Tim Crakanthorp MP | Politician
Tim Crakanthorp MP
Phone: +61 2 4926 1126
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Flashback to yesterday when Surfing the Spectrum returned to the waves! Aimee, Tahlia and a bunch of volunteers put their hearts and souls into surfing programs for children with autism spectrum disorders, and the weather also couldnt have been better!
25.01.2022 We are in the midst of the biggest economic crisis in almost 100 years. Why is the Transport Minister boasting about buying the cheapest overseas-built transport infrastructure he can find? Public money should be spent locally so that local workers and businesses are supported and taxpayers get REAL value for money - not just the cheapest available, and Labor and Yasmin Catley MP will introduce legislation to make it happen.
25.01.2022 Today is R U OK Day. With the pandemic, this year has presented more challenges than usual and reinforced how important it is to check in with our mates and ourselves. If you or someone you know needs help now, Lifeline can be contacted 24/7 on 13 11 14 and there are lots of resources to help you continue the conversation at https://www.ruok.org.au/
25.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE NSW workers finally have access to a $1500 payment if they are required to self-isolate for 14 days and have no other income. It was previously only available to states that had declared a State of Emergency (i.e. only Victoria).... To be eligible you need to have been directed by NSW Health to isolate and also be: at least 17-years-old and live in New South Wales an Australian resident or hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia unable to go to work and earn an income without appropriate leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person with a period of quarantine after 17 September 2020 For more information and how to claim, visit Services Australia here: https://bit.ly/2FCoWN5
24.01.2022 $177 million in funding for bushfire effected communities. No one was told they could apply. $174.5 million goes to Liberal and National seats. $11 million was granted to the brand new Macleay Valley Skydiving Adventure Park. Meanwhile, people on the South Coast are still living in caravans while they wait for their homes to be rebuilt.... Just how low can this Government's pork-barrelling go?
24.01.2022 GRANT OPPORTUNITY The 2020/21 Local Sport Grant Program is now open for applications. Each electorate has $50,000 to share between sporting clubs. The program provides small grants to projects that:... Increase regular and on-going participation in sport, Increase participation and access for women, girls or population groups with low rates of participation, Address barriers to participation in sport or structured physical activity, or Assist sport clubs to provide quality service to their members and meet community needs. There are four categories for applications: Sport Development, with grants up to $2,000 Sport Events, with grants up to $5,000 Sport Access, with grants up to $5,000 Sport Facility, with grants up to $15,000. Applications close 7 October. For more information visit https://bit.ly/2GEI6C2
24.01.2022 NSW THEATRES, CINEMAS, CONCERT HALLS TO INCREASE CAPACITY In great news for our arts sector, from 1 October theatres, cinemas and concert halls will be able to sell tickets up to 50 per cent of their normal capacity, to a maximum of 1000 people. Corporate events will also be able to host up to 300 people, as long as everyone is seated.
23.01.2022 NEWCASTLE TO BE ONE OF FIRST COVID-19 VACCINE HUBS IN NSW NSW Health is planning for 11 vaccination hubs to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine in NSW, including one in Newcastle. NSW Health is planning for vaccination hubs located at RPA, Westmead and Liverpool hospitals, followed by Hornsby, St George, Nepean, Newcastle, Wollongong, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga. ... Vaccinations will be offered in phases, with some frontline health facility workers and quarantine facility workers having access to the vaccine in the first phase of the vaccination program. Newcastle will be amongst one of the first sites to offer the Phase 1a priority groups the Pfizer vaccine. NSW Health advises healthcare workers who will be considered for prioritisation in Phase 1a of the vaccination program include: Ambulance and patient transport staff Emergency department staff Critical care ward staff (ICUs and HDUs, ECMO and medical retrieval teams) COVID clinic and COVID testing staff (public and private) COVID ward staff COVID immunisation clinic staff COVID pathology lab staff (public and private) Workers at the Special Health Accommodation facility. If vaccine supply increases during Phase 1a, additional vaccination hubs, spokes and outreach clinics may be able to open. Eligible staff will be informed by their employer about how, when and where they will be able to get vaccinated. Other healthcare workers will be prioritised to receive a vaccine from Phase 1b. Once more vaccine doses become available from Phase 1b, it is expected that one or more COVID-19 vaccines will be available for the wider population through usual immunisation providers, including GP practices, GP respiratory clinics and Aboriginal health services. The Commonwealth will lead on implementation for the residential aged care and disability care sectors. I’ll continue to provide information about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout as it becomes available.
