Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 2

That is a pathetic argument for a number of reasons. For a start, gambling companies are meant to do

checks to ensure that gamblers are not using the proceeds of crime to gamble. If people are gambling with the

proceeds of crime, the gambling companies obviously are not doing those checks properly. To give members an

example of how badly those checks are being done, think about this: South Australia's Independent Gambling

Authority has found that 50 per cent of problem gamblers—that is one in every two—admits to committing crimes

in order to gamble. That means a lot of stolen money is being gambled and gambling companies are not bothering

to do anything to stop it.

As I have previously explained, under my bill—which I call on the Government, the Opposition and the

crossbench to support—there can be no doubt that gambling companies have received the proceeds of crime. The

bill requires a court to rule that gambling companies have received the proceeds of crime and then allows the court

to make an order that those proceeds of crime must be returned to the victims who are also identified by the court.

Can any member explain to me how gamblers can be sent to jail for gambling-related crimes and yet the courts

cannot order that the stolen money be returned to the victims? How on earth can any member fail to back my bill

that would require gambling companies to return stolen money to victims? Most MPs go out of their way to

declare that they support law and order. If they really support law and order, they should prove it by supporting

my bill.

As I have said previously, my bill is based in part on a Federal bill which was tabled by Federal Independent

Andrew Wilkie. A similar bill is before the Tasmanian Parliament, and one is about to be introduced in the

Victorian Parliament. One of the cases these laws are based on involved a man called Gavin Fineff and his victims.

He was a financial planner from New South Wales who had developed an addiction to sports betting. His addiction

was facilitated and actively exploited by gambling companies Sportsbet, Ladbrokes and TAB. Gavin defrauded

12 of his clients, stealing amounts ranging from $60,000 to $745,000. When his crimes were discovered, Gavin

quickly confessed everything. He then helped prosecutors and forensic accountants to work out how much money

was stolen and from whom. Gavin was eventually sentenced to nine years in jail.

Recently one of my advisors visited Gavin at the Emu Plains Correctional Centre where he is being held.

Gavin is paying for his crimes, but guess what happened to the victims' money? Two of the gambling companies

kept all of the stolen money they received from Gavin, and one of the companies gave back just a tiny portion of

the stolen money to the victims. That is because at the time of sentencing the judge did not have the power to

order that the stolen money be given back to the victims. My bill will give judges that power. Under the bill,

victims will get their money back and have their devastated lives at least partly repaired.

There was a time when I thought my bill would be supported by one of Australia's biggest sports gambling

companies—Sportsbet. For weeks, representatives of Sportsbet met with me and seemed to play along, saying

they agreed with my bill in principle. I suspect they knew that saying no to this bill would not pass the pub test.

Incredibly, after weeks of making all the right noises, Sportsbet did a backflip and said it would not support the

bill after all. I do not really care what Sportsbet wants or does not want. If that is its attitude, then to hell with it.

In the same way that I would not ask Jack the Ripper for advice on public safety, I am not about to rely on

Sportsbet to help reduce gambling harm.

Ultimately, I only care what the major parties and the crossbench think. I am asking you all to think about

the victims here. As politicians with the power to change laws, why would we not do everything we can to reduce

the harm to victims by returning their stolen money? Do any of us want gambling companies to continue to

knowingly keep the proceeds of crime? I say to Sportsbet and all of the other gambling companies: Change is

coming, and not just in New South Wales. I anticipate that, in time, similar bills will be introduced in every State

and Territory in this country. New South Wales can and must be first State to pass this legislation. We must hold

the gambling companies to account by forcing them to give stolen money back to victims. This bill must become

law.

I do not want to hear anyone from the Government or the Opposition talking about cost-of-living pressures

or being tough on crime if they do not support this bill. The fact is that, until now, most Australians did not realise

that gambling companies knowingly choose to keep stolen money rather than return it to victims. Voters know

about that now, and they are going to keep hearing about it, from me at least—mark my words. Now it is up to us

as members of Parliament to force gambling companies to do the right thing once and for all. I call on members

to support the bill, which will help restore the lives of victims of crime.

Debate adjourned.

CRIMES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (YOUTH CRIME) BILL 2025

First Reading

Bill introduced on motion by Mr Alister Henskens, read a first time and printed.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 3

Second Reading Speech

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga) (10:29): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I acknowledge the North Coast mayors who are in the gallery to hear the introduction of this important bill, the

Crimes Legislation Amendment (Youth Crime) Bill 2025. I particularly acknowledge Mayor Robert Musto,

Mayor Nikki Williams, Mayor Steve Allan, Mayor Kinne Ring, Mayor Adam Roberts and general managers Bede

Spannagle and Mark Griffioen. I thank them for attending Parliament and for their interest in this very serious

issue that is impacting their communities and, indeed, many communities around our State. Unfortunately, the

attempts by Chris Minns to deal with the youth crime crisis experienced around our State have not been successful.

Twelve months ago Chris Minns said that we need a short, sharp intervention through the introduction of a new

bail test under section 22C of the Bail Act for 14- to 18-year-old youths who were repeat offenders of serious

break and enter offences or motor vehicle theft.

However, last week Chris Minns left it to the Attorney General alone to announce defeat on the youth

crime legislation. The Attorney General was forced to seek a longer extension to the youth bail reform of

12 months ago until April 2028 but, before he could get that extension, he was forced to explain why he needed

it. In explaining to Parliament why he needed more time, he was forced to reveal that many of the programs

promised 12 months ago were not in place. The Attorney General was not able to give an evaluation of the laws

that 12 months ago he promised he would give to Parliament this month. He became "No Data Daley" as no

metrics of measurements were presented other than statistics that the top bureaucrat, in the budget estimates

hearing only a couple of weeks before, had said were misleading. He was left with a pretty transparent attempt at

kicking the problem of youth crime down the road so that, in the words of one MP, youth crime would be out of

sight and out of mind. In the original second reading speech on the bill to insert a new section 22C in 2024, the

Attorney General said that the section would work as follows:

… in tandem with a suite of measures and supports that aim to provide therapeutic and community-based solutions to address

offending behaviour and support regional communities so that they can continue to support and care for their young people.

We can all agree that the best youth crime response is to prevent it altogether. But, unfortunately, the problems of

youth crime have continued notwithstanding Labor's section 22C, and notwithstanding the wraparound services

that have been promised by the Government. It was quite clear from debate last week in Parliament that those

laws have not been working. MPs explained how people in regional areas were so afraid of their homes being

broken into that they had baseball bats under their beds and obsessively checked that all doors and windows were

locked at night. In recent weeks Daniel McNamara was tragically killed while riding his motorcycle from a petrol

station and being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by a 14-year-old driver. One of the passengers in the vehicle

was a youth who was on bail.

The youth crime occurring around the State is not limited to impacts on the broader community. The lives

of these young people themselves are put at risk. Also within the past few weeks, a 17-years-old teenager was

killed and others, aged 13, 14 and 16, were seriously injured in a high-speed crash. The vehicle was allegedly

stolen. Each of the boys in the vehicle was known to police. The problems of increasing youth crime since the

State election was never just limited to Moree. The problem is happening all over the State. It is happening in

metropolitan areas, including in my electorate. There is a new Instagram page taunting the Hornsby and

Ku-ring-gai police with post-and-boast crimes including break and enter offences and videos of young offenders

riding in stolen vehicles. One post brags about stabbing an innocent shopper at Hornsby Westfield only a few

weeks ago.

The current situation around the State clearly requires constant review and monitoring by this Parliament.

In its wisdom, the upper House agreed that we need to keep youth crime in sight and in mind. The upper House

agreed with the Opposition that the Government should not kick this issue down the road until April 2028, and

section 22C will now extend for a shorter time until 1 October 2026 when, after 2½ years of operation, the results

of the Minns Government reforms can again be assessed by the Parliament. But the Opposition is not going to sit

on its hands like the Minns Government and wait until then.

The Opposition is introducing a bill, which any reasonable government would support, to reform further

bail and sentencing of serious repeat offending young people between the ages of 14 and 18, which it is hoped

will strongly deter them from committing future crimes. In doing so, the Opposition is motivated by the need for

results and not ideology. The soft approach has failed all over our State, but especially in places like Moree,

Kempsey, Grafton, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Griffith, Goulburn, Albury and Dubbo. A stronger approach to actually

benefit these young people as well as the community is needed. In addition to a different bail test, there is a need

for clear laws that will prevent these repeat serious offenders from reoffending if a court determines that they

should not be held on remand pending their trial and should be given bail. This bill will do that.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 4

For a start, under Labor's laws the only serious repeat offences that its bail laws concern are serious break

and enter offences and motor vehicle theft offences. There are a lot of serious indictable offences that are not

covered by Labor's laws. Why is there a lighter bail test for repeat offences where one of them may involve

murder, sexual assault, assault causing grievous bodily harm, knife crimes or fire-bombing offences than for repeat

motor vehicle theft or serious break and enter offences? Surely a sensible law to deal with serious repeat offenders

would include all serious indictable offences. Our bill will make that change.

We believe that these repeat young offenders should not be on the streets between the hours of 8.00 p.m.

and 6.00 a.m. It should be a universal and mandatory condition of bail that they have a curfew between those

times. That will stop these young people committing repeat offences when many of these break and enters and

motor vehicle offences occur at night-time. We also believe that these serious repeat offenders should have

electronic monitoring so they know that they are being watched if they try to commit any further crimes.

We should make it clear to these young repeat offenders that there are very strict conditions attached to

their bail. Under this legislation their bail will be revoked if they breach any bail condition, commit another

offence or tamper with their monitoring device. We want monitoring to be by a government agency to ensure that

government is responsible for doing it properly. The cost to government of electronic monitoring is a fraction of

the cost of keeping these young people on remand. Some say that not all young people's circumstances are suited

to electronic monitoring, so this law may mean that those young people will not be granted bail and held on

remand.

In response to that criticism, I say that it is for the Government, the youth justice system and our family

and community services [FACS] system to provide them with the necessary supports. As a former FACS Minister,

I know it takes over a million dollars each year to keep a young person in juvenile detention. It is a false economy

for the Government not to be providing these repeat offenders with the home support that they need. While the

current FACS Minister has said a lot about reforms to out-of-home care, why has she said not one thing about the

need to provide a proper environment of support for these serious repeat youth offenders?

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): Order! The member for Kiama is interjecting from the

advisers' gallery and not on the floor of the Chamber, so I cannot call him to order.

Mr Gareth Ward: So if I were interjecting from inside the Chamber, that would be okay?

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): If you were inside the Chamber then I could call you

to order. The member will cease interjecting.

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS: There is no shortage of money in the FACS portfolio. I had a budget of

over $8 billion in 2021 when I held that portfolio. It is about time that the Government showed how it is using its

resources to deal with these problems rather than just passing a section 22C bill and forgetting all about youth

crime. As one MP said, an approach of out of sight, out of mind is all we are getting from this Government.

Finally, the best way of stopping these young people from offending in the future is to make them face

their victims. We will introduce victim impact statements for these serious repeat youth crime offences so the

accused can hear firsthand how their crimes have changed people's lives for the worse. It will also make the

victims believe that the criminal justice system does hear and understand the impacts of these crimes on the

community, and takes these impacts and community safety into account when sentencing these young people.

I now turn to the bill in detail. Schedule 1 concerns amendments to the Bail Act. Item [1] of schedule 1 to

the bill repeats in section 22C (1) (a) the current provisions and tests under section 22C of the Bail Act put into

law by the Minns Government 12 months ago. But those provisions need to be added to and improved, which is

what this bill will achieve. With respect to how the courts are applying the high degree of confidence test for the

granting of bail, it is fair to say that there has been some unwillingness to apply it and refuse bail, as was perhaps

intended by the Government last year. Decisions like R v TW, R v BH, R v TB and R v JS in the NSW Supreme

Court show a judicial opposition to the fact that a different and harder test is in place for children between the

ages of 14 to 18 than applies to adults, even on "show cause" offences under the Bail Act.

These concerns result in Supreme Court judges being disposed to be satisfied on the evidence during a

review of bail that they have a high degree of confidence that an indictable offence will not be committed on bail

with appropriate conditions, even for these repeat youth offenders. The Attorney General has not released the rate

of the Supreme Court granting bail after a magistrate has refused bail under section 22C as it currently stands.

One can assume that the figures do not support that section 22C is successful, as the continuing youth crime would

suggest. In the proposed section 22C (1) (b) (i) under this Coalition bill, a compulsory curfew from 8.00 p.m. to

6.00 a.m. will be imposed as a condition of bail in all of these repeat youth crime cases involving serious indictable

offences. It is a usual condition of bail granted by the Supreme Court decisions if the matter falls under section 22C

to impose either home detention or at least a curfew between those hours.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 5

In the proposed section 22 (1) (b) (ii), electronic monitoring by a government agency is also a mandatory

condition of bail. If the courts are going to continue to give bail in circumstances covered by section 22C in a

significant number of cases then the Government should be doing everything it can, in the interests of community

safety, to ensure that the conditions are complied with. Electronic monitoring for youth offenders has been used

in many Australian jurisdictions—including Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the

Northern Territory—but it has never been used in New South Wales. This bill is true reform that will require it to

be used in this State.

Despite the Attorney General suggesting last week by selectively quoting from a review of that State's pilot

that Queensland has not been happy with electronic monitoring, electronic monitoring has been in place in

Queensland since 2021 and was extended for another two years in the past few weeks. Electronic monitoring has

dramatically reduced reoffending in domestic violence parole cases, as measured by the Bureau of Crime Statistics

and Research, the government data agency. It reported a reduction of 33 per cent in reoffending.

It is reasonable to think that a similar result will be achieved for reoffending rates by young persons with

a history of committing serious break and enter or motor theft offences or serious indictable offences. The

introduction of electronic monitoring is a further support to judges, such that if they grant bail, they know that the

conditions they impose will be enforced, as the court would no doubt want. Courts do not make orders without

wanting and expecting those orders to be complied with. The Coalition is supporting the enforcement of those

conditions of bail.

Under new section 22C (3A), inserted by schedule 1 [2] to the bill, bail granted under section 22C will be

revoked in one of three circumstances: first, a failure to comply with the bail conditions; second, the young person

being charged with another crime; or, third, any interference with the electronic monitoring device. In order to

ensure that that revocation operates properly, new section 22C (3B) provides that bail can be granted again by the

court if the breach of bail was a very trivial breach, like exceeding the curfew by a few minutes, or if there are

other exceptional circumstances.

It is a privilege for these repeat offenders to be granted bail, having regard to the seriousness of their

circumstances. By having clear consequences for their reoffending, the Opposition believes that the existing law

is tailored more in favour of community safety. Section 22C (6) in schedule 1 [3] provides that the definition of

"relevant offence", where a repeat offence will trigger the application of section 22C, is expanded to include any

serous indictable offence. Under section 4 of the Crimes Act, a serious indictable offence means an offence that

is punishable by imprisonment for life or for a term of five years or more.

New section 22CA (1) in schedule 1 [4] to the bill states that the mandatory curfew from 8.00 p.m. to

6.00 a.m. can be varied either to be more stringent, such as involving home detention, or if it allows the relevant

young person to engage in a therapeutic activity and the bail conditions are varied to indicate that change. New

section 22CA (2) identifies considerations by the bail authority in assessing whether a young person is suitable

for electronic monitoring.

Those provisions largely reflect the Queensland Act. They include, in new section 22CA (2) (a), whether

the young person has the capacity to understand the condition and any other condition with regard to their

particular circumstances; in new section 22CA (2) (b), whether the relevant young person is likely to comply with

the conditions and any other condition having regard to their circumstances; in new section 22CA (2) (c), whether

an adult person has indicated they will support the young person and notify a police officer of changes in

circumstances or any breach of the conditions; and, in new section 22CA (2) (d), any other matter that the court

thinks relevant.

New section 22CA (3) in schedule 1 [4] provides for the possibility of an order that the young person

remain in custody until the electronic device is fitted and any other orders necessary to facilitate the operation of

the electronic monitoring device. Examples are then given as to the types of orders that may be necessary.

Schedule 1 [4] to the bill in the new section 22CA (4) makes it clear that the definition of a young person under

the section is the same as under section 22C. Schedule 1 [5] to the bill has transitional provisions with regard to

the amendments that apply to offences charged after the commencement of the amendments where the offence

has been committed before the commencement.

Schedule 2 to the bill concerns changes to the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1992. Schedule 2 [1],

[2] and [3] facilitate the use of victim impact statements in the Supreme Court, District Court and Children's Court

for the sentencing of offenders who fall within section 22C, as amended by the bill, to include serious indictable

offences. As I have already said, this will have great benefits for the administration of justice in these matters and

in deterring future crimes by these offenders. Schedule 2 [4] is a similar transitional provision with regard to the

amendments so that they apply to offences charged after the commencement of the amendments where the offence

has been committed before the commencement. The bill has been the product of great collaboration within the

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 6

Coalition. I thank the member for Northern Tablelands. I thank the Leader of the Nationals and the Deputy Leader

of the Nationals for their input. I also thank my regional colleagues, the member for Goulburn and the member

for Albury, for discussing this important issue, and I recognise the member for Clarence and the member for

Oxley.

Mr Adam Crouch: And Terrigal.

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS: And the member for Terrigal, the member for Tamworth and almost every

other member. This is an incredibly important issue for many communities around our State. This bill offers true

change, such as mandatory curfews and electronic monitoring of young persons, for the first time. We are offering

a much tougher approach. Importantly, we expand the Government's laws to include serious indictable offences.

Importantly, these young offenders will have to face their victims and face the consequences of their actions. The

Coalition's core beliefs in individual responsibility are promoted through this piece of legislation. We have had

the opportunity to see how the Government's legislation has been operating, and, frankly, it is failing our State,

and it is failing our communities.

This bill will significantly improve the current situation. I hope that this second reading speech has been

of assistance to the Government and to the crossbench in understanding what the Coalition is introducing. This is

only a beginning, not the end. We will continue to keep youth crime in sight and in mind. We will act responsibly

in the interests of this community, and I hope that these reasonable provisions will be supported by the

Government, that it will not play politics—as it always does—and that it will be constructive with regard to these

matters. I commend the bill to the House.

Debate adjourned.

Visitors

VISITORS

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): I acknowledge Gary Lee, Mayor of Nambucca Valley,

who is in the gallery today.

Bills

PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT OPERATIONS AMENDMENT (E-WASTE) BILL 2025

First Reading

Bill introduced on motion by Mr Gareth Ward, read a first time and printed.

Second Reading Speech

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (10:54): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

I introduce the Protection of the Environment Operations Amendment (e-Waste) Bill 2025. I acknowledge in the

gallery the Kiama Municipal Council deputy mayor—or, perhaps more appropriately, mayor in charge of

deputy—Melissa Matters, and CEO, Jane Stroud. I thank them for being here today. We do not inherit this planet

from our parents; we borrow it from our children. Let us consider the challenge before us, which is the escalating

crisis of electronic waste, or e-waste. It is a toxic avalanche of discarded smartphones, computers and appliances,

growing five times faster than our global capacity to recycle it. In 2022 the world generated 62 million tonnes of

e-waste, which is an 82 per cent surge since 2010, and projections indicate that we are on track to reach 82 million

tonnes by 2030.

Australia's contribution to that global e-waste stream is particularly concerning. While the world grapples

with this issue, we generate more than double the global average of e-waste per capita. In 2022 alone, across the

world, we collectively buried $62 billion worth of recoverable natural resources within this e-waste. This is not

just waste; it is a wasted opportunity. It is a crisis demanding our immediate action. It is a challenge for each State,

including New South Wales.

Today, I seek to do something about this challenge by introducing watershed legislation. The bill is

designed to confront the challenge head-on. The bill proposes to amend the Protection of the Environment

Operations Act 1997 to prevent e-waste from being sent to landfill and to mandate e-waste recycling,

fundamentally transforming our approach to electronic waste management in New South Wales. It hits the

triple-bottom-line bullseye. It addresses environmental challenges by deferring waste from landfill, and it

addresses social challenges such as unemployment with major opportunities in disability employment. In addition,

the economic benefits are obvious—the bill saves people money by reducing taxes associated with putting waste

into landfill.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 7

The bill is inspired by the efforts and dedication of individuals like Shoalhaven City Council's 2022 Young

Citizen of the Year, Wade Cawley from the Kiama electorate, who is repurposing waste and establishing his own

e-waste business to upcycle and help to keep recyclable materials out of landfill. His dedication is commendable,

and we acknowledge his significant contribution. However, individual actions, while valuable, cannot stem this

growing tide of e-waste alone. We need systemic change, and the bill provides the framework for that change.

The status quo is irresponsible and unacceptable. The practice of sending e-waste to landfill poses

significant environmental and public health risks. As the Australian Institute of Physics highlights, e-waste

contains a cocktail of substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. When those

materials leach into the soil and groundwater, they contaminate our environment, damage fragile ecosystems and

can have severe consequences for human health. That represents not only an environmental hazard, recognised by

groups such as Clean Up Australia, it is also squanders valuable resources—including gold, silver and other

critical minerals—that are essential for a sustainable future and our technological advancement. We are, as it has

been said, quite literally throwing gold, silver and critical resources into landfill.

The bill will not only prevent further environmental harm; it will also unlock significant economic potential

for our State. CSIRO modelling indicates that doubling our circularity—that is, doubling the amount of materials

that are kept in use—would boost Australia's GDP by $26 billion over 10 years while simultaneously slashing

greenhouse gas emissions by 14 percent. This demonstrates the clear economic and environmental benefits of

transferring to a circular economy. We can make once finite resources become infinite. To provide a more specific

context for New South Wales, let us consider the potential economic benefits within our State. The e-waste

recycling industry has the potential to generate new employment opportunities in New South Wales. It is estimated

that for every 10,000 tonnes of e-waste processed, approximately 30 full-time equivalent jobs are created. That

translates to potential job creation in collection, sorting, dismantling, processing and refining of e-waste.

Furthermore, a local e-waste recycling industry can reduce the reliance on overseas markets for valuable materials,

enhancing New South Wales' economic resilience. However, we must heed the warning from Professor John

Thwaites, the chair of the Monash Sustainable Development Institute and the former chair of the Circular

Economy Ministerial Advisory Group, who recently highlighted Australia's failing circular economy, indicating

that our performance is lower than the global average.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): The time for consideration of general business notices

of motions for bills having expired, the House will now proceed to orders of the day. I set down resumption of the

interrupted second reading speech as an order of the day for a later time.

Committees

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE

Reports

Debate resumed from 26 March 2025.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): The question is that the House take note of the report

entitled Accountability measures for decision-making: Critical Communications Enhancement Program.

Report noted.

LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE

Reports

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): The question is that the House take note of the report

entitled Legislation Review Digest No. 25/58.

Ms LYNDA VOLTZ (Auburn) (11:01): As Chair: It is with great pleasure that I address the House

today as the chair of the Legislation Review Committee. The committee tabled its twenty-fifth digest of the

Fifty-Eighth Parliament on 18 February 2025. In the digest the committee examined six bills that were introduced

during the prior sitting week. It also reviewed nine regulations and statutory instruments, one of which it reported

on with comment. Eight regulations were examined and found not to reach the reporting threshold under the

Legislation Review Act, and they are set out in part 3 of the digest. As members are aware, the committee has the

important role of reviewing all bills introduced and all statutory instruments tabled in Parliament. The committee's

scrutiny of legislation informs members of both Houses and the community about the potential impact of

legislation on personal rights and liberties, and any potential inappropriate exercise of government or legislative

power.

I draw members' attention to the key issues raised. The committee reported on the Crimes Amendment

(Places of Worship) Bill 2025, which amended the Crimes Act 1900 and the Law Enforcement (Powers and

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 8

Responsibilities) Act 2002. The amendments made it an offence to block, impede, or hinder, without reasonable

excuse, a person accessing or leaving a place of worship. The bill also made it an offence to harass, intimidate or

threaten a person accessing or leaving a place of worship. The bill further authorised police officers to issue

move-on directions in relation to demonstrations, protests, processions or assemblies outside or near places of

worship in certain circumstances.

In its report, the committee highlighted that the two new offences for individuals in or near a place of

worship could restrict certain activities, which would impact on a person's freedom of expression, movement and

assembly, and the implied freedom of political communication. The committee noted that the bill included

safeguards such as a defence of reasonable excuse and exemptions for industrial action. However, as the offences

carry significant penalties, including imprisonment, the committee referred the issue to Parliament for further

consideration.

The committee also reported on the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill

2025, which amended the Crimes Act 1900, the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 and the Graffiti Control

Act 2008. The amendments increased the penalty for the offence of knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol by public

act in circumstances where it is displayed near a Jewish school, a synagogue or the Sydney Jewish Museum,

without reasonable excuse. The bill also amended the definition of "public act" to include graffiti. The

amendments to the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 allowed offences partially motivated by hatred or

prejudice against a particular group of people to be an aggravating factor in sentencing.

The committee highlighted amendments to section 93ZA of the Crimes Act, which would create an

aggravated version of the offence of displaying a Nazi symbol if it is displayed near a Jewish school, a synagogue

or the Sydney Jewish Museum, with the penalty being a fine of $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment. The

committee previously reported on the issue when the original offence of displaying a Nazi symbol was introduced.

Consistent with that report, the committee noted that the amendment may restrict a person's freedom of expression

and association.

However, the committee acknowledged that the amendments narrow the scope of the offence to public acts

of displaying Nazi symbols near Jewish schools, synagogues or the Sydney Jewish Museum. It also acknowledged

the exemptions for displaying Nazi symbols in connection with Buddhism, Hinduism or Jainism, or where it is

done reasonably and in good faith for limited purposes, as well as the intent of the bill to protect individuals from

activity that may incite, or amount to, acts of hatred or prejudice. For those reasons the committee made no further

comment.

The committee also commented on the private members' bills the Crimes Amendment (Display of Nazi

and Terrorist Symbols) Bill 2025 and the Summary Offences Amendment (Public Assemblies) Bill 2025, which

were introduced as cognate bills and which similarly seek to amend section 93ZA of the Crimes Act 1900

regarding the display of Nazi and terrorist symbols, among other proposed changes. I turn now to another private

member's bill that the committee reported on, the Greyhound Racing Ban Bill 2025, which seeks to ban greyhound

racing in New South Wales and activities associated with the greyhound racing industry.

The bill also creates offences to protect greyhounds involved in racing and measures to discontinue

Greyhound Racing NSW. The committee noted that the bill includes a wide regulation-making power to make

regulations regarding anything necessary or convenient for carrying out or giving effect to the Act. The committee

acknowledged that wide regulation-making powers allow for more flexibility in regulatory responses and that

regulations are subject to disallowance. However, as the regulation-making power would prescribe matters with

little limit, the committee referred the issue to the Parliament for its consideration.

Finally, the committee reported on the Court Security and Surveillance Devices Amendment (Body-Worn

Recording Devices) Regulation 2024, which seeks to extend by one year the trial of the use of body-worn

recording devices by sheriff's officers in courts. The committee previously commented on the Court Security and

Surveillance Devices Amendment (Body-Worn Recording Devices) Regulation 2023, which permitted sheriff's

officers to use body-worn recording devices in court premises for a one-year trial period. It highlighted that the

use of these devices in court could impact on a person's privacy rights. I commend the digest to the House.

Mr DAVID LAYZELL (Upper Hunter) (11:07): I make a contribution to debate on the Legislative

Review Committee's Digest No. 25/58. I thank the chair for her leadership of the committee and the secretariat,

who do a wonderful job. Unfortunately, I do not have any references to Henry VIII clauses in this report, which

I know Mr Temporary Speaker looks forward to.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): They are a personal favourite of mine.

Mr DAVID LAYZELL: Absolutely. Six bills were considered in the period. One bill had no issues, but

issues were raised with the other five bills. The Crimes Amendment (Display of Nazi and Terrorist Symbols) Bill

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 9

2025 and the Summary Offences Amendment (Public Assemblies) Bill 2025 were found to have issues with the

freedom of expression and association, which the committee made no further comment on; and with the right to

liberty, freedom from arbitrary detention and absolute liability offences, which were referred to the Parliament for

its review.

The second bill that the committee looked at was the Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Bill 2025.

That was found to have issues with freedom of expression, movement and assembly, and political communication,

which were referred to Parliament; with the reversal of onus of proof, which was a strict liability offence that the

committee made no further comment on; and with the expansion of the Law Enforcement (Powers and

Responsibilities) Act, freedom of political communication and commencement by proclamation, which the

committee referred to Parliament. The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Bill 2025

was found to have issues regarding the freedom of expression and retrospectivity. The committee referred the

issue of retrospectivity to Parliament for consideration. The committee looked at the Housing Amendment Bill

2025, which was found to have issues regarding the wide power to compulsorily acquire land. That serious matter

was referred to Parliament for consideration. The inappropriate subdelegation of significant legislative powers

was also referred. Finally, the committee looked at the Greyhound Racing Ban Bill 2025, which was found to

have issues regarding a wide general regulation-making power. Specifically, the bill proposed:

… to create a general regulation-making power in section 16 of the proposed Greyhound Racing Ban Act 2025 (the Act) to prescribe

anything 'necessary or convenient' for carrying out or giving effect to the Act. The Committee notes that there does not appear to be

any provisions which define or narrow the ordinary meaning of 'convenient' or 'necessary'.

The Bill may therefore include a wide regulation-making power. Unlike primary legislation, regulations are subordinate legislation

that are not required to be passed by Parliament and that the Parliament does not control when they commence.

We therefore ask the Parliament to take a very serious look at that aspect of that bill. That concludes my comments

on the report. I thank all who were all involved.

Report noted.

STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE AND ETHICS

Reports

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): The question is that the House take note of the report.

Mr ALEX GREENWICH (Sydney) (11:11): As Chair: I speak about report 5/58 of the Legislative

Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics, entitled Implications of orders for the

production of papers pertaining to the office of Speaker, dated 17 March 2025. The report examines the

implications for this House of orders for the production of papers held by the Executive that pertain to the office

of Speaker, consistent with a referral made to the committee by the House on 20 February 2025. The referral from

the House was made in the context of a resolution passed in the other place on 19 February 2025, which, among

other things, sought the production to the other place of documents in the custody of the Premier or the

Premier's Department relating to office-holder vehicle use by current and former Speakers of the

Legislative Assembly.

The documents sought in relation to current and former Speakers included all driver and car logbooks,

emails, diary entries, text or electronic messages and notes relating to repairs, maintenance and cleaning of

office-holder vehicles since 23 March 2019. The referral from the House provided that the committee's inquiry

should investigate any related matters. Given the significance of the issues raised, the committee resolved to obtain

further information to assist in its deliberations. As Chair, I wrote on behalf of the committee to the

Premier's Department and the Cabinet Office to request that no decision be made to comply with the section of

the order for papers pertaining to the office of Speaker while the committee's inquiry was in progress. I also wrote

to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly to request any additional information that he could provide in relation

to the matter.

The committee received an expert briefing on matters relevant to the inquiry from Professor Emerita

Anne Twomey, AO, of the University of Sydney, who is an acknowledged expert on constitutional law and the

doctrine of the separation of powers. I thank her for sharing her knowledge and expertise with the committee. The

committee's final report, tabled on 17 March 2025, raises several issues concerning the matter for inquiry. The

report details the committee's concerns that the production of papers pertaining to the office of Speaker to the

other place would be inconsistent with the principle of comity between the Houses. The principle of comity is

fundamental to our bicameral parliamentary system.

The Constitution of the State establishes the two Houses of Parliament as separate and sovereign bodies,

with neither House able to exercise authority over a member of the other House or inquire into the other's

operations. That principle, originating in the House of Commons and the House of Lords, has been upheld in this

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 10

Parliament on numerous occasions in rulings by Presiding Officers and in various committee reports. The

committee's report notes that the production to the other place of papers pertaining to the Speaker appears to be

unprecedented in the history of this Parliament, and that the creation of such a precedent may lead to further orders

by the Legislative Council to produce documents relating to the operations of this House that are held by third

parties.

The Committee additionally considered how an order for papers relating to the office of Speaker may be

outside of the scope of the powers of the upper House. That power is grounded in the basis that the production of

State papers held by the Government is necessary for the other place to exercise its function of scrutinising the

Executive. The report noted that the Speaker made a statement to the House on 20 February 2025 in which he

referred to his status as an Independent member elected by this House and accountable to only this House. Further,

the Committee noted that the documents relating to the Speaker's use of office holder vehicles are held by the

Premier's Department in an administrative arrangement, and that all related expenses are incurred out of the

Speaker's own budget, the use of which he is accountable for to this House.

For those reasons, the committee's report questions the scope of the order for papers by the Legislative

Council pertaining to the operations of the Legislative Assembly's most senior parliamentary officeholder, the

Speaker, recognised constitutionally as the Assembly's independent and impartial representative. The report refers

to correspondence received by the committee from the Cabinet Office confirming the Premier's decision to provide

the relevant papers to the Speaker, rather than to the Legislative Council. I note that the Speaker has now received

those papers and has made them available to members of the House. I thank my fellow committee members. This

inquiry was conducted over a very short time frame, and it was very efficient. The committee members were

collegiate and collaborative in their approach, and the report was unanimous. I thank everyone who contributed

to it.

I make some additional remarks. At a time when threats to the safety and security of members of this House

are at an all-time high, and when we must remind ourselves that democracy is fragile, it is imperative that we

protect our parliamentary structures and protocols. It is deeply concerning that this order for papers was supported

by both the Government and the Opposition, when it ultimately sought to breach the security and safety of current

and former members through the public release of private addresses. For both the Government and the Opposition

to support such a breach of the comity of Houses by a person who has little respect for this place, and little respect

for the safety and security of members, sets a dangerous precedent. I hope this is the last time the Government

and the Opposition pander to that individual. In future, I hope they stand up to him. I hope that they stand up for

parliamentary protocols and processes, and for the safety and security of members. That was all put at risk by this

order for papers. I thank the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Helen Minnican; the Deputy Clerk, Carly

Maxwell; and Sue Hunt and Jessica Zhang of the committee secretariat for their professional support throughout

the process. I commend the report to the House.

Reported noted.

LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE

Reports

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Clayton Barr): The question is that the House take note of the report.

Fingers crossed there is a Henry VIII clause.

Ms LYNDA VOLTZ (Auburn) (11:18): As Chair: I do not know about that, Mr Temporary Speaker.

However, we still have reports to go—the day is early. I take note of Legislation Review Digest No. 26/58. On

18 March 2025, the committee tabled its twenty-sixth digest of the Fifty-Eighth Parliament. In the digest, the

committee examined eight bills that were introduced in the prior sitting week, and also reviewed eight regulations

and statutory instruments which were examined and found not to reach the reporting threshold under the

Legislation Review Act. Those are set out at part 2 of the digest.

As members are aware, the committee informs both the House and the community about the potential

impacts of legislation on personal rights and liberties and any potential and inappropriate exercise of government

or legislative power. I draw the attention of members to some of the key issues raised in the digest. The committee

reported on the Bail Amendment (Extension of Limitation on Bail in Certain Circumstances) Bill 2025, which

extends the temporary limitation test of granting bail to young people charged with certain offences as set out in

section 22C of the Bail Act 2013. The bill amends subsection 22C (5) of the Act to allow the temporary test to

continue until 4 April 2028. In its report, the committee highlighted its previous report on the Bail and Crimes

Amendment Bill 2024, which introduced section 22C and gave the provision effect from 3 April 2024 until 4

April 2025. Consistent with its previous comments, the committee noted in its report that section 22C requires

bail authorities to refuse bail to a young person alleged to have committed a relevant offence while on bail for a

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 11

separate relevant offence, unless the bail authority has a high degree of confidence that the young person will not

commit a serious indictable offence on bail.

The committee acknowledged that the limitation on bail is a temporary measure and that it seeks to address

repeat offending in young people that may pose a risk to community safety. However, the committee observed

that extending the temporary test until 4 April 2028 extends the time in which the provision may adversely impact

individual rights such as presumption of innocence and the right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention.

The committee also noted that the limitation on bail may conflict with article 37 of the United Nations Convention

on the Rights of the Child, which provides that imprisonment of a child should only be used as a measure of last

resort. The committee further noted that the threshold of a high degree of confidence is at the discretion of the

bail authority and that young people may lack the capacity to understand the consequences of being refused release

on bail. For those reasons, the committee referred the matter to Parliament for consideration.

The committee also reported on the Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025, which amended

the Crimes Act 1900. The bill passed Parliament on 21 February 2025, with amendments, prior to the tabling of

this digest. In accordance with section 8A (2) of the Legislation Review Act 1987 and the committee's practices,

the committee considered and reported on the bill as introduced. The amendments created a new offence for

committing a public act with the intention of inciting hatred towards another person or group on the grounds of

race, where a reasonable person who was the target of hatred would fear for their safety or fear harassment,

intimidation or violence. The provision adopted the meaning of "public act" that is provided for in section 93Z of

the Crimes Act 1900.

The committee commented that the bill may be seen to place restrictions on the right to freedom of

expression and association, as contained in articles 19 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political

Rights. However, it noted that those rights are not absolute and may be limited by laws necessary for respecting

the rights of other people and for the protection of public order. The committee noted that the bill's intent is to

ensure public safety. It also acknowledged the inclusion of safeguards, including a reasonable person test and the

exclusion of direct quoting or referencing of religious texts for the purpose of religious teaching from being

captured under the new offence. For those reasons, the committee made no further comment. However, I note that

the amendment extended religious text to religious debate.

Finally, I turn to private members' bills. The committee reported on the Health Services Amendment

(Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025, which seeks to amend the Health Services

Act 1997 and the Health Services Regulation 2018. The bill was referred to the Legislative Assembly Committee

on Community Services for inquiry and report on 20 February 2025. The proposed amendments would dissolve

the Hunter New England Local Health District and create the Hunter Local Health District and the New England

North West Local Health District. The amendments would grant the Minister for Health the power to transfer

assets, rights and liabilities from the Hunter New England Local Health District to the proposed local health

districts by order published on the NSW legislation website.

In addition, the bill would exempt ministerial orders from being regarded as a breach of contract, a breach

of confidence or a civil wrong by the New South Wales Government and any other affected party. The orders may

not give rise to a remedy due to a change in the beneficial or legal ownership of an asset, right or liability. In its

report, the committee observed that the bill would give the Minister wide powers to make orders. It noted that the

orders may impact individuals' freedom of contract. This is because the orders are exempt from being considered

as either a breach of contract or an event of default under contract.

The committee acknowledged that the orders are required to be published on the NSW legislation website

and that they may enable flexible and timely management of establishing new local health districts. Unlike

regulations, however, orders are not required to be tabled in Parliament and are not subject to disallowance under

section 41 of the Interpretation Act 1987. The committee noted its preference for ministerial orders to be included

in regulations to ensure an appropriate level of parliamentary oversight. For these reasons, the committee referred

the matter to Parliament for consideration. I commend the digest to the House.

Mr DAVID LAYZELL (Upper Hunter) (11:25): I speak in contribution to the debate on the Legislation

Review Committee's Legislation Review Digest No. 26/58. I thank the chair for her laser-like efficiency on the

work of the committee. I also thank the many brilliant minds in the committee secretariat. Despite their youth,

they seem to have incredible intelligence and the ability to create reviews of legislation so quickly. The committee

considered eight bills during this period of review. I will leave the most exciting part to the end of the speech. We

identified issues in five bills. The committee found an issue in the Bail Amendment (Extension of Limitation on

Bail in Certain Circumstances) Bill 2025 concerning the right to the presumption of innocence, liberty and

freedom from arbitrary detention requirement for granting bail. This issue was referred to Parliament for review.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 12

The Crimes Amendment (Inciting Racial Hatred) Bill 2025 was found to have an issue with freedom of

speech, but the committee had no further comment on this. The committee found issues regarding ministerial

orders in the Health Services Amendment (Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District) Bill 2025. This

issue was also ordered to Parliament for further review. The Transport Administration Amendment (Sydney Metro

Governance) Bill 2025 had issues regarding commencement by proclamation, but the committee had no further

comment on this issue. The final bill that we looked at was the Environmental Planning and Assessment

Amendment Bill 2025. This bill had two clauses that were of particular interest to me. One was a Henry VIII

clause, and the other clause had retrospectivity issues.

I will now speak in more detail on the Henry VIII clause. The bill would amend section 1.8 of the

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, which provides a regulation-making power to enable

regulations to amend schedule 9 to the Act. The committee previously commented on a similar regulation-making

power in Legislation Review Digest No. 8/58, which reviewed the Greater Cities Commission Repeal Bill 2023.

That bill allowed regulations to amend schedule 9 concerning areas that formed the Six Cities Region. The

committee's comments have been consistent that the proposed provisions may amount to a Henry VIII clause by

allowing the Executive to amend the operation of the parent Act without due reference to Parliament. The

committee generally considers Henry VIII clauses in bills to be an inappropriate delegation of legislative power,

as regulations are not subject to the same level of parliamentary scrutiny as primary legislation. On that note,

I conclude my comments on the digest.

Report noted.

LEGISLATION REVIEW COMMITTEE

Reports

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Alex Greenwich): The question is that the House take note of the report.

Ms LYNDA VOLTZ (Auburn) (11:29): As Chair: On Tuesday the Legislation Review Committee tabled

its twenty-seventh digest of the Fifty-Eighth Parliament. In the digest the committee examined seven bills

introduced during the last sitting week. It also reviewed three regulations and statutory instruments, which were

examined and found not to reach the reporting threshold under the Legislation Review Act. Those are set out in

part two of the digest. As I have previously said in the House, the committee informs members of both Houses

and the community about the potential impact of legislation on personal rights and liberties, and any potential

inappropriate exercise of government or legislative power. I note that it is a joint standing committee and that the

Legislative Council elects members to it as required under the legislation. The committee does not only deal with

bills introduced in the Legislative Assembly. I will not go into the comity of both Houses because I know it is

controversial at the moment.

The committee reported on the Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025, which seeks to create the

Claim Farming Practices Act 2025. The bill proposes banning claim farming, which is the practice of contacting

another person to encourage them to make a personal injury claim with the expectation of receiving a fee or benefit

in return. The bill also seeks to amend the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014 to impose

penalties on legal practitioners found guilty of the new claim farming offences. In its report, the committee

highlighted the bill's proposed extraterritorial application and commented that it may impact the rule of law

principle that a person is entitled to know the law that applies to them at any given time. The committee further

noted that the proposed extraterritorial application is broadly worded to apply to the Act "so far as the legislative

powers of the State permit". The committee referred the issue to Parliament for its consideration.

The committee also noted the bill's reversal of the onus of proof for establishing an exemption, commenting

that it may impact the common law principle that a person charged with a criminal offence has a right to be

presumed innocent until proven guilty. In that instance, because the offences would not attract a custodial penalty

and the fines would apply to law firms rather than individuals, the committee made no further comment on the

issue. Finally, the committee highlighted the bill's proposed wide regulation-making power, including allowing

regulations to make savings or transitional provisions that may have retrospective effect. The committee generally

comments on provisions that are drafted to have retrospective effect because they impact the rule of law principle

that a person is entitled to have knowledge of the law that applies to them at any given time. Accordingly, the

committee also referred that matter to Parliament for its consideration.

The committee also reported on the Community Improvement Districts Bill 2025, which seeks to create

the Community Improvements Districts Act 2025 and make consequential amendments to the State Debt

Recovery Act 2018. The bill proposes a framework for the formation and governance of Community Improvement

Districts, which would enable groups of local businesses to develop proposals to provide services, activities and

projects in defined geographical locations. In its report, the committee highlighted four separate issues that

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 13

reached the reporting threshold under the Legislation Review Act. The first issue relates to the bill's proposed

wide regulation-making power, including allowing regulations to make savings or transitional provisions that may

have retrospective effect. The committee referred the issue to Parliament for its consideration.

The second issue the committee highlighted was that the bill would allow the Minister for Transport and

Transport for NSW to delegate their functions to any person or class of persons authorised by regulations. The

committee commented that may provide for a wide delegation of statutory functions to a class of unknown

persons, potentially enabling private individuals to perform functions that may be expected to be performed by

public officials or authorities. The committee also referred the issue to Parliament for its consideration. The report

further highlighted two issues requiring no further comment, those being commencement of the Act by

proclamation and the introduction of strict liability offences.

Finally, I turn to the private member's bill, the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious

Hatred Legislation Repeal) Bill 2025, which seeks to repeal recent changes made by the Crimes Amendment

(Inciting Racial Hatred) Act 2025, the Crimes Amendment (Places of Worship) Act 2025 and the Crimes

Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Act 2025. The committee noted in its report that the Crimes

Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred) Act 2025 commenced on 2 March 2025. The bill seeks to

retrospectively repeal the Act and insert a transitional provision into the Crimes Act 1900 to provide that

prosecutions related to the Act are to be treated as though the Act never commenced. The committee reported on

this issue, noting that the retrospective repeal of the Act may impact the rule of law principle that a person is

entitled to have knowledge of the law that applies to them at any given time.

However, in this instance the committee acknowledged that if the bill did not repeal the Act retrospectively,

the offences it created would be enforceable for the short period of time between its enactment and repeal. As this

may impact the rule of law principle of the equal application of laws, the committee made no further comment on

the issue. That concludes my remarks. I thank committee staff and commend the digest to the House.

Mr DAVID LAYZELL (Upper Hunter) (11:35): We are really catching up on these committee reports.

