Newsletters 2025

Across the world, surveys say people have lost faith in democracy. Given what we have seen from those in power, I can certainly understand why.

In its newest "Democracy Agenda" discussion paper, the Australia Institute called for much more to be done to improve government transparency and ensure we have fair and representative elections. It was beyond disappointing, then, to learn that the major parties walked away from exactly that this week by teaming up behind closed doors to pass reforms that will severely impact smaller players' ability to compete in future elections.

Our democracy does not belong to the major parties — it is for us, the people. While yes, electoral reform is needed, what the two major parties have proposed has not been properly debated and is largely self-serving. Australians deserve better and it is up to all voters to stand up for truth and integrity at the polls.

While I will not be running for election this year, I remain firmly of the belief that we deserve a representative who will apply our community's values to all they do in Parliament House without being limited by political doctrine. I believe I have done that this term, voting with the Labor Government 49% of the time, the Coalition 55% of the time, and the Greens 61% of the time on issues ranging from human rights to HECS, small business, superannuation reform, climate policy and the environment.

I've made over 240 statements, and have spoken 143 times and moved 82 amendments to the 326 bills that were passed. In all, I’d say I’ve done three times the work of party backbenchers. And still, our work continues.

With the 47th Parliament fast coming to a close, my team and I spent what could be our last week in Canberra speaking about antisemitism at universities, the need to protect our biodiversity, childcare reform and our community's progress towards decarbonisation.

I was particularly pleased to welcome the Early Childhood Education and Care (Three Day Guarantee) Bill 2025, which reflects the recommendations and aspirations that our community put forward following the North Sydney Deliberative Democracy Forum on Early Childhood Education and Care last year. The Bill gives each Australian child access to 72 hours of subsidised care a fortnight regardless of their parents' circumstances, and is a significant step towards creating the universal ECEC system that our community has called for.

On the climate front, I was also pleased to share North Sydney's significant progress towards our decarbonisation goals, with almost 1 in 3 homes now powered by rooftop solar, and 4.5 times more electric cars in our overall mix of vehicles, compared to figures from June 2022. My Powering to Net Zero team has made a huge difference on the ground by tirelessly putting together workshops, case studies, government incentive guides, and countless other resources to help North Sydneysiders go green. If you haven't already done so, check out their website here.

Thank you as always for your feedback and particularly for the lovely messages of support following my valedictory speech in parliament on Monday. I truly believe that as a community, we have changed the climate in Canberra by demanding collaboration over divisiveness, and bringing "enthusiasm and optimism" — as Tony Burke described it — to an often-cynical Parliament House.

We're making gains, North Sydney, and it's all because of you!

- KT

WHAT'S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY

IN THE NEWS

Crossbenchers to fight to overturn electoral reform cannonballing in minority parliament - The Nightly, 13 February 2025. Kylea urges Australians to "vote the way that will bring truth and integrity back to this place" in the next election, criticising how the two major parties have colluded to pass new electoral reforms that could lock out smaller players from competing in future elections.

Crossbench in revolt as Labor and Coalition reach agreement to restrict political donations and spending ($) - Gold Coast Bulletin, 12 February 2025. Labor and the Coalition have been accused of "an affront to democracy” after teaming up to pass electoral reforms that would advantage the major parties, while deliberatively icing the crossbench out of discussions.

“Frankensteinian”: The small business tax change causing fiery debate in Parliament - Smart Company, 13 February 2025. Kylea has raised concerns with Labor’s plan to remove tax deductibility from the interest charged on overdue tax debt, warning that the additional administrative burden would disproportionately impact small, family-run businesses

Outgoing Teal MP to deliver valedictory speech in Parliament - ABC News Breakfast, 10 February 2025. Kylea speaks of the role of the crossbench in the 47th Parliament of Australia, noting that legislation has been more thoroughly examined this term than ever before. She names HECS reform, the lifting of the single parenting payment and strengthening the government's 43% emissions reduction target as examples of major crossbench wins.

More media mentions here.