23.01.2022 NSW RECORDS NO COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19 Today, for the first time since 8 July, there were no cases of COVID-19 reported in the community. There were two cases detected, both in hotel quarantine. While this is positive news, it's no excuse for complacency. No matter how mild your symptoms, even if you think it's hayfever, please get tested. ... Information on COVID-19 symptoms and testing clinics can be found here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics
22.01.2022 Happy May Day! Thank a union if you have had: Annual Leave... Penalty Rates Awards Maternity leave Superannuation Workers' Compensation Sick leave Long service leave Redundancy pay Allowances: shift allowance, uniform allowance Meal Breaks, rest breaks Unfair Dismissal Protection Collective Bargaining The workers united will never be defeated!
22.01.2022 Late yesterday the Electricity Infrastructure Investment Bill passed the Parliament. The Bill locks in mechanisms to support $32 billion of investment in renewable energy infrastructure by 2030. In the Bill's original form three renewable energy zones were named in the New England and Central West regions, however the Hunter had been excluded. The Hunter will be one of the first places to face the effects of the transition away from fossil fuels, already has significant high-...voltage power transmission infrastructure and is well connected by road, rail and shipping to support the transport and export of renewable resources; it would have been plain silliness to not designate the Hunter as a renewable energy zone. Labor successfully moved a series of amendments to the Bill, which includes designating the Hunter and the Central Coast as another renewable energy zone. You can read what I had to say during the debate here: https://bit.ly/2J10zdH
21.01.2022 In 2018 Gladys Berejiklian said that she didn't want to permanently fly the Aboriginal flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge because she was happy with maintaining the "status quo". In 2019 more than 10,000 paper signatures were collected on a petition and a debate was held. Still, Gladys Berejiklian and her government have not budged. Now, she is supporting a word change in Advance Australia Fair from 'we are young and free' to 'we are one and free'.... Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see the Premier supporting this move and I am also on board, but any changes to the national anthem will be a decision made by the Federal Government. What she can support, as the NSW Premier, is flying the Aboriginal flag on the Sydney Harbour Bridge every day of the year. Gladys, walk your talk.
21.01.2022 Coming soon to the ABC
20.01.2022 Most of us will have used pathology services at some time, commonly for a blood test, as their work underpins the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This year their role has grown. The 3.2 million COVID-19 tests that have been processed in NSW would not have happened without the work of pathology. If we didn't already have enough, I'd say there's another 3.2 million reasons to say thanks!... Last night, ahead of International Pathology Day, I had an opportunity to acknowledge our pathology workers in Parliament. You can read what I had to say here: https://bit.ly/3lmeJDM. HSU NSW
20.01.2022 BUS CHANGES FROM SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER Keolis Downer have advised of changes to Newcastle bus services from Sunday 13 December. The changes are summarised below. To see how they specifically affect you use the Trip Planner at transportnsw.info, call 131 500 or see someone face-to-face at the Newcastle Interchange. ROUTE 11... Removal of the 10.30pm outbound service, weekdays, to create an hourly frequency from 10pm (loss of 5 trips per week) Adjustments of timetable for NightOwl services on Friday and Saturday ROUTE 12 Additional service late night at 11.55pm on weekdays ROUTE 13 Adjustment of timetable for NightOwl services on Friday and Saturday to provide a better frequency ROUTE 14 Adjustment of timetable for NightOwl services on Friday and Saturday to provide a better frequency ROUTE 21 Route will now operate to aNd from Customs House (route 23 will now provide services to Newcastle East) Removal of the 6.58am service on Saturdays from Broadmeadow Station to Customs House Removal of the 9.04pm service on Saturdays from Broadmeadow Station to Customs House Removal of the 8.59pm service on Saturdays from Customs House to Broadmeadow Station ROUTE 22 Removal of the 7.05am service on weekdays from Charlestown to Newcastle Interchange Removal of the 7.05am service on Sundays from Newcastle Interchange to Charlestown ROUTE 23 Route will be extended to and from Newcastle East, providing a direct connection for Newcastle East residents to Marketown Removal of the 9.10pm service on Saturdays from Newcastle East to Wallsend ROUTE 24 Removal of the 10.37pm service on weekdays from Wallsend to Newcastle Interchange ROUTE 26 Increased operating hours to connect with train services at Broadmeadow Station with an additional service at 5.50am from Wallsend to Marketown ROUTE 27 Alignment of timetable to school bells times in the afternoon ROUTE 29 Improved connections to meet trains at Cardiff Station ROUTE 43 Increased frequency to every hour on weekdays and weekends
19.01.2022 Happy Fathers Day to all the dads, grandpas and special people in ours and kids lives! Not sure how Im the one whos ended up doing the cooking though
19.01.2022 NSW SCHOOL FORMALS AND GRADUATIONS GOING AHEAD In some news that will make our Year 12 students very happy, today the NSW Government has given the go ahead to school formals and graduations in Term 4. These will not be on the usual scale, and there will be rules in place regarding parent attendance and activities such as dancing, however this is fantastic for our students who have had a HSC year like no other.... The Government will release more details on the rules in place before Term 4 commences.