I contribute to debate on the ongoing work of the Legislation Review Committee in Legislation Review Digest

No. 27/58. For the third time today I thank the chair of the committee for her leadership and the brilliant secretariat

team involved in this committee. There were seven bills for consideration in the review period. Six were identified

to have issues. The Claim Farming Practices Prohibition Bill 2025 was found to have issues in regard to the

extraterritorial application of laws and wide regulation-making powers with retrospective effect—which were

referred to Parliament for review—and the right to the presumption of innocence with respect to reversal of onus

of proof.

The Crimes Legislation Amendment (Racial and Religious Hatred Legislation Repeal) Bill 2025 was found

to have an issue regarding the retrospective application of the repealing provision, on which the committee made

no further comment. The Industrial Relations Amendment (Transport Sector Gig Workers and Others) Bill 2025

was found to have issues regarding, firstly, a broad power to make contract of carriage declarations and, secondly,

freedom of contract. On both those issues the committee made no further comment. The Product Lifecycle

Responsibility Bill 2025 was found to have a number of issues regarding wide regulation-making powers with

retrospective effect, the granting of exemptions, the wide delegation of powers to unspecified persons,

commencement by proclamation, the extraterritorial application of laws and continuing absolute and strict liability

offences. A number of those issues were referred to Parliament for review.

The Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025 was found to have issues regarding wide

regulation-making powers with retrospective effect, on which the committee made no further comment. Finally,

the Community Improvement Districts Bill 2025 was found to have issues particularly in regard to wide

regulation-making powers with retrospective effect. The committee generally comments on provisions that are

drafted to have retrospective effect because they impact the rule of law principle that a person is entitled to have

knowledge of the law that applies to them at any given time.

The committee notes that this would be in conflict with section 39 of the Interpretation Act, which requires

statutory rules to commence on the date on which they are published on the NSW legislation website. The

provision further specifies that where one or more provisions of a regulation is expressed to commence before

publication, they are taken to commence on the date they are published on the website rather than the earlier date.

For those reasons, the committee referred this matter for serious consideration by the Parliament. That concludes

my comments on the Legislation Review Committee Digest No. 27/58.

Report noted.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Alex Greenwich): It being 11.40 a.m., the House will now proceed

with Government business.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 14

Bills

SCREEN AND DIGITAL GAMES INDUSTRIES BILL 2025

Second Reading Speech

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville) (11:40): On behalf of Ms Jenny Aitchison: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Government is pleased to introduce the Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025 to this House. The bill

is a legislative initiative that seeks to harness the dynamic and evolving world of screen and digital gaming.

Supporting screen and digital games production brings both economic and social benefits. Productions made in

New South Wales create jobs both in cities and in the regions. They also tell important stories that reflect the

diverse cultures and communities that make up our wonderful State. When season one of Bump premiered on Stan

in 2021 it was the platform's biggest ever premiere, breaking all-time viewing records for any local or international

series. Generating an estimated 565 jobs in New South Wales, season four launched in December 2023. Bump,

from New South Wales-based production company Roadshow Rough Diamond, continues to grow emerging

talent. Multiple first-time directors have been given opportunities on the series and have gone on to direct other

projects.

Another Screen NSW-supported production, Fizzy and Suds, is the ABC's first factual preschool series.

The series, which hails from the Northern Rivers-based Tilt Media, is the ABC's first production to be certified as

"inclusively made", having been produced with people living with disability, and was financially supported by

the Screen NSW Production Finance program and its Post, Digital and Visual Effects Rebate. Of course, who can

forget having the Harbour Bridge shut down a few years ago for the production of The Fall Guy? That film

showcased incredible scenes all around Sydney, starred Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, and created an enormous

number of jobs in the screen industry here in Sydney.

Much like the intricate storytelling in all our favourite films, this bill represents a new chapter in our

ongoing narrative of innovation and progress in improving workforce capacity and capability. The first element

of the bill I touch on is our approach to helping bring the current, outdated legislation into the twenty-first century,

primarily by including digital games. The Film and Television Industry Act 1988 has served us well, but it

desperately needs a refresh to reflect and support the film and digital games sectors in New South Wales. The

year 1988 was the era of films like Crocodile Dundee II and Emerald City, and Home and Away aired for the first

time. The creative industries have changed enormously since then, digital games more so than anything. The year

1988 was before the internet was even available in Australia, and Super Mario Bros. and Final Fantasy were the

biggest games going around.

Some 81 per cent of Australians play digital games, with New South Wales home to 22 per cent of

Australia's game studios and 16 per cent of its full-time employees. I am proud that many of those are based in

Western Sydney. Among many New South Wales digital games businesses is Blowfish Studios.

An award-winning developer and publisher of interactive entertainment, based in Sydney, Blowfish has gained a

reputation as a blockchain game pioneer. Its latest game, Phantom Galaxies, was supported by Screen NSW

through the Digital Games Rebate and integrates Web3 technology in an open-world space action role-playing

game. This project employed 62 New South Wales residents and provided advanced skill development

opportunities for New South Wales game practitioners.

Including digital games in this legislation is critical. It will allow the Government to set appropriate policy

and regulatory settings for this sector to build growth and employment, as it does for film and television. In

addition, the bill further modernises the existing legislation by updating the objects of the Act to include the

recognition of screen and digital games storytelling as a public good. In doing this, it affirms the Government's

commitment to sharing our local stories with each other and the world. The Government should not stand in the

way of the growth of the industries that provide this function.

As such, the objects of the Act have also been updated to include the promotion and cooperation between

the New South Wales Government, local councils and industry to be able to harness more support for the screen

and digital games industries. Similarly, the bill includes key principles that public service decision-makers across

the New South Wales government and local councils must consider in relation to facilitating screen and digital

games production. These principles include ensuring that approvals are timely, fees are reasonable, and the default

response is to support the production unless there are specific reasons not to—the "yes unless" clause.

The principles draw on and align with the principles in the Making NSW Film Friendly Premier's

Memorandum and the Local Government Filming Protocol issued under the Local Government Act. The bill

introduces accreditation for screen production friendly councils. This reflects the key role that councils play in

supporting the film sector and allows the most supportive councils to be recognised for their valuable role in our

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 15

State's rich creative ecosystem. Eligibility and the process for accreditation will be determined by guidelines

issued by the Minister, allowing time for these matters to be developed and consulted on with key stakeholders.

Criteria for accreditation of councils could include effective, long-term compliance with the Local

Government Filming Protocol, including maintaining a film contact officer role and prominently displaying

information about filming application and permit processes on their websites. It could mean promoting filming in

their area to the industry by contributing location images and information to the Screen NSW locations database.

It may include council film contact officers completing a Screen NSW-run screen-friendly training and

certification course. Overall, to be accredited, the Government will be looking to councils that are willing to go

above and beyond in encouraging filming in their local government areas and in making it easier for screen

productions.

Having served on Parramatta council for 17 years, I know what a difference it can make to screen

productions to have a council that supports and encourages them. While I cannot say I was filled with pride seeing

local pubs and Parramatta jail starring regularly in Housos, it created huge opportunities locally and contributed

to a much-loved and hilarious show. When I was a little kid, I had the opportunity to star in the very background

of a XXXX ad, when it was filmed in my home town of Canowindra. While a brass band walked down the street

into the pub, the crowd was cheering. They brought out all the kids from the Catholic school and primary school

to make the background noise, and that was our contribution. That town has gone on to host many film and TV

productions since then. My mum was an extra in a production of Inspector Morse that was done in Canowindra.

More recently, the production of Nicole Kidman's film Strangerland was very much welcomed by the entire town.

Second, the bill introduces a new regulation to facilitate the establishment of a Screen and Digital Games

Industries Advisory Committee, in place of the current Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee. This

new committee will serve as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation and strategic planning, ensuring that

our policies and initiatives are aligned with the needs and aspirations of these dynamic sectors. It will provide

important strategic advice to the Government and serve as a voice for industry. Industry expertise is essential, so

the chair and the majority of the committee will have expertise in the screen or digital games industry. The new

committee will have up to 10 members and will be more representative, with at least one member to identify as

an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and one member who must have digital games industry experience.

In addition, we understand that the Opposition will move an amendment to require that, as well as bringing

relevant industry expertise, one member of the advisory committee must live or work in regional New South

Wales. I thank the shadow Minister for the Arts and Heritage, the member for Tamworth, for his bipartisan support

for the bill and agenda, and for his suggestion of this amendment to encourage perspectives and advice from

experts across New South Wales. This is a good amendment, which the Government will support.

The role of the new committee also includes advising on the annual allocation of program funding between

film and television industry funding programs. An independent deputy chair will also support robust advice in

this regard. The committee will act as a bridge between the government and industry, ensuring that our legislative

framework is responsive and adaptive to the rapid changes in technology and market dynamics. It is proposed that

the Screen and Digital Games Industries Act and regulation commence on 1 July to allow the current Film and

Television Industry Advisory Committee to complete its term and ensure that there is no gap before the

appointment of a new committee. I take this opportunity to express the Government's appreciation for the

significant expertise of the current members of the Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee. We thank

them for their important contributions to Screen NSW's support for the sector.

Finally, the bill proposes amendments to division 4 of the Local Government Act to deliver on and be

consistent with the goals outlined earlier. Specifically, in section 116, the number of days within which a council

must acknowledge receipt of an application to film has been reduced from seven days to two business days. This

reflects contemporary business practices and technologies, such as automated email responses, which are the

norm. In addition, amendments are proposed to section 117 to provide that the maximum application fee payable

and the number of days within which an applicant must pay fees to a council be outlined in the Local Government

Filming Protocol instead of the Act and regulations.

As mentioned, there are a number of legislative instruments related to screen production, and it is important

that they are consistent and coherent. Including details on fee schedules in the Local Government Filming Protocol

provides greater flexibility for future amendments if required. The Government aims to build a future where the

screen and digital games industries not only thrive but also contribute significantly to our society and economy.

In the world of digital games, the conclusion of one level often marks the beginning of another, filled with new

challenges and opportunities. This bill represents the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in our

legislative journey. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering vibrant and sustainable screen and digital

games industries. I commend the bill to the House.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 16

Second Reading Debate

Mr KEVIN ANDERSON (Tamworth) (11:51): I contribute to debate on the Government's Screen and

Digital Games Industries Bill 2025. The Opposition will support the bill. However, I foreshadow that we will

move an amendment, which I will address in detail at a later point. The bill seeks to update film and television

legislation while also including the digital games industry. The Government's bill repeals the Film and Television

Industry Act 1988, replacing it with the Screen and Digital Games Industries Act. The bill also seeks to replace

the Film and Television Industry (Advisory Committee) Regulation 2024 with the rebadged Screen and Digital

Games Advisory Committee Regulation 2025. The bill follows the release of the NSW Screen and Digital Games

Strategy in October 2024, which called for an update of the legislation.

The screen and digital games industries are vital to the economic and cultural wellbeing of New South

Wales. According to the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy, the gross value add of the New South Wales

screen sector is more than $1 billion annually. Digital games are playing an increasing role in the local economy,

with direct contributions to the economy now exceeding $100 million per annum. There is untapped potential for

the digital games industry in New South Wales. Worldwide, the industry is now worth more than $249 billion.

New South Wales should rightly seek a larger market share in digital games, and the Opposition looks forward to

driving any initiative that will benefit the industry in our State. The Coalition is a strong supporter of the screen

industry. The Making NSW Film Friendly Premier's Memorandum, the Made in NSW fund, and the Post, Digital

and Visual Effects Offset are all successful initiatives that were established by the Coalition in government.

I now address the Opposition's foreshadowed amendment to the bill. The Opposition will move an

amendment to ensure regional representation on the Minister's Screen and Digital Games Advisory Committee.

A major concern with the Government's bill is that there is no mention of the region, with no specific focus on the

regions in the bill. The regions play a large part in the industry, and I am deeply concerned that this Government

is overseeing a sharp swing away from focusing on regional New South Wales and towards Sydney and the metro

areas. There is work to be done in the cities. A second film and television studio is a must, and I recognise the

shadow Assistant Minister for the Arts, Innovation, Digital Government and the 24-Hour Economy, the

Hon. Jacqui Munro in the other place, who made a contribution about that. It would be detrimental to the industry

if the Government fails in its responsibility to look after and foster the screen and digital games industries in the

regions.

Some of the world's most iconic films were shot in regional New South Wales. The Adventures of Priscilla,

Queen of the Desert and Mad Max 2 were filmed in Broken Hill. The Dish tells the story of the Parkes Observatory

and many of its scenes were also filmed in Forbes. Muriel's Wedding was filmed in Tweed Heads and Danny

Deckchair was filmed in Bellingen. The regions have been at the very heart of New South Wales filmmaking

throughout the industry's history, and there is no justification for centralising it in Sydney. Our regions are in fact

home to industry leaders, and I acknowledge two outstanding regional leaders in the screen industry.

Located in the Northern Rivers area, Northern Rivers Screenworks offers professional industry programs

and activities for people at every career stage to develop their skills and help build a diverse and thriving regional

screen sector. Screenworks works hard to support and develop the screen industry across regional, rural and

remote Australia. Also, SLR Productions in Coffs Harbour is a leading Emmy and multi-award winning children's

and family entertainment company. It has created, produced and financed quality programs available in over

160 countries worldwide, and that content is very important. Those are just two examples of thriving companies

that want to showcase the rest of New South Wales.

The New South Wales Opposition is calling on the State Government to push the Federal Government to

back our State's screen industry by implementing Australian content quotas of up to 20 per cent for major

streaming services, including a sub-quota of 20 per cent for available children's content. That call follows from

the concerns, which are regularly raised at the annual Australian Children's Content Summit in Coffs Harbour,

over major platforms not supporting the local industry. We are calling on the State Government to push the Federal

Government to support the New South Wales screen industry, which has a proud and storied history of producing

world-class film and television, supported by an incredible cohort of talented directors, producers, artists and other

creatives.

That industry provides jobs for more than 3,500 skilled workers across the State, and Australian

productions contributed $496 million to the New South Wales economy in 2022-23. We need the Federal

Government to ensure that our local screen industry has a fair go when it comes to foreign-owned

video-on-demand streaming services. We urge the State Government to up the ante and back New South Wales

when it talks to the Federal Government about this issue. It is critical that our regions are represented on the

Minister's advisory committee as well, and the New South Wales Opposition will move an amendment to that

effect. The issues faced by the industry in the regions are unique. For the benefit of the House, I will address some

of the issues that stakeholders have raised with me.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 17

Our regions are brimming with the talent of both highly trained industry professionals and passionate

workers. But the tyranny of distance and the cost of travelling and staying in our major cities is driving regional

workers interstate. Workers in the Northern Rivers are finding it more affordable to travel to Brisbane and the

Gold Coast for work than to Sydney. Workers are simply choosing to take their skills elsewhere—or worse,

leaving regional New South Wales and relocating to other cities. This is an untenable situation for our State if we

are to maintain our status as a globally recognised leader in film and television. Our neighbour Screen Queensland

has a range of initiatives targeted at regionally based practitioners. Those initiatives include both financial and

in-kind support that aims to increase the level of production, industry skill and employment, as well as screen

industry activity in regional Queensland. I encourage the Government to consider similar initiatives to support

our regions.

I also note that Netflix is running programs to pay regional workers, but we also need this Government to

step up in that space. Clearly, these issues are unique to the regions and justify regional representation on the

advisory committee. Their contributions will be valuable to the board's direction, and their feedback will continue

to provide for the overall health and wellbeing of the sector. I thank the Government for its cooperation in relation

to the amendment I will move, particularly the Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts, and also Clara Klemski from

the Minister's office for her cooperation in working with us on it.

The Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025 seeks to update legislation regarding the New South

Wales film, television, and digital games industries. The bill repeals the Film and Television Industries Act 1988

and replaces it with the Screen and Digital Games Industries Act 2025, making minor amendments to existing

legislation and adding the digital games industries into legislation. As previously stated, this is uncontroversial

legislation due to the nature of the amendments, which are minor. Part 2 of the bill sets out the functions of the

secretary and includes provisions to provide financial and other assistance to the screen and digital games

industries, to provide advice to Government, and to undertake production for the State and government agencies.

Part 3 of the bill establishes the new Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee and outlines its

key function, which is to advise the Minister on the operation of the screen and digital games industries. Further

detail is outlined in the regulations. Part 4 of the bill sets out principles for New South Wales Government agencies

and councils to follow regarding decisions relating to screen and digital games production. The principles include

that fees are kept to a minimum, applications for access to locations and services are dealt with in a reasonable

time frame, and access to locations is supported whenever appropriate.

The bill also includes the concept of screen-production-friendly councils, which is an accreditation process

for local government. I have spoken to local government representatives who look forward to greater detail and

engagement from government in relation to this concept. I note that the guidelines for the accreditation will be

determined by the Minister. I am not sure why consultation and work on these guidelines were not done prior to

this legislation; in fact, it would have been helpful to our debate if the House had been given the benefit of knowing

what a screen-production-friendly council looks like, but that opportunity has not been provided in this bill. The

Opposition again encourages the Minister to give regional New South Wales every consideration throughout the

consultation and implementation of this friendly councils concept. Part 2 of the proposed Act includes the screen

and digital industries regulation and outlines the composition and functions of the committee. The Opposition will

be moving an amendment in relation to the membership of the committee and thanks the Government for its

consideration in this regard.

I note that the committee replaces the existing Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee. I take

this opportunity to recognise the many current and former members of that committee for their contributions.

Membership of the committee has increased from seven to 10. The regulation changes the role of the member

without industry experience. Under the Film and Television (Advisory Committee) Regulation, the chair of the

committee is someone without industry experience. This is a sensible probity regulation that removes issues of

conflict of interest and ensures that someone with proper governance experience leads the board. The

government's Screen and Digital Games Industries (Advisory Committee) Regulation shifts that independent

position to the deputy chair. It would be good practice for the Government to continually review this regulatory

shift to ensure that probity issues are continuing to be effectively managed. I note these are remunerated positions.

The Opposition will be providing the proper scrutiny of any appointments.

The last part of the bill details changes to the Local Government Act, which affirms the intention of part 4

of the bill relating to the principles to be applied to assist the screen and digital games industries. The Opposition

has consulted with Local Government NSW regarding these amendments and acknowledges that these changes

are uncontroversial. Local government looks forward to being consulted regarding its involvement in the

Government's Screen and Digital Games Industries Strategy. In closing, the New South Wales Opposition will be

supporting the bill. It is an uncontroversial bill that has support in the industry and among local government. The

New South Wales Opposition has consulted widely in relation to the bill and will be moving the foreshadowed

amendment as a result. It is the Opposition's expectation that the Government will consult widely in relation to

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 18

the planned screen-production-friendly council initiative. I sincerely hope this initiative will be embraced by

councils across New South Wales, not just in metropolitan areas.

I note the Minister's statements regarding turning New South Wales from a "no" State to a "yes" State

regarding filming. I do not believe those statements are entirely accurate or fair. New South Wales has a proud

history as a hotbed of world-renowned film and television productions, and our digital games industry is

developing well. The Opposition looks forward to the foreshadowed standalone Digital Games Strategy. We

would like to see it come sooner than in three years, as mentioned in the Government's Screen and Digital Games

Industries Strategy. I thank those who gave us feedback on the bill, particularly Lisa O'Meara from Screenworks

and Suzanne Ryan from SLR Productions, who are committed advocates for the industry in regional New South

Wales. Again, I thank the Minister's office, led by Clara Klemski, for working cooperatively with us, and I thank

the agency for helping with the amendments. I also thank Parliamentary Secretary Julia Finn, the member for

Granville. The Opposition remains committed to working with industry to ensure the best outcomes for film,

television and digital games in New South Wales. I look forward to moving the Opposition's amendment.

Ms CHARISHMA KALIYANDA (Liverpool) (12:04): I am proud to make a brief contribution in

support of the Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025, which delivers real, practical changes that will

ensure New South Wales remains a leader in both screen and digital games production. The bill is about jobs,

innovation and making it easier for our creative industries to thrive. Whether it is by streamlining film approvals

or by removing barriers for game developers, we are ensuring that our State remains the engine room of Australia's

creative economy.

I will start with digital games. The industry is booming worldwide, and yet New South Wales has been

missing out. Already one of the world's largest and fastest growing entertainment sectors before COVID-19 hit,

the digital games industry expanded further during the pandemic. However, New South Wales is home to just

22 per cent of Australia's game development studios and only 16 per cent of the sector's full-time employees.

I take the Opposition's comments, but we are committed to ensuring that New South Wales fulfils its potential.

Those statistics are simply not good enough.

Games are a massive part of our culture and economy—81 per cent of Australians play them—but beyond

entertainment, they are driving innovation in technology, education and training. Digital games development will

be a crucial pillar of a modern, digital and creative Australia. Making digital games involves every type of media,

from animation to sound, music and cinematography. In addition to the direct economic benefit, games production

adds complexity, talent and a range of transferable skills to the economy. That is why the Government is stepping

up.

Alongside the introduction of the bill, we are making it easier for game studios to grow by lowering the

minimum expenditure threshold for rebates from $500,000 to $350,000, giving emerging developers a fair shot at

success. We are also launching the Digital Games Seed Development Program and Market Travel Funding

Program, investing $1.5 million over three years to help local studios develop and promote their work. The

changes mean more local talent can compete on the world stage, with this bill as the catalyst. It also embeds equity

of access to such opportunities into the digital games landscape.

We have incredible talent in New South Wales. Digital games like Not Doppler's real-time multiplayer car

battler Crash of Cars and the zombie-smashing Earn to Die series have generated over 300 million downloads

worldwide to date. Not Doppler is a Sydney-based game development studio and publisher founded in 2005. The

Earn to Die games are among the most globally popular games published by any mobile developer in Australia.

Earn to Die launched in 2015 and quickly reached number one on the iOS Paid Games Charts in 135 countries,

accumulating over 160 million downloads as a free-to-play title on Google Play.

Continued Government investment in businesses like Not Doppler will increase games industry

employment in New South Wales, demonstrating the kind of world-class creativity that exists in our State. It also

means that we can break away from being a net consumer of gaming content and provide avenues for local

creatives to showcase not only our creativity but our unique and diverse cultural mix and influences, which we

are extraordinarily proud of. In passing the bill, we will be backing our developers, attracting investment and

making New South Wales the place to be for digital games by signalling that we are hungry to develop content

and not just consume it.

That also holds true for our screen industry. New South Wales has always been the beating heart of

Australian film and television production. Our State is home to more than half of the nation's screen production

businesses, with 15,000 people employed in the sector. Our State has been the root of the global stereotype of

Australians. If you ask them about Australia, many people from across the world will reference Home and Away.

That is an enduring stereotype. But red tape has been holding back productions, costing time and money, and

making it challenging to compete against other States.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 19

The bill introduces practical reforms that will make a real difference. It will allow local councils to be

accredited as "screen production friendly", encouraging them to attract film and TV projects to their communities.

It will streamline approvals, requiring government agencies and councils to process applications efficiently and

minimise fees. If a production wants to use a location, access should be granted unless there is a clear and

compelling reason to say no. Those changes will make it easier and faster for productions to get up and running,

supporting jobs and investment across the State.

We have already seen what is possible when we support the screen industry. Productions like the

soon-to-premiere The Narrow Road to the Deep North and the incredibly popular Return to Paradise, shot around

Sydney and in regional New South Wales locations, showcase our amazing landscapes, our talented crews and

our vibrant communities. Return to Paradise, shot on our coast at Wollongong and Shellharbour, has been sold

around the world, including to the BBC. Those stories matter not just for cultural reasons but also because they

bring in millions of dollars, create jobs and boost tourism. Furthermore, they provide an opportunity to ensure we

tell our stories and provide the world with an insight into the extraordinary people and communities that make

New South Wales so special today. Once again, we seek to produce content for the world rather than just consume

it.

I refer to a local production out west that, I am not embarrassed to share with the House, reduced me to a

sobbing mess not just once but twice. It is a wonderful anthology that reflects the Australia of today, which is why

it resonates with so many. We have seen with productions like Heartbreak High that such stories have the potential

to reach a worldwide market. We love seeing New South Wales on screen, whether it is our stunning coastline,

our bustling cities, our outback towns or our diverse communities. The bill will make sure that we see even more

of it. The world is our oyster.

Finally, this legislation brings the outdated Film and Television Industry Act 1988—which is almost as

old as I am—into the modern era. By replacing it with the new Screen and Digital Games Industries Act, we are

creating a framework that reflects today's industry. The new advisory committee will ensure that funding and

policy decisions are made with industry expertise and with a focus on diversity and inclusion. The bill is a win

for jobs, local economies and creativity. It is about making New South Wales the best place in Australia to make

films, TV shows and digital games. I thank the Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary and member for Granville,

the Minister's staff and the department staff, who have performed such an incredible amount of work to bring the

bill to the House. Those things are not easy to do, and I thank them for their work and for the work that they will

do in future in this space. I urge all members to support the bill.

Ms JENNY LEONG (Newtown) (12:12): On behalf of The Greens, I contribute to debate on the Screen

and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025 and indicate that we support the bill. Fridays seem to bring a nice

multipartisan vibe to the Chamber. As my colleague in the other place Ms Cate Faehrmann so enthusiastically put

on record, The Greens absolutely love and support the Australian film and television industries. We love our local

creative industries and wholeheartedly back any efforts to support them to grow and thrive. The bill is one such

effort. It seeks to assist, promote and strengthen the screen and digital games industries in New South Wales, and

provide a regulatory framework for the NSW Screen and Digital Games Strategy that the Government released in

October last year.

That strategy had four key priorities: creating stories, building sustainable growth, improving capacity and

capability, and developing audiences to increase demand. The bill seeks to act on those priorities by establishing

the Screen and Digital Games Industries Act 2025, which would replace the Film and Television Industry Act

1988. Who would ever have thought we would replace the word "television" as technology advances over time.

The bill also establishes a Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee to advise the Minister about

the screen and digital games industries—noting that we may be able to name the current Minister for Transport

as the Minister for advisory committees at some point in the future.

The new Act will be accompanied by a regulation and associated amendments to the Local Government

Act 1993 to create a voluntary accreditation scheme for "screen production friendly" local councils. Currently

there is no framework for councils to support the film industry in their local area. While there are guiding

principles within the Local Government Act, a memorandum from former Premier Gladys Berejiklian—last

updated in 2009—is the only formalised structure. Technology has since moved on. The Act will empower the

secretary to keep a register of councils accredited as "screen production friendly", as well as a list of spaces and

other locations accessible for screen production, to be maintained on the department's website. We hope to see

that list of councils and spaces grow long. As the member for Newtown, I already anticipate that many locations

within the vibrant inner city and inner west areas will be on that list.

I am proud to represent a vibrant community that contributes so much to the screen and digital games

industry in New South Wales and beyond. So many of the wonderful people who make Newtown a special place

are artists, creatives, actors, producers, animators and filmmakers. According to Screen Australia, the two Federal

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 20

electorates of Sydney and Grayndler, which cover the Newtown electorate, have 66 cinema screens with over

8,000 seats that are regularly enjoyed by Newtown locals. I am sure that many locals enjoy participating in gaming,

and others create gaming technology and are involved in the gaming industry. More than half the tickets for sports

and arts events bought by inner westies are for events within the local community, compared with the national

rate of only 3.6 per cent.

I give a shout-out to some of the wonderful local organisations that have done so much to fight for creative

industries in New South Wales. It is a pleasure to have the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance in the heart of

the Newtown electorate in Redfern. The Dendy Cinema in Newtown frequently hosts great independent film

festivals, including the Palestinian Film Festival, which I thoroughly enjoyed attending last year. There are so

many film and digital production companies and freelancers in the electorate—indeed, too many to name in this

debate contribution. The bill will establish the Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee, whose

purpose will be to advise the Minister on the screen and digital games industries in New South Wales. That

committee will replace the Film and Television Industry Advisory Committee and expand its membership from

seven to 10 people. That expansion follows consultation with the sector and reflects the growing size and diversity

of the industry.

The Greens were pleased to hear outlined in the second reading speech the skills matrix that will be used

to assess and appoint committee members. That will include, among other things, considerations of location, age,

cultural and linguistic diversity, and subject matter expertise. At least one member of the committee must be an

Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, and at least one member must have digital games industry experience.

I also hope that due diligence will be done in appointing committee members to ensure that they have good

workplace practices in terms of safety, and to support diverse communities, women and others. They should have

good practices that support the diversity of the industry.

I echo comments from my Greens colleague in the other place, Cate Faehrmann, that people from other

marginalised communities, including LGBTIQA+ people and people with a disability, must also be represented

on the committee. It is essential that advisory bodies reflect the diversity of voices and stories in our communities.

I understand that the member for Tamworth has indicated that he will move an amendment on behalf of the

Opposition to include the requirement for at least one committee member to be a subject matter expert from

regional New South Wales. The Greens support that foreshadowed amendment.

Creative communities and policies that support the creative industries, including those working and

creating in film and digital gaming, need the backing of government. That is what the bill will accomplish.

However, introducing this legislation and creating a way for councils to pat themselves on the back for being

"screen production friendly" is not enough. Advisory committees are not enough. We need to make sure that we

fund creatives at every level, ensuring that the next generations of creatives and production and technical workers

are supported to emerge and thrive. That goes far beyond arts policy; it is why The Greens support free tertiary

education, and why we want to see rents capped so that students and artists can afford to live in the communities

that benefit so greatly from their work.

We want to ensure that independent gaming and film is supported, not just the mega-budget and

star-studded projects, and that means backing in those who are innovating and creating on the fringes. That is why

The Greens have a national plan to pay artists properly, by instigating a Federal pilot of the program A Living

Wage for Artists for up to 10,000 artists. Artists say that the main challenges they face to stay in the industry are

the pressures of living in an expensive city and the pressures of dealing with freelance, contract and often insecure

work. Addressing the living wages of artists is one way we can ensure that they do not leave the industry. We also

know that it is critical to ensure local content, as the member for Tamworth mentioned. That is why recently I was

pleased to see the Australian Greens announce a commitment to strengthen Australian storytelling on screens by

legislating local content quotas that require streaming services to invest 20 per cent of their Australian subscriber

revenue into locally made and owned content, and to ensure they are regulated like Australian broadcasters.

I have the pleasure of representing in this place the many artists and creatives that form a big part of our

inner city and inner west community. I recognise that many of those artists and creatives—those who have worked

tirelessly in the screen industry for years—can no longer afford to live in the heart of our city. While The Greens

absolutely support this reform, we also urge Labor State and Federal governments to recognise that support for

the creative industries and for film, for gaming, for production and for independent arts requires a holistic approach

that adequately funds the whole industry. Backing in the film and gaming industry is about much more than a few

snaps with a celebrity swanning up to a red carpet event. We must deliver real funding and support for the screen,

gaming, arts and creative industries in New South Wales and across the country. I hope we can work constructively

with the Government to ensure that funding. I thank the Minister's office for its collaborative approach to working

with us on the bill. I commend the bill to the House.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 21

Dr DAVID SALIBA (Fairfield) (12:21): I will deviate slightly from the speech I have prepared on the

Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025 to express my appreciation for film, television and games. As I was

walking into the House the Whip said, "Dave, give a plug to games like Roblox." I do not know if members have

heard of Roblox. It is probably one of the biggest and most popular games out right now. I grew up playing games

and watching television. To be fair, a lot of those games and films inspired me to do different things in life. I do

not know if any members remember Atari games as well as Alex Kidd by Sega—the member for Blacktown

probably will. Those games have turned into the games we have now. Do members know the average age of a

gamer, according to some surveys?

Mr Kevin Anderson: Is it 50?

Dr DAVID SALIBA: Not yet, but it is higher than members would realise. It was 38 a couple of years

ago. Gaming plays such a big role in our lives. It is an escape and a chance to have fun and bond with others. My

nephews love the iPad. They love Roblox, and they love playing many different games. I am able to connect with

them over that. We play FIFA against each other. I am a pretty decent FIFA player on PlayStation. I am happy to

play against any member in the Chamber. Gaming is able to establish relationships.

It is important to talk about expanding our ability to derive a local network of film, television and gaming

in New South Wales. I have spoken in the Chamber about my engagement with some local film producers in

Western Sydney during the making of the film Echo 8. I was able to see some of the sets and appreciate how

difficult the work is. Last week participants in the Lebanese Film Festival came to Parliament to watch

proceedings. We had a good chat in the Strangers' Restaurant about their experiences in film. There is such passion

there. It is great to see that we are taking that passion seriously and seeing that work shine through.

I support the bill, and I commend the Minister for the Arts for his work in this space. The bill aims to

modernise film and television legislation by expanding coverage to the digital games industry. That is important.

The digital games industry is growing commercially. We talk about some films, but some internationally produced

games generate hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars in revenue. If we are serious about bolstering our

economy, then we need to jump on this to ensure we have a competitive economic advantage, particularly as we

traverse the digital age. The bill does a bunch of things. It contains provisions to renew and modernise previous

legislation to reflect current and emerging technologies in the industry. We are expanding our technological depth

every year. Comparing society in 2025 with 2015, for example, we see that television was transformed with the

introduction of Netflix and streaming. It changed the way we live and our commerce structures. I note the

Government Whip is in the Chamber. He will be very excited about this speech.

Mr Nathan Hagarty: Roblox.

Dr DAVID SALIBA: Yes, Roblox is a very good game. Our society is evolving quickly. It is great to see

that this bill reflects our evolution in the digital space, which I could talk about for a long time. The bill

demonstrates this Government's commitment to reducing red tape. The bill will provide the highest possible level

of government cooperation with filmmakers to encourage screen production in New South Wales, which is so

important. At the same time, it will show the New South Wales Government's astute understanding of the rapidly

growing digital games industry and offer support through appropriate policy settings and legislation. I commend

the bill to the House.

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville) (12:25): On behalf of Ms Jenny Aitchison: In reply: I thank members for

their contributions to debate on the Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill 2025. I thank the member for

Tamworth for his considered contribution, and I acknowledge both his engagement with the Government on this

bill and his deep passion for economic development and growth in New South Wales. He can rest assured that the

enormous contribution that the regions have made to the screen industry is valued by the Government. A skills

matrix has been developed for appointments to the committee that take into account a range of different skills,

cultural backgrounds and geographies.

The Government supports the amendment of the member for Tamworth, which will require the committee

to include a representative who lives and/or works in regional New South Wales. We also support the Regional

Filming Fund, which is administered by Screen NSW. I thank the member for Liverpool, the member for Fairfield

and the member for Newtown for their contributions to the debate. The member for Liverpool emphasised the

importance of producing work for the world and not just being consumers. Australia has a creative export deficit,

and this is one of the ways we can promote Australian content and produce more content in New South Wales.

I was alarmed to hear that, despite having one-third of Australia's population, New South Wales only has

22 per cent of Australia's game development businesses and 16 per cent of its employees. These games have a

huge worldwide audience. The member for Liverpool spoke about Not Doppler Studio's incredibly successful

Earn to Die series, which is making huge inroads for Australian game developers around the world. The member

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 22

for Newtown mentioned the strength of the creative industry in her electorate, including the Media, Entertainment

and Arts Alliance in Redfern and the Dendy Cinema in Newtown. She emphasised the important contribution that

independent filmmakers and game developers make. The member should rest assured that the New South Wales

Government values independent creatives and not just the big, blockbuster developers.

The member for Fairfield brought his incredible passion for gaming to the Chamber and noted that the

average age of gamers is 38, which is much older than most people would think. This is also a much bigger market

than most people realise. He also noted the important work being done by the Lebanese Film Festival, which has

done great work to support local productions and to bring films from Lebanon to Australia. I acknowledge the

bipartisan support for the legislation and thank the members of this place and the other place for their constructive

engagement on the Government's Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill.

I will make some general comments about the bill first before touching on some of the matters and

amendments raised in the debate. The bill proposes to repeal the existing film and television industry legislation

and replace it with contemporary equivalents, signalling to the screen and digital games industries that the

Government is here to support them. As I noted in my second reading speech, supporting the screen and digital

games industries brings both economic and social benefits to the State. The bill aligns with the Government's

vision of recognising screen and digital games storytelling as a public good and promotes cooperation between

the New South Wales Government, local councils and industry to support the screen and digital games industries.

I will now address some of the matters raised in debate. I thank the member for Tamworth for his

engagement. The Government agrees with the member's perspective about the need for a regional representative

with relevant industry experience on the Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee. I highlight

that regional New South Wales also benefits from film productions large and small, such as Furiosa: A Mad Max

Saga, which was partly filmed in Hay, the ABC's Total Control, and Muster Dogs. Those have all been financially

supported by Screen NSW and showcase regional New South Wales in all its splendour. They have employed

hundreds of local workers and boosted tourism and small businesses. It only makes sense that the committee

should have a representative from regional New South Wales.

I also acknowledge the valuable feedback provided by Local Government NSW in relation to our proposed

amendments to the Local Government Act to include removing reference to the maximum application fee payable

and the number of days within which an applicant must pay fees to a council, and instead moving them to the

Local Government Filming Protocol. I highlight that that "lift and shift" reflects good legislative practice of not

duplicating provisions across instruments and is also intended to ensure that the protocol does not contradict the

Act. The Government will continue to consult closely with councils and Local Government NSW on the

development of the refreshed protocol. Further, I acknowledge discussions with Local Government NSW about

the proposal to change the date for acknowledgement of receipt of a filming permit application to two days instead

of seven. I acknowledge the very real resourcing issues that some councils experience. [Quorum called for.] [The

bells having been rung and a quorum having formed, business resumed.]

I note that reducing the number of days to two business days reflects the contemporary ability of councils

to acknowledge receipt by email. That is often an automated process, which further assists councils to reduce red

tape and potential resourcing constraints. I appreciate the opportunity for the department to clarify that that is the

Government's intent. In closing, the Screen and Digital Games Industries Bill is the next step in the Government's

vision for the State's screen and digital games industries. I thank Opposition and crossbench members in this place

and the other place for their detailed engagement on and support for the bill. I thank the Opposition for its

constructive amendment and the agencies that collaborated with us to make the bill possible. I commend the bill

to the House.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Alex Greenwich): The question is that this bill be now read a second

time.

Motion agreed to.

Consideration in detail requested by Mr Kevin Anderson.

Consideration in Detail

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Alex Greenwich): By leave: I will deal with the bill in one group of

clauses and schedules. The question is that clauses 1 to 14 and schedules 1 to 3 be agreed to.

Mr KEVIN ANDERSON (Tamworth) (12:36): I move Opposition amendment No. 1 on

sheet c2025-070:

No. 1 Composition of Advisory Committee

Page 8, Schedule 2, proposed section 4. Insert after line 31—

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 23

(7A) At least 1 member must—

(a) have relevant experience in the screen or digital games industry, and

(b) reside or work in regional New South Wales.

In my second reading debate contribution I outlined the importance of regional representation on the advisory

committee. I thank the Minister's office for its support and cooperation during debate. I recognise the work of the

Parliamentary Secretary, the member for Granville, and thank the agencies for their cooperation. We need to know

and remember that New South Wales does not stand for Newcastle, Sydney, Wollongong. The lights burn bright

in regional New South Wales. It is clear that regional New South Wales would like to hear the phrase "lights,

camera, action" more often. The bill will open up a whole new sphere of opportunity for games developers.

I commend my amendment to the House.

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville) (12:37): The Government supports the amendment, which addresses the

composition of the Screen and Digital Games Industries Advisory Committee by proposing that the committee be

required to include one member who resides or works in regional New South Wales and has relevant industry

experience. The Government wants to make sure that regional voices are heard, and it wants to support the next

generation of creative talent across all parts of the State. We support the amendment.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Alex Greenwich): The question is that Opposition amendment No. 1

on sheet c2025-070 be agreed to.

Amendment agreed to.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Mr Alex Greenwich): The question is that clauses 1 to 14 and

schedules 1 to 3 as amended be agreed to.

Clauses 1 to 14 and schedules 1 to 3 as amended agreed to.

Third Reading

Ms JULIA FINN: On behalf of Ms Jenny Aitchison: I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Motion agreed to.

PRODUCT LIFECYCLE RESPONSIBILITY BILL 2025

Second Reading Speech

Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains) (12:39): On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Government is pleased to introduce the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. The bill proposes a new

Act to establish a product stewardship framework for brand owners of certain products, the Product Lifecycle

Responsibility Act. The Act will create a framework for regulating product stewardship for any product and is

futureproofed to handle emerging environmental issues. The framework established under the bill allows the

Minister to prescribe, by regulation, requirements across the entire life cycle of a product, including the

development, design, creation, production, assembly, supply, use or re-use, collection, recovery, recycling or

disposal of the regulated product. This legislation is intended in the first instance to be used to provide a framework

for the regulation of product stewardship for batteries.

The fact is that while batteries are an incredibly important part of society and will help us decarbonise our

economy, they pose a risk to people when not properly disposed of, when damaged, when mishandled or when

improperly designed. This bill would enable the New South Wales Government to take comprehensive action and

escalate its response to reduce the likelihood and prevalence of battery fires in the waste supply chain and prevent

further deaths, injuries and property damage. We have been prompted to action by the lithium ion battery fire

crisis in New South Wales. According to Fire and Rescue NSW, these batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in

New South Wales, with 324 incidents since 2024, including 33 injuries and 1,125 evacuations. This is up from

171 incidents in 2022.

Battery fires are an escalating risk in New South Wales, driven by the growing number of lithium ion

batteries throughout the community. While these batteries have significant benefits, the risk of fires from unsafe

or mishandled lithium ion batteries is growing. This bill provides us with a system to be able to easily and quickly

regulate products causing problems, whether that is a risk to safety or a risk to our environment. Whilst these laws

will work alongside Commonwealth laws, this is nation-leading reform. New South Wales will lead the way for

new mandatory product life cycle schemes that we hope other States will adopt.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 24

Batteries are an example of how, too often, products are designed without any consideration of what will

happen to them when their use has ended. This must change. That is not to say that there are no responsible product

producers; there are, and we celebrate those businesses. This legislation is targeted at companies that are producing

products with limited thought to the end state—poor-quality products that are too often focused on planned

obsolescence. This is not a good outcome for our society or our environment. Products and materials should

remain in circulation for as long as is safely possible. This legislation also provides the legislative framework to

ensure there is regulatory oversight of product stewardship organisations when dealing with products that can

cause harm. This is to ensure that product stewardship organisations are fulfilling their agreed responsibilities and

measures can be taken where they are not. This legislation allows the Government to enter into a contract with a

product stewardship organisation.

The bill carries significant penalties for brand owners—the owner of a product name—who fail to comply

with product stewardship requirements set by the regulations and, in particular, for contraventions of safety

requirements identified by the regulations. Research from the waste and recycling industry in 2024 estimated the

waste and resource recovery sector deals with between 10,000 and 12,000 fires a year in trucks and at facilities

caused by improperly disposed of lithium ion batteries. When batteries are placed in kerbside red bins or

commercial bins, they end up in waste trucks and can make their way to landfills or resource recovery facilities.

This causes problems because they can ignite when punctured in the back of a truck or in recycling processing

machinery.

When lithium ion batteries are damaged, they can enter a process called thermal runaway. They create very

hot fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish and release toxic gases into the air. Ironically, we saw this the

day after this bill was introduced in the other place. On 19 March in Maitland, Fire and Rescue NSW responded

to a fire in a townhouse. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. However, Fire and Rescue NSW stated

that the intensity of the fire and the difficulty putting it out was contributed to by several lithium ion batteries that

had gone into thermal runaway.

When an emergency responder, truck driver or facility worker is exposed to a battery fire, they risk serious

safety and health consequences. They can experience burns, exposure to hazardous chemicals on their skin and

harm from breathing in vapours from the burning battery. The hazardous chemicals in lithium ion batteries can

also leak into landfills as they are compacted and exposed to moisture over time. There is a risk that the liquid

could breach the landfill lining, leach into surrounding waterways and travel in the groundwater to other sites.

These events can have serious water pollution and human health impacts. This is why the New South Wales

Government must take urgent action now to address these significant challenges.

Battery fires are a problem across Australia. The environment Ministers meeting in December 2024

identified the need for urgent reforms to product stewardship arrangements for batteries to address the escalating

risks of battery fires and create a safe circular economy. Ministers recognised the need to act quickly to reduce

the risks of battery fires, with the New South Wales Government committing to progressing this legislation. We

will not stand by idly and watch this crisis. The existing voluntary schemes are inadequate for the challenges we

face. New South Wales is leading the way nationally, because we must, providing a comprehensive regulatory

framework with appropriate oversight to protect the environment and human health. This approach is an escalation

from the voluntary approach employed under existing Commonwealth accreditation, which does not have the

same regulatory oversights or mandatory obligations.

New South Wales is initially taking a twofold approach to regulation. The first component of the

Government's response is this bill. The bill will allow the Government to establish product stewardship schemes

and cover potentially harmful products. This legislation has been drafted as a standalone Act so that it can easily

be used by other States and Territories as a template to regulate product stewardship. We hope that other Australian

States and Territories will adopt this legislation to harmonise the approach. During development of the bill we

consulted with other jurisdictions to understand their challenges. Standardising this approach across States is

important to provide consistency nationally.

We have chosen this legislative response to ensure there is appropriate regulatory oversight on product

stewardship organisations, which is not present in voluntary schemes. The bill provides a comprehensive suite of

considerations and oversight improvements to ensure that brand owners take responsibility for products across

their life cycles and that risk is managed appropriately to protect human health and the environment. The

obligations on brand owners are appropriate, and the bill includes meaningful but measured penalties for

noncompliance. There is a particular focus in the bill on penalties for noncompliance with safety requirements.

Ultimately we are trying to protect the community, protect infrastructure, keep people safe and limit

environmental impacts.

