It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Kooyong and Canberra.
Last week, I launched the Let’s Fix HECS campaign, after graduates' debt increased by more than $1 billion through HECS indexation on 1 June. Team Kooyong has led the way on HECS reform before, and I'm confident we can do it again! This Wednesday I’m hosting two online events to talk more about the campaign and how together we can fix the HECS system for good. If you’re interested, I'd love you to join me!
Back in Kooyong, it’s been a full and lively week. From school visits and the grand opening of a new dog salon to a citizenship ceremony and a Lighter Footprints event, there’s been plenty happening. Without further ado, let’s unpack it together.
Upcoming Events!
More than 7000 people have already joined my "Let's Fix HECS" campaign calling on the Albanese government to end the cost of learning crisis by fixing unfair indexation, reversing the Job-Ready Graduates scheme, cutting the cost of degrees, and expanding prac placement supports.
This week I'll be hosting two events to share more about what we're up to: a webinar, and my very first TikTok livestream event.
|
|
JOIN MY HECS WEBINAR |
JOIN MY HECS TIKTOK LIVE |
Parliamentary wrap upLast week we had an intense three days in Canberra, dominated by HECS policy and tax reform. HECS indexation hit on 1 June, increasing total graduate debt by over $1.2 billion. I spent the week speaking in parliament, engaging with media, and attending a roundtable with Innovative Research Universities, talking with vice‑chancellors from across Australia about the Job‑Ready Graduates scheme and how we can reverse it to deliver better outcomes for students. I also voted in the House on tax reform and advocated for a better deal for small businesses. My amendment to change the tax treatment of small businesses, and to index tax thresholds for them, received support from both the Coalition and fellow crossbenchers. It didn't get up in the House, but I'll be talking to colleagues and trying to get it through in the Senate. You can read my full statement on my voting decisions here. In the House, I delivered speeches on HECS, tax reform, AUKUS, and aged care, all of which are available to watch here. Amongst parliamentary activities it was also a busy week of events. My team and I hosted a policy briefing from Solar Citizens on their initiative to unlock solar for renters, an area I'm looking forward to working on more, as well as a personal highlight, welcoming students from Geelong Grammar School in Toorak to parliament! |
 |
|
Keen to get involved with our Kooyong volunteer team?Join a group of like‑minded locals out in the community; letterboxing, attending pop-up offices, and chatting with residents about the issues that matter most to them! Whether you enjoy getting out with your favourite walking buddy, partner, friend, or dog it’s a great way to get involved in the Kooyong volunteer program and stay connected to our community. We're letterboxing in the next couple of weeks and would love to have you join us! |
|
Community wrap upIt was wonderful to come together with the community this week at Hawthorn Arts Centre to discuss Australia’s clean‑energy future and the transition to a renewables‑powered economy. I had a great conversation and Q and A session with Tim Buckley at a Lighter Footprints event. I also attended the grand opening of the New Leash dog salon on Maling Road. This inspiring social venture supports previously incarcerated women who are rebuilding their lives through employment and training. My Alfie is looking forward to a blueberry facial there in the very near future. School visits are some of my favourite parts of being the local federal member. This week I visited MLC’s Civics class and Balwyn High School’s Year 12 Legal Studies class. I also love welcoming new citizens, so it was a great pleasure to attend Boroondara's citizenship ceremony this week. |
 |
|
|
 |