Kylea shares her week
Week 13: My last blog post of 2021
It’s hard to believe that we’re almost at the end of the year – this is my last blog post of 2021. We’re now just over three months into our campaign to get a strong, independent voice for North Sydney to Canberra, and as the year comes to a close, I’d just like to share how grateful I am to have met so many amazing people on this journey. Ours is a vibrant and diverse community full of leaders, achievers, thinkers, doers and carers. I am honoured to have connected with so many of you this year, and look forward to meeting many more in the months to come.
That said, we of North Sydney have our work cut out for us as the new year approaches. Our opinions simply aren’t reflected by the decisions being made in Canberra and much of what is happening is incongruent with the society we would like to see created.
In the past 12 months, the North Sydney vote has been used to: block debate on the establishment of a federal integrity unit; block the referral of Christian Porter to the privileges committee; and block the presentation of the Climate Bills to parliament. Disappointing when you consider that we could have instead helped to supercharge these initiatives, and in so doing helped to build a stronger Australia.
People want to feel inspired by our federal government and to believe that those that are working in that house are doing so collaboratively to bring our country to its best possible position. We aren’t there yet, but this is achievable, as long as our representatives have the political will and conviction to stand for the community beyond all else. In this context, a strong independent cross bench is our best chance of driving the change we wish to see and pulling our parliamentary system back into line.
As we move into 2022, I am committed to pushing for action on the priorities of our electorate:
- Faster action on climate and more ambitious carbon reduction targets for the next 8 years. Importantly, targets are nothing without a plan and we are committed to being part of the development of one which will achieve a fair and just transition for our wider community.
- Integrity in federal politics. There is overwhelming support for a Federal Integrity Commission with teeth. We will not accept a watered-down version of such an organisation as we recognise that would be worse than having nothing at all, as abuses and unethical behaviour would essentially be sanctioned.
- Fairer treatment of women in politics. We’re tired of the childlike behaviour that we see coming from our politicians. We want equality at the federal level and not just because it “must be done” but because it makes sense. Again, we recognise that a strong independent crossbench is the best way to call this behaviour out and bring sensibility back into the parliamentary process.
- A higher quality of leadership. We want to be inspired by our leaders and to know that we have people in the highest office in the land who are going to lead us bravely and confidently.
With those learnings deeply embedded in me then I look forward to working with you all to create a future full of the aspirations we seek. Thank you for your amazing support to date, and while we have a long way to go, I can’t think of a community I would rather be standing with and for.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season and looking forward to catching up early in 2022!
Let’s change the climate in Canberra,
KT
Recent blog posts
week 23: Cutting vehicle emissions with our new Private Members Bill
December 02, 2022
Earlier this year, in the months before the election, I promised to develop and introduce a Private Member's Bill that would deliver better, cleaner fuel to Australians and reduce pollution from our cars. That Bill was tabled in Parliament this week.
North Sydney's Reducing Vehicle Pollution Bill will bring Australian fuel quality in line with European standards, reducing the levels of sulphur and aromatics that they can contain.
Week 22: The National Anti-Corruption Commission Bill Passes the House
November 25, 2022
With just one sitting week remaining for Parliament in 2022, the past week in Canberra has definitely been full of robust debate, constructive discussion and ultimately some landmark legislative developments.
Week 21: What we're doing to strengthen the Anti-Corruption Bill
November 18, 2022
Our democracy will only ever be as strong as our willingness as citizens to actively contribute to any debate, and just on six months into this role, the capacity for me to truly listen to the many voices of North Sydney as they discuss proposed or needed legislative reform at the national level is without a doubt the most rewarding thing I get to do on a daily basis.
week 20: Speaking out for our community on climate change
November 11, 2022
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Week 19: Getting IR Reforms Right
November 04, 2022
This week, I've been looking at the Government's 'Secure Jobs, Better Pay' Bill, a package of Industrial Relations (IR) changes that was introduced in Parliament in Budget week.
Week 18: What the Budget Means for North Sydney
October 28, 2022
This week, my team and I have been hard at work determining what the newly released Federal Budget means for North Sydney's priorities, and what needs to be done to ensure government initiatives actually deliver the changes that our community wants to see.
Every Friday
Kylea's newsletter hits the inboxes of people right across our electorate of North Sydney. Stay up to date with Kylea's plans and progress as she tells us about her week speaking with people in our community. We'll also highlight the latest community events and initiatives to get involved with.