The second step to addressing batteries is to draft regulations to make product stewardship mandatory for

problematic products, including certain classes of batteries where there is an existing Commonwealth stewardship

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 25

accreditation. This allows the Government to act urgently to address battery fires and reduce free riders in the

system. A free rider is a company or organisation that is not paying into the system but whose products benefit

from it. We will work collaboratively with industry when finalising these regulations.

Another reason we have pursued this action in New South Wales is that the Commonwealth battery

schemes are voluntary, are inadequate for the challenges and, to date, have seen very low recovery rates of

approximately 15 per cent. The schemes are not currently effectively able to address the challenge we face. Most

embedded batteries—batteries encased in a product—are not currently able to be collected under the

Commonwealth schemes. Fire and Rescue NSW advise that these embedded batteries are some of the batteries

most likely to cause issues in waste management infrastructure. These batteries can be found in consumer

household electronics, including vapes, electric toothbrushes, power tools and kids toys, and also in products like

kids light-up shoes.

To address this challenge, we must evolve our regulatory response and respond to the greater risk. Under

the current settings and voluntary schemes, the prevalence of fires, deaths and injuries is escalating. We want to

achieve the best possible outcomes, and the success of the container deposit scheme [CDS], Return and Earn, is

recognition that mandatory product stewardship can provide a very successful model. The CDS scheme has

resulted in over 90 per cent of drink containers returned and 82 per cent of the community participating in returning

containers through the scheme.

The Environment Protection Authority [EPA] has engaged extensively with stakeholders on the risks posed

by batteries, the current product stewardship arrangements and on opportunities for reform. This included during

the preparation of a draft regulatory impact statement in 2024, which was done in collaboration with the Victorian

Government's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The Government has reflected that

feedback as much as possible in this legislation. I thank everyone who provided feedback on these important

reforms.

This framework provides us the appropriate tools to escalate our response, evaluate our approach, adapt as

we need to over time and deal with this challenging problem. We are committed to addressing the significant

challenges in our waste system and protecting the community and the environment. There is a great deal of

regulatory detail in the bill. This was set out at length by the Minister for the Environment in her second reading

speech in the other place. For those interested in the detail of the regulatory aspects, I refer to that speech, which

is on the public record. Batteries are an important component of our everyday lives and will be essential as we

decarbonise our economy. However, the harms from battery-related fires, resulting from the incorrect disposal of

batteries, is a problem we cannot ignore.

Fire and Rescue NSW has highlighted that lithium ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in

New South Wales, and we want to ensure that we are protecting the people of New South Wales. Poor-quality

batteries continue to enter the market, with limited safety systems to prevent them overheating or igniting. Fires

are either igniting spontaneously in homes, or when these batteries and products are punctured in a waste truck or

at a waste facility when people dispose of them improperly in waste bins. While there are existing voluntary

product stewardship schemes for batteries, scheme participation rates are as low as 15 per cent. This means that

there are many battery suppliers free riding on the participation of others, which limits the funding available for

schemes to deliver wide-reaching communications.

It also reduces the funding available for providing convenient and accessible collection point infrastructure.

Mandatory participation in product stewardship would properly resource collection infrastructure and also public

communication about problematic batteries and products with batteries embedded, and also tell people where to

take these products to dispose of them properly. This legislative framework provides the appropriate regulatory

oversights for dealing with a serious and a very dangerous problem. The framework can be used to establish

product stewardship schemes for other products that may have emerging harms. The threat to human life and

environmental health from battery-related fires cannot be overstated. Without comprehensive action to address

the incorrect disposal of batteries, as the first product proposed to be managed by the improved framework set up

in this bill, there will continue to be avoidable, preventable tragedies.

I take the opportunity to thank some key people who have worked closely with the Government, and with

the EPA, in developing this legislation. I know these people will also be working closely with us as we develop

regulations. While there are many within industry who have worked with us, I particularly thank Gayle Sloan

from the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia, Brett Lemin from the Waste

Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW and Suzanne Toumbourou from the Australian Council of

Recycling. They are all fierce advocates for their industry, for their members and for a better, stronger, safer and

more circular waste system.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 26

We would not be delivering this nation-leading reform without them. I thank Jeff Angel from the Total

Environment Centre. Jeff is one of Australia's longest-serving environmental campaigners and someone we can

always rely on for support and also for a push in the right direction. I also place on record the dedicated work of

the EPA's waste and circular economy team, some of whom are in the gallery with us, together with the

EPA's lawyers and the drafters at the Parliamentary Counsel's Office who have worked tirelessly to deliver the

bill. This is an Australian first. We are proud to be the first government in Australia to pass a bill like this. The

time for action is now. This is an important step in that plan. I commend the bill to the House.

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (12:55): On behalf of the Opposition, I contribute to debate regarding

the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. The bill addresses the pressing need for a sustainable approach to

product and end of life management of batteries in New South Wales, and we welcome this legislation. The core

objective of the bill is to establish a robust product stewardship framework. It places the onus on brand owners to

manage the environmental impacts of their products throughout the entire life cycle. That means considering

environmental factors from the design phase, through production and distribution, to consumption and eventual

disposal.

As outlined by the Parliamentary Secretary, one critical issue that the bill helps address is the growing risk

of fires caused by improper disposal of lithium ion batteries. These batteries, found in countless everyday devices,

pose a significant hazard when discarded incorrectly. Fires linked to lithium ion batteries have become an

increasing concern in waste facilities and in homes that are in suburbs across New South Wales, leading to

dangerous incidents, costly damage and disruptions to waste management operations.

By implementing stronger product stewardship requirements, the bill can drive better end of life

management for these batteries, encouraging safer disposal practices, promoting battery recycling programs and

reducing the risk of fires that endanger both workers and the environment. It encourages manufacturers to

innovate, to rethink product designs for greater sustainability and to implement practices that reduce waste and

promote resource recovery. By doing so, we move closer to a fully circular economy where products are designed

with their end of life in mind, ensuring minimal environmental impact. The bill also introduces offence provisions

to enforce compliance. These are essential to ensure that the principles enshrined in this legislation are upheld and

that brand owners who neglect their responsibilities are held accountable.

Having said that, we must acknowledge the challenges ahead. The key to that lies in implementation. We

know from history that brand stewards and owners often have difficulty with their mandatory recycling and life

cycle responsibilities. But, as the Parliamentary Secretary outlined, we have had great success with that in

New South Wales, as best demonstrated by Return and Earn. Implementation will require investment from brand

owners, and there will be a need for effective enforcement mechanisms. Collaboration between government,

industry and the community will be vital to navigate these challenges successfully.

For the benefit of the House and perhaps for the Minister in the other place to respond to, I note some

concerns brought forward by the Australian Sustainable Business Group. In particular, I highlight the following

questions from the group:

2. Will the Government agree to exempting (ring fencing) those products which have an existing or listed under a proposed

Commonwealth Product Stewardship scheme?

3. Will the Government provide a priority list of products that are to be considered for the NSW PS scheme in the future?

…

6. Will the Government and its regulator provide a document or other reassurance on how it will avoid duplication of regulation,

reporting, (action) plans and other informational requirement being undertaken or to be undertaken by the Commonwealth

under Product Stewardship schemes?

I think they are fair questions that I have no doubt will be effectively dealt with. It is worth recognising that

New South Wales already has a strong foundation in product stewardship. We have already heard about the

success of the Return and Earn scheme, which was introduced under the former Coalition Government, and all

members can be enormously proud of it. It demonstrates that well-designed stewardship schemes can drive

positive environmental change. They can engage the public and support economic opportunities in recycling and

waste management sectors. The bill will build on that legacy by extending the principles of product responsibility

across a broader range of products and industries. It is a logical step forward in ensuring that manufacturers and

brand owners actively contribute to a more sustainable future.

Furthermore, the potential benefits of this legislation extend beyond environmental protection. By fostering

innovation in product design and waste management, it will stimulate growth in the circular economy and enable

New South Wales to continue to be a leader in sustainability. The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025 is a

forward-thinking and necessary step towards environmental stewardship in our State. It reflects our commitment

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 27

to sustainable development and positions New South Wales as a leader in environmental responsibility. For that

reason, I commend the bill to the House.

Ms CHARISHMA KALIYANDA (Liverpool) (13:00): The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025

is an important bill that seeks to establish a mandatory product stewardship framework for brand owners of certain

products. As all members know, technology powers more and more items used in many parts of our daily lives—

from our toothbrushes and mobile phones to micromobility scooters and power tools. Increasingly, lithium ion

batteries are becoming important components of our everyday lives and will become essential as we decarbonise

our economy. A major issue is the number of fires resulting from that use. The harms from battery-related fires

resulting from incorrect battery disposal are growing rapidly. Fire and Rescue NSW has highlighted that lithium

ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales. I imagine that statistic is reflected across

Australia and indeed in other parts of the world.

Poor-quality batteries continue to enter the market with limited safety systems to prevent them overheating

or igniting. Fires ignite either spontaneously in homes or when the batteries and products are punctured in a waste

truck or at a waste facility after people dispose of them improperly in kerbside and commercial waste bins. The

problem is escalating in New South Wales. Fire and Rescue report almost one battery-related fire per day. In 2024

there were 323 incidents, including 33 injuries and 1,125 evacuations. Research from the waste and recycling

industry in 2024 estimated the waste sector deals with between 10,000 and 12,000 fires a year caused by the

improper disposal of lithium ion batteries.

Sadly, just last month, a 21-year-old international student died in a house fire in Guildford that was

suspected to have been caused by an e-bike battery. In 2024 two people died in Lake Macquarie from a battery

fire. Batteries, when not disposed of correctly, pose significant risks to human health and the environment. It is

critical to address the problem. In the two years of reporting since data collection started in 2022, there have been

a total of 456 lithium ion battery incidents. The number rose from 171 in 2022 to 285 in 2023, an increase of

two-thirds. The heat map by local government area shows that the densely packed City of Sydney area chalked

up 25 fires in 2023, up from 16 in 2022, which is an increase of 56 per cent in just one year. Those figures are

only for fires where the fire brigade was called to attend, so they probably understate the overall number.

In my electorate of Liverpool the number of lithium ion battery fires rose from just one in 2022 to 11 in

2023—a thousandfold percentage increase in just 12 months. Canterbury-Bankstown had three fires in 2022 and

15 in 2023, which is a 400 per cent increase. They are concerning figures that highlight a trend that we must act

upon. Although there are existing Commonwealth voluntary product stewardship schemes for batteries intending

to properly manage batteries at the end of their life, scheme participation rates are as low as 15 per cent. That

means many battery suppliers are free-riding on the participation of others, which limits the funding available for

schemes to deliver wide-reaching communications about disposal and convenient and accessible collection point

infrastructure.

Using New South Wales laws to mandate participation in product stewardship for those who do not want

to join voluntary Commonwealth schemes would require free riders to participate and would enable incredibly

important communications and infrastructure to be developed. Mandatory participation would improve resourcing

available for public awareness campaigns about battery risks and advertising of collection point networks, and

enable innovative responses by market leaders. It gives New South Wales the strongest powers in the country to

ensure that we respond to the lithium ion battery issue.

The Minister for Emergency Services mentioned recently that Fire and Rescue NSW is working with the

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Minister Whan, and the TAFE crew on some great education

practices. The bill will enable New South Wales to step in to address ineffective voluntary Commonwealth

schemes. In practice, New South Wales schemes could be created where there is no existing mandatory product

stewardship scheme for a particular product established under Commonwealth law. The framework established

under the bill allows the Minister to prescribe by regulation the mandatory environmental outcomes that must be

delivered by product stewardship schemes for any aspect of the life cycle of a product, including the development,

design, creation, production, assembly, supply, use or re-use, collection, recovery, recycling or disposal of a

product.

The legislation also provides the framework to ensure there is regulatory oversight of product stewardship

organisations when dealing with products that can cause harm. The use of a product stewardship organisation to

manage and oversee a scheme enables an escalating response where brand owners have failed to deliver

sustainable product stewardship outcomes. The bill carries significant penalties for brand owners—the supplier

who owns a product name—who fail to comply with product stewardship requirements and in particular for

contraventions of safety requirements. The bill replaces existing provisions about product stewardship in the

Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 and the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 28

I understand that the NSW Environment Protection Authority has engaged extensively with New South

Wales government agencies, waste and resource recovery operators, battery recyclers, current Commonwealth

voluntary stewardship scheme operators, waste and battery recycling peak bodies, environmental advocates,

suppliers and sellers of batteries, retail online marketplaces, and environmental regulators in other Australian

jurisdictions. Stakeholders are broadly supportive of taking action to prevent battery-related fires and increasing

producer responsibilities. They recognise the significant dangers of battery-related fires and the need for

New South Wales to act urgently. I thank the Minister and her team and the department for their hard work. The

issue of lithium ion batteries is concerning and deserves attention and action from this Government. Lithium ion

batteries are here to stay, so let us make sure we deal with them well.

Ms KOBI SHETTY (Balmain) (13:07): On behalf of The Greens, I contribute to debate in support of

the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. The Greens welcome this important legislation as a significant

step toward tackling the growing waste crisis in New South Wales. The bill ensures that the responsibility for

waste management is placed where it belongs, on the producers, rather than burdening individuals, local councils

and taxpayers. For too long our waste management system has relied on voluntary schemes that have proven

ineffective and inadequate.

Despite efforts under the current system, only 10 per cent to 15 per cent of batteries in New South Wales

are being properly collected and recycled. The rest are ending up in landfill or, worse, posing environmental

hazards and fire risks. We cannot continue to allow hazardous waste like lithium ion batteries to endanger our

communities and ecosystems. The issue of free-riding, where some businesses collect levies but fail to reinvest in

proper recycling infrastructure, has only exacerbated the problem. Without firm regulation, we cannot expect

meaningful change. The bill ensures that producers take full responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products,

from design and manufacturing to disposal and recycling.

The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025 establishes a mandatory product stewardship framework

that allows the Minister to set regulatory requirements across the entire life cycle of a product. It is a nation-leading

approach that targets batteries initially but could be expanded in the future to other hazardous waste streams such

as medical waste and solvent chemicals. Producers will now be required to ensure their products are designed

with sustainability in mind, which will encourage recyclability, durability and the reduction of material waste.

The bill also introduces significant penalties for noncompliance, reinforcing the commitment to creating a

genuinely circular economy in New South Wales. The Greens have long championed the principle of product

stewardship. We believe that, while consumers should be conscious of the waste we create and sensible in how

we dispose of our rubbish, it is producers who should bear responsibility for the waste their products create.

The bill aligns with our longstanding commitment to a circular economy, one that prioritises waste

reduction, resource recovery and environmental sustainability. We also recognise that battery-related fires are a

growing concern. I note that many members have spoken about them today. Fire and Rescue NSW has identified

lithium ion batteries as one of the fastest growing fire risks. Tragically, lives have already been lost due to

battery-related fires, and the frequency of incidents continues to rise. My father was a firefighter for 30 years.

I can only imagine what he would be dealing with if he was still fighting fires today. The need to resolve the issue

for the safety of both consumers and emergency services could not be greater. The need to better manage it will

not simply go away as the uptake of e-bikes and e-scooters only continues to grow across our State. The urgency

of the issue cannot be overstated.

By ensuring batteries are properly managed and recycled, the bill will directly contribute to reducing those

dangers. That will allow us to continue to push for the expansion of e-bikes, e-scooters and other battery-powered

micromobility devices as part of our sustainable cities transport solutions within a properly integrated transport

system. E-bikes are a crucial part of the transition to cleaner, more efficient urban transport. They offer a

sustainable alternative to cars as they reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions and make cities more accessible.

With growing concerns about air pollution and the need to decarbonise our transport, we must prioritise

infrastructure and policies that encourage e-bike adoption. Alongside the kind of stewardship approach that is

included in the current bill, we must prioritise expanding bike lanes, increasing options for safe and secure parking

for shared bikes, and integrating e-bikes into public transport networks to make them a more viable option for the

daily commute.

As we work toward a zero emissions future, e-bikes must play a central role in transforming the way we

move around our cities. In the last couple of years, I have been able to take my three kids about 3,000 kilometres

on our e-bike. Because we travel to local places, it has saved us a great deal of driving across our city when we

can avoid it. While the bill is a critical first step, it must not be the last. The framework it establishes should be

swiftly extended to cover other problematic waste streams. We need to see product stewardship requirements

applied to electronics, vapes, hazardous chemicals and textiles. A circular economy cannot function if we pick

and choose which products are included; it must be a comprehensive and evolving system.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 29

But we must also acknowledge that some types of waste cannot be so easily dealt with. Plastic pollution is

another pressing environmental challenge that needs our urgent attention. While recycling and waste management

are important, they cannot solve the crisis if plastic production continues to grow unchecked. Every year, millions

of tonnes of plastic are produced—much of it designed for a single use—only to end up in landfills, waterways

and oceans. The solution must start at the source: reducing plastic production, eliminating unnecessary packaging,

and ensuring that alternative materials are prioritised. Governments must hold corporations accountable for the

sheer volume of plastic they put into the environment. Policies that restrict harmful plastics, replace them with

re-usable alternatives and promote material innovation are essential in breaking our dependence on plastic.

Without decisive action to curb production, the burden of plastic waste will only continue to grow and

harm ecosystems, wildlife and human health. That is why I sought to extend the ban on lighter-than-air balloon

releases last year, and why I will soon bring another private member's bill to this House for members to consider

the reduction of single-use plastics in New South Wales. In the meantime, The Greens will support this bill. We

will closely monitor its implementation. We will hold the Government accountable to ensure that producers

comply with their new responsibilities and that this legislation delivers real outcomes. The goal should not be to

issue fines regularly but to drive systemic change so that products are designed with their full life cycle in mind,

making them more repairable, re-usable and recyclable.

The bill represents a long overdue shift in responsibility away from individuals and towards producers who

profit from products that cause waste. It sets a precedent for stronger waste management policies that prioritise

the environment and public safety. I commend the Government for introducing this legislation. The Greens look

forward to its successful implementation, and to working with the Government to expand its reach to other critical

waste streams. For our communities, our environment and future generations, this is a necessary and very welcome

step forward. I commend the bill to the House.

Ms DONNA DAVIS (Parramatta) (13:14): I support the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025.

The Government understands that batteries are a growing waste disposal and resource recovery dilemma. Batteries

should not be placed in kerbside bins where they can cause fires, but that leaves residents with limited simple

options for disposal. There is limited information on where to put batteries, and they commonly end up in the

red-lid bin service, where they become a health and safety risk. Batteries are also an escalating issue. With

digitalisation, batteries are increasingly placed in products they were not in before, such as children's toys,

pregnancy tests, lamps and wireless appliances. Even products like light-up shoes for kids contain embedded

batteries. Moving towards material circularity is a big job, and we need to work together to futureproof our

recycling system. Batteries are incredibly important to our society, but the risk and threat posed by batteries must

be carefully managed.

The bill aims to reduce the threat of batteries to human health and our waste and resource recovery

infrastructure, and to ensure that a potentially dangerous waste stream is not causing unintended harms. On

12 August last year, one of the City of Parramatta's recycling trucks had a fire caused by batteries that were

incorrectly thrown out into a yellow recycling bin. The entire load of recycling had to be dumped on the road for

Fire and Rescue NSW to attend and extinguish the fire. Batteries do not belong in red-lid garbage, yellow-lid

recycling or green-lid bins for food organics and garden organics, known as FOGO bins. The council posted that

message on social media and directed people to detailed information on the council website about battery recycling

options, asking residents and business owners to take batteries to a collection point to be recycled. Council hosts

several e-waste drop-off events per year, and it had promoted an event on Sunday 18 August for electronics and

battery disposal, but the incident demonstrates that we need to do more.

Local residents and business owners lead busy lives. Recycling needs to be convenient and accessible.

What are we doing to fix that? This bill aims to place some of the responsibility for the risks that batteries pose

back in the hands of brand owners and those who make the products. Brand owners are ultimately those in the

best position to improve the design and quality of batteries. The concept of life cycle responsibility is known as

product stewardship, which is essentially making producers responsible for what they produce across the different

phases of a product's life, from use through to disposal. The bill allows the Government to target products at any

point from inception to end of life to improve the circularity of resources and reduce potential harms.

The bill provides a framework for mandatory product stewardship where previously product stewardship

for batteries has been voluntary. Voluntary schemes can assist in establishing pathways or providing incentives

for investment. However, without being mandated, they lack the teeth to compel participation, and free riders

emerge. Some producers are financially pulling their weight, while others get a free ride and benefit from the

efforts of others in the system. By regulating product stewardship, the Government can clearly define the

responsibilities of producers and ensure everyone contributes to the solution. That allows more money to go

towards moving us forward and experimenting, innovating and finding new solutions. Mandates ensure the entire

industry contributes, which effectively evens the playing field and prevents free riders.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 30

There are existing mandatory product stewardship schemes that work. One example is the container deposit

scheme [CDS]. Under that scheme, any business supplying beverages in containers must enter a supply agreement

with the scheme coordinator and register any eligible containers. Suppliers pay contributions to the scheme

according to the total quantity of eligible containers they supply into the State. The CDS has been immensely

successful and is the biggest litter reduction scheme introduced in New South Wales. I can testify to that. This

year on Clean Up Australia Day, compared to the same day in years gone by, there has been a gradual reduction

of plastics. It is great to see fewer water bottles in our waterways and causing problems. They are now being

recycled. The scheme has recycled over one million tonnes of material and is one of the cleanest recycling streams

with the highest quality output for things like glass and plastic.

The CDS scheme has resulted in over 90 per cent of drink containers returned and 82 per cent of the

community participating in returning containers through the scheme. There are existing voluntary product

stewardship schemes already available for batteries; however, there are low rates of industry participation. B-cycle

currently collects approximately 15 per cent of batteries. Mandatory industry participation will help fund

collection points, consumer education and awareness campaigns. Currently, a refund system, like the

CDS scheme, has not been included in this proposed model for batteries; however, it may be considered in the

future.

Whilst producers may pass the increased cost along to consumers, I remind members that currently the

cost of fires and waste service disruption is falling on taxpayers. The bill will mitigate against the threat that

batteries pose to our community, recycling systems and infrastructure and help to fireproof our future. The

framework in the bill allows us to manage emerging product risks in the future and provides a framework for

robust product stewardship. I thank the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary, the member for Blue Mountains,

for their work alongside their dedicated staff, stakeholders and advocates. I am proud to be part of a Government

that is committed to facing challenging problems in our waste and recycling system to protect the community and

the environment. I commend the bill to the House.

Ms TAMARA SMITH (Ballina) (13:21): On behalf of The Greens, I contribute to debate on the Product

Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. We welcome the bill. I note that the Minister's staff are in the Chamber.

I acknowledge the contribution made by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and I commend the

Minister for the Environment for this important reform. I recognise the work of our spokesperson, Dr Amanda

Cohn, in the other place and her briefing on the bill. This matter is very concerning. I am personally quite obsessed

with batteries. A friend of mine named Fraser texted me after listening to the Federal Leader of the Opposition's

speech about nuclear. He said, "There are 10 million homes in Australia. If you gave everybody solar and battery,

it would still come out and, of course, everyone would then have freely democratic energy for 20-plus years and

the life cycle would be around 200 billion. That is still well below the nonsense of the nuclear proposition."

I digress.

It is concerning that people have lost their lives. Someone who did not understand how to charge e-bikes

and used an inappropriate charger tragically died in a house fire this year. The legislation is important. I am

focused on the duty and responsibility of manufacturers to ensure that buyers understand the proper use, storage

and disposal of battery products. The Greens have long called for stronger product responsibility to address the

waste crisis more broadly. Mandatory product stewardship is a welcome step towards addressing that, particularly

because it shifts the responsibility from individuals, councils and ratepayers and puts the onus on businesses. This

bill addresses the flammability issues of lithium ion batteries and the lack of education from manufacturers and

importers about how to properly dispose of them. Now there is an onus to do this. This bill will provide a system

to regulate products that cause problems. I welcome that it can be applied across the board.

I put on record that I finished the tour of all of the Fire and Rescue stations in my electorate last year. At

one station I observed a drill carried out on operating the jaws of life on a vehicle. When we were chatting, the

firies said how concerned they are about using the jaws of life on electric vehicles because the whole car is a

battery. I am not yet aware of any manufacturer that has been able to get around that issue with a switch, and so

firefighters have to wait for an electrician. That is of concern to me. We love electric vehicles and the move away

from fossil fuels, but this is a perfect example of manufacturers not really thinking of the consumer. It is a real

risk that our firies and other emergency services worry about, because time is of the essence when someone is

involved in an accident.

It is our hope that this law will influence design requirements and result in products that are 100 per cent

recyclable or re-usable and that will last longer, be safer and cause fewer fires. Educating buyers about risks is

paramount. We must insist that manufacturers do more to educate buyers. How many e-bike users understand

how flammable their bike is? People need to be explicitly told that batteries are highly flammable, and they need

to understand how to dispose of them. There is excellent battery stewardship across the country. The Battery

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 31

Stewardship Council operates B-cycle, which is our national accredited battery stewardship scheme and is

supported by the Commonwealth and all State and Territory governments.

Since 2022, B-cycle has more than doubled the national battery collection rate and recovered millions of

kilograms of batteries. B-cycle has over 5,200 drop-off points across the country, including more than 1,000 in

New South Wales. This has provided people with a safe way to dispose of batteries and divert them out of landfill.

Who would want to be here in 50 years when nothing can be done on land because of toxic waste underneath the

soil? The bill carries significant penalties for brand owners who fail to comply with the product stewardship and

safety requirements set out by the regulations. The end goal should not be for fines to be issued regularly but,

rather, for producers to change their behaviour and consider where a product will end up at the end of its life.

They should design products and parts that are repairable, re-usable, recyclable, longer lasting and safer.

I give a big shout-out to the Shedding Community Workshop, which does incredible work in my electorate.

I also acknowledge the work of the Library of STUFF. I have probably got one of the greenest areas in the State.

You can basically get anything fixed at the Shedding Community Workshop. When I was a kid, you could take

anything to get fixed. I miss that. Products are now designed to be destroyed, and they pretty quickly become

useless. We want this Act to speak to manufacturers and designers so they think of the future and the circular

economy we hope for. We want this stewardship to be applied to a wide variety of products, such as hazardous

chemicals and solvents, medical waste and appliances. I thank the Minister for the Environment for introducing

this important law reform. The Greens are very happy to support it.

Ms KYLIE WILKINSON (East Hills) (13:29): I support the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025.

New South Wales is facing a significant challenge from battery-related fires. In Canterbury-Bankstown lithium

ion battery incidents are increasing year on year, from three in 2022 to 15 in 2023 and over 20 in 2024. We are

not alone. Around Australia governments are facing significant challenges from the growing risk of battery-related

fires. The bill is an important step to address those challenges. The bill enables the New South Wales Government

to take comprehensive action and escalate its response to reduce the likelihood and prevalence of battery fires and

reduce further deaths, injuries and property damage.

We know that mandatory product stewardship can be effective. The New South Wales Container Deposit

Scheme, or CDS, is an example of product stewardship done well and used by the community. Before the CDS

was introduced in New South Wales, more than 160 million drink containers littered our environment. The scheme

has now collected over 13 billion containers in New South Wales. New South Wales is leading the way on product

stewardship nationally by providing a comprehensive regulatory framework with appropriate oversight to protect

the environment and human health. We are taking a stand on reducing the risk of battery fires and protecting

human health and the environment.

The need to act is clear. Battery fires are a growing threat. Without action, we are putting lives at risk and

our firefighters will need to respond to an increase in incidence. Our firefighters tell us that lithium ion batteries

are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales and my local fire station in Revesby has confirmed that

concerning trend. Those fires are caused most frequently by e-bikes and e-scooters and consumer electronics such

as vapes, electric toothbrushes, vacuum cleaners and children's toys. It is vital that we reduce the risk of those

fires occurring in the first place.

The bill will give us new and enhanced tools to minimise the potential harm of products throughout their

life cycle. Batteries are an important component of our everyday lives and will be essential as we decarbonise our

economy. However, the harm from battery-related fires caused by the incorrect disposal of batteries is a problem

we cannot ignore. The risk of battery fires is not unique to New South Wales. We hear from the community and

stakeholders about battery fires in homes, businesses and public places across Australia. We have also heard of

the devastating impacts in the waste and resource recovery sector. In December 2022 Canberra's recycling facility

was damaged by a suspected battery fire. Rebuilding that facility will cost tens of millions of dollars.

New South Wales is leading the way by demonstrating how governments can respond to this challenge.

New South Wales is setting a standard that other State and Territories, and the Federal Government, can follow.

The bill has been designed to establish a standalone Act so that it can used as a guide for other jurisdictions. We

recognise that consistency across borders is important for businesses, and we want to reduce any unnecessary

friction. Our approach has been to act not only urgently and decisively but also in a way that can be replicated

across Australia.

The bill builds on a raft of achievements by the Government to protect the environment. Last year the

Government passed the Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Stronger Regulation and Penalties)

Bill 2024. That bill made urgent changes to protect the environment of New South Wales and the health of our

State's people. It increases penalties for those accused and found guilty of environmental crime. As the Minister

said in her second reading speech at the time, that landmark bill was the most significant improvement to

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 32

environmental regulation in this State since the Environment Protection Authority was created in 1991. That bill

was passed by the Government.

Earlier this year the Government passed the Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment

(FOGO Recycling) Bill 2024. That bill mandated the source-separated collection of food and garden organics—

also known as FOGO—waste from households and of food waste from businesses, and mandated the reporting of

food donations by large supermarkets. That bill was passed by the Government. At every step of the way we have

demonstrated our commitment to protecting human health and the environment and meeting the waste challenges

we face in New South Wales. This bill demonstrates that commitment. I commend the bill to the House.

Ms JENNY LEONG (Newtown) (13:34): I make a brief contribution to debate on the Product Lifecycle

Responsibility Bill and acknowledge the contributions made by my Greens colleagues the member for Balmain

and the member for Ballina. The Greens support the bill. It is a sensible step in the right direction towards reducing

waste and protecting our environment and communities. The bill seeks to establish the Product Lifecycle

Responsibility Act, which would allow the State Government to establish a mandatory product stewardship

framework for brand owners of certain products. The Act would give the Minister power to set regulatory

requirements that must be met by the relevant actors at every stage in a product's life cycle, from design and

development to production, supply and disposal.

In her second reading speech, the Minister acknowledged that the timing and urgency in introducing the

bill was prompted by the alarming spate of lithium ion battery fires across the State. The Greens absolutely agree

that these incidents are cause for concern and require urgent action. According to data from Fire and Rescue NSW,

in the Inner West local government area—part of which falls within the electorate of Newtown—there have been

27 lithium ion battery fires since 2022. Many people in the inner west community were early and enthusiastic

adaptors to e-bikes as a more climate-friendly alternative to cars. That choice should not expose them to risk of

injury or serious harm. Indeed, I am aware also of a number of battery-related fires that occurred in public housing

dwellings in our community. The impact that has on our communities is significant.

It is critical that we do more to make sure that communities do not fear battery-related mobility devices

and bicycles. They should feel safe and secure in the knowledge that members of the community have taken up

their use. However, gaps in the current regulatory landscape challenge that. It is not just e-bike riders who are at

risk; waste workers who have to handle damaged or discarded lithium ion batteries are also exposed to toxic gases

and chemicals, which can cause burns and respiratory injury, as are the first responders who are called to the scene

of battery fires. While there is an existing stewardship scheme for batteries run by the Battery Stewardship Council

called B-cycle, it is voluntary and uptake rates are concerningly low. Currently only 10 per cent to 15 per cent of

batteries in New South Wales are returned through B-cycle. The bill seeks to increase that to as much as

90 per cent.

Crucially, the bill recognises that greater care needs to be taken at all stages of the product life cycle, not

just at the post-use and disposal stages. According to Fire and Rescue NSW, the increased risk of lithium ion

battery fires is connected to the proliferation of poor-quality batteries that are not equipped with appropriate safety

systems to prevent overheating. These quality issues represent failings during the design, manufacture and

assembly of batteries. It is clear that higher standards must be set and enforced at all stages. The bill would

empower the Minister to set such standards through regulation. If established, the Product Lifecycle Responsibility

Act would allow the imposition of mandatory requirements around not only the materials and manufacturing

processes but also material traceability, labelling and packaging, and the impact of a product on the environment

or on human health.

It is genuinely exciting to consider the broad range of products that such an Act could be applied to beyond

the immediate problem of lithium ion batteries, like disposable vapes, mobile phones and unwanted clothes.

Textile waste is a growing problem not just in New South Wales but also across the country, and a product

stewardship scheme for apparel and shoes could be a game changer in diverting those items from landfill. In her

contribution to debate, my Greens colleague in the other place Dr Amanda Cohn said that it would be a great

shame for the opportunity posed by the bill to be used only to respond to battery fires and then gather dust on a

shelf. There are many other opportunities to use such a scheme.

The Greens wholeheartedly support the passage of the bill, which we hope will be the first of many steps

towards meaningfully addressing our waste problem. We look forward to working constructively with the

Government to expand product stewardship frameworks as soon as possible. I commend the bill to the House.

Dr MICHAEL HOLLAND (Bega) (13:38): I support the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. At

its core, the bill provides a framework to make brand owners responsible for their products across their life cycle.

The Government has been very clear that it is concerned about the potential harms from batteries. Batteries are

incredibly important to our society. However, when they are of poor quality, improperly disposed of or at the end

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 33

of their life, they can cause significant harms. This Act will give government the power to escalate regulatory

options to deal with products where problems are identified, like batteries. The framework established by the bill

will allow the Minister to prescribe, by regulation, requirements across the entire life cycle of a product. They

could include requirements for a product's development, design, creation, production, assembly, supply, use or

re-use, collection, recovery, recycling or disposal. The Minister will have the power to impose compulsory

requirements on brand owners with respect to looking after products at the end of product life, including via a

new scheme that has the option of using a product stewardship organisation.

This Government will ensure that products will be better managed to protect human and environmental

health by putting responsibility on businesses for the products they produce. The legislative framework enables

the Government to prescribe regulatory requirements for products where there is a need to oversee an aspect of

the product's life cycle. The bill ensures that the Government has effective regulatory oversight of product

stewardship organisations when dealing with products that can cause harm. The bill also provides the flexibility

for government to address emerging products that may be causing harm to the environment and human health and

ensure that we remain on the front foot of environmental regulation. The Government intends to apply the

framework for the urgent regulation of product stewardship for batteries.

We recognise the importance of products that contain lithium ion batteries and the role they play in society.

However, we also recognise that those batteries are the fastest growing fire risk in New South Wales. Action is

needed now to reduce the risk to people when these products are not properly disposed of, or are damaged,

mishandled or improperly designed. In New South Wales we have seen the rapid and devastating impact on the

waste industry, the community and our emergency services from products that contain lithium ion batteries.

The Government will act, using this legislative framework, to take comprehensive action to reduce the likelihood

and prevalence of battery fires and to prevent further deaths, injuries and property damage.

The proposed legislative reforms will ensure that we have a fit-for-purpose framework for mandatory

product stewardship for batteries and any other potentially harmful product entering New South Wales. We need

to keep dangerous products out of the general waste system and ensure that they are properly designed by the

manufacturers who make or supply them. Product stewardship schemes can provide for participants to deliver

products directly or to take them to drop-off points or transport and collection services and ensure the recycling

of collected products. New powers will enable the NSW Environment Protection Authority to engage product

stewardship organisations to administer schemes established by regulation and require brand owners of regulated

products to join those schemes. This important power can be used if other arrangements implemented by brand

owners alone are not achieving the appropriate outcomes.

The proposed legislation is flexible and allows other types of products to be covered into the future via

regulation. This level of regulation is required to ensure a standardised and mandatory approach. The bill includes

fit-for-purpose steps that government can take to protect the environment and prevent harm to human health.

This is a nation-leading reform. By creating a standalone Act and flexible legislative framework, New South

Wales is creating a model for other jurisdictions to adopt. This Government is leading the way to establish a

nationally aligned approach. The framework will help other jurisdictions to comprehensively address potentially

harmful products while also reducing the impact on the market of different approaches across States and

Territories. That recognises the ongoing extensive collaboration between New South Wales and other jurisdictions

to address harm to environmental and human health from products like batteries.

With this framework, the New South Wales Government will be better able to protect the environment,

prevent harm to human health and work with brand owners to deal with products that can cause harm.

The Government is committed to protecting people now and into the future. The framework created by the bill

will ensure that the New South Wales Government has the appropriate regulatory oversight to manage known risk

to human health and the environment but the flexibility to handle issues into the future as new products enter our

market. The bill is fit for purpose and ensures that New South Wales is regulating for the present time as well as

having the ability to escalate our regulatory response as new problematic products emerge in the future. I

commend the bill to the House.

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (13:44): I support the Government's Product Lifecycle Responsibility

Bill 2025, which establishes a product stewardship framework for brand owners of certain products and for related

purposes. With the indulgence of the House, I acknowledge in the public gallery my mum, Margaret Bowcher,

my uncle, James Urquhart, and his partner, Erica. I had not seen my uncle in about 20 years before he came to

Australia. He had the lead role in Les Misérables for 18 years and is quite the distinguished citizen of the stage. It

is wonderful to see him, Erica and Mum in Parliament and to spend some time with them. I thank them for being

here.

Mr Stephen Bali: Is that why you're quite a performer?

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 34

Mr GARETH WARD: No, it is all comparative. They are the quality thespians; I was the C-grade

thespian. That is why I went into State politics.

Dr Hugh McDermott: Don't make it worse for us.

Mr GARETH WARD: I acknowledge the interjection from the Parliamentary Secretary and take his

encouragement and advice on this occasion. The bill immediately addresses the prevalence of batteries and

associated fires that are becoming a trend. We have seen trucks on fire in the Kiama electorate and elsewhere, as

members have acknowledged. Sadly, we have also seen the tragic loss of life from battery fires in homes.

I acknowledge that the legislative framework provides regulatory oversight for dealing with this dangerous

problem and can be used to establish product stewardship schemes for other products that may have emerged and

are also causing harm, as outlined by the Minister in her speech in the other place on 8 March.

Whilst I acknowledge and support the fact that the bill will improve future product design and stewardship,

that will not address the thousands of tonnes of e-waste and products that are already in circulation and filling our

landfills, which are forecast to reach capacity by 2030. We must address the discarded smartphones, computers,

appliances, vapes and plastics, a toxic avalanche growing five times faster than we recycle it. I mentioned those

factors earlier today, when introducing what I might describe as a complementary bill. In 2022 the world generated

62 million tonnes of e-waste, an 82 per cent surge since 2010. We are on track to hit 82 million tonnes by 2030.

In Australia we contribute more than double the global average, bearing $62 billion worth of recyclable natural

resources in 2022 alone. That is not just waste; it is a wasted opportunity. It is a crisis demanding our immediate

action, and that is why I am pleased to support the bill.

Some members made comments about lithium ion batteries. Having spoken to local firefighters, I know

that they are concerned about how many events they are attending that are caused by lithium ion batteries, directly

as a result of poor oversight, regulation and legislation. The bill seeks to address that, and that is why it is worth

supporting. But the bill can also be the impetus for championing the change we need with respect to design and

recycling. Where we can, we should focus on recycling those items so that finite resources become infinite. As is

frequently said in this place, we do not inherit this planet from our parents; we borrow it from our children. That

is why the bill is worth supporting too. I am pleased to see that members from all sides of the House have rallied

to back this legislation. I commend the Government and the Minister, and I commend the bill to the House.

Mr STEPHEN BALI (Blacktown) (13:48): I support the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025 and

thank Minister Sharpe from the other place. She is ably represented in this place by her Parliamentary Secretary,

the member for Blue Mountains. The key focus of the bill is to provide a framework to regulate product

stewardship for batteries. This Government is undertaking comprehensive action to reduce the likelihood and

prevalence of battery fires and prevent further deaths, injuries and property damage. All MPs can identify incidents

where batteries have caused fires, and many have during the course of this debate. Those fires have put at risk

house occupants; neighbours, particularly for those living in apartments or townhouses; Fire and Rescue workers;

and police and ambulance workers at the site of the fire. Hence the need for these laws. Faulty batteries are also

causing fires at disposal sites and peoples' places of work. The incorrect disposal of batteries and the poor quality

of batteries, with limited safety systems to prevent them overheating or igniting, are all leading to these problems.

Whilst this is mainly attributed to foreign companies with cheap and dodgy practices, in 2016 internationally

recognised company Samsung had to suspend sales of the Galaxy Note 7 and announce an informal recall after it

found that a manufacturing defect in phone batteries had caused some of the products to generate excessive heat,

resulting in fires and explosions.

I would like to focus on a company operating in my electorate of Blacktown. Sell & Parker has been

operating since 1966. It has expanded from metal recycling into Return and Earn; capsule recycling; licensed

public weighbridges; public auctions, including ex-military equipment auctions; and, more importantly for this

debate, battery recycling. Morgan and Luke Parker are directors of Sell & Parker, and their organisation employs

approximate 400 employees over 15 locations, including recycling, Return and Earn, and battery collection and

sorting in Blacktown. Sell & Parker is an accredited battery collector and one of only three battery sorters in the

battery stewardship scheme, recognised by the Australian Government and backed by the Australian Competition

and Consumer Commission. B-cycle mainly focuses on end of-life lithium batteries. Morgan Parker is also a

director on the Battery Stewardship Council board, which oversees the battery stewardship scheme.

In August 2024 Sell & Parker obtained designated and integrated development approval for a battery

sorting and transfer station at its Kings Park site. Sell & Parker is working with the NSW Environment Protection

Authority [EPA] for a licence and anticipates obtaining the licence in the near term. Sell & Parker is the only

metal recycler in B-cycle and is working with the EPA to be a licensed facility to accept end-of-life lithium

batteries in New South Wales. Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe visited the Sell & Parker sites on

18 February 2022, when she was the shadow Minister. In return, once all the licensing is finalised, Sell & Parker

would be most happy for the Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary to see all the modifications at its plant. As

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 35

further background, Sell & Parker is the largest privately owned metal recycler in Australia and the largest supplier

of ferrous scrap to BlueScope at Port Kembla. It is a vital link in producing green recycled steel. I spoke to Morgan,

and he said this of the bill:

It's a great bill, and it's fantastic that the NSW Government is leading the Nation on Battery Stewardship. The companies that profit

from selling these batteries need to contribute to their safe removal from the waste stream and this is a step in the right direction. We

can't highlight enough how many fires these batteries are creating in the waste & recycling industry and the problems they cause.

It is not often I hear praise when it comes to the EPA. Often people are disgruntled with it for various reasons.

But in this instance, Morgan Parker gave credit to Tony Chappel, the CEO of the NSW EPA, and the staff for

their determination and efforts in working hard to make this bill a reality. He also paid credit to Minister Sharpe's

vision to bring this bill before the Parliament, making New South Wales the first Parliament across Australia to

implement this legislation. Hopefully, all the other parliaments will come on board. It is high praise, indeed, when

a manufacturer says how wonderful the EPA is, and that should be passed on to both the Minister and the

department.

The importance of this bill becoming legislation will be through the regulations. The regulations will

implement the product lifecycle administration of the proposed Act, but it will need to capture all organisations

involved to take responsibility for these batteries, including manufacturers and retailers through to the logistics

supply chain. Major retailers such as IKEA or Kmart are selling battery operated products, which may include e-

bikes, that have a useful battery life as low as 70 hours. Those batteries are thrown away and cheap, low-standard

batteries are then used as a replacement, which often causes house fires. Online retailers, particularly those

operating internationally and selling cheap-quality products into Australia, such Amazon and Temu, also have a

social responsibility regarding the disposal of batteries. They sell poor-quality replacement batteries at a low price.

I particularly highlight one example. When the battery of an upmarket product like a Dyson vacuum cleaner

fails, many consumers will use a cheaper alternative without realising they are delivering their lives into the hands

of dodgy battery manufacturers. A genuine battery for a Dyson cordless vacuum cleaner ranges from $119 for the

V6 model to $149.99 for the V11, compared to batteries that can be found online starting from $25. Online sellers

like Amazon and Temu must take some responsibility for choosing and sourcing inferior, potentially life

destroying, products without appropriately labelling the product on their website.

I bring to the attention of the Parliamentary Secretary and the Minister the issue of illegally imported vapes,

as the B-cycle scheme potentially will not have funding to safely dispose of them. The batteries in the vapes are

reportedly of poor quality and prone to cause a fire when crushed during the recycling process. The bill is

important. It is innovative—the first of its kind in Australia. I thank the Minister, the Parliamentary Secretary, the

ministerial and the EPA staff for their tenacity to see the bill brought to the House. I wholeheartedly support the

bill.

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville) (13:56): I contribute to debate on the Product Lifecycle Responsibility

Bill 2025. This is nation-leading reform that is absolutely essential. Product lifecycle responsibility is incredibly

important. In recent years we have seen rapid and massive changes that have gone far beyond any of the regulation

we have in place. The bill will establish a mandatory product stewardship framework for brand owners of certain

products by drafting a new Act. It will enable New South Wales to step in to address ineffective voluntary

Commonwealth schemes. While the bill can be applied to a suite of products, it is initially intended to be used to

provide a framework to regulate product stewardship for batteries, which, as members know, are increasingly the

most common cause of fires in New South Wales. The bill enables the Government to take comprehensive action

to reduce the likelihood and prevalence of battery fires, to prevent further deaths, injuries and property damage.