18.01.2022 Plot twist: The Incredibles actually live in Newcastle and are the superheroes behind Goldbergs delicious pasta. (Spotted on Darby Street today; its actually a Variety Bash car!)
16.01.2022 If my inbox is anything to go by, the use of the word 'hotspot' has been causing a lot of confusion however we're still no closer to a consistent definition. While other states will brand NSW, or parts of it, as a 'hotspot', this is not a word NSW actually uses as it doesn't always accurately reflect why there may be areas of concern. NSW Health speaks of 'areas of increased testing'. This does not necessarily mean the COVID-19 virus is running rampant. As was the case in Ne...wcastle a few weeks ago, although cases were only found within a family cluster Health wanted to sure there weren't more cases in the community that were not being detected. When others are using this term it creates unnecessary panic, but the National Cabinet is not planning to have a clear definition until December. We need to end the confusion and set a definition.
16.01.2022 Earlier this week I had the pleasure of catching up with Ron Hedley for his 100th birthday. Ron served as a Gunner in Papua New Guinea during World War II and before moving into aged care he was a long time resident of Maryville. I first met him at an Anzac service in 2019 and, as you can see, he hasn't lost his fantastic smile!
16.01.2022 Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Newcastle marked the start of this campaign with a vigil in Civic Park to remember the women tragically lost to violence in Australia this year. City landmarks have also been lit orange in a symbol of hope for a future free from violence against women and children. #16daysofactivism2020 #newcastle16days #OrangeTheWorld
16.01.2022 Tomorrow Shadow Minister for Water Clayton Barr MP, Member for Cessnock and I will support Sonia Hornery MP in a debate to call on the Minister to direct Hunter Water to undertake essential flood mitigation works in the Wallsend CBD. Sonia has been a champion for this issue and her ask is clear - for Hunter Water to widen its channels so floodwater does not spill over during extreme rain events. I'm proud to be able to work with my colleagues to fight for action. No one wants to see a repeat of 2007, and Hunter Water needs to fix its infrastructure to mitigate the risk of it happening again.
16.01.2022 EASING OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS IN NSW NSW Health has advised COVID-19 restrictions will ease in NSW. From Tuesday, 1 December:... Up to 50 people (currently 20) can visit a residence as long as an outdoor space is being utilised, however, its recommended no more than 30 people gather if the residence has no outdoor area. Up to 50 people can gather outdoors in a public space (currently 30). Small hospitality venues (up to 200 square meters in size) will be allowed to have one person per two square meters indoors. From Monday, 14 December: The Public Health Order requiring employers to allow employees to work from home (where it is practicable to do so) will be repealed. As employees return to the office, workplaces are encouraged to have COVID- Safe plans. Employees are encouraged to stagger staff starting and finishing times to reduce the impact on public transport. Customers using public transport are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.
16.01.2022 This afternoons fleeting rainbow to brighten your Monday. I was in the right place at the right time!
16.01.2022 For four years I have been pushing the Government on the future of the Wickham School of Arts building, and for four years I have been told that adaptive reuse will eventually be considered. The last thing we want to see is for this building to go the way of The Store, another building that held an important place in Newcastle's historical fabric. As I told the Newcastle Herald, if you leave these things long enough no decision becomes a decision itself.
