Newsletters 2023

Here in North Sydney, I have the privilege of representing a passionate and compassionate community, where more than 1 in 6 residents engage in volunteering. Whether at schools, through religious, social and environmental groups, or other organisations, local volunteers dedicate their time and effort to supporting our community and making sure no one is left behind. To these wonderful individuals: we appreciate all that you do. Thank you!

This week, in observation of the United Nations' International Volunteer Day, I met with the many TeamTINK volunteers who have so generously helped out in the electorate office, at street meets, public events, and so much more. TeamTINK is absolutely fundamental to all that I do. As a community independent, there is no "me" without "we". I lean heavily on these passionate North Sydneysiders to ensure I am properly representing the ambitions and concerns of our community, and to drive the progress we want to see in Canberra.

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of visiting the team at Women and Children First, a local service that provides support and accommodation for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. This not-for-profit operates the Bringa Women's Refuge and Delvina Refuge that have served our community since 1975. It was humbling to hear about the work they do and the challenges they face, and I am more committed than ever to our shared mission to eradicate gender-based violence in Australia.

I also had the opportunity to speak in Parliament on Thursday about the Paid Parental Leave Amendment (More Support for Working Families) Bill 2023 and the Nature Repair Market (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2023, which passed both Houses yesterday.

The Nature Repair legislation has been much improved since its introduction in March. While it still isn't perfect, I truly believe that we have gotten much closer to an excellent piece of legislation thanks to the combined efforts of all in the House, and the minister's willingness to listen and engage. It's a great example of how we can and should be working together towards consensus because ultimately, we must move beyond bipartisan politics and party politicking if we are going to create sustainable change in our environmental laws.

It's shaping up to be a very hot weekend so please remember to stay hydrated. With parliamentary sittings now done for the year, I look forward to seeing you back home in North Sydney!

- KT

WHAT'S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY

JOIN THE PETITION: IMMIGRATION DETENTION

IN THE NEWS

Opinion: The way Australia treats refugees shames the entire nation - The New Daily, 1 December. Australia's immigration detention regime goes much further than border protection; effectively punishing those who flee to our country in the desperate hope of refuge, Kylea says.

Teal MPs slam ‘perversion of democracy’ on immigration laws - Sydney Morning Herald, 6 December. Kylea has criticised a Government plan to rush new immigration laws through parliament on Wednesday, arguing that "this is what regimes do to communities when they are seeking to have complete control ... they pass laws in the dead of night without their citizenship knowing about it."

More media mentions here.