Batteries are an important component of our everyday lives and will be essential as we decarbonise our

economy. These days they are everywhere, from lawnmowers to bicycles to vapes. However, the harms from

battery-related fires resulting from the incorrect disposal—and sometimes from the charging—of batteries are

growing rapidly. Fire and Rescue NSW, has highlighted that lithium ion batteries are the fastest growing fire risk

in New South Wales. Time and again we see poor quality batteries entering the market, with limited safety systems

to prevent them from overheating or igniting. The fires are either igniting spontaneously or when these batteries

and products are punctured in a waste truck or at a waste facility, when people dispose of them improperly in

kerbside and commercial waste bins. Fire and Rescue reports almost one battery-related fire per day, with 323

incidents in 2024, which included 33 injuries and 1,125 evacuations. Research from the waste and recycling

industry estimates that the waste sector deals with between 10,000 and 12,000 fires a year caused by improper

disposal of lithium ion batteries.

I refer to a tragic incident that occurred in my electorate last month, which I have mentioned previously in

this House. On Tuesday 18 February a 21-year-old international student from Pakistan, Haidar Ali, died in a

housefire in Guildford that is strongly suspected to have been caused by his e-bike battery. The fire started in his

room when the battery was charging. His flatmates have told Fire and Rescue, the media and his wider circle of

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 36

family and friends that the battery was frequently overheating. Haidar had his whole life ahead of him. He had

been in Australia for two years studying civil and construction engineering. He lived with seven others in that

house in Guildford and was working as an Uber Eats delivery rider. He was charging the battery for his Uber Eats

bike when the fire that killed him started in his bedroom. Thankfully, the five others who were home at the time

of the fire were able to get out of the house safely. Making things worse at that house, there was no working smoke

alarm. It is an absolute tragedy. His entire family in Pakistan is heartbroken.

He is not the only person to have died in a fire caused by a battery. Last year two people died in Lake

Macquarie from a battery fire. Sadly, there have been a number of others. While there are existing Commonwealth

voluntary product stewardship schemes for batteries that are intended to properly manage batteries at the end of

their life, participation rates in the scheme are as low as 15 per cent. That means that many battery suppliers are

free riding on the participation of others, which limits the funding available for the schemes to deliver wideranging

communications and means that the problem is not being addressed. Mandating in New South Wales law the

participation in product stewardship of those who do not want to join voluntary Commonwealth schemes would

require free riders to participate for the first time. Mandatory participation would improve resourcing available

for public awareness campaigns about battery risks and advertising of collection point networks, and enable

innovative responses by market leaders.

The framework established in the bill allows the Minister to prescribe by regulation the mandatory

environmental outcomes that must be delivered by product stewardship schemes for any aspect of the life cycle

of a product, including the development, design, creation, production, assembly, supply, use or re-use, collection,

recovery, recycling or disposal of a product. That will go beyond the scope of just the battery fires that are causing

this huge scourge at the moment. We will be able to look at it in future to further address plastic waste. There

have been many reforms in recent years in New South Wales to reduce the amount of plastic being discarded in

the environment, but there are still issues. There are islands of plastic floating in the Pacific Ocean. There are

microplastics everywhere. We are finding out more and more about the dangers that they are causing. As much

as we try to regulate plastic, new sources of plastic waste—vapes are a source of battery waste and plastic waste—

are piling up everywhere.

The legislation is incredibly important. It provides a framework to ensure that there is regulatory oversight

of product stewardship organisations when dealing with products that can cause harm. The use of a product

stewardship organisation to manage and oversee a scheme enables an escalating response where brand owners fail

to deliver sustainable product stewardship outcomes. The bill carries significant penalties for brand owners who

fail to comply with product stewardship requirements, in particular for contraventions of safety requirements.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority has engaged extensively with New South Wales Government

agencies, waste and resource recovery operators, battery recyclers, current Commonwealth voluntary stewardship

scheme operators, waste- and battery-recycling peak bodies, environmental advocates and many others in the

development of this bill. Stakeholders are broadly supportive of taking action to prevent battery-related fires and

increasing producers' responsibilities more generally. Everyone recognises the significant dangers of

battery-related fires and the need for us act. This is incredibly important legislation, and I want to certainly ensure

that we end the scourge of these lithium ion battery fires but also that we have the capacity to do more to control

products, not only batteries but also plastic waste and all other sorts of waste, throughout their entire life cycles.

This is incredibly important legislation. I commend the bill to the House.

Mr GREG PIPER (Lake Macquarie) (14:05): Today I speak strongly in favour and support of the

Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. It is not a secret that we have a waste problem in this State. We are

producing too much waste and do not have enough places to put it. Greater Sydney's landfill space is running out,

and New South Wales' recycling rate has plateaued. We are also seeing more problematic waste, particularly

e-waste, put into household bins. This creates health and environmental risks and limits the recovery of valuable

resources. I commend the Government and the Minister for introducing legislation to address this mounting waste

crisis.

This is the second bill in as many months before this House which aims to move New South Wales towards

a circular economy. The first of these bills was, of course, the Protection of the Environment Legislation

Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Bill 2024. When I spoke in support of that bill, I highlighted that we have not

only a waste problem but also a consumption problem. Many of us have too much, while others have too little,

and we fail to consider the whole-of-life impacts of what we consume. The whole-of-life impacts are the concern

of the second bill, before us today. This bill would create a mandatory product stewardship framework for

regulated products. The Government has stated its intention to regulate batteries in the first instance, to address

the growing number of battery fires.

The need for this bill brings into sharp focus our failure as a society to adequately consider the life cycle

impacts of an increasingly common product. Batteries are in our laptops, phones and cordless tools. They are in

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 37

electric toothbrushes, smartwatches and kids' toys. They are also in e-bikes and e-scooters, which are becoming

more prevalent with the rise of e-micromobility. These batteries are everywhere and will become only more

ubiquitous as we move towards decarbonisation.

There is an obvious education gap about safe handling, storage and disposal of batteries, and we are seeing

an increasing number of battery fires in homes, rubbish trucks and waste facilities. In Lake Macquarie many

people have become keenly aware of this risk, following what Fire and Rescue NSW believed to be the State's

first recorded deaths related to a lithium ion battery fire, in February 2024. We need a comprehensive framework

to manage these products, from their design and production to their use, reuse, collection, recycling, reprocessing

and eventual end-of-life management. This framework must be mandatory, to ensure industry-wide take-up,

compliance and resourcing of the scheme, including to fund public education about a scheme's operation and the

risks linked to a regulated product. It must also be flexible enough to ensure that the framework can apply to

various harmful products in our waste streams.

This bill does just that. It would create a product stewardship framework that sees suppliers fund collection

points and education. This, in turn, gives consumers the know-how and reasonable ability to return the regulated

products they consume so that the products can, hopefully, be reused, reprocessed, recycled or otherwise

appropriately managed. It would give the Government a line of sight of the batteries brought into New South

Wales, to help protect consumers' safety and feed into better standards at the Federal level. It would take demand

off landfill, recover resources for reuse and decrease the use of virgin materials. There is also an opportunity to

create jobs in circular economy industries and facilities, including in the Hunter region as identified in the New

South Wales Government's Hunter Regional Plan 2041. These outcomes can only be a good thing. I therefore

support the bill and its focus on batteries. Given the impact on human health, industry and the environment, it is

an appropriate place to start. But product stewardship must not end there.

I urge the Government to extend mandatory product stewardship to other products not regulated at the

Federal level at the appropriate time, and with assistance for the industry to ensure strong uptake and support.

There is no good reason why New South Wales cannot, in time, have schemes applying to other products, such as

e-waste, used oil and paint. In short, product stewardship just makes sense. It is one vital part of responsibly

dealing with the results of our consumerism. This is essential not only for public health and the environment, but

it is also the morally right thing to do for future generations. Product stewardship is not a difficult concept to

understand. It is establishing the framework that is the difficult piece—and it is one that this bill, hopefully,

achieves.

Dr MARJORIE O'NEILL (Coogee) (14:10): My contribution to debate on the Product Lifecycle

Responsibility Bill 2025 will be brief. At the outset I express my very strong support for the bill. This is a long

overdue and visionary piece of legislation that shifts the way we think about consumption, waste and corporate

accountability in New South Wales. While the bill's focus today is on batteries, it also sets a framework for so

much more. For too long, the cost of waste has been borne by governments, by the public, by our communities,

by councils, and by the environment itself. As many people have said in this House, we have a huge environmental

problem when it comes to waste and there is so much more we need to be doing in that space. This bill recognises

a fundamental truth: Those who make it should take responsibility for what happens to it. It is clear and simple.

The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill brings New South Wales into line with global best practice by

placing the onus back on producers and importers to manage the environmental impacts of their products through

their entire life, from design to disposal. It does this through three key mechanisms. First, it establishes clear and

enforceable standards for product stewardship. Producers will be required to design products with reuse, repair,

and recycling in mind, not just quick profits and planned obsolescence. Second, it ensures that companies

contribute financially to the recovery and recycling of its materials they introduce into the market. Third, the bill

empowers the Environment Protection Authority with the tools its needs to oversee and enforce those

responsibilities with penalties that reflect the seriousness of environmental harm. This bill is pro-responsibility. It

supports those companies already leading the way in sustainability, and it levels the playing field by requiring

others to step up. I commend the bill to the House.

Mr EDMOND ATALLA (Mount Druitt) (14:12): I make a brief contribution to debate on the Product

Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. I support the bill. This Government recognises that households, businesses,

and communities in New South Wales are facing an extraordinary threat from battery fires. We are experiencing

a rapid escalation in the number of battery fire incidents, which have increased by 90 per cent over three years.

This escalating fire risk presents a serious threat to the safety of our community and the environment. While these

batteries have significant benefits, the risk of fires from unsafe, damaged, or mishandled lithium ion batteries is

growing. According to Fire and Rescue NSW, these batteries are the fastest-growing fire risk in New South Wales,

with 324 incidents in 2024 and 1,125 evacuations. That is an increase from 171 incidents in 2022. Since 2024, we

have seen four deaths in New South Wales and at least 44 serious injuries. Those deaths have been attributed to

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 38

e-bike battery fires in Lake Macquarie and Western Sydney. This increasing fire risk is being driven by the

growing demand for lithium ion batteries in Australia. Those batteries are relied upon to power an increasing

number of devices, including consumer products like vapes, cordless vacuums, electric toothbrushes, children's

toys, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Batteries power our modern lives, but when they are thrown in the garbage bin or disposed of incorrectly,

they become ticking time bombs. Consumers in New South Wales face limited options for the safe disposal of

lithium ion batteries. That is contributing to the disposal of hazardous batteries in our red bins and yellow bins,

where the risk of fire is greatest. Fires in garbage trucks and waste and resource recovery facilities are occurring

frequently and can be devastating. When batteries are placed in kerbside or commercial bins, they end up in trucks

and can make their way to landfills or resource recovery facilities. That causes problems because they can ignite

when punctured in the back of a truck or in recycling processing machinery. When lithium ion batteries are

damaged they can enter a process called thermal runaway. They create very hot fires that are extremely difficult

to extinguish and release toxic gases into the air.

Since 2020 Australia has lost several waste and resource recovery facilities due to fires started by batteries.

We have seen the complete destruction of waste and resource recovery processing facilities in Melbourne,

Canberra and Sydney. Each of those incidents has been a shock to Australia's circular economy, and they have

highlighted our vulnerability. We must act now to address the threat presented by battery fires in New South

Wales. The bill is about creating a framework to address those harms. We want to make sure that brand owners

of certain products are responsible for what happens to them across their life cycle, particularly at end of life. We

need to keep batteries out of our red bins, not only to recover the valuable materials that batteries contain but also

to protect the community and our waste infrastructure. To achieve that, we need to ensure the community can

access convenient disposal points for batteries.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority [EPA] has embarked on a two-year trial to collect embedded

battery products at 21 community recycling centres across the State. So far, the initiative has collected over four

tonnes of items containing embedded batteries, including vacuum cleaners, toothbrushes, power banks and vapes.

Up to $1 million in funding has been made available to promote those new disposal options. The EPA will also

run an advertising campaign in mid-2025 to support the efforts. But it is also important that battery suppliers step

up to address the issue. That is why the New South Wales Government is introducing new legislation for

mandatory product stewardship for batteries.

In New South Wales we have two prominent, but voluntary, national product stewardship schemes for

batteries: B-cycle and Mobile Muster. For product stewardship schemes to be effective though, we need everyone

to put in their fair share. Many businesses are doing the right thing, and they should be congratulated, but there

are other businesses who choose not to contribute, and that needs to change. Mandatory participation in battery

product stewardship programs will ensure that all battery producers are contributing to the solution. The legislation

is not a silver bullet on its own, but it is an important first step to expand the coverage of product stewardship

schemes and ensure that high-risk batteries that cause fires when improperly disposed of are being safely collected

and recycled. All States and Territories are grappling with those issues, and New South Wales is leading the way

with this legislation. We want to reduce harms from battery-related fires and protect the community. The bill is

an important first step in managing that risk. I commend the bill to the House.

Mr ALEX GREENWICH (Sydney) (14:19): The Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025 will

empower the Minister to prescribe products subject to a mandatory product stewardship scheme and the outcomes

that such a scheme must deliver. We urgently need to transition to a circular economy that includes mandatory

product stewardship regimes across a range of problem products. Product stewardship makes producers

responsible for the life cycle of their products, including after a product is no longer in use. It encourages producers

to design products that are cleaner, last longer and are easier to repair, re-use and recycle. They drive producers

to create products that do not end up in landfill. The situation is urgent because Sydney's landfill is set to reach

capacity in five years.

While the crisis has loomed for two decades, we have largely relied on kerbside recycling of basic products

like drink containers, and toothless voluntary waste reduction programs. Australia is now producing 74 million

tonnes of waste each year. The latest waste generation data for New South Wales from 2022 to 2023 saw waste

generation increase from previous years to 22.4 million tonnes. This month the productivity commission released

an interim report into Australia's circular economy, which confirmed that our progress has been slow. The

economy remains linear: we extract resources, make them into products, use the products for a short period and

then throw them away. The process is repeated billions of times every day, driven by rampant consumerism that

relentlessly pushes new over re-using.

It is not just the volume of waste that is a problem but also the types of waste. Many everyday products

pose serious health and environmental problems. Batteries are one such product. They contain highly toxic

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 39

materials that can leach into soil and groundwater, including the contaminants lead, cadmium and mercury.

Batteries, especially lithium ion batteries, can ignite and have caused multiple battery fires in garbage trucks and

at waste facilities in the State, disrupting waste services and causing work health and safety risks. Despite our

knowledge of the significant environmental, health and safety risks of batteries, they are in everything we use,

and their use is growing, not declining. They are in toothbrushes, alarm clocks, lamps, speakers and radios. They

are in children's shoes, birthday cards, soft toys, hard toys, pens, books and pencil cases.

The batteries are often embedded, which means products cannot be re-used once the battery runs out. Even

when batteries can be removed, they often need tools. Then the product and battery need to be taken to different

and special waste streams away from kerbside pick-ups. In the inner city, where people live in small apartments,

storing items that are no longer needed until a special collection or drop-off is challenging. Many people across

the State are putting batteries and products with batteries into red-lid bins for collection. I welcome the

commitment from the Government that batteries will be the first product subject to the product stewardship under

the bill. We need to make getting batteries out of the general waste stream easy for everyone, and it is the

responsibility of battery producers to develop solutions. I hope that products with embedded batteries will also be

included.

There are many other problematic products that need to be addressed. The Federal Government has

identified clothing textiles, tyres, plastics in healthcare products in hospitals, mattresses and child car seats as

priority areas at the Commonwealth level. I will watch that action closely and call for State action if things move

too slowly federally. Plastic remains a serious problem despite work to phase out single-use products. Plastic is

everywhere in the waste stream, including in landfill, littered in parks and cities, and floating in our oceans, where

they become microplastics that enter our food system through ingestion by fish. Yet it seems like everything is

either made of plastic, wrapped in plastic or both. Even fruits and vegetables are often sold in plastic nets or bags,

often at a cheaper price than loose items. Australia now produces 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year,

which is about 100 kilograms per person. Only 13 per cent is recovered, with most sent to landfill.

Most plastics are hard to recycle. Soft plastics recycling bins are no longer available. When they were,

most plastic bags placed in them were stockpiled, not recycled. Any hard plastic that is not the standard drink

container or fruit punnet shape risks damaging recycling infrastructure and is sent to landfill. We need to fix that

urgently. If Federal action fails to get outcomes soon, the new State laws in this bill should be used on plastic

packaging.

Current rates of waste generation will continue to overwhelm our waste management systems, including

collection and landfill infrastructure. Kerbside collections are limited. We now need bold action to create a circular

economy that reduces waste in the first instance and sees the limited waste that is generated recycled over and

over again. I call on the Government to move beyond ineffective voluntary actions and to use the powers in this

bill to roll out mandatory product stewardship schemes across multiple waste streams. I commend the bill to the

House.

Mr JASON LI (Strathfield) (14:24): I contribute to debate in support of the Product Lifecycle

Responsibility Bill 2025. The legislation answers a question more and more people in New South Wales and the

Strathfield electorate are asking: Who is responsible for the waste we see piling up in our streets, waterways and

landfill sites? For too long, the answer has been unclear. As consumers, we are asked to do our bit to recycle,

dispose of hazardous waste correctly and limit our consumption to produce less waste. Councils are expected to

pick up the slack. Meanwhile, the companies that make and profit from these products have had few, if any,

obligations to take responsibility once the product leaves their hands. The bill is about rebalancing that equation.

It is about making sure the people who create a product and profit from it take responsibility for its entire life

cycle, from production to disposal. The bill does that in a practical, staged and fair way.

The bill creates a product stewardship framework. That means brand owners—those who put their name

on a product and bring it to market—will be responsible for how the product is collected, recycled or disposed of

at the end of its life. The scheme will begin with batteries, which is a sensible first step. Batteries are everywhere

in modern life: in our phones, e-scooters, power tools and toys. But they are also dangerous if not handled properly,

posing fire risks in garbage trucks and poisoning soil and water when they end up in landfill. From there, the

framework allows the Minister to expand to other product categories over time, such as textiles, electronics and

packaging. Those are products that make up a large share of our waste, but for which we currently have no

consistent or effective recycling solutions.

The bill gives the Minister power to set stewardship targets, which might include recycling rates, the use

of recycled materials, or reductions in packaging. It also allows for the creation of product stewardship

organisations, which will coordinate efforts across producers and ensure the costs of recovery are fairly shared.

There are strong compliance and enforcement mechanisms. Companies will need to prepare action plans, report

on their progress and comply with the standards set out by the regulator, which is the Environment Protection

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 40

Authority [EPA]. The EPA will have the power to audit, enforce and publicly name companies that fall short. In

short, this is not a voluntary scheme; it is a structured, enforceable scheme with teeth.

This is not just good environmental policy; it is good economic policy. In the Strathfield electorate, I have

met local small businesses that are already building their operations around sustainability. They want a system

that rewards innovation, not waste. They want to compete on a level playing field, where doing the right thing is

not a disadvantage. This bill begins to deliver that. The legislation will also help councils. Right now, local

governments bear the brunt of managing end-of-life products—everything from roadside dumping of e-waste to

fire risks in garbage trucks due to improperly discarded batteries. By shifting the responsibility upstream, we

lighten that burden and create more efficient, coordinated systems.

More broadly, the bill aligns with the principles behind the local Wellbeing Strathfield initiative, which is

a 10-year vision to improve physical, environmental and economic wellbeing in the community. Cleaner streets,

safer homes and smarter product design all contribute to the kind of community we want to build. If we want to

advance the energy transition, we must ensure that batteries are safe and sustainable to use. Implementation will

be key. Smaller businesses must be given time and support to comply. Community education will be essential,

particularly in multicultural electorates like Strathfield, where many residents speak languages other than English

at home. We must ensure the transition is inclusive, equitable and backed by clear, accessible information.

However, let us not lose sight of what the bill represents. It is a shift from wasteful systems to circular

systems, from externalising cost to internalising responsibility, and from short-term convenience to long-term

sustainability. It represents a shift in thinking. It says that waste is not an accident; it is the result of choices about

design, packaging, materials and systems. This legislation helps us make better choices by embedding

responsibility into the very way products are made and managed. I commend the Minister and the Government

for introducing the bill. It is smart, considered and forward looking. It supports innovation, protects our

environment and puts fairness back into the waste system. I commend the bill to the House.

Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains) (14:29): On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: In reply: I thank the many

members who contributed to debate on the Product Lifecycle Responsibility Bill 2025. Many members

contributed, so I will not name them all. I particularly recognise the member for Balmain, who spoke in support

of the bill on behalf of The Greens, and the member for Manly and former Minister, who spoke in support of the

bill for the Opposition. I acknowledge the work of the former Minister on the green shoots of this reform. The

Government is happy to consider the suggestions that he put forward. At its core, the bill provides a framework

to make brand owners responsible for their products across the product's life cycle. We need to be able to easily

and quickly regulate products causing problems, whether they are a risk to safety or a risk to the environment.

The risk of battery-related fires in New South Wales is a prime example of the need for action.

At this point I thank the Fire Brigade Employees Union—the mighty FBEU—representing our firefighters

in the State for their contribution to this landmark bill. The statistics provided to our teams working on this

legislation were alarming but incredibly important to inform the direction of the bill. We have seen the devastating

consequences of the improper handling and disposal of lithium ion batteries and the spate of fires not only in this

State but nationwide. The bill will provide the regulatory framework to handle emerging environmental issues.

The framework established under the bill allows the Minister to prescribe, by regulation, requirements across the

entire life cycle of a product. The bill will also hold brand owners to account through significant penalties if they

fail to comply with regulations.

In the first instance, this legislation is intended to provide a framework for the regulation of batteries. The

bill will enable the New South Wales Government to take comprehensive action and escalate its response to reduce

the prevalence of battery fires in the waste supply chain and prevent further deaths, injuries and property damage.

The measures are urgent, and the time to act is now. Ultimately, we must protect the community and infrastructure,

keep people safe, and reduce environmental impacts. The bill provides us with the appropriate tools to escalate

our response, evaluate our approach, adapt as we need to over time, and deal with this challenging problem. As a

Government, we are proud to be leading the way nationally in environmental protection. I thank the team at the

Environment Protection Authority, who are in the gallery, for their good work, and also the industrious advisers

from the Minister's office. They are always there to support me. I commend the bill to the House.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Donna Davis): The question is that this bill be now read a second time.

Motion agreed to.

Third Reading

Ms TRISH DOYLE: On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 41

Motion agreed to.

ENERGY AMENDMENT (PIPELINES AND GAS SAFETY) BILL 2024

Second Reading Speech

Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains) (14:35): On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Energy Amendment (Pipelines and Gas Safety) Bill 2024 is about ensuring public safety when it comes to

New South Wales gas infrastructure. The New South Wales energy system and the role of gas within that system

are undergoing rapid change. As this change occurs, public safety remains at the forefront of our minds. For this

reason, it is critical that our regulatory framework for gas infrastructure keeps pace. The amendments in the bill

strengthen and harmonise the safety and technical regulation for pipelines and other gas network infrastructure in

New South Wales.

The bill amends three pieces of legislation: the Gas Supply Act 1996, the Pipelines Act 1967 and the

Criminal Procedure Act 1986. Schedule 1 to the bill amends the Gas Supply Act. The amendments in the bill are

intended to modernise the Gas Supply Act and better harmonise it with the Pipelines Act as well as other similar

energy legislation in New South Wales and other jurisdictions. The changes will enhance the governance, safety

and operational efficiency of gas networks in New South Wales. Many of the changes are in response to issues

raised with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water over the last few years by a

wide range of stakeholders, including gas network operators, industry representatives and community members.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water publicly consulted on the proposed

changes to the Gas Supply Act and the Pipelines Act in August and September last year. The feedback from the

consultation was broadly supportive of the proposed amendments and the case for change.

The amendments include expanding government inspection powers to better investigate incidents, enable

seizure of materials for comprehensive testing to determine failure causes, and direct actions to ensure network

safety and reduce the chance of hazardous incidents happening. This is consistent with powers in other legislation

from New South Wales and other jurisdictions. The enhanced investigation powers aim to allow effective and

timely investigations to take place in response to gas leak and rupture incidents, such as the devastating explosion

in Whalan last year, thereby reducing public safety risks.

The changes will also align offences and penalties in the Gas Supply Act and the Pipelines Act. Some of

the current penalties are outdated. This bill increases penalties to ensure they are high enough to deter breaches

of the regulatory framework. Correspondingly, Local Court penalty limits are also increased, and continuing

offences introduced. The proposed introduction of penalty infringement and show cause notices would provide a

structured and timely response to violations and ease reliance on court processes for the award of offences. Further

amendments include general refinements to administrative processes, including the ability to delegate the

Minister's and secretary's functions, and clarification to the regulation-making power for data collection. All

amendments to the Gas Supply Act are intended to commence on the bill's assent. These changes will ensure that

the regulation of the New South Wales gas network is consistent with other energy legislation and maintains

public safety and operational integrity.

I now turn to schedule 2 to the bill, which amends the Pipelines Act 1967 No 90. The intention of the

proposed amendments to the Pipelines Act are similar to the proposed amendments for the Gas Supply Act,

bringing both Acts into alignment in terms of obligations, offences and investigator powers. The proposed

amendments include introducing certain requirements such as compliance with Before You Dig Australia

protocols and notification for damage to pipelines. An additional proposed amendment to the Pipelines Act is a

new regulation-making power to prescribe minimum requirements for compulsory acquisition processes by

licensees for pipeline land and easements. The regulation-making power will enable requirements, such as those

modelled on the New South Wales Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, to be indicated for

the establishment of a land acquisition process that meets contemporary community expectations and that are

consistent with other energy infrastructure.

I echo the clarification given by the Minister in the other place in relation to the amendment regarding

compulsory acquisitions. In New South Wales gas pipelines are owned and operated by private companies. Unlike

other forms of infrastructure such as roads or transmission lines, the Government does not acquire the land or

easement required for a gas pipeline. What we are trying to do with the amendment in the bill is to ensure that the

community and pipeline companies have clarity about the process that must be followed to negotiate land

acquisition before resorting to compulsory acquisition. We intend to align those requirements as much as possible

with those set out in the just terms Act. That will provide certainty to both communities and industry. Landowners

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 42

who are affected by new pipelines have the right to know what they can expect in those circumstances in terms of

due process. We want to provide them with that certainty.

The bill also includes refinements to administrative processes and delegations. The amendments to the

Pipelines Act will occur in two stages. The amendments relating to fees and penalties being debts due to the Crown

are proposed to commence by proclamation due to the need to make corresponding amendments to the Pipelines

Regulation 2023. Those are expected to occur in the first half of this year. All other proposed changes are intended

to commence on the bill's assent. Ultimately, the proposed changes aim to modernise and harmonise the Pipelines

Act to be consistent with other New South Wales legislation and jurisdictions and to enhance the safety and

operational efficiency of pipelines infrastructure in New South Wales.

I now turn to schedule 3, which amends the Criminal Procedure Act 1986. The changes are consequential

to the penalty amendments in the Gas Supply Act and Pipelines Act. The proposed changes to the Criminal

Procedure Act are required to enable indictable offences in those Acts to also be able to be tried summarily.

Effectively, the change will improve efficiency by utilising alternative court levels, thereby alleviating burden on

court processes for indictable offences. The bill is about modernising outdated legislation to promote public safety

and meet community expectations. It is further evidence of the Government's commitment to sensible regulatory

reform to support the transformation of New South Wales' energy system. I commend the bill to the House.

Second Reading Debate

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (14:43): I speak on behalf of the Opposition in debate on the Energy

Amendment (Pipelines and Gas Safety) Bill 2024 and thank the Parliamentary Secretary for a comprehensive

explanation of the bill. We share the view that the gas pipeline network and critical infrastructure in New South

Wales, like those in other jurisdictions around the country, are ageing and require maintenance and upkeep both

in a physical sense and from a legislative perspective. Obviously we are going through a significant change to our

energy mix at this time, and the Opposition supports a safe and functioning gas pipeline system. The Parliamentary

Secretary explained that the bill will amend three Acts: the Gas Supply Act 1996, the Pipelines Act 1967 and the

Criminal Procedure Act 1986. Generally speaking, these changes will enhance the governance, safety and

efficiency of gas networks throughout the State. We are pleased that these issues have been consulted on with a

broad range of stakeholders over the past couple of years, including network operators, industry and, of course,

community. We further note that public consultation occurred between August and September.

Importantly, the amendments include expanding government inspection powers to better investigate

incidents and other commonsense things like enabling the seizure of materials for testing to determine failure

causes and other safety issues across the network. I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for clarifying the changes

made in the other place by the Minister regarding the issue of acquisition. It is fair to say that these changes will

ensure that the regulation of the New South Wales gas network is consistent with other energy legislation and that

there is good public confidence in the safety and management of the gas network across the State. For those

reasons, I commend the bill to the House.

Mr EDMOND ATALLA (Mount Druitt) (14:45): I support of Energy Amendment (Pipelines and Gas

Safety) Bill 2024. The bill will modernise and strengthen the regulatory framework governing gas supply and

pipeline infrastructure in New South Wales. The Government's review of the Pipelines Act 1967 and the Gas

Supply Act 1996 revealed key areas where the current regulatory framework needs to be improved. These

improvements are necessary to address energy, technologies, enhance public safety and bring our regulations into

alignment with other jurisdictions across Australia. The amendments proposed by the bill serve three primary

objectives: enhancing governance and oversight, improving safety mechanisms and modernising operational

procedures for the management of pipelines and gas networks.

In doing so, the bill ensures that New South Wales remains at the forefront of regulatory best practices

while protecting our communities and supporting the energy transition. One of the most critical aspects of the bill

is the expansion of inspector powers. The bill proposes new provisions that will allow inspectors to acquire

information and records from any person for the purpose of assisting investigations. Additionally, it grants

expanded powers of entry, search of premises and the authority to question and identify persons for investigation

purposes. These changes are modelled after similar provisions in the Protection of the Environment Operations

Act 1997 and are essential for ensuring accountability and compliance with the gas supply sector. These powers

are not excessive; they are necessary tools to ensure the safety of our communities.

When incidents occur like the tragic explosion last year in Whalan in my electorate, we must be able to act

swiftly to investigate, identify risks and implement necessary safeguards. The expanded authority given to

inspectors will help ensure that such incidents do not recur and that our gas infrastructure remains safe and reliable.

Another major improvement introduced by the bill is the update to penalties. The reality is that some of the

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 43

penalties in our existing laws are outdated and no longer serve as an effective deterrent. The proposed updates

include the introduction of continuing offences with accumulating penalties for ongoing noncompliance.

Additionally, the bill introduces penalty infringements and show cause notices, providing authorities with

structured and timely responses to violations, rather than relying solely on lengthy court proceedings. These

changes align our legislation with comparable energy laws across the country and reinforce the importance of

compliance. Moreover, the bill increases Local Court penalty limits, ensuring that courts can impose appropriate

fines when breaches occur. These messages send a clear message that noncompliance will not be tolerated and

those who fail to adhere to safety and operational standards will be held accountable.

A key feature of this legislation is the focus on end-of-life infrastructure management. As pipelines age

and our energy sector transitions toward renewable fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels, we must ensure that our

regulatory framework can support those changes. Proper decommissioning of infrastructure is just as crucial as

its construction. Without a well-defined regulatory approach, ageing pipelines could pose significant risk to both

public safety and the environment. The proposed amendments provide clear governance structures for

decommissioning processes, ensuring that outdated infrastructure is safely retired with minimal risk to the

community. The amendments to the Pipelines Act are particularly noteworthy. By aligning this legislation with

the Gas Supply Act, we create a more cohesive and efficient regulatory framework. The new requirements, such

as compliance with Before you Dig Australia protocols and the mandatory notification for pipeline damage, are

commonsense reforms that will improve industry standards and reduce the risk of accidental infrastructure

damage.

The bill also includes refinements to administrative processes, improving the efficiency and effectiveness

of oversight. By allowing for the delegation of functions by the Minister and secretary, we ensure that

decision-making is streamlined and responsive to emerging challenges. Additionally, clarifications to data

collection powers strengthen our ability to monitor industry trends and enforce compliance effectively.

Importantly, the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act will improve the efficiency of our legal processes.

By allowing indictable offences under the Gas Supply Act and Pipelines Act to be tried summarily, we alleviate

pressure on our court systems while ensuring that justice is served in a timely manner. This is yet another example

of how this bill modernises our legal framework to better serve the people of New South Wales.

There has been an extensive consultation process, as noted in the consultation paper by the Department of

Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water entitled NSW Pipelines and Gas Supply Legislation

Amendments, dated August 2024. That consultation has been the basis of the development of this bill. Modernising

outdated legislation is not just a matter of administrative housekeeping; it is a fundamental responsibility of good

governance. As we continue to navigate the complexities of the energy transition, we must ensure that our laws

provide clear, enforceable and forward-thinking regulations that uphold public safety and environmental integrity.

For those reasons, I commend the bill to the House.

Ms TRISH DOYLE (Blue Mountains) (14:52): On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: In reply: I thank members

for their contributions to debate on the Energy Amendment (Pipelines and Gas Safety) Bill 2024. In particular,

and as always, I thank the member for Manly for supporting the bill on behalf of the Opposition, and the member

for Mount Druitt. This bill is about ensuring the New South Wales gas network is safe. I once again acknowledge

the devastating incident in Whalan last year. The New South Wales energy system and the role of gas within that

system is undergoing rapid change. As this change occurs, public safety remains at the forefront of our minds.

The bill is about modernising outdated legislation to promote public safety and meet community

expectations. It is further evidence of this Government's commitment to sensible regulatory reform to support the

transformation of the New South Wales energy system. I thank members for their contributions to debate. I finish

by acknowledging and thanking the many people in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment

and Water who worked on the preparation of this bill and the fabulous team of ministerial advisers. I commend

the bill to the House.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua): The question is that this bill be now read a

second time.

Motion agreed to.

Third Reading

Ms TRISH DOYLE: On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: I move:

That this bill be now read a third time.

Motion agreed to.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 44

Business of the House

SUSPENSION OF STANDING AND SESSIONAL ORDERS: ORDER OF BUSINESS

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government) (14:55): I move:

That standing and sessional orders be suspended to permit the House to continue to sit past 4.00 p.m. until the completion of private

members' statements, at which time the House do adjourn without motion until 12.00 p.m. Tuesday 6 May 2025.

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal) (14:56): The Opposition does not object to the suspension of standing

and sessional orders.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua): The question is that the motion be agreed to.

Motion agreed to.

Committees

JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE GREATER SYDNEY PARKLANDS TRUST

Membership

Mr RON HOENIG: I move:

That:

(1) Mr Nathan Matthew Hagarty be appointed to serve on the Joint Select Committee on the Greater Sydney Parklands Trust in

place of Mrs Sally Anne Quinnell, discharged.

(2) A message be sent informing the Legislative Council.

Motion agreed to.

STANDING ORDERS AND PROCEDURE COMMITTEE

Membership

Mr RON HOENIG: I move:

That Ms Liesl Dorothy Tesch be appointed to serve on the Standing Orders and Procedure Committee in place of Ms Janelle Anne

Saffin, discharged.

Motion agreed to.

STANDING COMMITTEE ON PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE AND ETHICS

Membership

Mr RON HOENIG: I move:

That Ms Joanna Elizabeth Haylen be appointed to serve on the Standing Committee on Parliamentary Privilege and Ethics in place

of Ms Janelle Anne Saffin, discharged.

Motion agreed to.

Community Recognition Statements

BURNS OUTDOOR OBSTACLE TRAINING

Mr NATHAN HAGARTY (Leppington) (14:56): Burns Outdoor Obstacle Training, or BOOTS, has

been a cornerstone of fun, fitness and community in my part of Sydney for nearly a decade. Nestled on two acres

in beautiful Bringelly, it has welcomed families, athletes and adventure seekers with obstacle courses, Ninja

warrior challenges and group events for all ages. Founded by Wayne and Lorelai, the business was born from a

passion for fitness after their son Javier's type 1 diabetes diagnosis. What began as backyard obstacles grew into

a renowned training ground, even catching the attention of TV shows like The Bachelorette. It has also helped to

shape future athletes like 11-year-old Hamish, who, after six years of training, placed third at the Ultimate Ninja

Athlete Association National Championship and will represent Australia at the world championships in Dallas

this July. As Burns Outdoor Obstacle Training prepares to close its doors at the end of 2025, this is the final

chance to experience it. Whether you are a first-timer or a returning visitor, do not miss out. I thank Wayne and

Lorelai.

MILLIN'S FREE RANGE BUTCHER

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly) (14:57): The Manly area is known for many things. It is the birthplace

of surfing, home to the best beach in the world and, of course, the proud stomping ground of the greatest footy

team. I am pleased to inform the House that we can add another title to the list. Manly is officially home to

New South Wales's best banger, as in sausage. I extend huge congratulations to Millin's Free Range Butcher at

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 45

Balgowlah Heights, which has cleaned up at this year's prestigious New South Wales Sausage King awards,

snagging first place in both the traditional Australian beef category and the poultry category with their famous

Malay satay chicken sausages. Just when you thought it could not get better, Millin's also took home second place

for the gourmet lamb category with its Moroccan lamb and raisin bangers. I congratulate Millin's butcher on that

outstanding achievement. What a great barbeque addition for this weekend.

SING EXPRESS

Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast) (14:58): I recognise Dr Tina Broad and the unique and powerful pop-

up choir program, Sing Express, that Tina founded in 2018. Built on the philosophy that everyone has a voice and

that singing together is in our DNA, Sing Express has been bringing people together to experience the magic of

group singing, often in just one night or over a few short weeks. The program's recent version, Sing Express

Sisters, was a spectacular success, with over 70 women from Nowra to Batemans Bay joining to learn four songs

over five weeks in the lead-up to International Women's Day. Their powerful performances included I Am Woman

and True Colours and uplifted audiences at four International Women's Day events, celebrating strength, unity

and the joy of music. Beyond its musical achievements, Sing Express fosters connection, wellbeing and kindness,

partnering with MUCK Up for the Chorus for Kindness events, which raise funds for youth initiatives. Dr Tina

Broad's dedication to community and music is truly inspiring, and I look forward to the next choir event.

JASMINE FOOTIT

Mrs TANYA DAVIES (Badgerys Creek) (14:59): This afternoon I congratulate and commend Mulgoa

local Jasmine Footit for her stellar artistic gymnastics career, as she retires from competing in a sport which she

has excelled in throughout her life. The 20-year-old's retirement follows ongoing injuries, which is not uncommon

in elite athletes. She farewelled the sport by concluding with the Australian Gymnastics Championships and

obtained remarkable results, ranking eighth all-round, fifth on the floor and sixth on vault. Jasmine has been

recognised for her artistic gymnastics success by being named the latest recipient of the Penrith Valley Sports

Foundation Senior Sports Star Award. I am pleased to learn that Jasmine will continue to contribute her artistic

gymnastics career to the sport, as she plans to coach and judge the next wave of talent. On behalf of my electorate

of Badgerys Creek, I congratulate Jasmine Footit on her extraordinary career and wish her continued success in

the next chapter of her life.

LIVERPOOL WOMEN'S CIRCLE

Ms CHARISHMA KALIYANDA (Liverpool) (15:00): Liverpool is fast becoming a hub of

entrepreneurship and empowerment for women. This morning, the Zen Tea Lounge Foundation and WOTSO

Liverpool officially cut the ribbon on a wonderful new initiative. The Liverpool Women's Circle is a space to

connect, share stories and uplift each other in a warm, welcoming environment. The gatherings feature

breathwork, dance and movement, as well as delicious food. Plus, it is a chance to enjoy free authentic Vietnamese

coffee and drinks as a special treat from the supported employment program team at Zen Tea Lounge Foundation.

Operating on the fourth Friday of every month at WOTSO Liverpool, which is located in the heart of our CBD,

the initiative is an opportunity for participants to build a range of new skills and make new friends. We know that

social connection is often the first step to a broader range of health and economic benefits, and I commend Amy

Nguyen, the CEO of the Zen Tea Lounge Foundation, and her whole team for bringing this much-needed initiative

to Liverpool.

COLLAROY TENNIS CLUB

Mr MICHAEL REGAN (Wakehurst) (15:01): I recognise Collaroy Tennis Club for hosting its

inaugural Pride in Sport event last Saturday. This was a brilliant celebration of inclusion, community and equality.

It was awesome to join in and see the Collaroy courts alive with colour, friendly—sometimes fierce—competition

and genuine community connection. It takes a special club to actively welcome players of all backgrounds to show

that tennis is for everyone. I thank David Keogh and Vito Cincinnato for their leadership in bringing this awesome

event to life. Their passion for creating safe and welcoming spaces is sincere, and it is what community sport is

absolutely all about. It was especially meaningful to see the event raise funds for Lifeline Northern Beaches, an

organisation doing vital work to support mental health and suicide prevention in our region. It was also good to

see local legends Layne Beachley, who is a mate of mine and turns out can play tennis, and Kirk Pengilly, who

cannot play tennis, join in the fun and show their support. I congratulate everybody involved in this wonderful

initiative. I hope this event becomes a regular fixture on our northern beaches calendar.

MUSLIM WOMEN'S WELFARE OF AUSTRALIA

Ms KYLIE WILKINSON (East Hills) (15:02): I thank Muslim Women's Welfare of Australia for its

kind invitation to attend its twentieth anniversary gala and Iftar earlier this week. It was wonderful to see the

community come together to support this important organisation. I enjoyed listening to the many inspiring

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 46

speeches. Muslim Women's Welfare of Australia has provided crucial health, education and service support to

migrant women in Australia. President Faten El Dana has received numerous awards for the amazing difference

she has made in the lives of Muslim women in our community. Those awards include the A. H. Beard Community

Hero Award at the 2014 NSW Women of the Year Awards, the NSW Premier's Lebanese community award in

2012, and an Order of Australia Medal in the same year. I acknowledge the good work of Muslim Women's

Welfare of Australia and commend those involved in supporting and empowering Muslim women in our

community for the past two decades. I thank them for all that they do.

KAMBORA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr MATT CROSS (Davidson) (15:03): I recognise Kambora Public School in Davidson, an outstanding

local educational institution. Since 1979, Kambora has been more than a school; it is a vibrant community and

place of learning and friendship. I am proud to support Kambora and will do so for many years to come. Kambora

inspires and engages students, from its much-loved Story Dogs reading program to a vibrant music and arts scene,

and even a Harry Potter library. I was proud to recently support the installation of new bubblers. I recognise new

principal Nicholas Johnson and the dedicated teachers and staff. I also recognise the Kambora P&C, led by Lily

Stewart. Kambora Public School is a very special place, and I look forward to supporting its strength of public

education and its power of a dedicated school community. I am proud to recognise Kambora in the Parliament of

New South Wales and to support its continued success.

CAMDEN AND DISTRICT NETBALL ASSOCIATION

Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (15:04): I congratulate Camden and District Netball Association

on starting its 2025 season. It was a beautiful—if rather hot—morning on 15 March when we were joined by

many dignitaries in the area to watch the amazing "march past" of all the teams. I will do a little roll call of all the

teams we saw: Appin Waratahs Netball Club, Benkennie Netball Club, Bringelly Netball Club, Camden RSL

Netball Club, Currans Hill Netball Club, Douglas Park Menangle Netball Club, Harrington Park Netball Club,

Macarthur Netball Club, Mt Annan Netball Club, Narellan Netball Club, Oran Park Netball Club, Razorback

Netball Club, The Oaks Netball Club and Wilton Netball Club. The march past was a sea of colour with balloons

and fancy and theme dress. It was an incredible distribution of camaraderie and teamwork. And what really

brought everyone together was the day of games that followed. I congratulate everyone. I was very pleased to

declare the season open.

MERCY CATHOLIC COLLEGE CHATSWOOD

Mr TIM JAMES (Willoughby) (15:05): I acknowledge Mercy Catholic College Chatswood as it

celebrates 135 years of excellence in education and service. Under the leadership of Principal Brenda Timp, the

college continues to uphold the values of the Sisters of Mercy, fostering faith, learning and community spirit. The

college recently marked this milestone with its 2025 Open Mass, a special occasion to reflect on its history and

enduring impact. It was an honour for the school to welcome Sister Jenni Ryan, head of the North Sydney Mercies

and former teacher at Our Lady of Dolours, along with Sister Loreto Conroy and Sister Anna, both former teachers

and former heads of the North Sydney Mercies. As part of the celebration, students received symbolic Mercy

ribbons in the colours of their houses—Mercy, Stormanston, Coolock, and McAuley—representing the school's

strong traditions. I commend Principal Brenda Timp, all the staff, the student community and the Sisters of Mercy

for their dedication and contribution to education in our community. Mercy Catholic College has a proud history,

and I wish the school every continued success for its future.

COBARGO FOLK FESTIVAL

Dr MICHAEL HOLLAND (Bega) (15:06): I congratulate the Cobargo community on a highly

successful 2025 Cobargo Folk Festival. The three-day celebration of folk and roots music, song, dance and craft

at the Cobargo Showground started 28 years ago as a street festival. The community-owned, not-for-profit

Cobargo Folk Festival is wholly volunteer run, independent and non-commercial. The folk festival and the

It Takes a Village fringe festival were held from 27 February to 2 March. This special free event, funded by

Destination NSW, brings festival fun into the heart of Cobargo village, showcasing our incredible South Coast

talent with music, inspiring talks, a documentary, a lively family bush dance and more. In 2025 the festival has

grown back to its pre-Black Summer peak numbers, bringing in more than $2 million to the economy of the Bega

electorate. Not only did people visit for the three days in Cobargo; they also visited neighbouring Tilba Tilba,

Bermagui and Narooma, adding a multiplier effect.