16.01.2022 This morning Dying with Dignity NSW are collecting signatures for a petition for voluntary assisted dying laws, which are likely to come before the Parliament later this year. At Marketown you can find them near Coles, and there is also an online version available at http://bit.ly/dwdnswpetition
15.01.2022 I'm thrilled that 21 not-for-profits have been successful in receiving grants under this year's Community Building Partnership Program. It was extremely competitive. There were 55 applications totalling almost $2.5 million - there was only $300,000 to allocate. Some of the projects to receive funding include lighting upgrades, solar panels and asbestos removal.... Congratulations to: Friends of The Schoolmaster's House Inc. Cooks Hill Surf Club Merewether Uniting Church Karumah Newcastle Community Arts and Adult Education Centre Newcastle Lapidary Club Hunter Region Working Women's Group Samaritans Newcastle Netball Association Sparkhaus Studio NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors Fern Bay Public School P&C Mayfield Bowlo Newcastle Outrigger Canoe Club Cooks Hill Pre-School Vinnies Hunter Newcastle Mens Shed Inc Scouts NSW Cooks Hill United FC HMC - Hunter Multicultural Communities Inc Hexham Bowling Club
14.01.2022 Just when you thought we were all out of illegal or immoral activities to come out of Icare, why not throw in a sneaky little recruitment scam too? Oh, and the workers under investigation were allowed to quietly resign. We've got contracts going to family members and Liberal Party donors, overseas junkets, potential illegal payments to insurance brokers and the agency paying for US political operatives to work in the Treasurer's office, all while tens of thousands of public service workers get kicked to the kerb and the Treasurer authorises a $4 billion bailout. What exactly will it take for the Premier to hold the Treasurer accountable for what has gone here?
14.01.2022 Say what you like about the play, but by far the worst part of tonights match was the attempt to turn Boyd Cordners grief into tragedy porn. Absolutely shameful.
14.01.2022 Is there a grandparent in our community who goes above and beyond? Im currently accepting nominations for Newcastles Grandparent of the Year, and Id love to hear about not just wonderful grandparents, but older people who may not be related but still fill that role in peoples lives. If you know someone worthy of nomination please email [email protected] with why you think they should be our Grandparent of the Year, and contact details for both of you.
11.01.2022 A COVID-19 story out of Melbourne to make you smile this morning! Roy Butler turned 100-years-old when he was hospitalised with pneumonia earlier this year, only to move to an aged care facility to continue his recovery and acquire COVID-19. He's now recovered from that too! What an absolute champion!
11.01.2022 Very sad news from Queensland, and a very pertinent reminder for this hot weekend. On a 30 degree day the temperature inside a car can reach up 60 degrees, and most of this temperature rise occurs within the first five minutes. A child’s body temperature also rises faster than adults, so they are going to feel the effects much sooner. We’re looking at a top of 37 degrees today and 43 tomorrow.... Child, adult, animal - if it breathes, don’t leave it in a hot car.
11.01.2022 COVID-19 BORDER UPDATE Earlier this morning, the South Australian Premier announced that provided there were no cases of community transmission in today's NSW COVID-19 cases, the border between the two states would reopen on Thursday. The figures are in NSW has recorded two new cases - both in hotel quarantine.... This means that NSW residents entering South Australia will not need to quarantine for 14 days.
11.01.2022 NSW SCHOOL RESTRICTIONS TO EASE IN TERM 4 The Education Minister has announced a number of restrictions that will be eased when Term 4 commences: Parent volunteers can return e.g. reading groups... Year 6 formals allowed Camps and excursions allowed at venues with COVID-Safe plans Kindergarten orientations from beginning of term, Year 7 from 11 November (after conclusion of HSC) Choirs up to 5 people, music ensembles with social distancing Sport returning to pre-pandemic activities, but parents can't attend if event is being held on school grounds (can attend if held at a community facility) The Minister also anticipates that end-of-year school assemblies and presentations will be able to go ahead, but has not confirmed this. Bear in mind that individual schools may choose to implement other rules and if you have questions regarding your specific situation please check with your school.
