Newsletters 2025

As we head into the final few (undoubtedly busy) sitting weeks, there is still much I would like to see accomplished before the next Federal election.

At the top of the draft agenda for next week is the Hate Crimes bill, which seeks to strengthen existing laws and establish new criminal offences for urging and threatening violence against groups of people and for the display of hate symbols. Given the devastating rise in racism in our country, and particularly the increasing frequency of antisemitic attacks, I will be supporting this bill, but believe that we need to do more to address racism and hate before it escalates to threats or violence.

As a wonderfully vibrant and diverse community we know exactly how vital it is that everyone feels valued, respected and safe. Our differences make us stronger - and in this vein I'm hoping to see many of you at Lunar New Year celebrations this weekend.

Other bills of note are the Sams Prevention Framework bill and Setting Gender Equality Targets. The scams bill is heading in the direction we want to see scams legislation go, but I am still concerned it does not go quite far enough in ensuring scams victims are adequately compensated by those who are best placed to catch and manage scams in the first instance – the banks, telcos and social media companies.

The Setting Gender Equality Targets bill aims to expedite progress on workplace gender equality, requiring large employers to have strategies and policies in place to support stated gender equality indicators. Generally I would prefer industry to be self-regulating in this, but progress has been slow with only 34% of large employers having adopted three or more relevant gender targets voluntarily.

After looking like it was being shelved to allay WA Labor's concerns ahead of their state election, the Nature Positive bill has been listed in the Senate. Environmental law reform was a cornerstone of this Government’s ambition and I know our community is as disappointed as I am by the lack of action to date in this space.

Also disappointingly, the Government has failed to list key legislation that would allow them to tick off a few of their election promises. For one, the ban on genetic discrimination in life insurance – a no brainer which enjoys multi-partisan support. To not deliver this reform - as was promised in September last year - would be a missed opportunity for the Government to deliver a win. At the same time, progress on banning gambling advertising seems stalled. Again, this is something with broad community support but seems destined to languish as both major parties remain under the influence of the gambling industry.

As always, I am keen to hear views from the community on any of the above!

Meanwhile in the electorate my team is preparing our first community event for the year: ‘Getting off Gas’ co-hosted with Asian Australians for Climate Solutions. With live cooking demonstrations, food samples and valuable information to get you started on your journey to induction cooking, this is one not to miss! Register here.

- KT

PS If you can, come along to Nicolette Boele's campaign launch for Bradfield this Sunday! The venue has moved to St Ives Showground. More details and registration here.

WHAT'S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY

GRANTS & HAVE YOUR SAY

Stronger Communities Grant

Aviation Customer Rights Charter

Mandating Cash Acceptance

IN THE NEWS

Kylea and the future of independents - ABC News, 31 January 2025 Kylea has said it makes sense to support Nicolette Boele when one-third of North Sydney is now in Bradfield.

Teals call out 'political mudslinging', but hold back on Anthony Albanese - The Australian, 15 January 2025. Kylea is among the independent MPs calling out major party leaders to end personal attacks and instead "...should be rising to the occasion rather than sinking into the sandpit," in lead up to the federal election.

'Abhorrent catch-22': Labor still consulting on promised first-term insurer regulation - The Australian, 14 January 2025. Kylea has criticised the Albanese government for a ‘cruel’, ‘confusing’ delay to the universally supported ban on insurers exploiting genetic test results, calling for the legislation to be tabled in February sitting weeks.

As the world burns, young Australians are feeling disbelief - and looking for answers - The Guardian, 13 January 2025. Anjali Sharma has reiterated her call for a Duty of Care Bill, in the wake of the LA Fires in a piece in The Guardian. "The Earth is burning. As young people everywhere rage against short-termism and demand their politicians consider their long-term needs, only to be ignored, I feel angry," she says.

More media mentions here.