WALLY MITCHELL

Mr ROY BUTLER (Barwon) (15:07): Former Bourke mayor Wally Mitchell is a legend in his part of

the world. With 38 years of service, Wally was the longest serving councillor on Bourke council before his

retirement in 2012, with 12 of those spent as mayor. His life has been dedicated to his community. He was a

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 47

founding member of the Isolated Children's Parents' Association and a board member of the Bourke Rural

Counselling Service for 19 years. He is the last surviving inaugural committee member of the Louth Turf Club

and is still active in the club. For many years he has been, and still is, an active member of Louth Chamber of

Commerce. As well, he is still carrying out voluntary community work in Louth village. In recognition of

everything he has done for Bourke and surrounds, he was named Bourke's Citizen of the Year in 2018 and awarded

the Order of Australia in 2019. There is probably not a person in the Bourke district whose life has not been

affected positively in some way by Wally. I congratulate Wally on his lifetime of achievement and thank him for

his ongoing service to Bourke and surrounds.

TOWN AND COUNTRY REAL ESTATE MERRYLANDS

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville) (15:08): I acknowledge the outstanding contributions of Town and Country

Real Estate Merrylands and the 35-year real estate career of its founder, Elie Kaltoum. Elie migrated from Lebanon

to Australia in 1988, determined to build a future through hard work and dedication. He entered the real estate

industry in 1990, studying at TAFE while working. In 1998 he established his own agency in Merrylands. Town

and Country Real Estate is more than a business; it is a family enterprise, with Elie's son, Damian, working

alongside him. The agency is deeply committed to the community, not only helping people find suitable homes

but also supporting local schools through work experience programs. Elie also trains employees through the

Restart employment program, helping individuals gain the skills they need to succeed. Town and Country Real

Estate Merrylands embodies the values of integrity, dedication and community service. I commend Elie and his

team for their ongoing contributions and wish them continued success.

ANIME AT ABBOTSFORD

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne) (15:09): I sincerely congratulate a beloved local business

in our community, Anime at Abbotsford, and the owners who celebrated their eighteenth anniversary in business.

Bradley and Hansen opened their first store at Anime at Abbotsford at 317 Great North Road on 27 March 2007.

At the time they found it hard to find stores that sold official Anime merchandise, so they began their business

with the aim of providing authentic Anime merch for collectors. They are now the exclusive Australian distributor

of Japan's leading Anime manufacturers. They stock popular and hard-to-find titles, a real delight for Anime

lovers, near and far. Anime at Abbotsford has expanded with a second store in Haymarket in Sydney's CBD. Brad

and Hansen frequently attend Sydney Anime conventions. The success of Anime at Abbotsford is testament to

their outstanding knowledge and passion for the industry and their dedication to customer service. They are a

pillar of the local community, often sponsoring local schools. I congratulate them on this remarkable achievement

and wish them all the very best.

AUSTRALIAN CHIN LIEN CHINESE ASSOCIATION

Mr TRI VO (Cabramatta) (15:10): On Sunday 3 March 2025, I had the honour of attending the

inauguration ceremony of the sixteenth Executive Committee of the Australian Chin Lien Chinese Association.

On this special occasion, I recognise the outstanding contributions of the former president, Mr Michael Chan, and

his team to my Cabramatta electorate over the years. I am also honoured to congratulate the newly elected

president, Ms Jennifer Tran, and her executive team. I am confident that, under Ms Tran's leadership and with the

support of her capable executive team, my local community will continue to benefit from their dedicated services.

A special mention must be made of the Kwan Yin Temple run by the association. It is a major place of worship

for the Buddhist community in Canley Vale and provides various forms of charitable support, including assistance

to local schools. Congratulations once again to all, and I look forward to the many wonderful contributions you

will continue to make for our community.

JAN BLOOMFIELD

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (15:11): Today the Parliament of New South Wales recognises an

outstanding local resident, Jan Bloomfield. After 20 years of tireless contribution, Jan Bloomfield is stepping

down from her leadership role with the Little Blowhole Landcare group. She leaves behind not just a beautifully

restored coastal site, but a strong connected group of volunteers who continue to transform this patch into

something extraordinary. Jan was the original volunteer when Landcare began at the Little Blowhole in 2009,

tackling an area choked with noxious weeds on neglected dry pasture. Two years later, Jan stepped in to become

the coordinator. With a background of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, she brought deep ecological

knowledge to this eager team of volunteers. But it was her grit, warmth and wry humour that kept the group

grounded and growing. Jan worked with councils, secured grants, organised working bees and more. The group

meets monthly—a small team that gets their hands dirty for a few hours before sharing morning tea. With Jan's

vision, they transformed this site into a picnic and wedding spot, rich in natural biodiversity. This group meets on

the first Saturday of each month at 9.30 a.m. Thank you and well done, Jan Bloomfield.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 48

SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW

Ms DONNA DAVIS (Parramatta) (15:12): The Sydney Royal Easter Show opens at Sydney Olympic

Park on Friday 11 April for all to enjoy. Munch on a dagwood dog or scrumptious scones baked by the Country

Women's Association and take a ride on the Cliff Hanger—but maybe not in that order. In our digital age, it is

important to get back to nature so make sure you take the time to pat a pig and feed the animals at the Farmyard

Nursery. Make a beeline to the woodchopping or the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome to feast on fresh olives,

cheese, or even gin-tasting, but don't forget to spoil the kids with a stop at the Showbag Pavilion. I encourage all

show revellers to remain appropriately hydrated, be respectful of all the workers and volunteers and catch public

transport, thanks to integrated ticketing. A special thanks to the Royal Agricultural Society, entrants, stallholders,

judges, contactors, employees, the police and volunteers, particularly the indispensable St John Ambulance. The

show closes on Tuesday 22 April, so get your tickets for all the fun of the fair.

GRANGE CHUNG

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne) (15:13): I acknowledge Chiswick local resident, Grange

Chung, for his dedication to our community. Grange served in the Royal Australian Navy after graduating from

the Australian Defence Force Academy with honours. During his time in the Navy, Grange served across a range

of roles, including seagoing, intelligence, representational and policy. Following his retirement from the Defence

Force, Grange went on to work as a commercial pilot where he worked and lived throughout Asia. Upon his return

to Australia, Grange continued his service in the navy in senior positions. Grange has put his hand up to run as

the Liberal candidate for Reid in the upcoming Federal election. He is someone who genuinely cares about people

and wants to work to make our area a better place. I sincerely thank Grange for his commitment to our community

and wish him all the very best on 3 May.

OSCAR O'BRIEN

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama) (15:14): Today the Parliament of New South Wales recognises

Oscar O'Brien from Kiama who is proof even the smallest hands can make a big difference, and fund a family

holiday along the way. Eight-year-old Oscar has become something of a local hero, recycling 1,000 bottles and

cans in two weeks as part of his mission to help fund a family trip to Japan in June 2025. Oscar is learning about

recycling, keeping Kiama beautiful and saving money at the same time, motivated by the prospect of visiting

Tokyo Disneyland following a struggle with travel sickness. Until recently, Oscar suffered from a severe travel

sickness that made even 30-minute car rides a source of anxiety. Last year a flight to Melbourne boosted his

confidence and he is determined to enjoy his travel. What began small has turned into a community effort. Local

businesses including Saltwater Kiama, Tory's and the Kiama Farmer Market rallied behind Oscar's goal. Oscar

has set his sights even higher, aiming for 50,000 containers before his family trip. For those looking to contribute,

the O'Brien family offers convenient bulk pick-ups throughout Kiama for containers. Congratulations and well

done to Oscar O'Brien.

Private Members' Statements

WATERLOO SOUTH ESTATE

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government) (15:15): The renewal of Waterloo

south is an investment in the future of this community, not just by maintaining social and affordable housing but

also expanding and improving it. It is a project that reflects the Government's commitment to safe, high-quality

housing and a fairer system that prioritises those in need. For far too long, Waterloo south has been treated as a

political football. Under the former Liberal Government, the estate was seen as prime real estate, a parcel of land

it was eager to flog off to developers, with no plans to secure social housing, no commitment to residents and no

interest in helping those in need.

The Minns Labor Government's approach could not be more distinct. We are not selling off Waterloo

south; we are rebuilding it, expanding it and ensuring it remains a place where people can live with security and

dignity. The renewal will increase the supply of social and affordable housing and provide modern, high-quality

homes that will serve the community for generations. Yet, despite that, we continue to see deliberate

misinformation from political opportunists, not just from the Liberals who abandoned Waterloo but from fringe

parties and self-appointed activists who thrive on fear and outrage. Those individuals do not represent our

community. They parachute in, hold up signs and call it activism, while the real work is being done to support

tenants' rights before their eyes.

The reality for tenants is very different. Firstly, every affected household is receiving personalised

relocation support, financial assistance and local housing options. Secondly, no-one is being left behind or forced

into unsuitable housing. Thirdly, every tenant's support is designed to ensure their relocation is handled with

dignity and care. Fourthly, every household is being offered options to stay in the local area if they choose. And,

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 49

fifthly, every tenant has the guaranteed right to return. This is a carefully managed renewal, not displacement.

Unlike the Liberals, who saw public housing as a liability, Labor sees it as essential to our city's future. Some

claim that refurbishment would be a quicker solution, but that ignores the realities of ageing buildings, decades-old

towers and walk-ups plagued by maintenance issues, accessibility challenges and inefficiencies that cannot simply

be patched up. The homes must be rebuilt for the future and not left to decay.

Others say the project does little to address the housing crisis. But let us look at the facts. Waterloo south

will deliver more social and affordable housing than exists today. The project is also just one part of a broader

Homes NSW strategy, which includes unlocking surplus government land, forging stronger partnerships to expand

social housing, improving maintenance programs where needed and building more homes where possible.

Furthermore, Homes NSW has prioritised tenant voices, transparency and real engagement. A dedicated Waterloo

Connect office, direct tenant support and regular consultations ensure the renewal is being undertaken with

tenants, not to them. We are even funding the Redfern Legal Centre so that it is resourced to provide independent

tenant advocacy.

Some say the human services aspect of the process has stalled. That is simply false. The Waterloo Human

Services Collaborative and Homes NSW are working daily to ensure that services are available before, during and

after the transition. The Liberals ignored the estate for years, and so-called activists exploit it for their own gain.

Only Labor is delivering solutions. The Waterloo south renewal is not a sell-off or an eviction; it is a once-in-a-

generation investment in social housing. Years from now, Waterloo tenants will be thriving in modern,

high-quality homes, while today's loudest and most uninformed protesters will be a forgotten footnote to a project

that changed lives for the better. That is the reality this Government is delivering.

STATE TAXES

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne) (15:20): Today I speak about taxes that continue to put

pressure on the cost of living for people, families and businesses across New South Wales and in my electorate.

A constituent named Enzo visited me and my staff. Enzo is an Italian immigrant who left his home to come to

Australia many decades ago in search of a better life. Upon his arrival to Australia, he found work basically

straightaway and worked for many years in labour-intensive jobs. He worked two jobs for a big portion of that

period to make ends meet and save some money. He purchased the home in which he still lives in the Drummoyne

electorate. During his working life, he decided to buy a second property in the hope that it would help him in his

retirement. Enzo came to my office because, upon receiving his land tax bill, he can barely meet the payment let

alone sustain himself as a self-funded retiree.

This Government has frozen the land tax threshold and, at the same time, raised land tax rates. That is

hurting self-funded retirees in my community. In my electorate, my constituents are houseproud, and many seniors

were migrants to Australia. They are generally people from European backgrounds from countries like Italy and

Greece. They are hard workers who worked in any job they could find to get ahead. They never complained

because they were so grateful to Australia for all the opportunity it brought them. They came without being able

to speak the language, and saved every penny they could so that their children and grandchildren could have the

best possible life. They worked so hard, and they made the decision to be self-funded retirees. Since they were

often not educated, they could not comprehend investments on the stock market and bought property instead.

They were so grateful to be in Australia that they did not want to ask the Government for a pension.

Now, like Enzo, many people are stuck because they cannot afford to pay their land tax bill. The rent they

collect is not enough to live on after all their expenses. Another constituent came to visit us in the office with tears

in their eyes. They had purchased one home about 20 years ago across the road from where they lived. They rent

the house to a single mother with three kids. The rent they collect is not enough to cover the land tax bill, so they

were forced to raise the rent. This person was not the stereotypical greedy landlord; this was someone who was

feeling guilty for raising the rent because they did not want another family to struggle financially. But they were

left with no other choice. For many in my community and across New South Wales, the land tax indexation freeze

presents challenges. I call on the Government to support self-funded retirees in that situation.

Turning to stamp duty, I have doorknocked many homes in my electorate. There are so many potential

downsizers who tell me they would sell their home immediately if there were decent, spacious apartments

available on the market, and if they would not incur a massive stamp duty bill. We are in the middle of a housing

crisis and every possible option should be on the table to get families and young people into suitable homes. We

have a cohort of empty-nesters who are living in homes that are too big for them because it is too expensive for

them to move elsewhere. Stamp duty is a massive deterrent for downsizers, and I want to see all members of this

place work together to give reasonable stamp duty concessions so that empty-nesters have an incentive to

downsize and young families can move into those homes. I was a kid who grew up with the privilege of happy

memories playing in a backyard. I want to help families have a choice to purchase a home so that the next

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 50

generation of children know what that is like. In this place, I will work productively on policies that help people.

We can do that by looking at the State tax system.

I turn to payroll tax, which, at its core, is a tax on successful businesses. It is seen by some as penalising

their decision to grow and be successful, which ultimately stalls the creation of more jobs in our State. I have

spoken to countless local businesses in my electorate who have expressed the pressure they are facing under the

current payroll tax system. I have also spoken to local accountants, who have told me that there are plenty of

businesses that should and could expand but shy away from the decision because of payroll tax obligations, or

because some businesses just simply cannot afford to be hit with the payroll tax bill. I refer to an article by James

Adonis, published by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2015, which sums it up. He wrote:

Of all the taxes in this country, surely payroll tax is the most absurd. It sends a very clear and succinct message to employers: do not

hire any additional employees because, if you do, you'll pay the price, literally.

I hope the Government will consider payroll tax reforms to help small businesses.

CABRAMATTA ELECTORATE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Mr TRI VO (Cabramatta) (15:24): I speak about the new preschools in the Cabramatta electorate, which

are expected to be built and completed by 2027. Every day, I am fortunate to see the vast learning and development

that children undergo in their early lives. As a father of three children, I understand firsthand the importance of

education, particularly high-quality early childhood education. The early years of a child's life are fundamental to

their development and learning, and the Government believes that every child in New South Wales should have

access to high-quality early childhood education.

Universal access to early childhood education ensures that every child has the opportunity to participate in

a quality preschool program before commencing their schooling years. The previous Government failed to deliver

for families in New South Wales. During the 12 years of Liberal-Nationals Government, it promised to build

500 new preschools, but delivered just one. As part of this Government's plan to rebuild public education, the

2024-25 budget is delivering record education funding, including $8.9 billion for new and upgraded schools. That

targeted investment will ensure growing communities get access to a world-class public education.

Some $769 million will be invested to deliver 100 new public preschools, including building a new

preschool at every new government primary school in New South Wales. Of the 100 new public preschools,

13 will sit on new redeveloped school sites. The remaining 87 preschools have been selected in areas where the

Department of Education has identified that there is a need for public preschool places to support more children.

School sites have been selected based on child development and socioeconomic data, projected demand for

preschool, an infrastructure analysis and valuable insights gained through local feedback during the

decision-making process. That is the evidence-based and evidence-supported approach to ensure that children

have access to a high-quality preschool program before starting school.

I am delighted that the Cabramatta electorate will have six new preschools. They will be at Cabramatta

West Public School, Edensor Park Public School, Governor Philip King Public School, Lansvale East Public

School, Mount Pritchard Public School and Prairievale Public School. Additional preschools will provide young

families in Cabramatta greater access to high-quality early education and will ensure that children have the best

possible start to their learning. Together with the Minns Labor Government, I am proud to continue to deliver for

the community. I commend the Premier and the Minister for Education and Early Learning for putting working

families in New South Wales first, ensuring that children have equitable access to high-quality early childhood

education. I look forward to continuing to work with the Premier and the Minister for Education and Early

Learning to deliver outcomes for families in the Cabramatta electorate.

NORTH SHORE ELECTORATE EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (15:27): I address a crisis that is unfolding in my community:

a crisis of complete planning failure and two years of neglect that is affecting parents and children across the

lower North Shore. The Minns Labor Government's lacklustre approach to planning and educational infrastructure

is having a profound and detrimental effect that cannot be ignored any longer. Families in my community are

feeling the weight of that failure. This is one troubling example. In November last year, when Cammeraygal High

School announced it had hit capacity just 10 years after opening, students within the catchment area were turned

away and redirected to Mosman High School. Some children had to walk past Cammeraygal to get on the bus to

Mosman. They had to change between multiple buses to get to school. That is not just an inconvenience; it is a

sign of a complete lack of planning and investment in the future of schools in my electorate.

Cammeraygal High School is a new institution and already at full capacity, yet the Government has failed

to invest in new schools to meet the growing demand. My community is absolutely bursting at the seams, with no

new schooling infrastructure planned to alleviate the pressure. Instead, the Government has earmarked Crows Nest

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 51

for an influx of thousands of new homes, after failing to ensure an ongoing funding commitment for a St Leonards

education precinct. My community cannot cope with the increase in housing without adequate planning and

infrastructure. It is not just a missed opportunity; it is a decision that will affect families for years to come. A St

Leonards education precinct was committed to back in 2018 and has sat in the budget every year since then, with

planning work underway for a new primary school and a new high school for the precinct.

In 2021 additional money was allocated for the precinct and Chatswood primary. Labor retained that

funding allocation in the two budgets it has handed down since taking office and yet in its rhetoric in recent months

Labor seems to have walked away from those essential commitments. While the Government claimed in its

response to the transit oriented development documentation for the Crows Nest metro area that "there is no urgent

need" for those schools, the reality is that, as the new housing projects progress, thousands of families will need

access to education in my community. Labor has failed to plan for that need.

The transport oriented development [TOD] response came about because of the number of community

members who, in their submissions—including my own submission—raised with the planning Minister and the

Minister for Education and Early Learning the dire need for new educational facilities. It is disappointing that,

within days of the TOD response saying that there is no need for additional capacity, Cammeraygal High School

started turning students away.

I have met with the P&C presidents and the regional P&C president from Cammeraygal High School and

Cammeraygal Primary School, within its catchment area, to discuss the growing concerns around school capacity

and the potential cancellation of the St Leonards education precinct. During those discussions, it became clear

that there is a shared sense of frustration and urgency among parents, particularly at feeder schools for

Cammeraygal High School, such as North Sydney Demonstration School and, to a lesser extent, Anzac Park

Public School. I have been told that parents are nervous about ensuring that siblings are not split up between

Cammeraygal and Mosman high schools. A number of children were turned away from Cammeraygal High

School in 2025 and parents are concerned about the impact on their cohort and friendship networks.

After my meetings with the P&C presidents, it has become increasingly clear to me that the St Leonards

education precinct remains a critical project for the future of education in our area and that a potential cancellation

would be incredibly detrimental to families now and into the future. With thousands of new families to be injected

into my community and with no educational infrastructure to support them, it will be even worse. For the future

of the children in my area, I urge the Government to reconsider its decision not to invest in education in my

community.

The education sector is not the only one feeling the strain. The Government's blanket planning policy also

fails to address the pressing need for massive improvement in transport and other community infrastructure. That

is a textbook example of poor planning under a one-size-fits-all solution. My community is incredibly dense. We

love it. It is vibrant. It is part of what makes the lower north shore an exciting place to call home. What my

community does not need is density without supporting infrastructure. I live in an apartment building, and so do

more than 70 per cent of people. But, without investment into public transport, schools and open space, density

becomes suffocating. Education is the foundation of our future, and we must ensure that every child has access to

quality schooling in a setting that supports their development.

CHARLESTOWN ELECTORATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for

the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) (15:32): When the Minns Labor Government came

to office two years ago, we faced a number of mounting crises. For many in my electorate of Charlestown and for

countless more all around the State, perhaps the most pressing of those was the housing crisis. In the face of

economic headwinds and with the State's finances left in a perilous position, this Government was faced with the

task of fixing a broken housing system and addressing one of the largest contributors to the cost-of-living crisis.

We had to address 12 years of neglect and disinterest by the previous Government. We had to make housing in

this State more accessible and affordable and we had to deliver on the understanding that everyone deserves a safe

and secure home.

It is by any measure a tall order and there is no doubt that we have a lot of work left to do. But I am pleased

to report to the House that in my electorate of Charlestown and around the State green shoots of new growth are

starting to appear. I have spoken before about the steps the Government is taking to address the housing crisis in

the Charlestown electorate. The Transport Oriented Development program will allow for higher density housing

to be built around Cardiff, Kotara and Adamstown train stations, where residents will have access not just to shops

and services but also to public transport. With the formation of Homes NSW, we are working to streamline the

delivery of maintenance and support to tenants of public housing properties while also helping tenants to secure

the right kinds of properties for their needs. We have streamlined and clarified legislation and regulation to assist

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 52

renters to navigate a system that was often too difficult or overwhelming to properly engage with, balancing their

needs with the needs of landlords.

We have made strata living a more attractive option by clarifying the rules and strengthening the rights and

responsibilities of strata residents, owners' corporations and strata managers. We are also getting on with the job

of actually building houses. In my electorate of Charlestown, Landcom has commenced work on a 38.8-hectare

parcel of land along Myall Road in Garden Suburb. The development will deliver more than 100 dwellings,

including 66 freestanding homes. In partnership with a community housing organisation, a minimum 30 per cent

of those new homes will be set aside for affordable housing.

The development includes upgrades to Myall Road, which will mean safer access for both newer and

long-term residents, shared footpaths allowing residents to walk or cycle to nearby destinations like Cardiff

Shopping Centre and access to sporting fields. Importantly, the development will deliver a diverse range of

housing options. Some locals have expressed reservations about the development, and I can certainly understand

where they are coming from. There are reasonable concerns about the preservation of native bushland and wildlife

habitat. As the New South Wales Government's developer, Landcom has a responsibility to be an industry leader

in responsible development. It should be delivering works at the very highest standard. How can we expect an

industry to follow the standards set by the Government if the Government does not follow them?

I have spent considerable time examining this development in detail because of the community's concerns.

Of the 38.8 hectares of land, 70 per cent has been set aside as a biodiversity stewardship site to be protected in

perpetuity. A range of measures have been outlined to minimise impacts on wildlife: Traps will be used to keep

domestic cats out of the bushland; pest species monitoring will help guard against invasions by feral animals;

native fauna monitoring will ensure that numbers remain stable, preserving the health of the ecosystem; and nest

boxes in a range of shapes and sizes, to cater for different species, will be placed throughout the zone so that

native species can remain in the area.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will monitor the health of

bushland in the stewardship site. Landcom has paid $2.48 million to the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust,

which will fund the rehabilitation and ongoing maintenance of the bushland. I understand why there is a level of

distrust in development, but the simple fact of the matter is that we need new housing. We need more housing.

This development is necessary, and it is being managed in the most conscientious way possible. The community

rightly expects the Government to use all the levers it can to overcome the housing crisis while carefully balancing

the needs of the environment for current and future generations. I do not shy away from saying that this is difficult

work. But it is also necessary work, which this Government is committed to doing.

DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE

Mr ALEX GREENWICH (Sydney) (15:37): Like much of the State, the Sydney electorate has been

devastated by family and domestic violence. Last year, 25 women were murdered in New South Wales, which is

the highest toll in nine years. A young couple from my electorate, Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, were murdered

by a police officer who was known to Jesse. Murder is the most harrowing outcome, but survivors also have

significant trauma that impacts on every aspect of their lives and can last for generations. They experience severe

physical, emotional, psychological and financial harm, which has flow-on effects to health, mental health,

education, employment, housing, and child protection and justice outcomes. I acknowledge the presence in the

Chamber of the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

Family and domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness for women. Women who escape family

and domestic violence represent one-third of all clients of Specialist Homelessness Services. It is the most

common form of child abuse, affecting one in four children and young people in Australia. Alarmingly, family

and domestic violence rates continue to grow. Domestic violence related assault has been increasing by 3 per cent

each year. Intimidation, stalking and harassment are up 7.6 per cent. Apprehended domestic violence orders are

up 6.9 per cent, with breaches up 9 per cent. Demand on Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Services

rose 17 per cent last year.

In the last budget, the Government strengthened funding for the family and domestic violence sector,

including for change programs for perpetrators, safer housing for women and children, improved access to

counselling, recovery services for children through the support of specialist workers, and safe refuges for

companion animals. I commend the Minister for her advocacy in that regard. But specialist family and domestic

violence services are still stretched. Many services have seen demand increase by 40 per cent. Women are being

turned away and placed on long waiting lists. The waitlist for men's behaviour change programs is over

700 persons long, with average waits of five months.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 53

The figures do not tell us the full story of violence and trauma, with many women experiencing immense

suffering before they seek support, and with some never seeking support. We are simply not winning the battle

and must do more. First and foremost, we need to strengthen the specialist family and domestic violence sector.

The sector is on the front line and deals with prevention, early intervention and crisis response. It plays a critical

role in reducing poor outcomes for those affected, including women and children. Baseline sector funding needs

a significant boost to build more capacity to meet the massive growth in demand. New South Wales specialist

services are underfunded when compared to other States. On a per capita basis, Queensland and Victoria spend

substantially more on family and domestic violence services and programs.

When I last met with Domestic Violence NSW, I was joined by the member for Barwon, whose electorate

has high rates of family and domestic violence. Family and domestic violence is a huge problem in rural areas.

The higher costs to deliver services and difficulties in engaging a workforce mean many women and children

trying to escape cannot get help. Funding in rural and regional areas needs to be increased. An uplift in funding is

especially needed in specialist women's homelessness services and refuges, domestic violence response

enhancement, Staying Home Leaving Violence, men's behaviour change programs, the Women's Domestic

Violence Court Advocacy Services, and specialist workers for children and young people.

Around one in three migrant and refugee women have experienced family and domestic violence, which

is at a significantly higher rate than the rest of the population. They face unique challenges that make escaping

violence or asking for help difficult. We need tailored services that provide culturally safe support, including for

international students and temporary workers, who are often excluded from mainstream services. Many brokerage

services are unfunded by government, yet they are vital to ensuring that victims escaping violence have their

immediate needs—like temporary accommodation, transport or emergency financial assistance—met. We should

increase funding and allow for a more flexible, client-centred service, where expenditure is not fixed per client

but varies depending on need.

We need more transitional homes that provide exit pathways out of refuges. Homes NSW only has

1,500 transitional properties. As most women and children stay for two to three years, properties rarely become

available, which causes bottlenecks for women trying to leave refuges. Investing in the domestic violence sector

will have long-term budget benefits across a range of portfolios and will make New South Wales a safer place.

We must not give up; we can end the violence. I call on the Government and all members of this House to

strengthen our response to family and domestic violence.

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for

the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) (15:43): I thank the member for Sydney for raising

the issue of domestic and family and sexual violence in this place. He has raised the issue in the past and we have

spoken about it as well. I thank him for his advocacy around making our community safer for everyone who might

experience domestic and family, and I recognise the diversity in that. The member rightly mentioned that the

Government has invested an additional $245 million in domestic and family and sexual violence in this year's

budget. We certainly need to continue our focus on the issue, on reducing rates and on preventing domestic and

family violence. I am incredibly passionate about the prevention work. We need to hold perpetrators to account

and change their behaviour, we need to do early intervention work, we need to support victims and we need to

support the sector, which does such incredibly important work.

TRIBUTE TO AIRLIE RAIN MONTGOMERY

Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast) (15:44): I celebrate the vibrant, brilliant and unforgettable Airlie Rain

Montgomery of North Nowra. Airlie's favourite colour was purple. To her parents, Katie and Corey, Airlie was

always their purple girl. Airlie's big sister, Arya, was the pink girl, and their bond was unbreakable. Arya could

calm Airlie with just a touch, a word, a shared glance. Together with their brother, Lawson, they were the perfect

trio. Airlie had autism, and she showed us a different way to experience the world. Her communication was

unique, full of warmth, with catchphrases that became her own beautiful language. Like her words, Airlie's

emotions came in waves, highs and lows, and every moment was lived with intensity and joy.

Airlie loved the outdoors—looking at leaves, playing in the dirt and throwing rocks into puddles. She loved

animals, and elephants were her favourite. Airlie had many skills that children her age often cannot master. Airlie

loved the methodology of numbers. At three, she could count to 100. She could recite the alphabet phonetically,

and she could even do it backwards. Airlie also loved trains, and had many sets. With hundreds of train tracks,

Airlie could create loops and tunnels without a plan in front of her. Her mind was an absolute marvel.

Airlie adored books too, and bedtime stories formed a firm part of her daily routine. One of her favourite

books was Where is the Green Sheep? Her days were filled with her favourite music from Blippi, Cocomelon and

the Wiggles. Her signature song was Mellow Yellow. Airlie loved school. Last year she surprised everyone when

she performed in a school concert. She was front and centre on the stage. School helped Airlie well and truly come

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 54

out of her shell. Since her passing, Katie and Corey have found out just how many friends Airlie had and how

many people she touched in her short life. I thank our community for loving Airlie. She was truly special and will

not be forgotten.

ISLAMOPHOBIA

Mrs TINA AYYAD (Holsworthy) (15:46): A deeply concerning issue that affects communities across

our State is the rise of Islamophobia. We are now in the holy month of Ramadan, a sacred time of observance,

reflection, charity and community for Muslims. This should be a time of peace, unity and spiritual connection.

Yet for many in our Muslim communities, this period has once again been overshadowed by fear and anxiety.

Only a fortnight ago, a threat of violence was made against the Australian Islamic House [AIH] in Edmondson

Park, a cherished place of worship and community gathering in south-west Sydney. The Australian Islamic House

is more than just a mosque; it is a hub for education, youth programs, interfaith dialogue and community service.

It is a symbol of harmony and belonging.

The threat directed toward AIH was not only an attack on the Muslim community. It was an attack on all

of us—on the values of inclusion, religious freedom and respect that bind us together as a society. I take this

opportunity to stand in solidarity with AIH and all Muslim Australians, who deserve nothing less than to feel safe

in their homes, places of worship and neighbourhoods. Last week on 15 March the world marked the United

Nations International Day to Combat Islamophobia. That date was chosen in memory of the Christchurch mosque

attacks. This annual observance reminds us that anti-Muslim hatred is not an isolated or foreign problem; it is a

lived reality here in New South Wales and across Australia.

The recently released Islamophobia in Australia report, published by the Islamophobia Register of

Australia and Monash University, makes that clear. The comprehensive report details over 300 verified in-person

incidents and 366 online incidents of Islamophobia between 2023 and 2024. It revealed a disturbing trend:

Islamophobic incidents in Australia have nearly doubled over the past two years. The report lays bare the harsh

truth that Muslim women are the primary targets, accounting for almost three-quarters of in-person abuse, often

because they wear the hijab.

These women are harassed in shopping centres, on transport and when they are out and about with their

children. These are our fellow Australians simply trying to live their lives in peace. Equally troubling is that

New South Wales accounts for nearly half of all in-person Islamophobic incidents nationwide. Over 60 per cent

of attacks were cases of verbal intimidation and harassment, 9.4 per cent were discriminatory incidents,

9.1 per cent involved physical assaults, 8.1 per cent caused damage to property, and 5.5 per cent were written

threats. The report also highlights a psychological toll on victims, including feelings of trauma, isolation and fear.

Islamophobia is not just about individual acts of bigotry. It is a systematic issue driven by misinformation,

dehumanisation and silence. It flourishes when good people look away or fail to call it out. I know countless

members of the Muslim community in my electorate and beyond. They are hardworking, kind and proud

Australians. They want what we all want: safety, opportunity and a good future for their families. That is why this

report matters. It gives us data. It gives us insight. More importantly, it gives us a mandate for action.

The recent legislative changes to the Crimes Act, which criminalise acts of vilification and hatred against

ethno-religious groups, leave groups such as Muslim Australians exposed to hate without protection. As someone

who was the subject of vilification by political opponents during the last State election campaign, I know how

many in our communities feel. What members of the community want and rightly deserve is to feel that their

Government sees them, hears them and stands with them. I am not sure whether that is the case. To those who

have been targeted, harassed or made to feel like they do not belong, know this: You do belong, you are valued

and your presence and contributions make New South Wales stronger. To all those observing Ramadan, I say,

from the bottom of my heart, Ramadan Mubarak. May this month bring your families grace, peace and strength.

And for the Eid in the coming days, marking the end of Ramadan, I wish you many happy returns. I thank the

House.

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for

the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) (15:51): I thank the member for Holsworthy for

raising this important issue in this place. Everybody in New South Wales deserves to be safe. People live in this

country because they feel that it should be a safe place. They come here because they view it as a safe place.

We all need to do everything in our power as individuals, and in this place as a Parliament, to ensure that our

community is united and that people feel that they belong. I thank the member.

SPRING FARM PARKWAY

Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (15:52): Today I talk about a very important issue in my

community. Anyone who has driven from Sydney down to Canberra, the snow or Melbourne would have taken

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 55

the Hume Highway, which is a major road that leads straight down the side of our State. A comment often made

as people come down towards Camden and Campbelltown is that there is one exit joining the Hume Highway

with the people of Camden. The Narellan Road exit is a huge, fantastic exit, but it frequently gets blocked because

little mishaps can occur there. The problem is that if a driver does not get off at Narellan Road, they have no

alternative route to Camden except to go via Picton, which adds another hour to their trip.

So it was decided a link road would be constructed between the suburb of Spring Farm and the Hume

Highway called Spring Farm Parkway. This road, a very important piece of infrastructure for the growth area of

Camden, joins onto a road named after one of my esteemed predecessors as member for Camden, Liz Kernohan.

It is very easy for people to remember the road. It is Liz Kernohan Drive, and it links that road to the Hume

Highway. That will alleviate so much of the pressure on Narellan Road, a road that is bursting at the seams because

it has all the traffic from the entire south-west growth precinct. All of the people who need to use the Hume

Highway must do so via Narellan Road.

The building of Spring Farm Parkway will also alleviate Camden Valley Way because that road is often

people's plan B for driving north into the city or to Liverpool and Parramatta. However, in its infinite wisdom, the

previous Liberal-Nationals Government decided to build what it deemed stage one of Spring Farm Parkway first.

Spring Farm Parkway stage one is a fantastic—but tiny—bit of road that links the suburbs of Menangle to the

Hume Highway. But it is Campbelltown's fourth exit off that highway. If someone misses the first three exits to

Campbelltown, they can now get a fourth, which is very exciting. We do not begrudge the people of Campbelltown

their exits. But I would argue that our second exit needed to be the priority in building the parkway. Spring Farm

Parkway stage two is an incredibly important piece of infrastructure. It was promised by the previous Government

about every six months. We have done an audit of the announcements. Every six months since 2019, Spring Farm

Parkway stage two was announced to the people of Camden as "coming."

I was extremely proud to include in my election commitments in 2023 the first actual funds—$15 million—

to go towards planning how to build that road. No-one had even looked at that. Now it is time for the people of

Camden to have a second entryway onto the Hume Highway to alleviate the unbelievable amounts of growth. We

are quite open, out our way. We broke planning systems. Nothing coped with the growth that we experienced.

The parkway is an example of how the former Government worked with active members of Parliament, like the

member for Campbelltown, who did an amazing job for his electorate and continues to do so. He was able to get

Spring Farm Parkway stage one built. Now it is time for stage two to be built for the people of Camden for their

access.

RYDE ELECTORATE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Mr JORDAN LANE (Ryde) (15:57): Infrastructure delayed is housing denied. The latest revelation

regarding the 2040 blowout of the Sydney Metro extension timeline will go down as one of the greatest failures

in tackling the complex puzzle of housing supply and affordability. It is yet another example of poor planning,

misplaced priorities and a government that cannot be trusted to deliver for the people of New South Wales. For

the people of Ryde, that delay is not just an inconvenience but also a failure that will leave the community stuck

in worsening congestion with no relief in sight.

The Government has made a habit of grand announcements with no substance behind them, and nowhere

is that clearer than in its approach to Sydney Metro. The Minns Government has decided that vital metro

extensions—the projects connecting communities, supporting growth and providing much-needed public

transport relief—can wait. There is no business case, no funding strategy and no firm commitments—just another

deferral. Meanwhile, the housing crisis deepens, congestion worsens and the people of this State are left wondering

whether anything this Government promises will ever be delivered. There is no credible plan to fund those

extensions. That much is clear. After inheriting a metro system that was well underway, the Government has since

spent the last year walking backwards, making excuse after excuse—

Dr Marjorie O'Neill: Point of order—

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua): The Clerk will stop the clock. I will hear the

point of order.

Dr Marjorie O'Neill: This is a private member's statement. I ask that the member bring the scope of the

statement back to his electorate.

Mr JORDAN LANE: To the point of order: In the second line of my contribution, I referenced that it

was an inconvenience to my electorate. I am providing some context to that.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua): I do not uphold the point of order. The member

for Ryde is referring to his electorate.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 56

Mr JORDAN LANE: Thank you, Temporary Speaker. As I was saying, after inheriting a metro system

that was well underway, the Government has since spent the past year walking backwards, making excuse after

excuse and now, effectively, abandoning the long-term vision for a truly connected Sydney. The reality is that

metro expansion is essential. Without it, my electorate and our city will grind to a halt. Yet, instead of ensuring

that these projects proceed quickly, the Government has kicked them into the long grass. This is not just a matter

of transport policy; it is an economic issue, a productivity issue and a significant failing of public administration.

The Government has no clear answer on how it will deliver the metro west extension beyond Parramatta or the

metro to the Western Sydney airport. It has pushed the timeline out so far that it hopes people will just forget and

stop asking questions. Well, we will not stop asking.

The deferral lays bare the hypocrisy of the Government's so-called housing strategy. The Government

claims it is committed to housing density, to transport-oriented development and to unlocking housing supply.

The only way to make such a plan viable through investment in public transport infrastructure. Without metro

extensions, where will this capacity come from? How can we justify cramming tens of thousands of new residents

into areas that are already suffering from congestion and inadequate transport links? This housing strategy cannot

work without metro investment, and my electorate is an example of this on display. The Government is trying to

play a game of smoke and mirrors, promising growth whilst simultaneously pulling the rug out from under the

very infrastructure that would allow for that growth to be sustainable.

For the people of Ryde, the consequences of this delay are dire. Ryde is already home to a growing

population, and, without significant transport investment, the daily commute for thousands of residents will only

get worse. The extension of the Sydney Metro was meant to provide relief, reduce reliance on already

over-capacity roads and offer a fast, reliable alternative to sitting in endless traffic. But instead of providing

certainty, the Government has given Ryde residents more uncertainty, more congestion and more frustration. The

decision to delay these projects is happening in a vacuum. It is part of a broader pattern of financial

mismanagement and poor priorities. We have seen billions of dollars squandered on bloated government spending,

on projects that do not deliver and on patchwork solutions that fail to address the long-term needs of the State.

The truth is that the Government is making deliberate choices. It has chosen not to prioritise transport

infrastructure that would benefit millions of people. It has chosen not to invest to futureproof Sydney. Instead, the

Government has decided to focus on short-term fixes and political convenience. The people in this State are tired

of delays, tired of excuses and tired of governments that do not deliver on their promises. The Sydney Metro

expansion was meant to be a legacy project, one that would transform the way that people move across our city.

Now it is yet another casualty of this Government, which is incapable of seeing beyond the next electoral cycle.

This is a failure of vision, a failure of governance and a failure of leadership. The people of New South Wales,

particularly the people of Ryde, deserve much better. They deserve a government that does not make promises

that it has no intention of keeping. I call on this House and this Parliament to deliver Sydney Metro.

SOUTH COAST ELECTORATE

Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast) (16:03): This week marks two years since I was elected to represent

the good people of the South Coast, and what an honour it was, and continues to be, to serve the community and

work hard every day to support people who call that beautiful place home. It is important that we look back and

see how far we have come. During my campaign, constituents told me that they felt like the South Coast had been

forgotten; we were taken for granted. Schools were overcrowded, TAFE had been decimated, the Milton-Ulladulla

bypass was a debacle and the highway needed upgrading. The Milton-Ulladulla hospital was in urgent need of an

upgrade, and the community had waited for over seven years for any action to return birthing services. Businesses

in Nowra advocated for the planning of the East Nowra Sub Arterial Road [ENSA], and Shoalhaven council

needed help with the Nowra Riverfront Precinct. On the housing front, social and affordable essential working

housing was not only neglected but much had been sold off, and the lack of housing was at a crisis point.

It was obvious that the previous Government had forgotten about people. It was all about infrastructure.

Infrastructure is important, but without looking after our people, infrastructure is useless. We had new police and

ambulance stations that had no staff in them. Teachers were leaving in droves and classes were being cancelled

every day. In the past two years, the Minns Government has worked hard. We have addressed, and continue to

address, those issues. We have committed to delivering 500 additional paramedics to regional New South Wales.

We are delivering much-needed upgrades to our overcrowded schools, with work soon to start on high schools in

Ulladulla, Vincentia and Bomaderry, as well as Milton and Ulladulla primary schools. We are building a

brand-new primary school to address the growth around Worrigee. We are also building three new preschools in

the region. Most importantly, we have listened to our teachers. We have reduced the workload in schools and are

updating the syllabus. We have made New South Wales teachers the highest paid in Australia.

In 2023, to address the declining number of police, we made the historic announcement that we will pay

recruits at the Goulburn Police Academy. Since we announced that plan, we have received 3,667 applications to

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 57

join the NSW Police Force. We have announced the first build-to-rent development in New South Wales, with

the construction of 60 new homes, which will provide a mix of apartment sizes to suit the needs, lifestyles and

budgets of the local community. We have also prioritised two major housing precincts in Nowra, which will

deliver up to 650 homes. This development supports the goals set out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan

2041 to stimulate the area's reactivation and economic growth and revitalise the CBD.

The Minns Government has allocated $21 million for key worker accommodation in and around Nowra to

support workers and the broader Shoalhaven region, especially as the $438 million Shoalhaven Hospital

Redevelopment moves closer to completion. Work to upgrade Milton Ulladulla Hospital has begun, and the

inclusion of a new CT scanner has been welcomed. We are working to return birthing services to the Milton

Ulladulla area. In my first 18 months, we introduced a midwifery group practice to Milton Hospital and will

extend this model, which may support homebirths for eligible women. There is more work to be done, but this is

a huge first step and one taken only because of the Minns Government and the support of health Minster Ryan

Park.

One of the greatest honours I have as the member for South Coast is to assist the people who live there.

My staff and I have assisted over 12,000 people since I came to office. We all go above and beyond to help people,

sometimes with very complex issues. I have loved meeting new people, making friends and flipping hundreds of

Thai chicken burgers to raise funds at community events. We have delivered funding to grassroots organisations,

including to the Lady Denman Maritime Museum, the Huskisson Vincentia Soccer Club, surf clubs, rugby league

clubs, men's sheds and many more. We have supported events, including the Viking Festival Sussex Inlet, the

Shoalhaven Food Network, the Blessing of the Fleet and StoryFest; and provided much-needed funding for

emergency service organisations, including Marine Rescue, the SES and the RFS. Finally, I thank the people of

the South Coast. Community is important to me, and I will continue to work hard every day to support each and

every one of them to ensure that the South Coast is a thriving, connected and compassionate place to live where

every person feels supported and is proud to call it home.

TEMPORARY SPEAKER (Ms Stephanie Di Pasqua): I welcome guests in the gallery to the

New South Wales Parliament.

NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL

Mr MICHAEL REGAN (Wakehurst) (16:08): Yesterday was a very moving day in the New South

Wales Parliament. I was pleased to stand with the Premier and the Minister for Health as they announced the

Health Services Amendment (PPP Prohibition) Bill 2025. But the most important people at the press conference

yesterday were Elouise and Danny Massa, whose two-year-old son, Joe Massa, died at the Northern Beaches

Hospital. Over the past five weeks, Elouise and Danny have shown extraordinary courage and conviction in

speaking publicly about their experience at the hospital. In the face of devastating, deeply personal and individual

loss, Elouise and Danny, and other brave families, are raising very legitimate questions and concerns about

systemic issues at the Northern Beaches Hospital and the need to return the hospital to public hands. They also

recognise that this is not just about our hospital; it is about preventing this model of care being replicated across

the State. It should not take high-profile tragedies to get proper scrutiny of the Northern Beaches Hospital. But

the reality is that is what it has taken. The Massa family has really brought this issue to public prominence. They

have done a service to our whole northern beaches community, and I do thank them for that. I thank the Premier

and Minister Park for being so responsive and, importantly, compassionate to the Massa family. You have shown

us all what authentic and compassionate leadership looks like.

I welcome the New South Wales Government's legislation to stop the Northern Beaches Hospital model

being rolled out in other parts of the State, but the reality is the northern beaches community is still stuck with the

public-private pariah as our local public hospital. Now, more than ever, we need more scrutiny of the private

operator, Healthscope, more scrutiny of the contract with the New South Wales Government, more scrutiny of

individuals' experiences and more scrutiny of structural problems they expose. That is what we are seeing.

Alongside the public-private partnership prohibition bill, a parliamentary inquiry is now underway. The extensive

terms of reference for the parliamentary inquiry cover the financial, operational and clinical performance of the

hospital as well as the implementation of recommendations from a 2019 parliamentary inquiry which also

examined this controversial hospital.