10.01.2022 HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN AROUND NEWCASTLE? Andrew Weatherstone has not been seen since 6pm on Saturday (19 September). He was reported missing to Newcastle City Police District.... Police and family hold concern for his welfare due the disappearance being out of character. Andrew is 47-years-old and is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 190cm tall, of medium build, with brown hair, brown eyes and a moustache. It is believed he is driving a white Toyota Camry sedan, and is known to frequent Newcastle and surrounding suburbs. Anyone who may have information are urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4926 6537 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
10.01.2022 SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING The Bureau of Meteorology has a severe thunderstorm heading our way. This is looking to hit us around 9pm, so if you have loose items outside, cars to put away or need to get yourself or others home safely, now is the time to do it.
10.01.2022 I spy with my little eye something beginning with T... Any guesses?
10.01.2022 Its 20 years today since the Sydney Olympics began! Apart from Cathy Freeman through the entire games, a highlight for me was also Eric the Eel - how was that for perseverance? Id love to take a trip down memory lane, so share what you remember!
09.01.2022 This story about the housing crisis aired on NBN last Friday. This week nine people have approached me about their homelessness, and the week isn't over yet. On top of the known market pressures and exodus of people out of Sydney, we have seen the end of JobKeeper and the end of the moratorium on rental evictions. Our government knew this was coming, and all they did was bury their heads in the sand.
09.01.2022 WESTERN AUSTRALIA HARD BORDER COMING DOWN TO NSW AND VICTORIA ON DECEMBER 8 Next Tuesday, provided there are no COVID-19 outbreaks in the meantime, the hard border at Western Australia will come down for NSW and Victoria. This means that anyone entering WA from these states will not have to do 14 days quarantine. You will still need to undertake a health check on arrival and be prepared to undertake a COVID-19 test if deemed necessary.... Quarantine is still in place for anyone entering from South Australia though, so if you plan on driving to WA and you pass through SA you will need to quarantine.
09.01.2022 Dear Gladys, We're not going to forget what you said about our train building. Kind regards,... Newcastle AMWU NSW & ACT AMWU Newcastle NSW Rank & File Members AMWU - Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union
09.01.2022 Today Labor, led by my Upper House colleague John Graham, launched its Right to Play Music Bill, which aims to remove outdated bans and restrictions on live music in hundreds of NSW venues. Current COVID restrictions aside, some venues can only have musicians facing a certain direction. Others only allowed to host certain genres of music. In one ridiculous case a Sydney venue was not able to hang a mirror ball because it could show an intent to provide a dance floor as well. ... The bill would also give councils the ability to remove these restrictions from development consents. Georgia from All Our Exes Live in Texas, who I spoke with this morning, is one of several musicians who gave her support to the Bill at Parliament. In the current COVID climate, things are even more dire for the industry. Just yesterday music venues launched the Save Our Stages NSW, calling for Government support for an industry that employs 23,000 people and contributes $3.6 billion to the state's economy. You can read more about the Save Our Stages campaign at sosnsw.org.
08.01.2022 You might be familiar with the grants inquiry Parliament’s Legislative Council is currently undertaking; it’s the inquiry where we learned about the shredded documents and deleted files to cover up Coalition pork barrelling. Today, with the Member for Wollongong Paul Scully MP, I appeared at the inquiry to highlight the way Newcastle gets flip-flopped between metropolitan and regional classification on the whim of these grants programs so we are deliberately excluded. Sometim...es we’re metropolitan, sometimes were regional and sometimes we’re neither. It’s either inconsistent or non-existent, and as a result our facilities and community groups miss out. In recent years there has been almost $1 billion of arts and sports funding floating around and we haven’t been able to access a cent. There are 128 council areas in NSW and only two are in this situation. We need clear and consistent classifications for every city and town in the state and equitable access to State Government grant programs.
07.01.2022 Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP has just announced that the Queensland border will be open to all NSW residents from Tuesday, December 1 as the state has reached the benchmark of 28 days without a case of COVID-19 with no known source. She has also flagged that the same announcement will be made for Victorians tomorrow provided they track well for another day.
07.01.2022 Had to give the Maroons the first game to create some excitement for next week
06.01.2022 NUMBER INCREASES AT NSW COMMUNITY SPORT, WEDDING DANCEFLOORS In further easing of restrictions announced by the NSW Premier today: Wedding parties will able to take the dancefloor at weddings, up to a maximum of 20 people. It must always be the same people - different groups of 20 cannot be rotated through.... Both parents can attend community sport this weekend. Depending on the individual COVID-Safe plans for these sporting associations and sports ground, more spectators may be permitted. See your association for details. As always, COVID-Safe practices must be followed.
