ADJOURNMENT NOTES - MARCH EDITION

Welcome to the March edition of Adjournment Notes.

This edition comes from my new office as the Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney. This role and my experience growing up and living in the region will be an important contribution to the re-election of the NSW Liberal Nationals government.

Whilst life appears to be returning to some post-pandemic normality, our support must still be there for those impacted by the virus, including health impacts and business impacts.

Meanwhile, as I write, the east coast has been inundated by a massive rainstorm depression wreaking destructive floods and evacuations. Our thoughts are with all who are impacted by these unprecedented events. The Perrottet government has rolled out emergency financial support, including those listed below.

As always, do not hesitate to contact me should you like me to speak at your event, or I can assist in another way.

Sincerely,

NATURAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE

NSW Government Disaster Relief Grants: Financial assistance to eligible individuals and families whose homes have been damaged by a natural disaster.

Natural disaster relief: Extend a Revenue NSW deadline, defer a fine, or set up payment instalments.

Payroll tax assistance: Businesses affected by natural disasters can contact Revenue NSW to discuss the assistance available to help with payroll tax.

Disaster relief loans: Urgent loans are available at a concessional interest rate to eligible primary producers.

Special disaster grants for flood-affected farmers: Primary producers directly impacted by the NSW storms and floods from 9 November 2021 may be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to help salvage damaged crops, produce and stock, rebuild fences, and replace machinery.

Animal & Livestock welfare assistance: Assistance to landholders and communities with animal welfare-related issues.

Motor vehicle stamp duty refund: Refund for the motor vehicle stamp duty you pay for a replacement vehicle.

Assistance for non-profits and clubs: A grant or a concessional fixed-rate loan is available for sporting and recreation clubs and associations for clean up, removal of debris and/or restoring essential facilities.

Licences and business documents replacement: Businesses affected by a natural disaster may be able to have certain licences and permits replaced free of charge, depending on their circumstances.

For more information on available support or to apply, visit: https://disasterassistance.service.nsw.gov.au/

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR WESTERN SYDNEY

Those following the recent ministerial reshuffle closely would have noticed that my title has changed to Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney. This promotion gives me wide responsibilities for government activities across Western Sydney, including areas west of Parramatta to the Blue Mountains and the Macarthur region of the south.

As a Penrith boy born and raised, I couldn’t be more excited to get stuck into this new role. The new position includes my previous responsibilities for the Aerotropolis and infrastructure in Western Sydney while taking a broader approach to Western Sydney as a whole. In this new position, I continue to work closely with my good friend, the Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres.

If you are interested in hearing about the NSW Government’s investments in Western Sydney, or you would like me to meet with your organisation, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

GRANVILLE VACCINATION CENTRE

Recently I visited the Granville Vaccination Centre with the Premier Dom Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant and Western Sydney Local Health District Executive Director Dr Emma McCahon.

Touring the facility, I was struck by the tireless work and dedication of nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other front line workers throughout the pandemic. It’s one thing to read about the sacrifices our healthcare professionals have made to keep us healthy but seeing it in person only increased the high regard I hold them in.

Even now, I have family members, as I’m sure many of you do, on the frontlines of the pandemic treating those with COVID and administering vaccines to others. I want to thank them again for their efforts to keep the virus at bay and keep NSW residents safe.

INGHAM INSTITUTE

In one of my first visits as Parliamentary Secretary for Western Sydney, I joined recently elected Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun on a visit to the Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research in Liverpool. The Ingham Institute is situated near Liverpool Hospital – soon to be the centre of the new Liverpool Health and Academic Precinct thanks to a $740 million investment.

The Ingham Institute is a world-class medical research centre with close relationships to local universities, hospitals and healthcare specialists. With close ties to Liverpool Hospital and proximity to the new Aerotropolis, the Ingham Institute is set to forge new partnerships and foster increased collaboration in the development of med-tech and medical research in NSW.

BEGA BY-ELECTION

Four by-elections were recently held in NSW due to sitting members of the NSW Legislative Assembly stepping down. Firstly, I wish all the best to my former colleagues Andrew Constance and John Barilaro with whatever the future may hold. I also want to give a special thank you and well wishes to former Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who worked tirelessly for the people of NSW during her tenure as Premier.

During the campaign for the by-elections, I spent much of my time in Bega on pre-poll and polling booths for Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs. A successful small businesswoman, farmer and volunteer firefighter, Ms Kotvojs would have brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the NSW Parliament.

While the results in Bega are disappointing, the campaign team and local Liberals should hold their heads high for bringing the fight to the opposition. I also want to commend all the Young Liberals who came down to help out – on polling day, I had the chance to get to know the three promising young people pictured above who came down from the ACT Division to volunteer.

HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY FORUM

I recently visited Hawkesbury Heights to participate in a community forum with Liberal Candidate for Macquarie Sarah Richards and Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities, and the Arts Paul Fletcher.

During the forum, residents discussed mobile phone coverage and raised their interest in seeing Hawkesbury Road upgraded to improve traffic and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. As Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Active Transport, promoting safe and accessible routes for cyclists and other active transport enthusiasts to use is something I’m passionate about.

The community forum was an excellent opportunity to hear frank feedback from constituents on how they feel the State and Federal Liberal Governments deliver for residents.

CAMERON INTERSTATE DEPOT

In February, I represented Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade and Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres at the launch of Cameron’s new Interstate Depot in Marsden Park.

The latest in a long list of private investments in Western Sydney, the Depot will benefit from fast access to the Nancy-Bird Walton Airport, the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal and the Western Sydney International Airport Cargo Precinct.

The investments by the NSW and Federal Governments have delivered the infrastructure and services needed to transform Western Sydney into a commercial and employment centre. Over 110,000 people are employed by the Transport, Postal and Warehousing sector in Western Sydney. This number is set to increase rapidly when the Airport and related projects are operational in 2026.

THANKS AND FAREWELL SHANI

Recently my office said goodbye to a face that I’m sure is familiar to many of you. My adviser of 5 years and close friend, Shani Murphy, has taken on an exciting new senior policy role within the NSW Government. While my office is sad to say goodbye to such a talented young woman, I am confident she will go on to help the Government deliver essential reforms and policy solutions for our community.

Shani pictured here on her last day with thank you gifts including a pen and fresh eggs from my Blue Mountains home.

EVENTS

Do you have an event, meeting or function you would like me to speak at?

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me via email.

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