Happy Mardi Gras 2020!  What better way to begin this fun weekend then to represent the Government at the media conference for the parade. Destination NSW has sponsored the parade since 2009 and in that time $354 million has been generated for the NSW economy. Continue reading

As a local resident I know that after the initial impact of bushfire has passed it is the local businesses that also emerge deeply affected by the disaster. This funding will support our local small businesses get back on their feet and complements other initiatives including deferring GST BAS returns and cash grants. Continue reading

Portfolio Committee 7 inquiring into Koala populations in NSW had a site visit to Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour. While there we visited the Port Macquarie Koala hospital which is doing amazing work caring for injured and burned koalas with the recent bushfires.  Continue reading

The operation to clean-up homes and businesses destroyed and damaged by bushfires across NSW took a major step forward with debris being cleared from Rainbow Flat properties on the North Coast, as well as in the Blue Mountains and Batemans Bay. Continue reading

I joined a Blue Mountains business round table convened by Minister Marise Payne to discuss further Federal (and State) support for businesses impacted by the bush fires. This is a follow up on the Federal Business Package recently announced. The overwhelming messages were support to bring tourists back to the Mountains and interim support for businesses to keep their staff employed as business recovers. Continue reading

Bush fire affected families and businesses can now access all available assistance being offered by local councils, the State Government and Federal Government, through the NSW Government’s new Bush fire Customer Care program. Continue reading

I recently spent the day with my federal colleagues as we visited fire impacted areas in the Blue Mountains and spoke at length with local residents and emergency services about the recent bushfires and the recovery plan. Of particular focus was the impacts on local businesses and the recovery process. The feedback from their continuing tour will shape the ongoing national recovery package. Continue reading

Joined the Premier with Deputy RFS Commissioner Rogers to be briefed on fires in the Blue Mountains followed by tour of the fire grounds in Blackheath and Mt Victoria. We were as always very impressed by the coordination of all the various government agencies, the dedication of the volunteers and the resilience of the communities we spoke with over the day. Continue reading

I was pleased to open Hazelbrook Station’s new accessibility upgrades. This is the 60th station upgrade our government has completed in the $2 billion public transport accessibility program. In the Blue Mountains, planning is currently underway to deliver accessibility upgrades at Lapstone, Faulconbridge, and Blackheath stations, and construction is also due to be completed at Glenbrook Station.  Continue reading

As the Social Issues Committee into Gay and Transgender Hate Crimes calls for submissions, I was pleased as Chair to discuss the background and plans for the inquiry today. Please visit the Committees website to make a submission.