The inquiry will also take into account the Auditor-General's performance audit of the hospital, which is

expected to be released very soon. The commencement of the parliamentary inquiry is a significant moment for

our community on the northern beaches. This inquiry provides the profile and resources for the accountability our

community is seeking. This inquiry will help to keep the performance of the private Northern Beaches Hospital

in the spotlight, where it belongs. Submissions to the inquiry are open until 20 May. I encourage northern beaches

residents and all relevant stakeholders to make submissions. Of course the ultimate goal is for the hospital to be

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 58

brought back into public hands. The northern beaches community deserves access to a truly public hospital. We

cannot change decisions of the past Government, but we can influence what happens next.

I was very encouraged that, when asked about bringing the hospital back into public hands, the Premier

said yesterday that nothing is off the table. But in no circumstances do we want to let Healthscope off the hook.

It signed up to this contract. It has serious legal and moral obligations to our community, not just to deliver profits

for its shareholders. With Healthscope's financial situation deteriorating, my concern—as always—is how huge

cost-cutting pressure impacts staff, in particular, and the patients at Northern Beaches Hospital. We know

Healthscope is looking for savings high and low, across staffing, equipment and more. Something has got to give,

and too often it is staff welfare and patient care.

It is completely unacceptable for this private operator's financial woes to compromise outcomes for public

patients and private patients in our community. To keep their social licence in our northern beaches community,

Healthscope must prioritise investing in its people and facilities to meet legitimate expectations of standards of

care. Importantly, that includes coming to the table in its negotiations with nurses and midwives right now. It

means a pay rise of 15 per cent and safe staffing levels equivalent to those being rolled out in the public system.

I was pleased to join the nurses and midwives on strike at the hospital again on Monday this week. Their message

is clear: Healthscope, step up. But I add that the same company runs hospitals in Queensland. Those same nurses

and staff are paid 16 per cent more, and their staff to patient ratios are what they are in the New South Wales

public system. Why is New South Wales any different? It is the same company, some qualifications, but different

scales of pay. It is not acceptable. We do not accept that.

NORTH SOUTH RAIL LINE

Mrs TANYA DAVIES (Badgerys Creek) (16:12): I call on the New South Wales Government to commit

to the construction of stage two of the North South Rail Line, connecting Bradfield to Macarthur, including a

station in the growing suburb of Oran Park. To continue the delivery of this public transport renaissance for

Western Sydney, a funding partnership is necessary with the Federal Government. I call on the

Federal Government to partner with the New South Wales Government to deliver this crucial project. It is

imperative that, to progress this project, the New South Wales State Government commits to this second stage of

the north-south rail project, including stations and a delivery time frame, so that we can seek funding commitments

from the Federal Government.

Camden is the fastest growing local government area in Australia. It is predicted that more than

257,000 people will reside in the local government area of Camden by 2046. A substantial part of this ongoing

growth is, and will continue to be, based in and around Oran Park in my electorate. To harness the opportunities

arising from the Western Sydney International Airport—and the surrounding aerotropolis—being built in the

middle of my electorate is just as important as interconnecting the communities of western and south-western

Sydney with each other. Our communities need this rail link now. Any delay in its delivery is only exacerbating

inequality between the east and west of Sydney. New South Wales has an average of one train station for every

20,000 residents, yet the Camden local government area has one train station, despite having a population of

approximately 140,000 residents. This disparity is likely to grow as the density in my region continues to increase.

The economic opportunities are endless, as a rail link will attract businesses to establish themselves along

the rail corridor and around the train station precincts and the wider region. That will increase local employment

opportunities and provide consumers in the region access to greater quality goods and services. The increased

competition and access to goods and services in closer proximity are crucial benefits with respect to the cost of

living. It would be detrimental for our region if businesses that would otherwise consider establishing a presence

close to the Western Sydney international airport decided not to because the absence of a sufficient rail network

makes it less economically and commercially viable to do so.

I remind the New South Wales Government of the consensus across all major parties and levels of

governments that we need a greater supply of housing, with the only points of difference being how we achieve

that. I am sure we can all agree that creating a rail corridor connecting the fastest-growing areas will enable an

increase in high-density housing along the corridor and surrounding the respective train station precincts. The

accessible infrastructure would also service an increase in density and population in the broader and wider areas

surrounding the rail corridor and precincts. A well-connected rail link and sustainable public transport network

would also reduce the pressure on our road network, which is already under strain and which will be required to

handle the increased density and visitor population that will accompany the new Western Sydney international

airport.

Greater availability of rail can alleviate the need for more private vehicles per household. For example,

70 per cent of households in the local government area own two or more vehicles, compared to only 46 per cent

in Greater Sydney, which is serviced by better public transport modes and frequencies. In terms of fairness, Oran

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 59

Park, the Camden local government area and the wider region deserve greater rail infrastructure as a matter of

equity. The desire for a connected north-south rail line has consensus among the local government councils in the

region, who have formed their own group called The Parks. I understand they have been advocating to the Federal

and State governments to commit to the urgent delivery of the project and for the train link to be delivered in a

way that maximises the opportunities and meets the challenges for the entire region.

I call on the New South Wales Government to ensure that it has available funds that are required to purchase

private citizens' land, including for citizens who have lodged hardship acquisition claims. I say that not just for

the proposed rail link but for all New South Wales government projects that require the acquisition of private

land, as I have had distraught constituents approach me about the disastrous impacts that the New South Wales

Government's handling of infrastructure plans has had on them and the value of their property. They have been

told that the relevant government agencies do not have the required funds to acquire the property. The next stage

of the north-south rail link corridor is absolutely imperative. I urge the New South Wales Government to work

with whoever will be the incoming Federal government to secure the necessary funds to continue the rail

infrastructure and deliver stage two of that important connection.

LIVERPOOL ELECTORATE AND FEDERAL ELECTION

Ms CHARISHMA KALIYANDA (Liverpool) (16:17): Today Prime Minister Albanese announced that

the nation would go to the polls on 3 May. For the Liverpool electorate, the election presents a stark choice

between a government that is investing in south-west Sydney and a political party that has ignored my community

at every turn. The State electorate of Liverpool spans two Federal electorates, Fowler in the east and Werriwa in

the west. Our community has made it clear what they want their elected representatives to deliver. Cost-of-living

relief is number one on that list. The Albanese Government has made good on that front, delivering a tax cut for

every taxpayer, lowering the cost of prescription medication, lowering the cost of child care and delivering energy

bill relief for every single Australian. The Federal Government has done all of that in a responsible manner,

balancing global economic pressures and ensuring inflation comes down.

Our current world outlook is increasingly uncertain. With the Trump administration taking a more

adversarial approach, Australia faces a crossroads. Trump's success has set off a wave of right-wing populism,

and we have seen that in Dutton's Liberal Party as well. Dutton's budget reply speech reinforced that he does not

have the interests of south-west Sydney in mind. The 2022 election ended nine years of Liberal rule and brought

Labor back to government. However, Labor lost Fowler to a Liberal turned Independent. At the time, I stressed

the need for our party to do better by preselecting local candidates who reflect our community. We have learned

our lesson by endorsing Tu Le, a community lawyer raising her young family in Mount Pritchard. She is a true

local. As such, she will act constructively on important issues and make tough decisions rather than sit on the

fence and throw stones at the Government from the luxury of a television segment.

Importantly, she will actually turn up to vote—the fundamental responsibility of every member of any

Parliament—and make the electorate of Fowler her sole focus and priority. As Malcolm Turnbull once said,

history is made by those who turn up. Fowler deserves a member who turns up and offers original solutions to the

many challenges facing us. Fowler deserves a representative who will advocate within the Albanese Labor

Government and deliver tangible, meaningful wins for our community. Let me be clear: It was Labor that delivered

urgent care clinics in Liverpool and Fairfield. It was Labor that reduced students' HECS-HELP debt. It was Labor

that delivered a tax cut for every taxpayer in this country.

Liverpool also deserves better than a representative who treats our end of the electorate as an afterthought.

Take the intersection of Governor Macquarie Drive and the Hume Highway in Warwick Farm—a major route

with severe traffic congestion. In 2019 and 2022 Liverpool City Council received funding to upgrade that

intersection. After digging a ditch 18 months ago, no progress has been made. I have learned that council applied

to narrow the scope of works or shift funds to different projects, and I am unaware of any efforts by the current

member for Fowler to ensure completion and proper expenditure of Federal funds. Instead, residents will notice

her election signs plastered on the construction fences. Liverpool deserves better.

At the western end of Liverpool, Werriwa is an electorate with immense need for critical infrastructure,

like an upgrade to Fifteenth Avenue. It is why my colleague the member for Leppington is in this place. It is Labor

that can be trusted with that project. For our shared community, Anne Stanley has secured funding for a new

Medicare urgent care clinic in Green Valley. For communities in the 2168 experiencing a shortage of bulk-billing

GPs, that is a welcome commitment that will improve health services locally after our area was uniformly ignored

when the Liberals were in charge. I am very proud to have delivered several projects in the 2168, including the

new Busby Fire Station, the CORE Community Services mobile food pantry, and three new public preschools to

be built by 2027.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 60

To keep delivering for the 2168, I need a governing partner who genuinely cares about our community.

Anne Stanley is that person. In contrast, the only major commitments the Liberals have been able to make for

Werriwa are carbon copies of commitments Anne has already secured. There is not a single original idea for

Werriwa. I guess that is to be expected from a candidate who only joined the Liberal Party so that he could be

preselected for political office. We need a representative who cares more for our community than his political

aspirations. Liverpool has not had a Labor government at State and Federal levels for over a decade. In a short

time, we have begun repairing the damage left by the Liberals and The Nationals. We cannot afford to go

backwards under Peter Dutton.

HEFFRON ELECTORATE AND RENTAL HOUSING

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government) (16:22): Prior to the 2023 election,

NSW Labor made a clear and unequivocal promise that it would tackle rent bidding in my electorate of Heffron—

an electorate with one of the highest populations of renters—and the unchecked rental price hikes that put housing

further out of reach for the everyday people living there. For too long, renting in my electorate has felt like running

on a treadmill that only gets faster. A prospective tenant would find a suitable home, only to be told that others

had already offered more than the advertised price. The implication was clear: Pay up or miss out. Listings

advertised with "offers over" or price ranges created a feeding frenzy where those with the deepest pockets—not

necessarily the best tenants—secured a home. It was not competition; it was an unregulated auction where the

highest bidder set the rules and renters in my electorate paid the price.

That is why the Minns Labor Government took decisive action. It established the Rental Taskforce,

investing $8.4 million into a dedicated enforcement team cracking down on dodgy rental practices. With the

NSW Rental Commissioner at the helm, inspectors are auditing agents, monitoring listings and ensuring

compliance with rental laws. It is not just policy on paper; it is boots on the ground making a real difference to

millions of people in the State, including the more than half of residents who rent in my electorate. The results

speak for themselves. The first-ever Bidding in the NSW Rental Market–Analysis and Regulatory Insights report

confirms what renters already knew: Before our reforms, 17 per cent of rental listings lacked a fixed price, forcing

tenants into costly bidding wars. Today, 99 per cent of listings comply with the law, and rent bidding via online

platforms has been virtually eliminated.

No longer can agents stand at an open home and casually suggest that tenants "make their best offer" on a

rental price that should never have been negotiable in the first place. No longer can someone find a property within

their budget, only to be blindsided when the advertised price turns out to be nothing more than the starting point

for a bidding war. We did not stop there. The Minns Government has delivered a suite of rental reforms designed

to give renters greater stability and security. We have banned no-grounds evictions so that renters can no longer

be thrown out of their homes without reason; limited rent increases to once per year, stopping the exploitative

cycle of unchecked price hikes; and introduced the Portable Rental Bonds Scheme, set to go live later this year,

to ease the financial burden on renters moving between homes. They are the most substantial reforms to State

tenancy laws in two generations.

Renting should not feel like a game of musical chairs where tenants are constantly scrambling for a stable

home while landlords and agents move the goalposts. It should be a system that offers fairness, transparency and

security for all who rely on renting in an ever-challenging housing market. The previous Government stood by as

rent bidding flourished, allowing the rental crisis to deepen. That is why the Labor Government has stepped up,

delivering on our promises and restoring fairness to the rental market. Renting in New South Wales is changing—

not by chance, but by careful and deliberate choice. With the NSW Rental Commissioner at the helm, inspectors

are auditing agents, monitoring listings and ensuring compliance with rental laws. This is not just policy on paper;

it is boots on the ground making a real difference to millions of people in this State, including more than half the

residents in my electorate who rent.

The results speak for themselves. The first Bidding in the NSW Rental Market—Analysis and Regulatory

Insights report confirms what renters already knew. Before the reforms, 17 per cent of rental listings lacked a

fixed price, forcing tenants into costly bidding wars. Today, 99 per cent of listings comply with the law and rent

bidding via online platforms has been virtually eliminated. No longer can an agent stand at an open home and

casually suggest that tenants "make their best offer" on a rental price that should never have been negotiable in

the first place. No longer can someone find a property within their budget, only to be blindsided when the

advertised price turns out to be nothing more than a starting point for a bidding war.

We did not stop there. The Minns Government has delivered a suite of rental reforms designed to give

renters greater stability and security. We have banned no-grounds evictions, so renters can no longer be thrown

out of their homes without reason. We have limited rent increases to once per year, stopping the exploitative cycle

of unchecked price hikes. We have introduced the Portable Rental Bonds Scheme, which is set to go live later this

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 61

year, to ease the financial burden on renters moving between homes. Those are the most substantial reforms to

tenancy law in New South Wales in two generations.

Renting should not feel like a game of musical chairs, where tenants are constantly scrambling for a stable

home while landlords and agents move the goalposts. It should be a system that offers fairness, transparency and

security for those who rely on renting in an ever-challenging housing market. The previous Government stood by

as rent bidding flourished, allowing the rental crisis to deepen. That is why the Labor Government has stepped

up, delivering on its promises and restoring fairness to the rental market. Renting in New South Wales is

changing—not by chance, but by careful and deliberate choice.

MEDICARE

Mr NATHAN HAGARTY (Leppington) (16:27): "The basic principle behind Medicare is that the

health of a citizen should not depend on their wealth." Bob Hawke said that in 1984. It was a simple sentence that

reshaped this country. Before Medicare, a person's bank account decided whether they got to see a doctor. If they

were sick and did not have the money, they went without or racked up debt. Prior to the introduction of Medicare,

medical costs were the leading cause of bankruptcy. My mum still talks about it. She remembers borrowing money

from friends and family just to take us to the GP. No-one should have to make a choice between groceries and

medicine, rent and a diagnosis, or one child's treatment over another.

Medicare was introduced by a Labor government with the simple belief that health care should be universal.

Being able to see a doctor or get treatment in a hospital should not depend on a person's income, their postcode,

or their private insurance status. Healthcare should not be a privilege; it should be a right. It is hard to overstate

what a difference Medicare has made. People got the care they needed, when they needed it. For the first time in

our country's history, health became something the system helped with, not something it punished people for

needing.

However, Medicare did not survive this long by accident. Every step forward has come from Labor

governments, and every attack—every freeze and every cut—has come from the other side. The Leppington

electorate is seeing the difference that can be made by a government that genuinely believes in public health.

Labor has introduced Urgent Care Clinics, which open seven days a week, operate with extended hours and are

fully bulk-billed. People do not need to wait hours in an emergency department for a minor fracture, an infection

or a sick child. They definitely do not need to pull out their wallets. In my region, three of those clinics are already

up and running in Liverpool, Fairfield and Campbelltown. They are giving people faster care, easing pressure on

our hospitals, reducing wait times and helping emergency departments focus on life-threatening cases.

I have seen the difference firsthand. Just last month, my mother-in-law had a heart issue. My wife took her

to the Fairfield Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, where she was seen immediately and got the treatment she needed

and deserved. Then, the weekend before last, my daughter injured her ankle. We took her to the Liverpool

Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. In the past that would have meant a long wait at the Liverpool Hospital emergency

department, one of the busiest in the country. Those clinics are making a real difference, not just for my family

but for millions of families across Australia. There are more are on the way, with a new clinic planned for the

Green Valley area.

This is the work of a government that believes in public health, not just in words but in funding, access

and outcomes. The Government is strengthening Medicare, lowering out-of-pocket costs and building services

close to where people actually live. The alternative is funding freezes, slashed bulk-billing incentives,

co-payments and user-pays, shifting more of the burden onto hardworking families. We have seen it before. Every

time it takes us further away from the Medicare that Australians rely on and closer to an American-style healthcare

system, a system where your ability to get care depends on your insurance card, where one accident can mean

hundreds thousands of dollars in debt, and where health is a product and not a right.

We cannot let that happen in Australia. We cannot go back to a time when people delayed going to the

doctor because they simply could not afford it and when people were forced to choose between their health and

their bills. Medicare did not just happen. It was built, piece by piece, clinic by clinic, reform by reform, by the

Australian Labor Party. Labor made Medicare. Labor strengthened it. Labor will keep fighting for it, because the

job is not done. The question in the upcoming Federal election is simple: Do we want a healthcare system that

treats us when we are sick or one that asks if we can afford it first? I know where I stand.

The House adjourned, pursuant to resolution, at 16:31 until 6 May 2025 at 12:00.

Written Community Recognition Statements

According to Standing Order 108A, the following written community recognition statements were

submitted.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 62

NARDIA GUILLAUMIER

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama)—Today the Parliament of New South Wales recognises Kiama's

champion indoor rower, Nardia Guillaumier. Nardia has done it again – winning her second consecutive gold

medal at the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships. The Indoor Rowing Championships are held virtually,

allowing participants from around the world to compete simultaneously. However, because the event is scheduled

on European time, it meant that at 2:38 AM on Monday, 24th February, while most were asleep, Nardia was on

her rower at her home in Kiama Downs, securing her second gold medal. Nardia clinched the world gold medal

in the 2000m row for the open weight division for 45-49 year-olds. Even more impressively, she achieved a

personal best time of 7 minutes and 16 seconds, which was her true goal. In addition to her gold in the 2000m,

Nardia also earned a bronze medal in the 500m row, which took place a week earlier. She was just 0.1 seconds

shy of her personal best, finishing in 1 minute and 33 seconds. Nardia credits much of her success to her trainer,

Alan Swan of Swan Athletics, who designed her rigorous training program and supported her. A huge

congratulations and well done to Nardia Guillaumier.

ORRY KELLY

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama)—Today the Parliament of New South Wales recognises one of Kiama's

most famous exports, Orry Kelly, who has been recognised as one of 16 new blue plaque recipients as part of

highlighting people and events that have shaped our history. Born Orry George Kelly in Kiama in 1897, he was

known as Hollywood's designer to the stars and he led the costume design on over 300 films. Known as

Orry-Kelly, he won three Academy Awards and was the most prolific Australian-born Oscar winner for over

50 years until fellow costume designer Catherine Martin. His father, William, was a tailor and opened his shop,

W Kelly & Co. Men's Mercers and General Outfitters, on Terralong Street, in 1888. Orry went to school at Kiama

Public School then Wollongong High School before moving to Sydney to live with his aunt to pursue a career in

banking. Orry won three Academy Awards for Best Costume Designs. I also acknowledge Kiama and District

Historical Society President Sue Eggins. Sue is not only a local historian but a true custodian of Kiama's heritage,

ensuring that the stories of the past are never forgotten.

KIAMA KNIGHTS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB

Mr GARETH WARD (Kiama)—Today the Parliament of New South Wales recognises Kiama Knights

Rugby League Club which are starting the season afresh with a new coach and some fresh new recruits to the side.

New coach Matt O'Brien is optimistic about their prospects for the season ahead. The local boys are back – Brad

Kilmore, Cameron Vazzoler, Dylan Morris and Callum Roberts are all returning to the team. O'Brien coached the

Knights' first-grade team from 2014-2017 and he returns as head coach alongside Steve Ross. While the first-grade

team is the primary focus, the rest of the sides will meet the club's high standards. I acknowledge Matt Gladman

who is captaining and coaching Kiama's reserve-grade team and the Under 18s. For the Kiama Knights junior

club, new President Lachlan Payne is excited that the club has achieved its goal of fielding a team in every division.

With 37 teams, the Knights have managed to cover all age groups. The 2025 South Coast Group Seven season

officially kicks off on Saturday 5th April.

ELLA CAMERON AND LUKE GRECH

Mr PHILIP DONATO (Orange)—Mr Speaker, the hunting fraternity is often misrepresented but the

overwhelming majority of its members care deeply about the environment and are proactive in protecting it. These

members include Ella Cameron and Luke Grech, who took part in Cleanup Australia Day this year, not in their

home region of Sydney, but in Orange's Canobolas State Forest. Their three-hour-plus trip west to do the volunteer

clean-up has an amazing spirit of community behind it. Through a social media group Ella shares with a handful

of other hunters, crews were organised for three forests. Ella acted as a site foreman for the Canobolas crew, which

overflowed a skip bin provided by State Forests. In fact, Ella reckons she could have furnished a small house with

the refuse collected. Ella describes her group as 'grass roots' and said she saw an opportunity to give back to the

district which supports her hunting fraternity. They were more than happy to swap rifles and bows for garbage

bags and gloves, and clear illegally-dumped rubbish, instead of ferals. The group's work was powerful statement

of stewardship from the hunting fraternity and I commend Ella for coordinating it and thank her.

AUNTY RHONDA TOWNEY

Mr PHILIP DONATO (Orange)—Mr Speaker, Peak Hill's Aunty Rhonda Towney is an amazing woman

who has conquered her own adversity to help others in the small rural township and further afield. After an

accident in 2012, Aunty Rhonda, a Wiradjuri elder, was bedridden and in aged care for three years. During this

time, she decided to change her life and devote herself to helping people. She learned to walk again and started

Yindyamarra Aboriginal Services. Despite being well into her 70s, Aunty Rhonda has delivered over

3000 hampers to 31 NSW communities each year – from Walgett to Broken Hill and Queanbeyan – distributing

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 63

them to elders and community members in need, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. She communicated with the

Army, supermarkets and charities and raised funding for all food and products herself. She also paid her own fuel

bill. In Peak Hill, Aunty Rhonda provided a drop-in service offering donated food and goods, and referrals to

other services. For this work Aunty Rhonda was named a finalist in the NSW Aboriginal of the Year Award and

I congratulate her on that recognition. I also thank this wonderful elder for her work with her community.

THE PULP ORANGE

Mr PHILIP DONATO (Orange)—Mr Speaker, I would like to congratulate The Pulp Orange for its

contribution to the local community through independent journalism. Orange, known for its vibrant food and wine

culture, stunning landscapes, and strong community spirit, is fortunate to have such a dedicated and importantly,

free, news outlet. Since its recent establishment, The Pulp has shone a light on local issues and celebrated the

region's successes. In today's fast paced media landscape, The Pulp Orange stands out by focusing on

transparency, providing community centred journalism, and empowering residents with the knowledge they need

to make informed decisions. The service covers a wide range of topics, from local government developments to

environmental concerns, while also showcasing the talents and achievements of individuals in the region. By

ensuring the voices of the community are heard, The Pulp plays an essential role in keeping residents engaged

and connected. It is committed to strengthening the bond of the community and encouraging civic engagement.

I congratulate The Pulp Orange for its dedication to serving the community and for being a trusted and free source

of information for the people of Orange and the surrounding areas.

WOLLONDILLY WOMEN IN BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY EVENT

Mrs JUDY HANNAN (Wollondilly)—Congratulations to the Wollondilly Women in Business [WWIB]

Board and everyone who contributed to the outstanding International Women's Day 2025 event at the Performing

Arts Centre in Picton. From the inspiring theme and engaging speakers to the delicious food and vibrant

entertainment, the event was a true celebration of community, resilience, and empowerment. The event shone a

spotlight on the challenges faced by women in various industries, as well as the remarkable successes and

achievements of those who have overcome barriers. Guest speakers shared powerful stories of perseverance,

leadership, and innovation, inspiring all in attendance. The WWIB network continues to grow, bringing together

business professionals, essential workers, and entrepreneurs who embody Wollondilly's strength and spirit. Their

commitment to fostering connections, advocating for women, and uplifting the local community is truly

commendable. Well done to everyone involved in making this event such a success.

WINGECARRIBEE SHIRE COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY BREAKFAST

Mrs JUDY HANNAN (Wollondilly)—Wingecarribee Shire Council hosted a memorable International

Women's Day breakfast at Park Proxi in Bowral, celebrating this year's theme, "For All Women and Girls." The

morning featured two incredible speakers, Sarah Mangelsdorf and Sarah Steele, who shared their experiences and

insights. Sarah Mangelsdorf, General Manager of Pop In, a local nonprofit supporting families affected by

domestic violence, family, and sexual abuse, also works with The Youth Impact Foundation, promoting wellbeing

in schools across the region. With over 25 years in education and community service worldwide, she inspired

guests with her knowledge and passion for connection, compassion, and courage. Sarah Steele, a Registered Nurse

with a background in Emergency Nursing, and is a mother of four and volunteer breastfeeding counsellor Sarah

is a strong advocate for women and girls in sport. She serves as coach, manager, Chair of the Women and Girls

in Sport Committee, and Vice President of the Bundanoon Rebels Football Club. The morning also featured a

panel of students from local high schools, and attendees were encouraged to donate professional clothing on the

day to Dress for Success supporting women on their path to economic independence.

JILL PATTERSON'S SENIORS AWARD

Mrs JUDY HANNAN (Wollondilly)—Congratulations to Jill Patterson on her Seniors Award. Jill, along

with her proud family and friends joined other Seniors Award winners on Friday 14th March for afternoon tea.

Jill was nominated for in recognition of her selflessness with her many volunteer roles. Jill has only just retired

but has a long history of involvement with different organisations. Jill is a long term volunteer on the Bargo Public

School P&C Committee, and regularly volunteers to coordinate school events. Jill was the registrar and coach for

Bargo Netball. She is also a member of the Picton District CWA where she also served as treasurer. Her volunteer

roles extend to teaching children with special needs to dance at Everyone Can Dance at Camden, where her

organisation skills help make the end of year performance a success each year. Jill volunteers with Neighbourhood

Aid Picton, helping take clients shopping and to appointments. Jill has also helped with the Step Up for Down's

Syndrome Fundraiser. We are so fortunate to have people like Jill in our community, and I am honoured to count

her among the awardees of this year's Seniors Awards. Thank you Jill, for everything that you do.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 64

JP - USAMA YOUNES

Mr JORDAN LANE (Ryde)—I ask the House to join me in congratulating Usama Younes who was

recently appointed a Justice of the Peace in my electorate of Ryde! JPs play such an important role and reflect the

community face of our justice system. At its core, the appointment of a person to Justice of the Peace is all about

service. I thank Usama for this service. As a JP, you are responsible for upholding the values of honesty and

impartiality as you execute your official duties for the benefit of our local community. In a fast growing

community like Ryde, the demand for JP services is growing exponentially, and I feel fortunate as the local

Member of Parliament to see so many high-quality individuals willing to raise their hands. Your appointment as

a JP underscores your character, integrity, and dedication to public service. Congratulations once again on this

well-deserved appointment and thank you for the difference I know you will make in the lives of those you serve.

ORDER OF AUSTRALIA AWARD - MS CARMEN PLATT [OAM]

Mr JORDAN LANE (Ryde)—I ask the House to join me in congratulating Ms Carmen Platt [OAM] on

receiving an Order of Australia Award in the General Division as part of the Australia Day 2025 Honours List.

Ms Platt has been recognised for her outstanding service to the community through charitable organisations. Her

dedication and commitment to supporting those in need have made a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Through her leadership and advocacy, she has demonstrated the power of compassion and the importance of

community-driven initiatives. Her efforts inspire us all, highlighting the value of giving back and the role each of

us can play in creating a more inclusive and supportive society. This award is a fitting acknowledgment of her

tireless work, and I know that our community is incredibly proud of her achievements. Once again, I extend my

sincere congratulations to Ms Platt (OAM) on this well-deserved recognition. Her contributions will leave a lasting

impact, and we are grateful for her dedication to making a difference.

WORK EXPERIENCE - EVE EMELEUS

Mr JORDAN LANE (Ryde)—I ask the House to join me in thanking Eve Emeleus, a Year 10 student,

for her contribution to the Ryde Electorate Office during her work experience placement. Eve approached her

time with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a keen interest in public service. She quickly became a valued part of the

team during her time with us - demonstrating great initiative and professionalism. Reflecting on her experience,

Eve shared, "I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to have my Year 10 Work Experience in Jordan

Lane's electorate office. I have learnt so much, not just about the electorate office and how it is run but about what

local politics is all about and what goes on behind the scenes. I have been able to accompany Jordan to the

Parliament House and see what events are involved in being Ryde's Member." Eve's engagement with the office

and community highlights the value of work experience in fostering an understanding of civic responsibility and

government. I thank her for her dedication and wish her every success in her future endeavours. Thank you, Eve!

BUDDY SCHUBERT

Mrs TANYA THOMPSON (Myall Lakes)—I would like to acknowledge 15 year old Buddy Schubert

from Forster, a talented high jumper who has been selected to compete in two events in Canada as part of a North

American tour with Sports Travel Australia. Buddy discovered his passion for high jump in primary school.

Without access to regular training facilities, he practiced at home using a curtain rod and old mattresses. Buddy

has now represented at a state level every year since. His recent first-place finish at the NSW Country

Championships, with a personal best of 1.70 metres, shows just how far he has come. Now, with international

competition ahead, Buddy and his family are fundraising to cover the costs of his trip. Buddy's self-driven

approach to his sport is inspiring. I wish him every success in Canada and beyond.

JESS HORNEMAN

Mrs TANYA THOMPSON (Myall Lakes)—I would like to acknowledge Jess Horneman, Retail

Manager at Old Bar Pharmacy, for receiving the Making a Difference award at the Independent Pharmacies of

Australia Retail Excellence Conference in Melbourne. For nine years, Jess has travelled 45 minutes from

Wingham to Old Bar each day because she loves her job and the connections she builds with customers and

colleagues. Nominated by pharmacist Akash Mehta, Jess was genuinely surprised to win but sees the award as

validation of her work. She believes in making every interaction meaningful, reminding her team that customers

aren't just passing through - they are part of the community. Her recognition reflects the positive impact she has

on those around her. I congratulate Jess on this well-deserved award and thank her for the role she plays in making

Old Bar Pharmacy such a welcoming place.

SASHA BELIC AND ALFIE MARSHALL

Mrs TANYA THOMPSON (Myall Lakes)—I would like to acknowledge the 2024-25 Lower North

Coast Surf Life Saving Branch Junior Lifesavers of the Year, Sasha Belic from Forster Surf Life Saving Club and

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 65

Alfie Marshall from Black Head. This award recognises outstanding under-14 members who contribute to surf

lifesaving and their communities. Sasha and Alfie were selected from a strong group of nominees, including

Kaylee Rands, Lilliana Somers, and Neil Uprety. As winners, Sasha and Alfie will now attend the SLSNSW

development camp at The Collaroy Centre, where they will take part in leadership and teamwork activities

alongside other junior surf lifesavers from across the state. I congratulate Sasha and Alfie on this achievement and

thank all junior surf lifesavers for their role in keeping our beaches safe.

AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT RURAL RETAILERS RECOGNISE LOCAL COOLAC STORE

Ms STEPH COOKE (Cootamundra)—Peter Pitcher and the Team at the Coolac Store have been

recognised nationally for winning the Australian Independent Rural Retailers [AIRR] award for Member of the

Year. Peter, who is to retire next year has managed the Coolac Store for 15 years. The store outperformed over

350 other retail stores to win the Peter Law National AIRR Member of the Year Award for 2024 which was

presented at a conference earlier this month. The AIRR is a national member-based buying group whose sole

focus is to make independence rewarding. James Waugh is stepping into the role of manager following Peter's

retirement. James noted that DH Roberts Pty Ltd trading as Coolac Store is a long-established business with its

origins dating back to the late 1860's. The award is not simply drawn from a hat, it is based on several criteria

including, market growth, payment of accounts, customer service and satisfaction. The Store services the livestock

industry, pasture and cropping sectors and James is returning to the district after 29 years away. He has big shoes

to fill and is looking forward to managing the Coolac Store.

AUSTRALIA DAY AT THE YABBY RACES IN GRONG GRONG

Ms STEPH COOKE (Cootamundra)—I had the pleasure of attending Grong Grong on Australia Day

for the main event, the annual Yabby Races. Our yabbies were provided by Adam Ferguson and Andrew Johnston

and the Royal Hotel sponsored the event which was enjoyed by all. Yabbies are purchased for fundraising and

tips from the locals say you should choose the smaller one – they carry less weight and are intimidated by the

larger ones so their race to the outer circle is usually faster. Winner of the coveted event was Brian Evans.

However, the day was not finished, Trims Collective sponsored the Best Aussie Theme dresser with Sheryl

Connolly taking the winning prize and Best Aussie Themed Vehicle was sponsored by MJC Auto with Nathan

Bensch taking first prize. It was a great visit to Grong Grong with much banter and laughter as everyone joined

in the festivities – truly a highlight on my Australia Day journey through the villages of the Cootamundra

Electorate.

TEMORA TRIO SHOWCASKING THEIR SKILL

Ms STEPH COOKE (Cootamundra)—It is with great pride that I recognise the outstanding

achievements of three talented young rugby league players from Temora, who are making waves in the sport and

representing the town on the national stage. Jed Reardon, part of the Bulldogs' NRL pre-season challenge squad,

is following in his father Steve's footsteps, a former Bulldogs player with an impressive 163 appearances. Jed

played a key role in his team's 20-14 victory over the West Tigers, demonstrating both skill and determination.

His commitment to putting in the hard work to forge his own path in rugby league is truly inspiring. In addition,

two rising stars, Nate Breust and Josh Haisell, are proudly representing Temora in the Under 16 Andrew Johns

Cup with the Riverina Bulls. While the team has faced tough competition, Nate's try in their opening match was

a highlight, and both Nate and Josh continue to show immense potential. These young athletes are a credit to their

families, their community, and the future of rugby league. Temora stands behind them as they continue to strive

for excellence, and we eagerly anticipate the success that lies ahead for Jed, Nate, and Josh.

MOUNTAIN BIKERS EXCITING WEEKEND

Mr MICHAEL KEMP (Oxley)—Around 250 mountain bikers and their families gathered at the

Kalateenee State Forest for an exciting weekend of competitive riding. Hosted by the Macleay Valley

Mountainbikers Club, the event kicked off with round one of the NSW Schools Mountain Bike Series, followed

by the launch of the Macleay Valley Coast funduro and cross-country series. What stood out to me was the

incredible impact this event had on our local community. With riders and their families from across the state,

businesses in our region, from accommodation providers to local cafés, saw a real boost. Beyond the economic

benefits, it was great to see so many people getting out, getting active, and enjoying everything our beautiful

region has to offer. The schools event featured 40 primary schools and 25 high schools, competing in both

cross-country and funduro races. Local riders shone brightly, with standout performances from students from

St Paul's, St Joseph's, Crescent Head Public School and Kempsey Adventist School. Many local riders earned top

spots in both cross-country and funduro events. Well done to all!

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 66

SENIORS SPECIAL LUNCHEON

Mr MICHAEL KEMP (Oxley)—In celebration of the NSW Seniors Festival, the Stuarts Point and

District Community Organisation [SPaDCO] hosted a heartwarming senior's luncheon at the village's Community

Hall. The event, which saw an amazing turnout of approximately 70 local and visiting seniors, was a shining

example of community spirit and the importance of coming together to celebrate our elders. The dedicated

volunteers from SPaDCO truly made the event special. Their tireless efforts in offering table service ensured that

every guest felt valued and pampered as they enjoyed a delicious homecooked meal prepared by the SPaDCO

"Chefs." The day was made even more meaningful by the overwhelming support from the wider community.

Local businesses and individuals contributed hampers and vouchers filled with local produce, further

demonstrating the deep sense of generosity that exists in Stuarts Point. This event was not only a celebration of

the seniors who are the heart of the community but also a heartfelt thank you to the volunteers. Their efforts went

beyond just organising a luncheon, as they made every senior feel special, ensuring that they knew how much

they are appreciated.

ROBYN FULLER

Mr MICHAEL KEMP (Oxley)—I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary

contributions of Robyn Fuller to the Macleay community. A longstanding member of the Kempsey Crescent Head

Surf Lifesaving Club, Robyn has dedicated over a decade as Treasurer and also volunteered as Registrar for

several years. Her exceptional leadership and financial expertise were pivotal when she took on the role of

financial administrator for the club's new clubhouse project, following a Federal Government grant. Beyond her

work with the surf lifesaving club, Robyn, alongside her late husband Maurie, was a founding member of the

Macleay District Motorcycle Club in 1965 and the Kempsey Macleay Off Road Club in 1985. She continues to

assist with event management and entry coordination for these clubs. A key figure in local fitness, Robyn has

been in the industry for 40 years, teaching Aqua Fitness and Hydrotherapy, while also conducting Tai Chi for

seniors and those with disabilities. Her selflessness and tireless volunteerism have touched countless lives in the

Macleay community, and we are grateful for her enduring dedication and service. Robyn Fuller is a true

community champion, and her remarkable contributions deserve our deepest recognition.

HAPPY HEARTS CRONULLA 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla)—I congratulate Happy Hearts Cronulla members who celebrated

the walking group's 20th anniversary this month. A familiar sight in their bright red shirts for early risers in

Cronulla, the Happy Hearts are on The Esplanade at 7am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Their walks of

30 minutes each way have seen the group evolve into a mini community that combines physical exercise in the

name of health with an enjoyable social time. The group is part of Australia's largest free walking network

coordinated by the Heart Foundation that over two decades has helped over 100,000 Australians start walking and

stay walking to help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Sandra Hudson has been the driving

force behind the group and recently has handed over its running to Marilyn Urch, Marilyn Jones and Chris

Marshall. Marilyn Urch said "Sandra's vision, wisdom and leadership has left a legacy of mentally and physically

healthy and very grateful walkers". Members have spoken of how they value the walks and coffee gatherings that

follow and I send the group good wishes for many more years of enjoyable times together.

MARINE RESCUE NSW SHIRE TEAM TROPICAL CYCLONE ALFRED RESPONSE

Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla)—I acknowledge the contribution of our Shire based Marine Rescue

NSW [MRNSW] to helping communities in the north of our state recover from the impacts of Tropical Cyclone

Alfred earlier this month. MRNSW deployed personnel, vessels, and resources to assist flood-affected

communities across northern NSW, including areas such as MacLean, Grafton, Lismore, and Urunga. MRNSW

had 61 of its people involved in the response, 25 of those from the headquarters and the volunteer Botany Port

Hacking unit that are based at Hungry Point. These personnel played a vital role in the response, contributing to

vessel assists, incident coordination, and inter-agency liaison duties. Cronulla also served as a central hub for

coordination and operational support as the base for the MRNSW incident management team. Four

Cronulla-based personnel, Courtney Greenslade, Kelvin Parkin, Matt Sims and Brad Whittaker left home to join

the effort in northern NSW, while vessels and vehicles were also deployed from our local base. This operation

marked the first coordinated deployment of MRNSW's State Operations Group on-water flood rescue and support

capability and I recognise the role of our local team in a successful response to support communities in need.

SUTHERLAND SHIRE SES TROPICAL CYCLONE ALFRED RESPONSE

Mr MARK SPEAKMAN (Cronulla)—I'm pleased to recognise four Sutherland Shire State Emergency

Service [SES] volunteers who left their families and homes to help communities confronting the impacts of

Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Having seen first-hand the impacts of flooding of the Northern Rivers region in 2022,

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 67

I am aware of how communities in trouble are thankful when they see the orange SES uniforms arrive. With

floodwaters isolating people and properties damaged after the cyclone's powerful winds and heavy rainfall, four

Shire SES personnel took their range of skills to provide support in the north of the state earlier this month. I ran

into Tracey Jinkinson at Port Macquarie Airport as she was serving as assistant air base manager. Further north

Alan Wing and Shane Alfred were in action as flood rescue operators in the hard-hit areas of Lismore and Tweed

Heads, with Lynda Burrow also on the front line at Tweed Heads as a community field liaison representative.

Emergencies always bring out the best in our volunteers and again our four Shire reps did us proud as part of the

outstanding response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred with their SES colleagues.

STRONGER TOGETHER FOUNDATION

Mr MARK HODGES (Castle Hill)—I congratulate the Stronger Together Foundation on hosting its First

Annual School Options Workshop on 26 March 2025 at Castle Hill RSL. This informative and empowering event

provided essential guidance to families of children with additional support needs as they prepare for schooling.

The workshop featured representatives from a range of educational providers, including the Department of

Education, Aspect Hills Shire School, St Gabriel's School, Warrah Specialist School, New Hope Christian School,

and Ngarra Christian College. Each school shared valuable insights into their programs and support services,

helping parents make informed decisions tailored to their children's needs. A standout feature of the event was the

Q&A Panel, which addressed important topics, such as school readiness and provided thoughtful responses to

help families feel confident and supported. The panel included Vanessa Dixon (Department of Education), Tahlia

Pandazopoulos (St Gabriel's School), Shane Morris (Aspect Hills Shire School), Michelle Wilson (Ngarra

Christian College), Dawn Grant-Skiba (Warrah Specialist School), and Dianne Dowson (New Hope Christian

School). I especially acknowledge CEO Ellen Witzlsberger, an incredible force whose phenomenal work ensures

families are supported during this vital transition. Her leadership and compassion continue to make a lasting

impact in our community.

OPENING OF SOUTH MOSMAN WHARF

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)—I am proud to acknowledge the opening of the newly upgraded

South Mosman Wharf. The extensive upgrades are the legacy of the former Liberal Government's vision, planning,

and funding. The upgraded floating pontoon, complete with a covered waiting area, seating, and weather

protective glass screens, ensures a safer and more comfortable experience for passengers. With the addition of a

new lift, the wharf is now fully accessible for everyone, regardless of their mobility level. This project is a

testament to the commitment of the former Liberal Government, who allocated the budget to improve

infrastructure, ensuring safe and accessible public transport for those in my community, and those visiting. The

South Mosman Wharf is not just a transport stop, it is a valued local asset that supports our daily needs. I want to

thank the 223 workers who dedicated over 20,000 hours to deliver this impressive upgrade. Finally, I thank the

residents of Musgrave Street for their endless patience as I know this work was ongoing and at times loud and

disruptive. The final product is so impressive, and I know my community truly appreciates such an investment in

their access to transport.

HARMONY DAY

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)—Harmony Day was celebrated last week, and I recognise the

many cultures, traditions, and languages that enrich the North Shore. My community shares a commitment to

inclusivity and mutual respect. Harmony Day serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and respect.

In my community, we have more than 50 different cultural groups that reside in our community, speaking

33 different languages other than English. Schools across my electorate celebrated Harmony Day through an array

of cultural events, encouraging students to dress in their traditional dress from their heritage, or to wear a splash

of orange to celebrate. Some schools also raised funds for relevant charities through gold coin donations, including

the Australian Anti-Racism Charity. I commend all the schools in my community who put effort into ensuring a

fun and vibrant Harmony Day for the students of the lower north shore. I acknowledge the importance of Harmony

Day – in teaching and promoting acceptance, and in making all members of our community feel valued. I want to

thank everyone in my electorate who promotes the values of harmony and inclusion.

ST ALOYSIUS EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)—I want to recognise the outstanding extra-curricular

achievements of students at St Aloysius College across a variety of disciplines. The college's basketball teams

showed great resilience in their final game against Trinity Grammar. I congratulate the Second V and First V

teams for their outstanding efforts. In cricket, the First XI secured a thrilling three-wicket win over Trinity. Special

mention to the Year 12 students who played their last game for the College. I congratulate Year 12 students Brian,

Lucas, Cameron, and Year 11 student Matthew, for being selected for the CAS Representative First IV Tennis

Team. The St Aloysius College Swim Team excelled at the CAS Swimming Championships, with standout

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 68

performances by Jayden Doo, Harrison Reid, and Harry Black, among others. I also acknowledge the St Aloysius

Debating team who have had strong victories in the Independent Schools' Debating Association and Friday

Evening Debating competition. Congratulations to the teams on your strong performances. I extend my

congratulations to all other athletes who represented the College with pride in swimming, tennis, touch football,

volleyball, golf, and water polo. I am sure the St Aloysius community is very proud of you.

RAMSGATE RSL SUPERTEE

Mr STEPHEN KAMPER (Rockdale—Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for

Multiculturalism, Minister for Sport, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism)—I would like to take this

opportunity to congratulate Ramsgate RSL in Sans Souci for their ongoing support for Supertee. Supertee was

founded in 2018 by Jason Sotiris, and aims to help children in hospital by providing superhero and space explorer

themed medical garments, inspiring inspiration and resilience among sick children while also providing parents

and hospital staff with an easy way to change children's garments. Supertee garments are also MRI and PET scan

friendly and have underarm openings for temperature access, fulfilling all the necessary functions of medical

garments while also comforting children and their families when they need it most. Ramsgate's RSL's donation

helped ensure over 200 medical Supertee medical garments could be supplied to sick children in St George

Hospital and Sydney Childrens Hospital Randwick. 15 Ramsgate RSL members also volunteered to individually

pack the garments along with a personalised note for the children and families, ready to be handed out in hospital.

I am grateful to Ramsgate RSL and its members for coming together and working with Supertee to support some

of the sickest and bravest kids in our community and congratulate them on the fantastic results their donation to

Supertee has achieved.