06.01.2022 $1000 FINE FOR ANYONE WHO ATTENDS A PRIVATE GATHERING BREACHING PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS From Monday 14 September 2020, if there are more than 20 visitors at a home, every person will be held individually responsible for breaching the NSW COVID-19 Public Health Orders and will now face a $1000 fine. Previously, it was only the gathering host who would receive a fine.... Up to 20 visitors may visit another household at any one time, so that means a 21-visitor gathering could attract $21,000 in fines.
06.01.2022 There's a proposal to have marshalls work in venues with poker machines, whose job it would be to engage with people who may have a problem with gambling on the pokies. It's being spearheaded by a woman whose son took his life after a long session on poker machines. I think this is an excellent idea, but I'd love to know what everyone else thinks.... Venues are required to take significant responsibility for the service of alcohol - do you think it should be the same for gambling? If you need assistance Gambling Help can contacted 24/7 on 1800 858 858. Lifeline is also available 24/7 on 13 11 14.
06.01.2022 While at Parliament a few months ago I learned that there was a very small chance that my family and I may have been casual contacts of a COVID-19 case. The first thing I did that evening was close my office door so no one could enter. I packed up, booked in for testing and went home to be tested first thing the next morning with my family. After the test we went back home and stayed there until our negative results came through the next day. Although it was an extremely slim... chance I had been exposed and under the health advice I was not required to receive a test I did so for two main reasons: 1. When the sitting week finishes 93 Legislative Assembly MPs disperse to all corners of the state. No matter how slim the risk, it is not worth running. 2. For months I had been stressing the importance of getting tested and self-isolating. Apart from it being the right thing to do, I also needed to practice what I preach. About a month later I woke up feeling like I had a mild cold. All my appointments were either cancelled or rescheduled while I was tested and in isolation at home until I received my negative result the next day. This morning the Premier confirmed that she did not isolate after receiving a COVID-19 test. This afternoon we have learned that not only did she not do that, she left her office and entered the chamber to vote before receiving her result. You get tested, you isolate. The rules are clear and they apply to everyone, including Premiers.
06.01.2022 That moment when you realise you’re old enough to have a son going to his Year 10 formal, and that the only thing keeping you taller than him is your hair!
06.01.2022 HOT HOT HOT We're getting our first big stinking hot days of the season this weekend. As well as looking after ourselves by drinking plenty of water and staying out of the heat as much as possible, if you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours it's always a good idea to pop in and check they are coping as well.... You can also put a dish of water in a shady area for thirsty wildlife, just make sure it is shallow or there is a stick or rock an animal can perch on so they don't fall in and drown. Please remember, it doesn't matter if it is human or animal, if it breathes do not leave it in the car. Forecast taken from the Bureau of Meteorology, with a top of 35 on Saturday and 43 on Sunday.
06.01.2022 I know there were people eagerly awaiting news that South Australia was going to lift travel restrictions on NSW residents yesterday, but that did not happen. This means that anyone entering SA from NSW who is not an essential traveller will still be required to undertake 14 days of self-isolation and have a COVID-19 test on the first and twelfth days of isolation. There is a zone in place for cross-border residents.... The SA Government has flagged that it is unlikely that this arrangement will change until there have been 14 days without unidentified community transmission in NSW.
06.01.2022 Today Jodie Harrison MP, Sonia Hornery MP and I tabled our petition demanding a fair deal for Newcastle seniors who cannot access the Berejiklian Governments Regional Seniors Travel Card. The card provides $250 to eligible seniors to help them with transport costs, but is another unfair example of the Government deciding Newcastles regional/metro status as they go. If you live in the Newcastle council area this Government does not think you are worthy of the support, but yo...ur neighbours just down the road, by virtue of being in another Council area, can be. Thank you to all who signed this petition. Were going to keep fighting and will be debating this in Parliament soon.
