Newsletters 2024

You may have seen me in the news or out in public this week talking about fuel emissions standards, and addressing the misinformation being spread by those with vested interests in fossil fuel cars. No, standards will not make cars more expensive. Yes, you will still be able to buy a 4WD. Sometimes, advocacy feels a bit like shouting into the void. But trust me: we are making a difference.

We've had a few wins this week on the gender equality and climate fronts. Our community has been pushing hard for superannuation to be added to Paid Parental Leave for some time, so it was great to see the Government finally committing to do so next year. Women in Australia currently retire with 25 per cent less in superannuation than men. This policy will go some way towards addressing the gap, and is absolutely a step in the right direction when it comes to supporting working women.

I was also pleased to see the Federal Court put the brakes on Santos' Narrabri gas project, ruling that the project needs to consider public interest in relation to climate change. When I visited the Liverpool Plains last year, it was clear that farmers and traditional owners were concerned about the impacts of fossil fuel projects on their land, and frustrated that they weren't being heard. I congratulate the Gomeroi people on this week's Federal Court ruling, which is a win not only for their community but also for our climate.

Meanwhile, in North Sydney, it was a pleasure to be out and about celebrating International Women's Day and Mardi Gras.

On Saturday, our community marched with residents of Warringah and Wentworth on the 'Independents for Inclusion' Mardi Gras float. True to our theme, 'Powered by People', the night truly was a community effort. Thank you to the amazing Ed Yan for pulling it all together, the talented Helen Benham for her choreography and rehearsals, my dedicated Electorate Office staff, and all who marched with us — both in person and virtually — in support of LGBTQI+ pride and inclusion.

On Wednesday, I hosted an International Women's Day breakfast, with almost 200 North Sydneysiders coming together to hear from the inspirational Catherine Fox, Michelle Lim, Melanie Fernandez and Sophie Scott, and discuss persistent inequities in pay, domestic duties and retirement savings.

We do not have a gender-equal Australia — last week's WGEA pay gap data and the Government's own Status of Women Report Card make that abundantly clear. But we can and must do better. I'm looking forward to engaging further with the Government on its newly released National Strategy for Gender Equality, and ensuring that it truly delivers the change we want to see.

- KT

✈️ HAVE YOUR SAY ON AIRCRAFT NOISE ✈️

Thank you to the residents who have brought the issue of increased aircraft noise over Hunters Hill and Boronia Park to my attention. With the help of former Aviation Community Advocate Tony Williams, I have raised the issue with the Sydney Airport Community Forum (SACF), which has found that these flight paths were recently overused.

Sydney Airports are now on notice, and will be moving flight path mode sharing back to the long term average. I will be watching the figures over the coming months to ensure this does actually occur.

In addition, my office has raised the broader issue of aircraft noise on health and well-being with the forum, and requested that SACF chair Sally Sitou MP raise this issue with the Minister for Infrastructure. There is a current Senate Inquiry into the Impact and Mitigation of aircraft noise. If you would like to make a submission you can do so here until April 5.

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