SOTIRKA JOVANOSKI

Mr STEPHEN KAMPER (Rockdale—Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for

Multiculturalism, Minister for Sport, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism)—I rise today to honour and

celebrate the life of Mrs Sotirka Jovanovski who turned 100 years old on the 5th of March 2025. Sotirka was born

on the 25th of March, 1925, in the village of Ljubojno, within the municipality of Prespa, Macedonia. Her journey

to Australia began on the 22nd of April 1966, when she arrived in Sydney with her two sons, Goce and Dragi, to

reunite with her husband, who had settled here earlier. Together, they built a new life, purchasing their first home

in Erskineville the same year of their arrival. Sotirka's strong work ethic saw her employed as a process worker at

the Schweppes/Pepsi soft drink factory in Alexandria. Sotirka has throughout her life been a proud supporter of

Macedonian culture. She has imparted her love of traditions, cooking, and gardening to her children,

grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, enriching their lives with a truly multicultural experience. In 1974, the

family moved to Arncliffe, where Sotirka still resides independently at her home on Terry Street at age 100. With

five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and another on the way, Sotirka's remarkable resilience and

devotion to her loved ones greatly inspires. Happy 100th birthday, Sotirka Jovanovski.

ST GEORGE FC CRS

Mr STEPHEN KAMPER (Rockdale—Minister for Lands and Property, Minister for

Multiculturalism, Minister for Sport, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism)—I would like to take this

opportunity to acknowledge St George Football Club, who recently collaborated with the Australian Embassy in

Budapest, Hungary, to host an Australia day event highlighting the contribution of Hungarian immigrants to sport

in Australia. The Club provided the Embassy with memorabilia from the early days of St George FC, which used

to be known as St George Budapest due to it having been originally founded by Hungarian Immigrants in the

1950s. Over the last 70 years, St George FC has become a staple of NSW football, winning several championships,

and in 2024 was promoted to the NSW National Premier League, the highest level of professional football in the

state. I would also like to thank Australia's Ambassador to Hungry, Mr Ian Briggs, for organising this event

recognising the fantastic history of the club and the long connection between Australian football and Hungary.

I would like to once again express my admiration towards St George Football Club on their celebrated history and

contributions to Australian football and wish them the best of luck with this year's NSW Premier League Season.

JOE ALVES

Mr PAUL SCULLY (Wollongong—Minister for Planning and Public Spaces)—What started as a bit

of peer pressure over a beer with mates, has led to a lifelong commitment to helping people with blood cancer.

On Sunday, 23 March 2025, Berkeley resident Joe Alves shaved his head for the 27th time, in support of the

Leukaemia Foundation. He is currently one of Australia's highest individual fundraisers for the Leukaemia

Foundation and hosts an event to coincide with the shave every year in March, to raise money and awareness for

this important cause. His events are largely supported by the Illawarra's Portuguese community who rally in

support of Joe and his mission to help the over 150,000 Australians living with blood cancer. Despite his own ill

health, Joe remains incredibly invested in this cause and I congratulate him on his tremendous fundraising efforts

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 69

to date. The funds he has helped to raise will go towards fuelling life-changing research projects and support

services for patients and their families. At last count Joe had raised a little over $15,000 this year to add to the

more than $300,000 he has raised over the past two decades. Joe is a true inspiration and a local legend here in

the Illawarra.

NICOLA OLYSLAGERS

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal)—It is with immense pride and admiration that we congratulate Nicola

Olyslagers on winning the High Jump World Indoor Championship for the second year in a row! Clearing an

incredible 1.97m in Nanjing, China, Nicola has once again proven she is a force to be reckoned with. As a reigning

champion and dual Olympic silver medallist, Nicola continues to push boundaries and inspire us all. Defending a

world title is no easy feat, but as she put it herself, this challenge presented a new opportunity—to learn, grow,

and reach even greater heights. What makes this victory even more special is Nicola's unwavering faith and

courage in stepping onto the world stage to open her 2025 season in China. Her commitment to embracing new

challenges and pushing herself beyond limits is truly inspiring. Nicola, your dedication, perseverance, and belief

set an extraordinary example for athletes everywhere. We are so proud of you, and we can't wait to see what's

next on your journey. Congratulations once again—you continue to set the bar higher, both on and off the field!

MACMASTERS BEACH SLSC 80TH BIRTHDAY

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal)—I want to take this opportunity to congratulate MacMasters Beach

SLSC on 80 incredible years of saving lives and serving the community. This milestone is a testament to the

dedication of all members, past and present. Although I couldn't be there in person, the club recently held a

fantastic celebration day which included 80 lifesavers on patrol for 80 minutes, and the entire club coming together

to sing 'Happy Birthday'. From the junior presentation and dunk tank (I hope the Age Managers dried off quickly!)

to the Belle Property bake-off, live music, great food, and a fantastic atmosphere, this celebration truly reflected

the club's strong community spirit. The day was also an opportunity to reflect and remember those who have

played a vital role in shaping the club. The minute of silence in honour of Life Member Mick Morrison was a

touching tribute to a man who gave so much to the club and the community. His legacy will always be a part of

MacMasters Beach SLSC. Congratulations to Club President Alison McNeill and to all involved, your ongoing

hard work ensures MacMasters SLSC remains a vital part of our community.

EVE LATIMER

Mr ADAM CROUCH (Terrigal)—I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Eve Latimer from

Kincumber High School on her incredible act of bravery and kindness. Eve recently shaved her head as part of

the World's Greatest Shave, showing true courage in support of those affected by blood cancer. Not only did Eve

take this bold step, but she also raised over $2,500, far exceeding her initial goal of $1,000. This is an amazing

achievement and a testament to her dedication to making a difference. Right now, more than 150,000 Australians

are living with blood cancer, and 17 lives are lost every day. That's why efforts like Eve's are so important. The

funds she has raised will go towards life-changing research, support services for patients and families, and the

fight to find a cure. Eve, your selflessness, and commitment to this cause are truly inspiring. You have shown

what it means to stand up for others, and your community is incredibly proud of you. Congratulations, and thank

you for making a real difference!

BERNADETTE RYAN – TOURISM TRAINING AUSTRALIA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Mr RICHIE WILLIAMSON (Clarence)—Congratulations to Bernadette Ryan from Harwood for

receiving the Tourism Training Australia Award of Excellence. Ms Ryan is a Commercial Cookery Teacher with

TAFE NSW and received the award in recognition of her dedication and motivational influences. Ms Ryan

believed she was travelling to Sydney to see her student Scott Wright receive the prestigious William R Galvin

Memorial Scholarship and was shocked to hear her own name called out for an award. Scott was the third recipient

of the William R Galvin Memorial Scholarship that Ms Ryan has taught in the past four years. Ms Ryan worked

as a professional chef until she found her passion for teaching eight years ago. Her transition from kitchen to

classroom has enabled her to share her love of cooking with the next generation of aspiring chefs. Ms Ryan has a

knack for nurturing her student's talents while encouraging development to reach their full potential within the

fast-paced environment of the hospitality industry. Ms Ryan's inspiration came from her Grandma Edith, a

passionate home cook. Growing up in a rural setting also gave her the paddock to plate experience, greatly shaping

her culinary philosophy. Congratulations again.

EVANS HEAD MARINE RESCUE VOLUNTEERS AWARDS

Mr RICHIE WILLIAMSON (Clarence)—A warm congratulations goes to three Evans Head Marine

Rescue volunteers who have had the honour of being presented with Life Membership in recognition of their

outstanding service, totalling 58 years combined. Unit Life Membership recipients Karin Brown, Heather Stacey

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 70

and Nev Hamilton were presented with their awards at an evening ceremony at the Evans Head Bowling Club.

Karin Brown, a former Unit Commander, joined the team in 2010 when radio operators were in need. Nev

Hamilton served as Deputy Unit Commander and joined the celebration through video call. Long serving

administrator Heather Stacey was recognised for almost 30 years as Treasurer at the unit since joining the Coast

Guard in 1995. Marine Rescue NSW Northern Rivers Regional Director Darcy Henriksen and Deputy

Commissioner Darren Schott also attended the ceremony. Mr Schott presented coxswain Tony McNally with a

National Medal for 15 years of service, recognising his ongoing commitment to the team. Unit Commander Greg

Blackburn highlighted that a total of 18 awards were presented at the event, recognising various volunteer roles.

Congratulations to all award recipients and I thank you for dedicating your time to the Evans Head Marine Rescue.

INFOCUS WINNERS 2025

Mr RICHIE WILLIAMSON (Clarence)—My congratulations go to the five winners of the Clarence

Valley Council's 2025 InFocus photography competition. In the Plunge category, Misty Fisher took out the award

for her photo titled "Jacaranda Sky". A contemporary composition of Jacaranda blossoms, "Jacaranda Sky" will

feature on the cover of the Plunge Arts & Culture Festival Program for 2025. In the Community category, Abigail

Smith had success with her photo titled "Woodford Island Crew", a joyful image celebrating some of the

communities' canines. In the Landscape category, Kathy Brown had a win with her photo of "Little Dandahra

Creek", a great representation of the word plunge. In the environment category, Mitchell Forrester took out the

award for his photo titled "Milky Way, Cane Fire and McFarlane Bridge", a well-executed scenic photo. In the

People category, Paisley Faith Padayachee's quirky self-captured photo tilted "In the Spotlight" was a winner. The

InFocus competition has been running since 2013 and aims to encourage local photographers to capture the

Clarence Valley's culture. Photographs are displayed at the Grafton Regional Gallery and other venues across the

Clarence Valley and are used to promote the Plunge Arts & Culture festival. Congratulations and well done to the

winners.

IFTAR WITH THE AUSTRALIAN MALAYALEE ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville)—On the 16th of March I had the pleasure of attending the Australian

Malayalee Islamic Association of NSW's annual Iftar and the Annual General Meeting. AMIA is the largest

organisation for Mayalee Muslims in Australia. The community traces its heritage to the Southern Indian state of

Kerala with Malayalam as the native dialect. They engage in a variety of not-for-profit activities to support

families, students and new migrants, helping them adapt to life in Australia. Myself and my parliamentary

colleagues Jason Clare and Lynda Voltz were so happy to witness firsthand the care and effort that AMIA has put

into fostering a thriving community with over 600 people in attendance at the Granville Centre to break their fast.

This huge event served as an opportunity to recognise the incredible work members of the association have put

into bettering their communities. Great work Australian Malayalee Islamic Association!

IFTAR WELCOMING PALESTINIAN REFUGEES

Ms JULIA FINN (Granville)—On Monday the 17th of March I had the humbling honour to attend The

United Palestinian Workers annual Iftar at the Australian Palestinian Club in Guildford. This Iftar served as a

special occasion to welcome Palestinian families who have recently arrived in Australia, fleeing horrific

devastation. United Australian Palestinian Workers alongside Palestine Australian Relief and Action has served

the Palestinian community as an invaluable advocacy body as well as aiding in the accommodation of Gazan

refugees. This evening it was incredible to meet with those who have just arrived from Gaza and witness firsthand

the incredible resilience of the Palestinian community. I would like to provide those in attendance a warm

welcome as they begin their new journey in Sydney. I extend my sincerest gratitude to be able to attend this

wonderful evening of faith, solidarity and resilience.

OAKHILL COLLEGE, SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM, 2025

Mr MARK HODGES (Castle Hill)—I congratulate the 2025 student leadership group of Oakhill College,

Castle Hill. The exceptional leadership group will play a vital role in guiding and inspiring their peers throughout

the year. The leadership group will be led by the College Captains, Christian Attard and Nicky Williams. The

remaining members of the leadership group include Vice Captains: Flynn Farrell and Bernadette Laird; Lasallian

Captains: Nathan Colaco and Andre Dabit; Sport Captains: Samuel Kable and Mollie Faehrmann; Drama Captain,

Joshua Vaz; Music Captain: Jack Tyzack; House Captains: Connor Calleja, Eva Cooper, Aimon Fitzimons, Oliver

Kerr, Taran Puri, Hamish Zlotkowski, Ned Cane, Cooper Rawhiti, Samuel Baker, Imogen Harding, Lachlan

Abdallah and Jacob Tamaro. I extend my best wishes to the entire leadership team. The unique opportunity

afforded to the leadership group affords them the opportunity to engage with community leaders, gain insights

into parliamentary processes, and to develop their leadership skills. Oakhill College has a history of developing

future leaders of our society. I have no doubt that the student leaders will make a lasting impact. I look forward

to seeing all that they achieve this year.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 71

BAULKHAM HILL HIGH SCHOOL, LEADERSHIP GROUP, 2025

Mr MARK HODGES (Castle Hill)—I congratulate the 2025 student leadership group of Baulkham Hills

High School. Baulkham Hills High School is one or our states leading academic selective secondary schools. The

exceptional leadership group will play a vital role in guiding and inspiring their peers this year. The leadership

group will be led by the School Captains, Benjamin Nguyen and Mikayla Young. The remaining members of the

leadership group include Vice Captains: George Mathew and Chelsea Tran; Sports Captains: Tao Lai, Chloe

Djajkusli and Amelia Kim; Secretaries: Geraldine Khuu and Aashka Bhatt; Treasurer's: Eric Tian and Mohijit

Singh; Support Ambassadors: Tao Li and Liam Balintec; Create Tech: Rivithu De Silva, Oliver Tranlam, Mihcelle

Nguyan and Antonia Chen; Education Officers: Adhya Nayak and Yiwei Huang; and Communications: Kanuja

Sritharan and Abiram Parthheepan. The unique opportunity afforded to the leadership group affords them the

opportunity to engage with community leaders, gain insights into parliamentary processes, and develop their

leadership skills. Baulkham Hills High School has a history of developing future leaders of our society. I have no

doubt the student leaders' group will make a lasting impact. I look forward to seeing all that they achieve this year.

FREE YOGA FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS IN MURWILLUMBAH

Ms JANELLE SAFFIN (Lismore—Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, and Minister

for the North Coast)—I commend and thank yoga teacher Rob Bending who has been offering free yoga classes

for our frontline workers at the Murwillumbah Community Centre since late 2023. Rob holds Tuesday classes for

all current police, fire, ambulance, military, healthcare and volunteer emergency workers. Journalist Sonia Caeiro

Alvarez told his story in The Times News Group of local papers. Rob's Frontline Yoga classes are trauma-aware

and culturally informed and assist participants in maintaining personal resilience, strength and connection. Rob

told The Times News that he found healing and a deep purpose in yoga after three decades of hard physical work

in the building industry and believes a similar connection exists with emergency personnel who deal with people

in distress on a regular basis. "While Frontline Yoga is an established organisation, I have recently started this

class and hope to grow the community so frontline workers can take advantage of this free offering," Rob said.

Frontline Yoga was founded in 2016 by veterans Chris Thompson-Lang and Brad Williamson and veteran spouse

Kate O'Donoghue. The simple idea of supporting the people who put their lives on the line daily in emergencies

grew to a wide network.

LISMORE HIGH CAMPUS STUDENTS BUILD A TINY HOME

Ms JANELLE SAFFIN (Lismore—Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, and Minister

for the North Coast)—Congratulations to Rivers Secondary College Lismore High Campus students who have

built their first tiny home under the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) program. The Lismore App

reported that this one-of-a-kind tiny home is testament to the talent and hard work of the Lismore High Campus

students, who were guided by Northern Rivers industry professionals. The home will be auctioned on 3 April with

proceeds going back into the Tiny Homes at Lismore High Project. As the project heads into its second year, it

needs to be self-funded. Thirteen Year 9 and 10 students have been working on the project for the past seven

months. Principal Chris Williams last year said: "It's given the students something to look forward to, that they've

got ownership of, and they can see a tangible result at the end of each week, and they're really proud of what

they're doing." Students completed a white card course, had site visits to trade businesses, and worked on the build

to decide if a career in the construction industry was for them. The home is six metres long and 2.5 metres wide.

The roof peak is three metres high.

NORTHERN RIVERS ATHLETES TO COMPETE ON NATIONAL STAGE

Ms JANELLE SAFFIN (Lismore—Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, and Minister

for the North Coast)—I Congratulate nine young athletes from the Northern Rivers region who have qualified

to compete at the Australian Athletics Juniors U20 National Championships and Para-Athletics Championships

in Perth from April 4-13. This is an unprecedent achievement for the Ballina Allstars Athletics Club and Lismore

Track & Field Incorporated, and a credit to the individual athletes, their coaches Zenon Kowalczyk, Don

McNamara and Caroline Bailey, and supportive families. The athletes and their upcoming events: Malachi

Canning (Lismore) – Men's U20 AMB Discus, Shot Put, Javelin & Long Jump Skye Dogan (Ballina) – Women's

U17 3000m & 2000m Steeple Chase; Connor Legzdins (Ballina)– Men's U17 High Jump & Long Jump; Aaliyah

Garang-Hall (Ballina)– Girls U15 Shot Put & Discus; Alexandra Dogan (Ballina) – Girls U15 3000m & 2000m

Steeple Chase; Ayla Kowalczyk (Ballina)– Girls U15 AMB 100m, 200m & Long Jump; Cooper Dendle

(Lismore) – Boys U15 Shot Put; Oscar Levack (Ballina) – Boys U14 200m & 400m; Lexi Brown

(Ballina) – Women's AMB 200m. Coach Kowalczyk said: "It is not easy for these athletes to regularly participate

in training and competition which is predominantly in Sydney, but they consistently show up. This is a major

factor in their success."

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 72

DEMI MICALLEF

Ms ANNA WATSON (Shellharbour)—I would like to acknowledge the achievement of Demi Micallef,

from Shellharbour, who has been selected in the Australian Wakeboarding team. Fifteen-year-old Demi has been

selected to compete in the Junior category of the Oceania Combined Waterski Championships in New Zealand.

On behalf of the Shellharbour electorate, I would like to congratulate Demi and wish her all the best in his future

sporting endeavours.

RILEY O'CONNOR

Ms ANNA WATSON (Shellharbour)—I would like to acknowledge the achievement of Riley O'Connor,

from Shellharbour, who has been selected in the Australian Wakeboarding team. Fifteen-year-old Riley has been

selected to compete in the Junior category of the Oceania Combined Waterski Championships in New Zealand.

On behalf of the Shellharbour electorate, I would like to congratulate Riley and wish him all the best in his future

sporting endeavours.

WADE CAWLEY

Ms ANNA WATSON (Shellharbour)—I would like to acknowledge the achievement of Wade Cawley,

from Rekindle Me, a business in Oak Flats that gives electronics destined for land fill a second chance. The

Rekindle Me model works by the public donating anything from old laptops, computers, phones coffee machines

etc. These products are sorted into two piles, one pile being all vintage electronics or items that can be rehomed.

Anything left over, is stripped apart and they recycle circuit boards for the gold and silver, metals, glass and cables

and batteries. This saves the entire device from ending up in landfill. On behalf of the Shellharbour electorate,

I would like to congratulate Wade for this wonderful environmental initiative.

NEDJELKO MARUNCIC

Mr TRI VO (Cabramatta)—Nedjelko Maruncic, born in Croatia in 1946, has had a distinguished career

dedicated to fostering strong ties between Australia and Croatia. From 1990 to 1995, he worked closely with the

Australian government to help recognize Croatia's independence, playing a pivotal role in this historic moment.

His efforts were later recognized when, in 1995, he was awarded a medal by the Croatian President for his

invaluable work in strengthening relations between the two countries. Between 1997 and 2009, Nedjelko served

on the Board of the Community Relations Commission, contributing significantly to community cohesion and the

promotion of multiculturalism in Australia. In 2003, he was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal [OAM]

by Prime Minister John Howard, recognizing his outstanding service to the Croatian community in Australia. In

2009, Nedjelko received another significant honour, a medal from the Minister for Citizenship, for his exemplary

role on the Board of the Community Relations Commission. His tireless dedication to fostering cultural

understanding, community development, and the well-being of the Croatian community in Australia has left a

lasting legacy. I thank Nedjelko for his work, service and commitment to our local community.

VIEN GIAC TEMPLE VISIT

Mr TRI VO (Cabramatta)—On Sunday 23 March 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting Vien Giac Temple

in my Cabramatta Electorate. Vien Giac Temple has been an integral part of the community for many years,

serving as both a place of worship and a community space for local Buddhist followers. It was an insightful

Sunday morning engaging in meaningful conversations with Abbess Thich An Thien and several members of the

Temple. It was heartening to learn about Abbess Thich An Thien's lifelong passion for spreading the seeds of

love, compassion, and Buddhist teachings through education. Her 15-year project of publishing bilingual Buddhist

books for families and children is a testament to her dedication to nurturing the next generation. I am thrilled to

see her efforts come to fruition and look forward to the official book launch event in the coming weeks. It was

also delightful to witness two major projects funded through the Community Building Partnership and

Multicultural NSW grants reach completion. I congratulate Abbess Thich An Thien and the Vien Giac Temple

community on these milestones and wish them continued success in their future endeavours.

MR. YOEUNG SREY

Mr TRI VO (Cabramatta)—Mr. Yoeung Srey, a revered Master of Cambodian Traditional Music, is an

iconic figure in the Cambodian and Khmer Krom Art Network [CAKKAN]. He was born in Traditional Vinh,

South Vietnam and fled to Cambodia to escape the communist takeover in 1975. He is known for his mastery of

traditional instruments like the "Khirm," drum, and "Roneat-ek,". Mr. Srey has dedicated his life to preserving

and promoting Cambodian cultural heritage. Now in his early 80s, Mr. Srey has been a prominent figure in

Australia's multicultural landscape. His performances at prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House

and Parliament House, have showcased Cambodian music and fostered intercultural dialogue. His talent and

dedication have made him a respected and celebrated person for Cambodian culture. For over 40 years, Mr. Srey

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 73

has contributed to the community through performances and by training younger generations in traditional music.

In 2023, he was appointed President of CAKKAN. His mentorship and involvement have significantly enhanced

CAKKAN's visibility and impact, earning recognition from government departments and NGOs.

MARINE RESCUE EX CYCLONE ALFRED

Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast)—Mr. SPEAKER: I extend my deepest gratitude to the Marine Rescue

volunteers who assisted communities impacted by Ex Cyclone Alfred. Their dedication and resilience in an

emergency reflect the true spirit of service. Despite extreme conditions, they worked tirelessly to ensure safety,

provide aid, and support those affected. Their commitment highlights the vital role of Marine Rescue volunteers

in protecting communities. The South Coast was represented by 3 Marine Rescue NSW members - Brett Eurell

(Sussex Inlet), Leigh Urquhart (Sussex Inlet) & Mark Schwegler (Shoalhaven) who were deployed to the North

Coast on Thursday 8th March and took with them vehicle MR59 and vessel MR27. The crew was stationed in

Urunga where they worked alongside other emergency services. Basing themselves out of the SES unit, the crew

were involved in daily briefings & reconnaissance runs. During their deployment, the South Coast Crew were

involved in multiple rescues, evacuations & resupplies of isolated communities. On behalf of the South Coast,

I sincerely thank them for their dedication and for making a real difference when it mattered most.

SES ULLADULLA EX CYCLONE ALFRED

Ms LIZA BUTLER (South Coast)—I wish to thank the many incredible SES volunteers from across the

South Coast Electorate for their outstanding efforts in responding to the devastation caused by Ex Cyclone Alfred.

These dedicated individuals travelled over nine hours to an unfamiliar region, leaving behind their families and

commitments to assist communities in desperate need. Under challenging and dangerous conditions, they worked

tirelessly clearing debris, securing homes, assisting residents, and ensuring the safety of those affected. Their

selflessness and unwavering dedication to protecting lives and property exemplify the very best of community

service. Special recognition goes to Tracey Provest, Ulladulla Unit – Division Commander Coffs Harbour; Rod

Felton, Ulladulla Unit – Airbase Manager; Aaron Carter, Nowra Unit – Storm and Water Damage Operator; Helen

Sargent-Clarke, Nowra Unit – Aviation Radio Operator; Joel Spurway, Nowra Unit – HCV Operational Driver;

Maddie Stone, Nowra Unit – Flood Rescue Cell Coordination; Bill Frazer and Michael Germech, Ulladulla

Unit – Flood Rescue Operators. Another fifteen other volunteers put their hands up to help with the declared

disaster, however were stood down before departing. On behalf of the residents of the South Coast, I extend my

deepest gratitude to these extraordinary individuals. Their efforts will not be forgotten.

KATHY NICHELE LOCAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown)—I would like to celebrate the Campbelltown Woman of the

Year for 2025, Kathy Nichele. A true icon of our community, Kathy has been the friendly face behind the counter

at Blairmount Public School's Canteen for more than 18 years. She has dedicated herself to supporting the staff,

students and families of the school however she can. She provides affordable, healthy meals to help students learn

about healthy eating habits without causing more distress to families who are feeling the cost-of-living pinch. Just

one look at the community response to Kathy's announcement as Woman of the Year, tells you all you need to

know about how loved she is across Campbelltown. A legend, the best, beautiful human, a wonderful woman,

these are all terms that were used to describe Kathy, and every one of them rings true. Now we can add one more

title, Campbelltown's Local Woman of the Year 2025. Congratulations Kathy on this well-deserved achievement.

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITY HOSPITALITY CART

Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown)—I would like to acknowledge the wonderful work of the Ronald

McDonald House Charity in my community of Campbelltown, in particular with their Hospitality Cart at

Campbelltown Hospital. A visit to hospital is often a stressful time, both as a patient or as the family of a patient.

RMHC has recognised this and established their Hospitality Cart to provide support to those currently in hospital.

Stocked with all the essentials, toys, snacks and waters, the volunteers drive the cart around the hospital providing

support to all those who need it. In partnership with the staff of Campbelltown Hospital, the team aim to make

time spent at hospital just that little bit easier. Thank you to the team, Claire, Mez, Sue, Nermeen, and everyone

else involved in this wonderful project.

SDA AND SIL HOMES

Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown)—I would like to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of support

organisations across my Campbelltown community in rising to meet the need of specialist accommodation for

people with high physical needs in my community. I have recently visited several Specialist Disability

Accommodation sites across Campbelltown, which are run by a number of different support agencies. These

properties allow those in my community who have high physical needs to live independently in a property that is

fit for purpose and does not require any major modifications. Those living with a disability are often one of the

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 74

most marginalised and forgotten, and I am so thrilled to see these important developments occurring in the

Campbelltown area. My thanks go to Care 2 Care, Dream Maker Community services, and all other organisations

who are doing their best to provide the care that our community needs and deserves.

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – TARRAWANNA VALE PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr RYAN PARK (Keira—Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for the

Illawarra and the South Coast)—I would like to acknowledge Lilly-Jane, Skye, Dora-Rose, Lailah, Zaylen,

Lara, Sophie, Karissa, Diane, Oli, Pax, Cheyenne, Addi, Brendan, Finely, Hugo, Genivieve, Flynn, Asmaa and

Will who have been named as the 2025 Tarrawanna Public School leadership team. Through hard work and

dedication, they have earned their leadership positions. These students have consistently demonstrated exceptional

commitment and involvement within their school community and should feel very proud of themselves for having

the opportunity to represent the student body. Their efforts have not only set an example but have inspired others

to strive for excellence. I am confident that they will do great things throughout their school years, excelling in

both their studies and extracurricular activities. Each will spend 2025 acting as role models for their peers, and

I have full confidence that they will carry out their new leadership roles exceptionally. I congratulate them on

their achievement and wish them all the best for their final year at primary school.

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – WOONONA EAST PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr RYAN PARK (Keira—Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for the

Illawarra and the South Coast)—I would like to acknowledge Annabelle O'Keefe, Evie Whiteman, Harley

Marks and Oliver Dorge who have been named as the 2025 Woonona East Public School leadership team.

Through hard work and dedication, they have earned their leadership positions. These students have consistently

demonstrated exceptional commitment and involvement within their school community and should feel very

proud of themselves for having the opportunity to represent the student body. Their efforts have not only set an

example but have inspired others to strive for excellence. I am confident that they will do great things throughout

their school years, excelling in both their studies and extracurricular activities. Each will spend 2025 acting as

role models for their peers, and I have full confidence that they will carry out their new leadership roles

exceptionally. I congratulate them on their achievement and wish them all the best for their final year at primary

school.

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – FARMBOROUGH ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr RYAN PARK (Keira—Minister for Health, Minister for Regional Health, and Minister for the

Illawarra and the South Coast)—I would like to acknowledge Laila Beljan, Kalylah Leaupepe, Xavier

Smith-Jaregui and Melanie Zhupanokska who have been named as the 2025 Farmborough Road Public School

leadership team. Through hard work and dedication, they have earned their leadership positions. These students

have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and involvement within their school community and

should feel very proud of themselves for having the opportunity to represent the student body. Their efforts have

not only set an example but have inspired others to strive for excellence. I am confident that they will do great

things throughout their school years, excelling in both their studies and extracurricular activities. Each will spend

2025 acting as role models for their peers, and I have full confidence that they will carry out their new leadership

roles exceptionally. I congratulate them on their achievement and wish them all the best for their final year at

primary school.

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY - CHARLES & ELVA ALMA

Mr TIM JAMES (Willoughby)—I acknowledge Charles and Elva Alma for their dedication to Clean Up

Australia Day and their ongoing commitment to preserving Clive Park in Northbridge. For the 30th year they led

Friends of Clive Park as a site for this important community initiative on 2 March 2025. What an initiative! Their

leadership has fostered strong community engagement, with the event drawing many volunteers, including local

Cubs and Scouts, school community participants, local councillors and members of the Northbridge Rotary Club.

This year, they again encouraged participation, recognising the connection between Bushcare efforts and

environmental conservation. For over 30 years, Charles has contributed to the Northbridge Rotary Club, where he

remains an Honorary Life Member. Both he and Elva have played a vital role in maintaining Clive Park as a

valued natural space for the local community. I thank Charles and Elva Alma for their continued leadership and

commitment to environmental stewardship. Their efforts in Clean Up Australia Day set a great example for our

community.

PHIL JONES

Mr TIM JAMES (Willoughby)—I acknowledge Phil Jones, a Northbridge resident and distinguished

leader in Australian sport. Phil has served as CEO of three national sporting bodies—Australian Sailing, Athletics

Australia, and Paddle Australia. His career began in the UK, where he became the nation's first windsurfing coach

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 75

and worked with the International Sailing Federation. He later moved to Australia to lead the Australian Yachting

Federation, playing a key role in shaping the sport, including during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

inquiry. During his tenure, Australian sailing excelled, particularly at the 2012 London Olympics, where the nation

secured three gold and one silver medal. He later guided Athletics Australia through the Rio Olympics before

leading Paddle Australia. In recognition of his contributions, Phil was recently awarded an inaugural Service to

Sport Award by the Australian Institute of Sport. Now retired, he continues mentoring future sports leaders.

I congratulate Phil on his outstanding contributions to Australian sport and thank him for his dedication to

excellence and leadership.

CASTLECRAG PHARMACY – MARY BOGNAR

Mr TIM JAMES (Willoughby)—I acknowledge Mary Bognar, the owner and heart of Castlecrag

Pharmacy, who has dedicated more than four decades to serving our community. Mary's pharmacy has been a

cornerstone of Castlecrag since 1984, offering not just medicines but care, advice and a friendly face to generations

of locals. Her commitment to personal service and community well-being is a testament to the role independent

pharmacies play in keeping our neighbourhoods connected. Her journey is remarkable, arriving in Australia as a

refugee, building a career in pharmacy and working tirelessly to support her customers. Even after relocating the

pharmacy to Edinburgh Road, Mary's passion for helping others remains unchanged. She has always put her

customers first, believing that if they leave with a smile, she has done her job. Mary's contribution to Castlecrag

extends far beyond her business. She is a local icon, a dedicated professional and a true community champion.

I thank her for her decades of service and wish her many more years of success.

CHARLIE'S RUN 4 KIDS 2025

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for

the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—On Sunday 16 March, the amazing charity

initiative, Charlie's Run 4 Kids, passed through the Charlestown electorate on its quest to raise funds to provide

financial and emotional support for families battling childhood cancer. Although I was unable to join the crew on

their run this year, it has been my pleasure to join those running in the past as they finished up their 150 kilometre

journey down the NSW coast from Seals Rocks to Lake Macquarie. Now in its twelfth year, the event celebrates

the extraordinary life of Charlie Carr, who lost her battle with neuroblastoma in April 2015 at the age of seven.

While undergoing cancer treatment in 2012, young Charlie thought that the children in the paediatric oncology

ward at the John Hunter Children's Hospital needed more arts and crafts to brighten their days. Charlestown local

Cheyne Waddingham committed to making the first Seals Rocks to Lake Mac run to help Charlie achieve her

goal, and together they raised more that $39,000. Charlie's Run 4 Kids is such an inspiring organisation and a

fitting, lasting tribute to a wonderful young woman. Here's to the 2026 run!

NORTHERN NSW FOOTBALL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for

the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—Northern NSW Football celebrated its annual

Mental Health Week from Monday 17 March to Sunday 23 March, with round five of the NPL Men's NNSW,

round six of NPL Women's NNSW and round two of the Northern League One designated "Mental Health

Rounds". A number of Charlestown electorate-based clubs were involved in the Mental Health Rounds, with clubs

encouraged to create safe and supportive environments for players. As part of their commitment to the issue,

Northern NSW Football is continuing their partnership with Talk2MeBro, which has created mental health

programs that they will deliver to premier and community clubs across northern NSW again this season. It is great

to see Northern NSW Football championing the cause, and I am so proud of the local clubs who got involved—

mental health can be a difficult topic to broach, particularly in competitive environments, and it's important to see

leadership in this space. My thanks to Northern NSW Football, and my congratulations to NPL teams Charlestown

Azzuri FC, New Lambton FC and Adamstown Rosebud FC and Northern League sides Kahibah FC and Dudley

Redhead United SFC for their involvement.

BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION DAY

Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown—Minister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for

the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault)—Tuesday 18 March was Bus Driver Appreciation

Day, and I want to take this opportunity to add my voice to the chorus of support for our fantastic local bus drivers.

These drivers play an important role in keep our communities connected, and our public transport system wouldn't

be possible with the drivers—rain or shine, in the early mornings and late at night, our drivers are out on their

routes, doing their best to get their passengers safely where they need to go. I recognise that is not an easy job,

and that drivers can face significant challenges. Especially in light of this, the commitment, patience and

professionalism shown by drivers is truly commendable. To all those drivers who live in and service the

Charlestown electorate, thank you for the work you do. The international day, held commemoration of when bus

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 76

services started in Paris back in 1662, was started in Seattle in 2009. Over the last sixteen years, millions of bus

drivers all over the world have been recognised for their important contributions to our communities. Once again,

thank you to all the drivers who keep Newcastle and Lake Macquarie moving.

ORAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL – HEADSPACE ORAN PARK

Mrs TANYA DAVIES (Badgerys Creek)—I commend Oran Park High School students and staff and

the Headspace Oran Park organisation for an initiative that saw Oran Park High School's Wellbeing Ambassadors

and Boys Club partner with Headspace Oran Park to explore how to support a friend in need. The event involved

students working in groups to tackle various real-life scenarios that they might encounter on the playground.

I'm pleased that the students did an incredible job and gained valuable insights and added practical strategies to

their personal knowledge. The students are further empowered with the knowledge to make a difference in others'

lives and I have no doubt they will put this knowledge to good use. On behalf of my electorate of Badgerys Creek,

I thank and commend Oran Park High School and Headspace Oran Park for this important learning event.

ST CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

Mrs TANYA DAVIES (Badgerys Creek)—I congratulate and commend the St Clair High School Senior

Boys Basketball Team for their comprehensive 70-33 victory against Cambridge Park High School. That is an

exceptional scoreline and a testament to the effort and quality of the team. Special mention to Ethan who led the

scoring for St Clair High School with 28 points. The St Clair High School team are also to be commended on an

amazing defensive effort to only concede 33 points. I look forward to many victories ahead for this talented team.

On behalf of my electorate of Badgerys Creek, I congratulate the St Clair High School Senior Boys Basketball

Team and wish them the very best as they continue to represent their school.

ORAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL – EASTER EGG DRIVE

Mrs TANYA DAVIES (Badgerys Creek)—I thank and commend Oran Park High School students, staff

and the school community for supporting the Uniting Burnside Brighter Futures organisation in helping families

in need during the Easter season. The support is provided through participation in the school's Easter Egg Drive,

in which students are asked to bring in one Easter item for collection at the school between 24 March 2025 and

28 March 2025. The Easter items include chocolate Easter bunnies, chocolate hunting eggs and stuffed Easter

toys. These items will be sure to brighten the Easter of families in need. On behalf of my electorate of Badgerys

Creek, I thank and commend the Oran Park High School students and school community for their outstanding

support of this initiative.

THE CHAMPAGNE LOUNGE

Mr DUGALD SAUNDERS (Dubbo)—Speaker…… I would like to acknowledge Rebecca Saunders of

the Champagne Lounge in Mudgee for her recent demonstration that even a cyclone can't inhibit the determination

and resilience of passionate community minded women! Rebecca had planned a fabulous long lunch to be held at

Blue Wren Winery to celebrate International Women's Day on 8 March 2025, featuring renowned and

inspirational keynote speakers Lisa Cox OAM and Shelly Horton. The event had sold out, promising to be a

memorable occasion of empowerment and connection. Unfortunately, Cyclone Albert had other plans, preventing

the keynote speakers from reaching Mudgee. Faced with the tough decision to cancel or carry on, Rebecca chose

to focus on what she could control, her response and communication with ticket holders. With an overwhelming

response to keep the event going, the women came together, braving the unexpected with no script or set agenda.

They embraced the opportunity for connection, conversation, and formation of new friendships. Their resilience

and openness turned the day into a memorable celebration of community and empowerment. Congratulations on

the success of your event Rebecca, your unwavering commitment and perseverance in the face of challenges is

admirable!

RHONDA LANG

Mr DUGALD SAUNDERS (Dubbo)—Speaker…… I would like to acknowledge Rhonda Lang who has

been invited to join the Auroras Pan Dragon crew for the World Dragon Boat Championships at Brandenburg in

Germany. The Auroras are Australia's national team, and this invitation is well deserved for Rhonda who is highly

respected in the dragon boat community. As a long serving and talented voice of the local club, she has played a

crucial role in supporting both the Orana and Western Outback crews in numerous regattas. Rhonda will be part

of the Auroras para-dragon team, consisting of paddlers with a disability and able bodied. Countries from all over

the world will compete during the weeklong competition, racing in teams of twenty paddlers over five hundred

metres, one kilometre and two-kilometre courses. With the championships taking place in July 2025, Rhonda is

already dedicated to her intense training schedule to prepare. She is undertaking strength and aerobic training

most days, in addition to monthly camps focused on technique, fitness, and teamwork. Congratulations Rhonda

on this incredible achievement, I look forward following your journey to the podium!

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 77

WELLINGTON WEDGETAILS

Mr DUGALD SAUNDERS (Dubbo)—Speaker…… I would like to acknowledge the Wellington

Wedgetails who recently participated in the Vegas 9's. With the backing and support of numerous businesses,

including the Wellington Soldiers Memorial Club, their dream became a reality, from a small country town to the

bright lights of Vegas, the Wedgetails did their community, heritage, and families proud. Adding to the

significance of the trip, the Wedgetails jerseys carried deep sentimental value, honouring Shane and Sheldon

Shorey. Shane and Sheldon tragically passed away four years ago, and this heartfelt tribute recognised their

passion for football and their strong connection to the Wellington community. The boys played against sides from

North America and around the world, holding their own by winning five out of six games. Despite losing players

to injury along the way, they showed incredible resilience, stood strong, and fought hard to earn their place in the

finals. Whilst overseas, the Wedgetails had the opportunity to attend the NRL double header at Allegiant Stadium

as well as a Los Angeles Lakers NBA match. More than just a football tournament, this experience provided an

opportunity that will create lasting positive impacts beyond rugby league. Well done to all involved!

GUYRA FLEECE AND FIBRE FROLIC

Mr BRENDAN MOYLAN (Northern Tablelands)—I recognise the Guyra community on staging their

inaugural Fleece and Fibre Frolic event recently, which offered spinners, weavers, retailers, producers and the

public an opportunity to come together to share and celebrate Fibre Arts. I congratulate all involved in staging

this event, with this initiative founded by two local groups, being Spin Different and the New England Spinning

and Weaving collectives. Thank you to members for sharing their skills, talent and knowledge with one another

and to the public and in doing so, raising awareness of fibre arts within the community. Special thanks to the

Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Association for assisting in promoting this event, along with the Guyra

Neighbourhood Centre for their support with printing and likewise promoting this occasion. I commend all

involved on their hard work, selflessly giving of their time to ensure the success of Fleece and Fibre Frolic and

that it remains an annual event for the whole community to enjoy.

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES

Mr BRENDAN MOYLAN (Northern Tablelands)—I recognise the University of New England

Museum of Antiquities [UNEMA] on their reopening celebrations held recently. UNEMA was founded in

1959 and today handles 5000 year old artefacts from around the world, including collections consisting of

Classical Antiquities from Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, pre-Roman Italy, The Ancient Near East, Rome, along with

Ethnographic Material Culture from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania. I congratulate UNEMA's

Curator, Dr Bronwyn Hopwood, team members and volunteers who work tirelessly to support teaching and

research and promoting the history of peoples through the ages. With 3000 items on display, each artefact is now

accompanied by interactive digital experiences, accessed through touchscreens, audio guides, virtual and

augmented reality, to provide further information and enrich the experiences of those visiting the Museum.

I commend all involved in the longevity of UNEMA both past and present, for sharing of their expertise,

knowledge and time, whilst importantly, preserving history for the future generations to enjoy.

RUGBY LEAGUE ABCARE WESTERN CHALLENGE

Mr BRENDAN MOYLAN (Northern Tablelands)—I recognise the achievements of Moree Boars

Rugby League Football Club for staging the annual Rugby League ABCARE Western Challenge, held at Moree

recently. This 30 game knock-out carnival included men's and women's teams from across NSW, ACT and from

over the QLD border. I congratulate past and present organisers of this event, under the guiding hand of Todd

Mitchell. Thank you to the many volunteers for their hard effort in the lead up, during and post the challenge.

Special thanks to helpers: Mark McGrady, Tileah McGrady, Ben Taylor, Paul Rollinson, Antoinette McNamara,

Codie Ryan, Lippy O'Connor, Red Lloyd and Garry Bartlett. Thank you to major sponsor ABCARE, stall holders,

food vendors, the PCYC for providing a Kids Corner, along with the Moree Junior Rugby League for providing

canteens, using this initiative as an opportunity to fundraise for their club. I commend all involved for their hard

work and commitment to staging this very successful event. The challenge brings the community together through

sport, as well as economically benefiting local businesses and the Moree township.

ST JOSEPH'S MOOREBANK

Ms CHARISHMA KALIYANDA (Liverpool)—Congratulations to St Joseph's Catholic Primary School

in Moorebank as they celebrate their 50th anniversary! With the parish established in 1973 to serve the growing

Moorebank community, then-parish priest, Father Terence Duggan, along with Archdiocesan authorities decided

that a parish school was warranted. Helped by a funding grant from the Commonwealth Government, the primary

school was opened on 13 April 1975 by then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, with a blessing by Cardinal James

Freeman. What began as a school of just 27 students has now evolved into a community of over 400 students and

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 78

30 members of staff. St Joseph's school motto "Charity and Love" has been borne out by the school's active

approach in encouraging in students a social conscience of the need to care for others and a culture of

environmental stewardship where students take an active role both at school and at home to reduce their use of

the earth's resources. Congratulations to the entire school community at St Joseph's, led by Principal Christine

Bitar-Claxton, as you mark this auspicious milestone. I look forward to seeing the school's positive impact on our

broader community for the years to come.

DR ANNE JOHNSTONE: PRINCIPAL OF RAVENSWOOD 2016 - 2025

Mr MATT CROSS (Davidson)—I recognise the leadership of Dr Anne Johnstone as Principal of

Ravenswood School for Girls from 2016 to 2025. I have visited Ravenswood several times and seen firsthand the

supportive environment Dr Johnstone has fostered. Students speak highly of her dedication to their wellbeing,

whether through innovative programs or welcoming them at the gates every morning. Her commitment to ensuring

every student feels valued has been a defining feature of her leadership. In 2024, Dr Johnstone was deservedly

awarded Australian School Principal of the Year and School Principal of the Year (Non-Government). Under her

leadership, the school has been recognised as The Educator Innovative School of the Year in 2018, 2019, 2020,

2022, and 2023 and received the Best Student Wellbeing Program award in 2021, 2022, and 2024. I am proud to

recognise exemplary leaders like Dr Johnstone who inspire the future of education, and I wish her every success

for the future.

GALSTAUN COLLEGE YEAR 12 LEADERS 2025

Mr MATT CROSS (Davidson)—On Wednesday 2 April 2025, I will be visiting Galstaun College with

the Hon. Mark Speakman SC MP to meet their Year 12 leaders for 2025. Galstaun College is the only bi-lingual

Armenian Christian pre-kindergarten to year 12 co-educational college in Australia. I am looking forward to

speaking with the student leaders about the importance of exercising leadership. I am always impressed when

I visit Galstaun College, and I share their motto, "Belong, Believe, Become". I recognise the Year 12 school

captains, Bianca Bozoghlian and Panos Krdanian and prefects. They show remarkable resilience and strength,

qualities that will undoubtedly serve them well. I recognise Principal Mr. Edward Demirdjian, who leads a

dedicated team of educators who foster a supportive learning environment. I look forward to supporting Galstaun

College for many years into the future.

