Newsletters 2024

The very basis of Australia's democracy is that communities elect representatives to parliament to act on their behalf: by advocating for their interests, negotiating a way forward on national issues, and scrutinising any law that the government of the day may wish to bring into being.

In that regard, I was bitterly disappointed this week by the Labor Government's blatant disregard for our democratic principles.

On Wednesday morning, members of the crossbench were presented with the highly problematic Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024, and advised that the Government intended to push the legislation through parliament in less than 24 hours — leaving little time for scrutiny and debate.

This draconian Bill grants exceptional powers to the Immigration Minister. It forces vulnerable people to choose between deportation and jail, potentially separating children from their families. By stifling scrutiny of this Bill, the Government has effectively chosen to ignore the views of much of the Australian population, while taking our country to a new low in terms of our international human rights reputation.

We are better than this, Australia. And we deserve better from our Government. See what I had to say in Parliament about the Bill and the way it was introduced and my subsequent statement to the media here.

The Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Amendment Bill was another frustrating exercise in politics. In this Bill, the Government has put forward a mixed bag of reforms, including much-needed occupational health and safety improvements alongside very harmful changes that give the Resources Minister unprecedented power to approve offshore gas projects without requiring compliance with Australian environmental law. Despite its election promises on climate action, it is clear that this Government still has a long way to go in cleaning up its treatment of fossil fuels.

It's an uphill battle, but please know that we are making a difference.

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, introduced this week, is a testament to the power of politics done differently. The new standard, which the Climate Council has hailed as a "big climate win", will bring Australia in line with the global market and is an essential step towards lower household costs, lower emissions, better air quality and energy security. Successive governments have tried and failed to deliver this reform but, with the largest crossbench in the history of our country, this 47th Parliament has finally got it done!

Have a happy and safe long weekend, North Sydney. Thank you for working with me towards a more open, accountable and truly democratic parliament.

- KT

COME AND MEET KYLEA

WHAT'S ON IN NORTH SYDNEY

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IN THE NEWS

Stage 3 tax changes, deportation laws and the future of North Sydney - Sky News, 27 March. In a wide-ranging interview with Sky News, Kylea addresses questions on the Labor Government's handling of the Stage Three Tax Cuts, its highly problematic new immigration laws, and the upcoming AEC redistribution.

‘Bracket creep for super’: Teals brand Labor’s $3m policy a ‘cash grab’ - AFR, 27 March. Kylea has urged the Government to drop plans to tax unrealised gains on large superannuation accounts, and allow for the proposed $3 million balance cap to rise over time.

Interview with Sarah Macdonald on New Vehicle Efficiency Standard - ABC Radio, 27 March. "These laws aren't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but they're actually really good," Kylea says. "Ultimately, Australians can finally begin to look forward to seeing more fuel efficient vehicles being imported into this market, and consequently paying less for petrol, having fewer emissions, and all the other benefits that come with that from health to environment." Listen from the 5'50"-15'23" mark.

North Sydney welcomes release of New Vehicle Efficiency Standard - Media release, 27 March. Kylea has welcomed the Government's release of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, describing it as solid stepping stone towards Australia’s emissions reduction targets.

Statement on the Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill - Media release, 27 March. The Labor Government’s Migration Amendment (Removal and Other Measures) Bill 2024 is highly problematic both for its content and the way it has been moved through parliament, Kylea says,

Rushed bill forcing hundreds of non-citizens to facilitate own deportation passes lower house - The Guardian, 26 March. The Labor Government's rushed deportation bill breaches Australia’s obligation not to forcibly return asylum seekers to their country of persecution, Kylea says.

MPs voice outrage over Labor deportation bill that HRLC says will criminalise refugees - The Guardian, 26 March. Kylea has spoken in Parliament against Labor's deportation bill, which was rushed through the House of Representatives and forces immigration detainees to choose between deportation and jail.

North Sydney community comes together for Harmony Week - Media release, 26 March. The North Sydney community has celebrated Harmony Week 2024 with a spectacular multicultural concert featuring over 200 performers and 300 guests.

More media mentions here.