Newsletters 2024

This week Parliament marked the 75th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, which were conceived to protect innocent life in times of war and are just as important today as ever.

The Conventions are one of the most widely recognised treaties in the world, binding nations — in theory — to humanitarian treatment of prisoners, the wounded, aid workers and other civilians caught up in war zones.

But the existence of the Conventions alone has never been enough to stop evil. It did not stop the Nazis in World War II, despite Germany being a signatory as far back as 1929. And it clearly has not stopped atrocities that are still being committed today in multiple locations around the world.

The truth is, international treaties like the Geneva Conventions are only as strong as our willingness to fight for them. I will continue to advocate for our nation to meet our responsibility to uphold these laws at all times and for all people, and to take action against those who breach them.

In a similar vein, I was pleased to support Together for Humanity's National Youth Summit, which this week brought together 70 high school students from across the country to discuss diversity, inclusion and community cohesion.

Communities all across Australia are being tested by rising tensions around the world. But multiculturalism has long been one of our greatest national strengths. It was a privilege to hear how summit attendees they hope to foster "belonging in a disconnected world". With these young people at the helm, I am convinced that we can and will do better in the years to come.

Meanwhile, it seems the Federal Opposition has built up some rage and resentment during the winter break, returning to Canberra with targeted and consistent levels of abuse for me and others on the crossbench. When I stood during Question Time to ask about the inclusion of a climate trigger in the development approval process, I could barely be heard over the shouts of Liberal and National members.

Warringah's Zali Steggall similarly struggled to be heard when she stood up against Peter Dutton's motion to systematically reject all visa applications from Palestinians. The Opposition took issue with her calling the proposal racist. But let's be clear: racism is prejudice, discrimination or hatred that leads to unequal outcomes for people because their ethnicity, national origin, or colour of their skin. Dutton's portrayal of all Palestinians as "terrorists" is nothing but consistent with that definition.

Closer to home, more than 60 people spoke at the AEC's full public inquiry into electoral boundaries this week, with a majority opposing its proposed abolition of North Sydney. Thank you to all who shared your time, personal experiences, research and other relevant expertise with the committee. Given the sheer number of objections, the AEC has indicated that it may hold a second inquiry day. My team and I will keep the community posted as we hear more.

Thank you as always for your support and feedback, which continues to inform all I do in Parliament: from advocating for the Hazara community to supporting a ban on gambling advertisements, engaging with experts and the public on housing reform, and pushing for fairer, more future-proof superannuation taxation. I look forward to updating you on our progress at the end of this parliamentary sitting fortnight — please join us online on Monday 2 September if you can!

- KT

UPDATE ON AIRCRAFT NOISE OVER NORTH SYDNEY

The Senate Committee investigating the impact of aircraft noise on the health of communities like ours last week held a hearing, at which North Sydney’s interests were once again ably represented by Tony Williams. Our community’s input has been instrumental in maintaining pressure on Airservices Australia to do better, and it is working!

If you want to follow the progress of the Senate Inquiry you can do so here. And if you want to make a complaint about aircraft noise you can do so here.

PETITION: SYDNEY HARBOUR IS NOT A JUNKYARD

The iconic Sydney Harbour is a central part of our electorate, providing a beautiful backdrop for the reserves and public spaces that are enjoyed by so many. Over time, however, residents have noticed a growing number of unused water vessels and associated structures polluting bays and coves in our Harbour.

If you are a NSW resident, you can help ask the NSW Government to take necessary action to clear the Harbour of these abandoned assets, and to tighten the rules around how dolphin wharves and moorings are to be used. Sign the petition here.

WHAT'S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY

IN THE NEWS

Human Rights Commission supports Bill to recognise adequate housing as a human right - Australian Human Rights Commission, 15 August 2024. The Australian Human Rights Commission has supported a private member’s bill jointly introduced by Kylea and ACT Senator David Pocock that would recognise the human right to adequate housing and support improved housing outcomes for all Australians.

AEC redistribution splits North Shore independents - AFR, 15 August 2024. Media coverage of the public response to the Australian Electoral Commission's boundary redistribution proposal. The commission has received 738 objections to its proposal to abolish North Sydney, with suggestions that “the Redistribution Committee has given disproportionate consideration to ... political parties and their members over community suggestions.”

Teals turn against new $3m super tax urging government to make amendments - The Australian Business Review, 14 August 2024. Kylea is among a group of crossbenchers calling on the government to amend the most controversial aspects of is superannuation tax changes, which could disproportionately impact farmers, start-ups and self-managed super funds.

Independents team up to oppose superannuation tax amendments - AFR, 14 August 2024. Kylea has signed a joint crossbench letter urging the Government to amend its Better Targeted Superannuation Concessions Bill 2023.

Independent MPs call for super reforms - Financial Standard, 14 August 2024. Kylea says the Government's proposed changes to superannuation is currently being poorly executed. She is particularly concerned about the unprecedented taxation of unrealised capital gains, and the lack of indexation on the large balance threshold amount which will impact a growing share of ordinary Australians over time.

National Youth Summit discusses racism in schools - Education Review, 13 August 2024. Together for Humanity has held its first National Youth Summit about how racism and prejudice can affect learning and wellbeing in school. Kylea was parliamentary sponsor of the forum.

Kylea urges Parliamentarians to heed young people's voices at Together For Humanity Event - WIN News, 13 August 2024. Kylea urges parliamentarians to listen to the voices of young Australian's at this year's Together For Humanity Youth Summit event in Canberra. Over 70 students attended to voice their thoughts on diversity and inclusion to parliamentary leaders

Pressure builds for gambling ad ban - SBS, 10 August 2024. Kylea is among more than 60 signatories to a letter demanding that the Federal Government implement all gambling reforms recommended in a landmark review led by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy.

Proposed electoral reshuffle provokes community backlash - 2ser, 9 August 2024. Media coverage of the community response to the Australian Electoral Commission's draft proposal to abolish the Federal Electorate of North Sydney.

More media mentions here.