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Talk of a new political party dominated headlines this week, after Senator David Pocock’s interview on Insiders sparked speculation about a party of independents. I addressed media questions in a public statement which you can read here. It's an honour to represent Kooyong as an an independent, answerable only to my community. I'm proud to be in this role, and I'm staying independent. It's an honour to amplify your voice in parliament. This week, that meant pushing back on rushed and ill-directed NDIS legislation, speaking out on behalf of vulnerable community members, scrutinising new taxation legislation, and raising concerns about the NACC’s operations following Commissioner Paul Brereton's resignation. I also lodged our community's submissions to the Senate Inquiries into the NDIS and the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Thanks to all who contributed to these. There is a lot more to unpack from this week, so let's get into it. |
Got thoughts on tax reform? Take my survey!The post-Budget legislation proposing major taxation changes was released on Thursday. I’m keen to gauge your views on several critical areas before it goes through the House of Representatives. Some will debated as soon as this Tuesday. If you’ve already shared your thoughts, thank you. If you haven’t, please take a few minutes to share your feedback through this survey. |
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Parliamentary Wrap up |
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This week was jam‑packed on many fronts. In parliament, my team and I worked hard to make the most of every minute, speaking to as many bills and motions as I could. This week, I contributed to debates on the NDIS, Aged Care, rights for transgender individuals, and energy costs, as well as questioning the Minister for Education about HECS indexation during Question Time. There is much unfinished business in tertiary education policy—stay tuned, as there will be more from me on that in the weeks ahead. Between parliamentary speeches and committee meetings this week, I also attended several events—many of them focussed on public health priorities. I was pleased to speak at a World Blood Cancer Day event in my capacity as co‑chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Bone Marrow Donation about the life‑saving impact bone marrow donation can have for patients and their families. |
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It was Reconciliation Week this week, and my team and I were honoured to witness Travis Lovett complete the Walk for Truth outside Parliament House, marking the end of an extraordinary 38 day, 905 kilometre journey from Melbourne. |
Upcoming Event!Securing Energy Independence:
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We're already seeing how vital it is for Australia to have a resilient energy system. Nothing beats cheap, reliable energy from the sun and wind. Australia has world-beating renewables resources. In June I'll be joined in conversation with Tim Buckley, founder of Climate Energy Finance. Tim's an expert in green energy finance, markets, and risk. We'll be talking about how Australia can pivot towards energy self-sufficiency in our transport, agricultural, manufacturing and mining industries, and minimise our dependence on fossil fuel supply chains. Come join us on Tuesday June 9 at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. |
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Before I headed to parliament this week, it was all go in Kooyong. Between school visits, citizenship ceremonies, and a volunteer shift at the Camberwell Market with Balwyn Rotary, last week was a big one. We also hosted a Politics in the Pub session on the Budget. The turnout was far greater than expected, reflecting how engaged our community is. We're already thinking about the next one! Got ideas for a topic you’d like me to cover, or a guest you’d love to hear from at a future Politics in the Pub? Send your suggestions to my office: [email protected]. |
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Next week is another sitting week, so we're off to Canberra again. With tax reform, aviation consumer protections, HECS reform, the Job-Ready Graduates scheme, and illicit tobacco on the agenda, there'll be plenty to get stuck into. Wish me luck! |
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