Kylea shares her week
Week 20: Small individual gestures spark important community discussions
This past month we’ve seen a number of “small” individual gestures spark important community discussions. Whether it was Grace Tame’s refusal to smile in the presence of the Prime Minister, or Dylan Alcott declaring “he loves his disability”, ordinary people like you and I have made statements that call our system to account. These actions are in stark contrast to the lack of bold and strong leadership from our Federal Government.
In my own case, my small action of defiance – that is standing as North Sydney’s Independent candidate – hasn’t been prompted by a desire to pursue a career in politics. For the last 35 years, while running a number of very successful business, I’ve also worked to constantly push for positive social change. For me, it’s always been about the work that has needed to be done – not a party doctrine or political ambition. Coming from outside the system enables me to speak truth to power, and it is this opportunity that excites me.
With a by-election in the state seat of Willoughby coming next week, it’s been fantastic to see others take their own stands for our community.
What was meant to be a one-horse race, with the LNP nominating a replacement for Gladys Berejiklian, has become a field of 7 candidates, of whom I’ve personally seen 4 actively seeking to engage in meaningful conversations with the community. These include candidates for the Greens, the REASON party, the Sustainability Party, and independent candidate Larissa Penn for Willoughby.
Importantly, each of these 4 have been long-term residents of our area and are currently involved in advocating for positive changes for our community, by working in council or actively making representations for our community for issues like Dying with Dignity and Stopping the Tunnels. In contrast, the candidate nominated by the LNP doesn’t currently live in the seat, and is known for supporting the tunnel projects and fossil fuels.
At the end of the day, as with any election, I think what’s important is that we take the time to consciously decide how we want to be represented as a community at state government level. The next step then is to choose who we think is best placed to represent us in a way that is consistent with that desire. The decision literally is in our hands.
As always, let’s be the change we want to see.
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.