very little sleep because she works in aged care and is also a full-time carer for her mum makes the time to be part of a local forum with some politicians, giving up the only moment of free time that she gets.

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Mental Health Services

August 13, 2018

After working closely with my community on the issue of mental health over the last couple of years, and consulting with a broad cross- section of both providers and consumers of mental health services, I know that we need to see more services delivered outside the central hub for our region, which is Penrith, which is not even in my electorate.

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