05.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE Following the detection of COVID-19 fragments in sewage from the local Burwood Beach treatment plant, further testing has not detected more remnants of the virus. Further tests will be conducted over the next week which will hopefully return negative results. Over 1100 people presented for a COVID-19 test across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie on Monday, after the news of the sewage detection on Sunday, and there have been no cases of COVID-19 detected.... It is possible that the sewage detection was due to virus shedding from someone who has previously recovered from COVID-19. If you do show symptoms, such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, loss of taste or sense of smell, or a headache, please be tested. You can find testing clinics here: https://www.nsw.gov.au//how-to-protect-yourself-an/clinics
05.01.2022 THREE STADIUMS TO INCREASE CAPACITY TO 50% The NSW Government has announced that from 1 October Bankwest, ANZ and the SCG stadiums will be able to increase their patron capacity from 25% to 50% of their normal total capacity for major, or one-off, events. The new capacities will be:... Bankwest - 15,000 SCG - 23,000 ANZ - 40,000 Smaller stadiums, including Newcastle's McDonald Jones Stadium, have not been included in this announcement but plans are being developed to implement a future increase. Attendees will be required to be seated and the stadiums will also be divided into zones, with no movement allowed between zones. Masks will be a condition of entry and will need to be worn when moving around the stadium.
05.01.2022 I think there might be some future MPs at St Peter's Primary School, Stockton! Last week I was invited to talk to Year 5 and Year 6 about the NSW Parliament, and I had tough questions to answer about how laws are made, the people I work with and why governments make the decisions they do. I was kept on my toes!... If your school is interested in a presentation on the NSW Parliament get in touch with my office via [email protected].
05.01.2022 Did you know there is a small park between King Street and Church Street (just off Darby Street)? The aptly named Church Walk Park is home to lots of birds and lizards, and if you’re there at the right time there will be plenty of cat’s claw and hibiscus in flower. Wayne and Lyndley showed me around today, and it’s well worth a look when you’re in the area
04.01.2022 If only the Liberals and Nationals cared as much about koalas as they did about feral horses. Under this Government we have seen record land clearing, wiping out important native habitat. Despite what we have seen in the last day, this entire Government has been complicit in the destruction of koala habitat, and have had to be dragged kicking and screaming to saving this precious species, but previously pulled out all the stops to protect feral horses.
04.01.2022 Another one off to high school She’s taking it much better than Mum and Dad Best wishes to all for a new school year!
04.01.2022 The legends at Hunter Gender Alliance have been working on a fantastic resource to help create and promote safe spaces for trans and gender-diverse people in our community. Through their TRANSform Newy project, this morning I was proud to take an online pledge to support this. If you need an all-gender bathroom, you can pop into my office at 414 Hunter St, Newcastle (across from the Civic Theatre). The office is open between 9 and 4.30 on weekdays.
03.01.2022 Update on the new Sydney ferries (the ones made in Indonesia), for those who have been following along. After arriving with asbestos in the gaskets and learning that passengers will have to move off the top level before the ferries can pass, there have been more than 100 faults found in the wiring, welding, propellers and paint. One of the concerns is that the propellers are positioned too high for low tide!... Real value for money in this contract, hey! It's even more reason for the Berejiklian Government to back Labor's NSW Made legislation: https://bit.ly/35ongAz
03.01.2022 Today is Walk Safely to School Day and, although Sienna is getting close to outgrowing me, Im not yet too embarrassing a Dad to be seen with her! Hitting the pavement is great for keeping our kids active, teaching independence and even being able to spend a few minutes together before the day kicks off.
02.01.2022 This weekend is Get Ready Weekend, to prepare ourselves as best we can fires. Even if bushfire is not a risk where you live, what about a house fire? What would you do should a blaze start? Do you have more than one escape route?... Do you have copies of important documents? If there is a hydrant on your property, can the firies find it easily? There are lots of little things to consider, and those are just a few ideas. Sit down this weekend and work out what you can do in preparation - it may just save your life.
02.01.2022 As the great Patches O'Houlihan once said, "Remember the five D's of running a Government - dodge, dip, duck, dive and dodge!" Article here: https://www.theguardian.com//nsw-nationals-withdraw-suppor
02.01.2022 After witnessing some people on the weekend try to argue against complying with COVID rules, heres a friendly little reminder.
01.01.2022 For the first time, our own John Hunter Children's Hospital is going to benefit from a fundraising campaign at Coles. Until 11 May $2 donation cards are available at all stores. The campaign usually benefits the Sydney Children's Hospital, but this year funds will also be distributed locally to expand the JHCH's Hospital in the Home program to include kids with cystic fibrosis.
01.01.2022 Today is Dogs in Politics Day, celebrating pet-friendly communities with my new friend Abby! I will not hear the end of this from my kids though...