DR CATHY FOLEY AO PSM

Mr MATT CROSS (Davidson)—On Tuesday 25 February 2025, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM was awarded

the 2025 national Australian Award for Excellence in Women's Leadership. The Australian Awards for Excellence

in Women's Leadership, organised by Women and Leadership Australia, recognise individuals who have made

significant contributions to advancing equity and better outcomes for women and girls. Dr Foley served as

Australia's Chief Scientist from 2021 to 2024. She has a distinguished career as an award-winning physicist,

culminating in her groundbreaking work at the CSIRO and her advocacy for women in science, technology,

engineering and mathematics [STEM]. Dr Foley has been a tireless advocate for gender equality in science,

inspiring future generations and breaking down barriers for women in the physical sciences. I recognise Dr Foley's

leadership, vision, and commitment to creating a more inclusive scientific community.

BRONTE HOUSE OPEN DAYS

Dr MARJORIE O'NEILL (Coogee)—We would like to acknowledge the re-opening of one of Waverly's

oldest and most treasured historic sites, the Bronte House for 2025. Open just four times a year, the historic Gothic

style cottage boasts two acres of lush subtropical gardens with various native flowers and plants. Bronte House,

valued for its historical importance, was listed on the Australian Heritage Commission Register of the National

Estate in 1978 and granted State Heritage status in 1999 under the Heritage Act 1977. I commend those in charge

of the opening of Bronte House and thank them for allowing residents to explore our local history.

THE WOMEN'S WELL

Dr MARJORIE O'NEILL (Coogee)—We would like to acknowledge the transformative work of the

Women's Well Eastern Suburbs, a group created for women to come together and enjoy community. The Women's

Well hosts free events for women that empower and support women in our community. The women's well hosts

community events that bring women together to build empowering relationships. Accessibility is a priority, which

is why all events are free and held locally, ensuring that women can easily participate in a safe and welcoming

environment. Led by community leaders who address the specific challenges women face, these events foster

connection, support, and meaningful conversations. As an active participant in this program, I am continually

inspired by the incredible work The Women's Well does and the profound impact it has on our community.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 79

VALE DAVID POLSON

Dr MARJORIE O'NEILL (Coogee)—The Coogee electorate would like to acknowledge the life and

contributions of David Polson, a leader of HIV/AIDS advocacy in Australia. David Polson, a devoted advocate

for the LGBTQIA+ community, died on February 10th at the age of 70. As one of the first 400 men diagnosed

with HIV in Australia in the 1980s, he bravely participated in countless drug trials over four decades, contributing

to critical advancements in prevention, detection, and treatment. Despite facing numerous health challenges,

including a rare brain disease, hearing problems, and kidney disease, he remained steadfast in his mission to

support research and advocate for those affected by HIV/AIDS. His life was honoured at a State Memorial Service

on March 12th, where his contributions were recognized. He will be deeply missed, but his impact will live on.

May he rest in peace.

HUNTER MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE CARDIO-ONCOLOGY

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport)—

I was honoured to recently attend and speak at the Hunter Medical Research Institute's inaugural Cardio-Oncology

Q&A session in partnership with the Hunter Cancer Hub. The groups inspiring leaders Dr Aaron Sverdlov and

Dr Doan Ngo, Co-Directors of the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology, are pioneers in the

integration of heart and cancer care. Despite significant medical advances, heart disease and cancer remain the

two greatest causes of death and disability in Australia and the Western world. People living with and beyond

cancer bear a disproportionate burden of heart disease, making prevention critical for everyone, especially those

with a cancer history. It is essential to maintain heart health during cancer treatment and throughout survivorship

to secure long-term quality of life. Yet regional and rural communities face poorer outcomes due to limited access

to specialist services and the absence of dedicated cancer survivorship programs outside metropolitan Sydney.

I am proud that the Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Cardio-Oncology is the first internationally accredited

programme in the Southern Hemisphere. With initiatives in Newcastle and expansions into Maitland and

Tamworth, we are forging a path toward holistic, accessible care for all Australians.

KING STREET COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport)—

Congratulations to King Street Community Preschool on achieving national certification through Little Scientists

Australia's prestigious Little Scientists House program, a milestone that recognises excellence in inquiry-based

STEM education for young children. This certification reflects the preschool's commitment to providing best

practice early learning that fosters essential skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity—vital

tools for success in today's modern world. As part of this certification, the dedicated team at King Street

Community Preschool developed an innovative inquiry-based STEM project, "What is it like to be an Astronaut?"

Engaging children aged 3-5 years, the project allowed them to explore the wonders of space and the exciting world

of astronaut life. Through hands-on experiments, investigations into the aerodynamics of space travel, live streams

of space craft launches, and creative research on the planets, the children actively brought the universe closer to

home. Their drawings and interpretations encapsulated a fresh perspective on space exploration, sparking curiosity

and a love for learning. This achievement not only highlights the transformative power of early STEM education

but also sets a high standard for learning in our community. Congratulations to King Street Community Preschool

on this well-deserved recognition.

WORLD AUTISM WEEK

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport)—

Thank you to all who have supported World Autism Understanding Week. This week is a vital opportunity to

celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of autistic individuals while advocating for a more inclusive

society. It is estimated that 1 in 40 Australians are on the autism spectrum. It is important that we support and

understand autistic individuals and their families. Autism is a lifelong developmental condition, influencing how

individuals interact with their environment and those around them. World Autism Understanding Week is an

annual event dedicated to increasing public understanding of autism, promoting acceptance, removing barriers,

and fostering a more inclusive society. The 'Brilliant Brunch for Aspect' Morning Tea held at NSW Parliament

House this week highlighted the need for understanding, acceptance, and meaningful change in how we support

autistic individuals and their families. I commend Aspect for its unwavering commitment to empowering autistic

people through education, advocacy, and community engagement especially at their school in Thornton. Their

work is instrumental in creating a society that values neurodiversity and ensures equal opportunities for all.

Together, we can foster a community where every autistic person is recognised, supported, and empowered to

thrive.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 80

EMMA HASSARATI ST CHARBEL'S COLLEGE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

Mr JIHAD DIB (Bankstown—Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for

Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice)—I wish to congratulate Emma Hassarati, a bright Year

10 student at St Charbel's College in Punchbowl, for receiving the prestigious Year 10 Academic Excellence

Award from the University of Sydney. This award recognises and promotes academic excellence among students,

while inspiring them to consider Sydney University for their future studies. Emma's achievement is a testament

to her hard work, dedication, and outstanding academic performance. I also commend St Charbel's College for

recognising Emma's achievements and nominating her for this award. St Charbel's College plays a vital role in

our community, fostering academic excellence and strong values in its students. This accomplishment also reflects

the incredible support system around Emma, her family, teachers, and school community, who have nurtured and

encouraged her to excel. As a former teacher, I take great pride in seeing students challenge themselves, strive for

excellence, and be rewarded. Once again, I extend my warmest congratulations to Emma, her family, and

St Charbel's College for this well-deserved recognition. I have no doubt that Emma will continue to achieve great

things, and I look forward to seeing her thrive as a future leader in our community.

RURAL FIRE BRIGADE RFS IFTAR

Mr JIHAD DIB (Bankstown—Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for

Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice)—I was honoured to attend the Casula Rural Fire

Brigade's annual Iftar dinner, a special event that celebrated the spirit of Ramadan and the diversity within our

emergency services. The Casula RFS Brigade, founded in 1990 and led by Captain Ben Graham, has a

long-standing tradition of service and commitment to the community. This Iftar, now in its third year, was first

initiated by brigade member Richard Tabbah to foster connection and unity. Ramadan is a time of generosity,

gratitude, and giving back, values that perfectly align with the spirit of the RFS, where volunteers dedicate their

time and effort to protecting others. The event brought together brigade members, community leaders, special

guests and other distinguished RFS officials. More than just a meal, this Iftar was a testament to the sense of

multiculturalism and shared purpose that strengthens our emergency services and broader society. Regardless of

faith or background, we stand together in service to the community. I extend my gratitude to Captain Ben Graham,

Richard Tabbah, and all those who made this evening possible. It was a privilege to share in this meaningful

tradition.

PUNCHBOWL BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL'S COMMUNITY IFTAR

Mr JIHAD DIB (Bankstown—Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Minister for

Emergency Services, and Minister for Youth Justice)—The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is a time in which

Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It is a month of spiritual reflection, empathy with those less fortunate and

togetherness as family and friends. The community gather to break their fast at what is known as iftar. On Friday

14 March, I joined our community at Punchbowl Boys' High School's Iftar, breaking my fast with hundreds of

community members. Thank you to my dear friend Robert Patruno for welcoming me and many others at the iftar.

The food was amazing, the sweets divine and the company even better. I have the pleasure of attending several

iftars that celebrate our unity as a community as well as our shared humanity. Regardless of a person's religious

background, the coming together of people, rekindling old friendships and making new ones whilst breaking

bread, is something that we can all appreciate. We are better as a society when we are together and respect and

value our differences. May the blessings of Ramadan bring peace, good health, and kindness to all. The thing that

makes our community so amazing is nights like this. Ramadan Mubarak.

MANLY CROQUET CLUB

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly)—Mr Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the Manly Croquet Club for

successfully hosting the NSW Women's Golf Croquet Open Championships last weekend. This highly

competitive tournament brought together top croquet players from across Australia, all vying for the prestigious

title. It was a wonderful display of skill and sportsmanship, right in the heart of Manly. I extend my sincere

gratitude to the Manly Croquet Club for their warm hospitality and for inviting me to witness such an outstanding

event. A special congratulations to Rosie on her championship-winning performance - an incredible achievement!

Events like these highlight the dedication of local clubs, which serve as the bedrock of our community. The Manly

Croquet Club continues to foster a love for the sport while bringing people together. Once again, congratulations

to the club for organising such a remarkable tournament, and I look forward to seeing its continued success.

BUNNINGS BALGOWLAH

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly)—Mr Speaker, today I acknowledge Bunnings Balgowlah for their

community involvement and their ongoing support of local organisations, charities, and other important causes in

the Manly area. Bunnings Balgowlah's value to the community extends far beyond the goods and services they

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 81

offer. Their active and generous support of local community initiatives should be commended. These range from

offering DIY workshops, organising fundraising events like sausage sizzles, and partnering with local

organisations including the Lifeline Northern Beaches and the Northern Beaches Women's Shelter. In particular,

I wish to acknowledge Bunnings Balgowlah for their continued support of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult

Hospice [AYAH] – a cause which many in this Chamber would know is incredibly close to my heart. In the past,

Bunnings Balgowlah has donated items to support gardening projects taking place at the Hospice and has provided

a space for volunteers and staff to run cake stalls to raise awareness and funds to support the Australia-first services

the AYAH delivers. Bunnings Balgowlah's commitment to supporting local causes show the true power of

businesses giving back to ensure services like the AYAH can continue their vital work. I extend my sincere

gratitude and appreciation to Bunnings Balgowlah.

CHEF PHIL

Mr JAMES GRIFFIN (Manly)—Mr Speaker, today I rise to recognise an unsung hero in our

community - Chef Phil from the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice. In his role as in-house chef at

AYAH, Chef Phil ensures that every meal meets the nutritional and texture needs of patients while still honouring

their personal preferences and those of their families and carers. Whether it's a favourite dish, a special request,

or a lovingly prepared meal shared with loved ones, Chef Phil understands that food is more than sustenance - it's

about comfort, memories, and ensuring patients and their families feel at home. Mr Speaker, Chef Phil does far

more than just cook; he creates moments of joy, comfort, and connection for young patients and their families.

His fresh-cook menu isn't just about nourishment - it's about care, flexibility, and dignity. To Chef Phil, I say a

huge thank you. Your dedication, kindness, and culinary skill make an immeasurable difference to those facing

the toughest of times. We are incredibly fortunate to have you and I know that the AYAH community is truly

grateful for all that you do.

MARIA LOSINNO

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne)—I rise to warmly congratulate my local constituent

Mrs Maria Losinno of Concord West who is celebrating her 105th Birthday on 9 April 2025. I sincerely wish

Maria all the very best on this very special occasion. I hope that she has a lovely time celebrating this special

milestone with her family and loved ones. I am sure it will be a joyous day remembering all the memories she has

made. I sincerely wish Maria a very Happy 105th Birthday and congratulate her on this significant milestone.

On behalf of our local community, I extend my best wishes to Maria and her family. Auguri!

CHRIS CASTLE

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne)—I rise to acknowledge the contributions of Chris

Castledine who was recently recognised with a NSW Community Service Award. This Award, signed by the

Premier of NSW, recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to their local community

through service, leadership, and a commitment to creating a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Chris has dedicated countless years entertaining our community as a singer and entertainer, he is a community

volunteer, and a longstanding MC of the Ferragosto Street Fair on Great North Road which welcomes over

100,000 visitors to Five Dock each year. Chris has MC'd the event consistently since it first began. Everyone that

has had the pleasure of knowing Chris or seeing him perform knows of his incredible passion and talent for

entertaining. In 2015, Chris was named Arts and Culture Citizen of the Year by the City of Canada Bay Council

for his continued service to the community. I sincerely congratulate Chris on this well-deserved recognition.

His dedication to the community and service is to be commended. I wish him all the very best.

TROVATINO CAFE

Ms STEPHANIE DI PASQUA (Drummoyne)—I rise to acknowledge Trovatino Café, a beloved local

coffee spot in Wareemba that is renowned for its beautiful food, delicious desserts, fresh gelato, and outstanding

coffee. Trovatino was first opened by Sebastian & his wife Teresa Trovato over 50 years ago. The business has

transformed over the years first as a fruit shop, then transforming as one of the first fruit-shop cafes, to then

become the café it is today. Sebastian and Teresa raised their children while running the business and now their

son Joe operates the café and their grandchildren have started working in the business. At the heart of Trovatino's

is a dedication to providing the highest quality customer service and outstanding food each and every visit. Behind

every successful business is a hardworking family. The story of the Trovato family is one of the great Italian

migration stories of our community. Trovatino is an institution in our area, employing local people and supporting

our local economy. On behalf of our community, I sincerely acknowledge Sebastian, Teresa, and Joe Trovato, the

entire extended family and the hardworking staff for making Trovatino what it is today. I wish them all the very

best.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 82

AQUABLISS SEVEN HILLS

Dr HUGH McDERMOTT (Prospect)—Congratulations to Aquabliss Swim School, Seven Hills, on

being successfully appointed as a Learn to Swim provider by the NSW Government, to deliver free learn to swim

and water safety lessons for residents in the Prospect Electorate. Swimming is an historic national pastime and

part of our sporting tradition. With over 1.1 million participants, it's a great way to stay healthy. Whether a beach

trip or dip at the pool, swimming is truly part of Australian culture. Unfortunately, many in our Western Sydney

community haven't had the opportunity to learn to swim. In the last decade, 57% of drownings in Western Sydney

impacted migrant communities. People born overseas are among those at the highest risk of drowning. This

program will enable fifteen local swim schools, like Aquabliss to provide water safety skills, vital for our diverse

community. Aquabliss offers a versatile learn to swim curriculum, delivered by highly experienced,

nationally-accredited instructors. Tailored lessons help students progress, enabling swimmers all of ages and

abilities to stay safe in the water. Thank you to Jessica Toomey, Area Manager the dedicated coaches, instructors

and staff at Aquabliss for your commitment to improving aquatic literacy in our community.

AQUA KIDS

Dr HUGH McDERMOTT (Prospect)—Congratulations to AquaKIDS Swim School, Smithfield, on

being successfully appointed as a Learn to Swim provider by the NSW Government, to deliver free learn to swim

and water safety lessons for residents in the Prospect Electorate. Swimming is an historic national pastime and

part of our sporting tradition. A great way to stay healthy, it has over 1.1 million participants. Whether a beach

trip or dip at the pool, swimming is truly part of Australian culture. Unfortunately, many people in our Western

Sydney community haven't had the opportunity to learn to swim. In the last decade, 57% of drownings in Western

Sydney impacted migrant communities. People born overseas are among those at the highest risk of drowning.

This program will enable fifteen local swim schools, like AquaKIDS to provide water safety skills, vital for our

diverse community. AquaKIDS offers a high-calibre learn to swim curriculum. Delivered by experienced

instructors, they're helping swimmers all of ages and abilities to stay safe in the water. Thank you to Steve

Kamper MP, Minister for Sport for driving this initiative. I also thank Angela Rothwell, Founder, and the

dedicated AquaKIDS team for your commitment to improving aquatic literacy in our community.

HOLI IN THE HOUSE

Dr HUGH McDERMOTT (Prospect)—On Thursday 20th March, I was delighted to join leaders,

volunteers and representatives from our Indian-Australian community to celebrate Holi in the House at the

Rooftop Garden, Parliament of New South Wales. Jointly hosted by the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India, the

Australia India Business Council and the Consulate General of India in Sydney, the event was a wonderful

celebration of Holi, the Hindu festival of colours. A major festival observed by Indian-Australians and Hindus in

the Prospect Electorate, Holi signifies the eternal love of deities Radha and Krishna, celebrated annually at the

beginning of the Spring season in the northern hemisphere. This year, I was pleased to join my Parliamentary

colleagues to acknowledge the wonderful Indian-Australian professional and business community, who have

contributed much, especially to Western Sydney and our local Prospect Electorate. The event was highlighted by

addresses from Warren Kirby MP as Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India, and Dr Janakiraman

Sarvesvaran, Consul General of India in Sydney. I extend my congratulations to Irfan Malik, President, Australia

India Business Council and all our amazing Indian-Australian community on a wonderful celebration of our

modern, vibrant and harmonious community in NSW.

ANGELA TAKO

Ms KAREN McKEOWN (Penrith)—Congratulations to Penrith Basketball Association Junior Angela

Tako who has been chosen for the 2025 U18 Basketball Championships. Angela will join the 2025 NSW

U18 women's team, after last year being chosen in the interim Australian U15 women's team for the Oceania

Championships, together with the U16 women's team. Angela is certainly a rising star in women's basketball her

stated goal is 'to become one of the best WNBA players like Lauren Jackson' and all of Penrith are cheering her

on.

REDLINE GAMES RETURN TO PENRITH

Ms KAREN McKEOWN (Penrith)—We welcome Fisiocrem's Redline Games back to Penrith from

28 March to 30 March 2025, with more than 10 events and disciplines running over the four days. These games

will be held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre Olympic venue and feature a combination of water and

land-based sports including dragon boating. YOKHA, sunrise yoga by the lake, break dancing and cycling. There

is something for everyone even if you're not competing, spectators are welcome. The Nepean Triathlon will again

be a feature of this year's games it is now in its 42nd year and is Australia's oldest triathlon. The Australian Super

Sprint Triathlon Championships are also happening on Saturday 29th March. The Redline games will certainly be

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 83

a test of fitness and endurance for both elite athletes and those who are entering for the first time. I look forward

to welcoming visitors, athletes and their families to Penrith and congratulate Destination NSW and Penrith City

Council for their support.

HARMONY DAY 2025

Mr MARK TAYLOR (Winston Hills)—I would like to acknowledge the recent Harmony Day for 2025,

which took place last week. Harmony Day is an opportunity to embrace the wonderfully diverse community in

which we live. The Winston Hills electorate is one of the most culturally rich areas, with over forty per cent of

residents born overseas. I particularly commend our local schools for their enthusiastic participation in Harmony

Day. I particularly note Toongabbie West Public School, Caddies Creek Public School, and Lynwood Park Public

School for doing a fantastic job of celebrating multiculturalism and showcasing a vibrant array of cultural

festivities. By embracing a wide range of customs and celebrations, these schools are actively promoting respect,

inclusion, and unity among students. It is through such initiatives that we strengthen the bonds within our

community and help shape the understanding of future generations. I recognise all of the students, teachers, and

families who are involved, and I commend them for their commitment to celebrating the diversity of Winston

Hills.

TOONGABBIE PUBLIC SCHOOL PARLIAMENTARY VISIT

Mr MARK TAYLOR (Winston Hills)—I acknowledge the student leaders from Toongabbie Public

School who recently visited NSW Parliament. The students took a trip into Parliament to learn about the

Parliamentary system and legislative process. It was an honour to speak with the students and answer their

questions. They had the opportunity to view Question Time and have their visit recognised in Hansard by the

Speaker. I also would like to thank the Toongabbie Public School staff who accompanied the students on the day,

including Michael and Freya. The students then took off to visit the ANZAC memorial in Hyde Park before having

a treasured McDonald's lunch. I thank the students for their engagement, their enthusiasm, and the respectful way

they represented their school. I trust the experience was both enjoyable and inspiring, and I look forward to

catching up with the student leaders from Toongabbie Public School again later this year.

2ND NORTHMEAD SCOUT GROUP

Mr MARK TAYLOR (Winston Hills)—I acknowledge the 2nd Northmead Scout Group on their recent

Annual Report Presentation, held at Third Settlement Reserve. It was a great occasion to reflect on the group's

achievements and the vital role it plays in our local community. Scout groups like 2nd Northmead provide young

people with much more than just outdoor experiences. They foster leadership, teamwork, resilience, and a strong

sense of civic responsibility — values that help shape the next generation of community-minded Australians.

I would especially like to recognise Group Leader Louise Gale for her outstanding dedication and leadership.

Louise, along with the group's volunteers and leaders, ensures that each scout has the opportunity to learn, grow,

and feel supported in their journey. The 2nd Northmead Scout Group continues to be a pillar of our community,

encouraging young people to challenge themselves, care for others, and contribute positively to society.

I commend the entire group on a successful year and look forward to seeing their continued impact in the years

ahead.

JEWISH VOICES OF INNER SYDNEY

Ms KOBI SHETTY (Balmain)—Today I would like to acknowledge the advocacy of Jewish Voices for

Inner Sydney, a local community group that I was honoured to meet with recently and who wished to discuss the

politicisation of antisemitism in our community. Jewish Voices of Inner Sydney calls on all of us to commit

ourselves to the eradication of all forms of racial and religious prejudice within our society, and to do so in a way

that strengthens our democracy rather than diminishes it. They urge us all to resist using this issue, one which

causes real community pain, for political point scoring. I commend the members of this group for their courage

and their action to realise a more just society for all. I would like to give thanks to the members of Jewish Voices

of Inner Sydney for the time and insight they provided in our discussions on this issue. Each of you are great

advocates for peace and for democracy and I thank you for your contributions.

ST SCHOLASTICA'S GLEBE STUDENT'S VISIT

Ms KOBI SHETTY (Balmain)—Today I would like to acknowledge two student leaders from

St Scholastica's College, Hannah and Maddie, who I was honoured to welcome to NSW Parliament recently as

part of the Secondary Student Leadership Program. Programs like these give us the opportunity to meet face to

face with the leaders of tomorrow, and I was so glad to be able to use this time to discuss their plans for the future.

I am very grateful for the chance to talk to two engaged and intelligent young leaders about the issues that matter

to young people in our community more broadly. I would like to give thanks to Hannah and Maddie and wish

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 84

them the very best in their studies and all their future endeavours. I have no doubt that they will go on to achieve

great things. Thank you also to the staff at St Scholastica's for facilitating this opportunity.

HUNTERS HILL MEDICAL PRACTICE

Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove)—Mr Speaker - I congratulate Hunters Hill Medical Practice

which recently won the prestigious title of Practice of the Year in New South Wales from the Royal Australian

College of General Practitioners, which is the peak body in the general practice and primary healthcare space.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at Hunters Hill Medical Practice

and highlights the Practice's commitment to excellence in healthcare in and beyond the Hunters Hill local

community.

ST IGNATIUS COLLEGE, RIVERVIEW ROWING COACHES AND VOLUNTEERS

Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove)—Mr Speaker - I want to acknowledge the tireless work of the

St Ignatius College, Riverview Rowing Coaches and Volunteers and congratulate them on such a successful

season. Master in Charge, Dan Noonan. The Senior Coaches, Jim Busteed, Matthew Curtin, Hugo Courts, Simon

Kenderes, Sarah Dieu, and David Hogan. The dedicated volunteers Paul Brogan, Phil Elbourne, Bob Marsh and

Chris O'Brien alongside mums Emma Burton and Rachel Kelly.

DR ALASTAIR LONSDALE

Mr ANTHONY ROBERTS (Lane Cove)—Mr Speaker - I wish Dr Alastair Lonsdale all the very best

on his retirement from dentistry after over 35 years of service in the Gladesville area, having succeeded his father

in the profession. Dr Lonsdale was known to many in the Gladesville area and beyond, and specialised in dentistry

for the elderly, training patients in dental hygiene, and in teething, which commendably included after hours

service. On behalf of the Gladesville Community, I would like to wish the good doctor a relaxed and merited

retirement.

HAPPY EID AL-FITR AND EASTER 2025

Ms DONNA DAVIS (Parramatta)—On Monday 31 March, Muslims around the world will mark the end

of Ramadan with the Eid al-Fitr. Traditionally held at dawn Eid is celebrated at the end of the Holy Month of

Ramadan, the traditional month of fasting. Parramatta is home to approximately 9,000 residents of the Muslim

faith who contribute to making Parramatta an incredibly diverse multifaith community. Muslims will gather at

prayer halls throughout the electorate while the Paramatta Mosque will be hosting Eid al-Fitr prayers at Prince

Alfred Park. This year Good Friday falls on 18 April. It is a time of reflection and in Parramatta congregations

will gather across the Easter period to give thanks and celebrate noting that Easter Sunday symbolises new life.

I wish everyone celebrating a Holy Easter. In testament to the vibrant multifaith communities of the Paramatta

electorate, there will be many celebrations of faith across the electorate in the coming weeks. The coming together

of faithful and non-faithful speaks to the inclusiveness of Easter and Eid and the beautiful multicultural mosaic

that we call Parramatta.

ANZAC DAY 2025

Ms DONNA DAVIS (Parramatta)—'Shrapnel poured on us like rain. I will not attempt to describe the

horrors of the landing...... Had we hesitated or even wavered for a second on getting a footing, not one of us would

have lived' Those where the words Ernest Edward Herrod wrote to his wife Kathleen who lived in Wentworth

Street, Parramatta while Ernest served in Gallipoli. Many from Parramatta have fought on foreign soils in wars

throughout Australia's history. ANZAC Day is the time of year when we acknowledge their sacrifices and strength,

the sheer hard work and risks they took in service of our country. I particularly want to highlight the work of the

City of Parramatta RSL sub-Branch ably led by President Simon Lovell and the Parramatta War Widows who do

so much to support veterans in our area. It is important that we acknowledge the challenges faced by veterans

living in our communities whose numbers continue to grow and that we ensure they and their families are well

supported. As we mark 110 years since the Gallipoli Landing the Dawn Service will commence at 4.30am on

25 April at the cenotaph in Parramatta's Prince Alfred Square.

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH

Ms DONNA DAVIS (Parramatta)—The 2nd April is World Autism Understanding Day and the month

of April is Autism Awareness Month. It's an important opportunity to reflect on the contributions of autistic

individuals and consider how society can continue to become more accepting and inclusive of neurodivergence.

Organisations such as the Lizard Centre, Frangipani House operated by One Door Mental Health, Avenue

Parramatta, Achieve Australia, Step2Life, KEADS, ASPECT and Parramatta Autism Carers Support Group

provide wonderful support and encouragement to support those with autism and their families. It is so important

that we remember to be kind and mindful of the challenges faced by autistic individuals. Communication can be

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 85

particularly challenging on the autism spectrum, understanding social cues and forming social relationships is

often difficult. This unfortunately has implications for professional, social and educational opportunities. That's

why April is a special time of year to not only be aware, but to be accepting. Having had close personal and

professional relationships with people with autism, I know that autism should not be a barrier, but a superpower.

DAVID LYE

Ms JACQUI SCRUBY (Pittwater)—It is with great pleasure that I acknowledge the long-term

contributions of Newport resident David Lye to both his local community of Pittwater and the greater Northern

Beaches. David began volunteering with not-for-profit One Meal in 2023 and he quickly became involved with

various aspects of the operation. David went on to build the framework for sustainable food-waste management

at One Meal which has helped reduce waste significantly. David has built a community network across the

Northern beaches, including partnering with Fisher Road School in Dee Why to build a composting network that

includes worm farms, compost bins and chicken coops. He also raises funds for tools and supplies for the program.

The compost produce is distributed along the Northern Beaches and as far as the Royal Botanical Gardens, helping

to nurture community gardens across the region with sustainably sourced fertiliser. David has also volunteered

with Newport Surf Life Saving Club on patrol since 2013, a commitment of over a decade to helping keep our

waters safe. I commend David on his dedication to the Northern Beaches community and sustainability.

WARRIEWOOD HUMMINGSONG CHOIRS

Ms JACQUI SCRUBY (Pittwater)—It is with great pleasure that I recognise the incredible contributions

of the Hummingsong Choirs, a remarkable network of women's community choirs founded by Anna

Humberstone. In 2013, the Warriewood Choir was established under the leadership of conductor Kylie Tyson. It

has since flourished and grown to 80 dedicated members. The choir offers women a welcoming space to sing for

fun and helps to foster a strong sense of purpose. It brings joy to the community through music and creates a sense

of mentorship for its members. The Choir perform regularly at community events including local venues, festivals

and care homes. Their annual concert is a true spectacle where all Hummingsong Choirs come together to

celebrate their passion for music. What makes their work even more inspiring is their commitment to raising

awareness and significant funds to support women and children escaping domestic violence. Collectively the

Hummingsong Choirs have over 1300 women singing and have raised over $500,000. Thank you to all the

members of the Warriewood Hummingsong Choir for their tireless dedication and the positive impact they make

on our community, your contributions are truly appreciated.

BUCKETTES SWIMMING GROUP

Ms JACQUI SCRUBY (Pittwater)—I'd like to acknowledge the long-standing commitment

demonstrated by members of the Buckettes Swimming Group to each other and their community. Running for

nearly fifteen years, the Buckettes Group garnered their eponymous title from the warm buckets of water they'd

pour on themselves for reprieve after a chilly morning swim. The group is primarily made up of women that

prioritise connection through their shared love of our waters. The Buckettes Swimming Group meet each morning

at Mona Vale Beach to join together for a swim and a quick chat which helps to foster a sense of connection

between members. The bond between its members runs deep, demonstrated by the commemoration of one of the

group's oldest members, Gloria, who, at ninety-years-young, sadly passed away. Gloria was fondly remembered

in the ocean pool where she'd spent so many of her mornings with the Buckettes Swimming Group. I commend

the Buckettes Swimming Group for their commitment to our community and their dedication to connection with

one and other.

PANANIA PARK RUN 9TH ANNIVERSARY

Ms KYLIE WILKINSON (East Hills)—Congratulations to Panania parkrun on its 9th anniversary last

month. Panania parkrun brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities each Saturday morning at

the Field of Dreams Reserve in Panania. It's a free community 5km event where participants can walk, jog, run,

volunteer, or just go to watch. But parkrun is about more than just exercise - it's a welcoming community where

new members are embraced, and everyone is acknowledged and cheered on. I would like to thank the hardworking

volunteers, organisers, and participants who make Panania parkrun such a success. A special thanks to Directors

Bree McGraw, Kathy Crispin, Brett Crispin, Stewart Watters, and Sharon Liang, along with the many volunteers

who have made the last nine years such a joy for the community. Importantly, thank you to everyone who has

participated over the years. Whether you've been walking, jogging, running, or volunteering, Panania parkrun

wouldn't be possible without you. Congratulations, Panania parkrun, on nine fantastic years and here's to many

more!

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 86

60 YEARS OF THE BEECROFT CHELTENHAM CIVIC TRUST

Ms MONICA TUDEHOPE (Epping)—The Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust [BCCT] has played a vital

role in the community, and as its 60th anniversary approaches, I look forward to joining locals in celebrating this

significant milestone. The BCCT is renowned for its dedication to preserving and enhancing the area's heritage,

environment, and public spaces. Since its founding, the Trust has actively engaged residents, advocated for

responsible development, and worked to protect the unique character of Beecroft and Cheltenham. Through

community involvement and working with local authorities, the BCCT has helped shape a sustainable and vibrant

environment that reflects the values and needs of its residents. Its ongoing efforts to preserve green spaces,

promote local heritage, and ensure responsible development have been key to making the institution a voice for

the community. As the BCCT marks this important anniversary, we recognize its commitment and the positive

impact it has had on the community. I congratulate the BCCT and President Roderick Best for 60 years of service

and look forward to their continued contributions.

EPPING FUTURE LEADERS - OATLANDS PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Ms MONICA TUDEHOPE (Epping)—I would like to recognise future leaders within the Epping

electorate, particularly Aidan Amoroso and Pheobe Yeow from Oatlands Public School, who were recently elected

as School Prime Ministers for 2025 – the highest student privilege at their school. Being a School Prime Minister

and leader requires responsibility. As representatives of Oatlands Public School, both Aiden and Pheobe through

their words and actions are asked to reflect the values of their school – Respect, Effort, Kindness, Resilience, and

Creativity. Aiden and Pheobe now represent a school that is rich in heritage making it one of New South Wales'

leading public schools. I commend Oatlands Public School's School Prime Ministers Aidan Amoroso and Pheobe

Yeow for their commitment to their school community and wish them success in the future. I also commend the

entire Oatlands Public School and Principal Kimd Gould for fostering such opportunities.

EPPING FUTURE LEADERS - EPPING PUBLIC SCHOOL CAPTAINS

Ms MONICA TUDEHOPE (Epping)—I proudly acknowledge future leaders within the Epping

electorate, particularly Lyndon Wang and Rabaani Chadha from Epping Public School, who were recently elected

as School Captains for 2025 - the highest student privilege at their school. Lyndon and Rabaani represent a school

that equips students to face the next step in their academic journeys and the challenges of a changing world.

Through their leadership, they reflect the core values of their school – Opportunity, Excellence and Success.

I commend Epping Public School's School Captains Lyndon Wang and Rabaani Chadha for their commitment to

their school community and wish them success in the future. I also commend the entire Epping Public School and

Principal Sarah Semler for fostering such opportunities.

DARBY MAGUIRE

Ms ELENI PETINOS (Miranda)—I acknowledge inspiring fundraising efforts of Darby Maguire of

Jannali who recently ran 900km to raise funds for mental health charity, Find Ya Feet. Darby left Coolangatta on

27 December, running 60km a day in over 40 degree temperatures and pushing through injuries, fatigue and

mental strain to arrive in Cronulla, 15 days later on 10 January. Through these efforts he was able to raise over

$40,000 for Find Ya Feet – a charity close to his heart. Find Ya Feet provides school, sports and community-based

workshops to give young people a platform to share their stories. Through the workshops participants develop the

skills and tools to engage in conversations beyond 'how are you?" by championing vulnerability, speaking up and

showing its okay to ask for help. This was not Darby's first charity run. In April 2024, Darby completed 7 half

marathons in 7 days to raise $5,000 for the Chumpy Pullin Foundation. It was this experience which became the

spark and lit the flame of Darby's love for fundraising and pushing his limits. I commend Darby's incredible efforts

in raising funds for Find Ya Feet and wish him well for the future.

EDNA CHUNG

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government)—I rise to acknowledge Edna Chung,

a dedicated volunteer whose commitment to the Mascot Seniors Centre brings energy and vitality to its weekly

table tennis sessions. Each Thursday, Edna takes it upon herself to set up, coordinate, and pack away the

equipment—ensuring this valued activity runs smoothly and remains accessible to members of all abilities.

Her efforts, in tandem with fellow volunteer Hung Leung, lighten the load for committee members and foster an

environment where seniors are encouraged to stay active, engaged and connected. Table tennis is a low-impact

sport that promotes coordination, fitness and fun—and thanks to Edna's initiative, many have taken up the paddle

for the first time. I have had the pleasure of joining a game or two myself and can attest to her sharp reflexes and

sharper sense of community. I sincerely thank Edna for her dedication, enthusiasm and service to the Mascot

community.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 87

HUNG LEUNG

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government)—I rise to recognise Hung Leung, a

committed volunteer whose quiet leadership ensures the smooth delivery of weekly table tennis sessions at the

Mascot Seniors Centre. Together with Edna Chung, Hung takes on the task of setting up, coordinating and packing

away the activity each Thursday. Their initiative and reliability ensure that seniors can enjoy a healthy and social

outlet in a welcoming environment, while also relieving the workload on committee members. Table tennis offers

enormous benefits—physical, mental and social—and it is through the tireless efforts of individuals like Hung

that such opportunities remain available and vibrant. I have, on occasion, joined a set or two myself, and can attest

to both the competitive spirit and the goodwill that define these sessions. I thank Hung Leung for his invaluable

contribution to community life and for his continued commitment to keeping Mascot active and engaged.

SERGEANT JED CROUCH ANDERSON

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government)—I rise to commend Sergeant Jed

Crouch Anderson, a constituent of my electorate and one of six officers awarded the Police Area Commander's

Unit Citation for their collective response to a violent robbery in Redfern on 7 September 2024. These citations

were among several presented at the South Sydney Police Medals and Awards Ceremony held on 5 March 2025,

recognising outstanding service across a range of incidents. Sergeant Anderson and his colleagues were

acknowledged for their swift and professional handling of a deeply confronting situation wherein an elderly man

was assaulted outside the Commonwealth Bank in Redfern, sustaining a head injury in the course of being robbed.

Sergeant Anderson and his colleagues were among the first on scene, administering first-aid to the victim, securing

the area and laying the groundwork for a dynamic and ultimately successful investigation. This commendation is

a timely reminder that a day on the job can turn dangerous in an instant—and that our community is fortunate to

have officers like Sergeant Anderson, who stand up and even place themselves in harm's way so that others can

feel safe.

VALE PETER DE MEUR

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley)—Speaker, I was saddened to learn of the recent passing of a really great

friend of mine Peter De Meur. Peter was a dedicated volunteer in our local community, committing much of his

life to serving others. Peter was a member of the Lions Club for over 24 years, holding the positions of President

and Treasurer at the St George Lions Club and, more recently, volunteering alongside the Oatley Lions team.

During his time with the club, he made many significant contributions, including organising the Oatley Village

Community Festival, the Annual Lions Charity Golf Day, and raising funds for various local organisations and

charities. Peter also regularly volunteered with 'Gabbies Sewing Angels', knitting clothes for Australians escaping

domestic violence and natural disasters. He certainly had a heart for helping others. I am honoured to have

presented Peter with an Individual Volunteer Achievement Award at my 2024 St George Community Awards,

recognising his outstanding service to the Oatley Lions. Peter will be deeply missed, and I extend my sincerest

condolences to his wife Beverly, his family and friends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES!

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley)—Speaker, I rise today to wish my son, James, a very happy 11th birthday!

It was wonderful to spend this past weekend celebrating his special day with my family. He is very smart, a loyal

friend to his mates, incredibly kind and also, very cheeky. James has a huge passion for soccer and has been lucky

enough to play games all across New South Wales this year. He is a very talented player, and who knows—maybe

one day, we will see him running out for Sydney FC. Outside of soccer, James loves gaming with his mates and

is quickly becoming a bit of a foodie—he has officially graduated from kids' meals to ordering steak and seafood

when we go out for dinner! James, I am so proud of the man that you are becoming and the way you have continued

to care for your mum and brother. I look forward to watching you grow, especially as you go off to high school

next year. Happy Birthday James – we love you mate!

NSW STATE REPRESENTATIVE AWARD - ISABELLA VAINGALO

Mr NATHAN HAGARTY (Leppington)—Talent, dedication, and sheer determination—Isabella

Vaingalo from Austral Public School in my electorate has shown all of this and more at just 10 years old. On the

29th of November, Isabella competed in the 2024 School Sport Australia Track & Field, where she represented

NSW in shot put for the NSWPSSA Athletics Team. She delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a top

throw of 11.85m in the 2kg shot put event. Her hard work and skill led her to an incredible first-place finish,

securing gold for the 10-year-old girls representing NSW in the competition—a remarkable achievement. On the

10th of March, I had the honour of attending a school assembly at Austral Public School to present Isabella with

the NSW State Representative Award. This is just the beginning for an athlete of her calibre, and I have no doubt

we will see even greater accomplishments from her in the future. Congratulations, Isabella!

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 88

BUDDHIST BLESSING CEREMONY - LUNAR NEW YEAR 2025

Mr NATHAN HAGARTY (Leppington)—On the 16th of February, I had the privilege of attending the

annual Buddhist Blessing Ceremony to mark the 2025 Lunar New Year, hosted by the Chinese Associations of

Greater Western Sydney. Held at the defining landmark of Cabramatta, the Friendship Arch at Freedom Plaza,

Buddhist monks from various temples led prayers for good fortune within the community, making it a truly special

occasion. The Friendship Arch stands as a symbol of resilience, honouring the migrants who found refuge in

Australia and the local community that supported them. It is a tribute to the hard work and determination of those

who helped shape Cabramatta--the Indo-Chinese shopkeepers, the bakers, the butchers, and seamstresses. This

annual event, supported by the Fairfield City Council, the Mingyue Lay Temple, Timor Chinese Association

NSW, and Phuoc Hue Temple was a beautiful reflection of the area's rich multicultural heritage. I am deeply

grateful to all who made this celebration possible, and I look forward to next year's event to mark the year of the

Horse!

TRANSURBAN GRANT PRESENTATION

Mr NATHAN HAGARTY (Leppington)—On the 24th of February, I met with Transurban to

congratulate Nurture National Animal Sanctuary on receiving a $10,000 grant to support their animal safety

initiative. This program focuses on educating the community about securely transporting livestock and horses on

busy roads, reducing risks for both animals and drivers. It covers essential skills such as properly attaching trailers

and floats, securing animals to prevent injury, and raising awareness through printed materials, an online resource

hub, and community outreach. Nurture National Animal Sanctuary started off as a small Leppington farm in 2019,

and has expanded to 30 acres, providing refuge for farm animals and Maremma sheepdogs. Their volunteers

across Camden, Liverpool, Blacktown, and Campbelltown work diligently to improve animal welfare. This grant

will help them continue their mission of education and advocacy, ensuring safer transport and better care for

displaced animals across NSW.

ARCHIE MCDONALD JINDERA – MOTORCYCLE RACING

Mr JUSTIN CLANCY (Albury)—I would like to acknowledge the achievements of Archie McDonald,

a talented young individual from Jindera, NSW, who has achieved multiple titles in motorcycle racing. Archie's

journey, which began in dirt track racing, has evolved into a successful career in the competitive world of road

racing. His exceptional skills and determination have been shaped by the strong support of his family and our

community. Archie's accomplishments are truly inspiring, highlighted by his impressive top 10 finish in the

European R3 Cup and his remarkable ability to balance ambitions in both the Australian Supersport [ASBK] and

FIM Junior GP Superstock 600 championships in Europe. Achieving success on an international level is a dream

for many riders, yet Archie has already made it a reality. This year Archie was nominated as a finalist in the

2025 Joss Young Achiever Awards, he was unable to attend due to interstate commitments with his sport. Here's

to you, Archie—your bright future is something we're all excited to cheer for, and I look forward to hearing more

about your journey on the world stage!

MADDY O'BRIEN ALBURY HIGH SCHOOL – WOMEN IN STEM

Mr JUSTIN CLANCY (Albury)—I would like to congratulate Maddy O'Brien who's journey began at

Albury High School, where she graduated in 2018. During her time in High School Maddy excelled in Design

and Technology and Engineering studies and participated in the school's "Women in STEM" program. In 2024,

Maddy graduated from University with First-Class Honours in Product Design Engineering, receiving the

prestigious "Soullis Tavrou" Award for Excellence in Engineering, and topped her cohort with exceptional

academic performance. Since graduation Maddy's skills and passion has led her to a thriving career at Invetech, a

leading medical equipment manufacturer. Well done Maddy, on your accomplishments and thank you for being

such an inspiring role model to others!

JARROD LYONS – LAVINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOL

Mr JUSTIN CLANCY (Albury)—I would like to congratulate Jarrod Lyons, a dedicated teacher and

cricket coach from Lavington Public School, who was recently honoured with the NSW Primary Schools Sports

Association [PSSA] Service Award for Cricket. For over a decade, Mr Lyons' commitment has extended beyond

the classroom, being an important part of Lavington Public School's sporting program. He has inspired many

students to take up cricket and hone their skills. Jarrod selflessly volunteers his time to coach representative teams

and organise local cricket events. Well done Jarrod, this is an outstanding achievement. Thank you for your

dedication to youth development, and for promoting sport in our community.

Friday 28 March 2025 Legislative Assembly- PROOF Page 89

MULWAREE HIGH SCHOOL

Mrs WENDY TUCKERMAN (Goulburn)—I rise to recognise Mulwaree High School. I am incredibly

proud of the work that MHS has done to cement the school as one of the most improved for HSC in 2024,

achieving an extraordinary increase percentage points for Band 4, 5, and 6 results. I have personally witnessed

the teacher's dedication at Mulwaree for many years. They are motivators, champions of their students and

constantly working to unlock student's potential - ensuring that every student is given the tools to succeed in their

own way. Under the leadership of Principal Sally Curry, Mulwaree High has fostered a community culture of

excellence, resilience, and ambition. This commitment includes high standards, innovative teaching systems, and

exceptional support from leadership, resulting in this phenomenal improvement for Mulwaree High School. This

success is also a reflection of the broader school community, including students, parents, and non-teaching staff

who, together, have created an environment where success flourishes. Mulwaree High School is proof that when

dedicated educators are empowered with strong leadership and a shared vision, extraordinary results follow.

Congratulations to Mulwaree High School on this well-deserved recognition. I am, alongside the wider Goulburn

community, extremely proud.

——————————