LAST week the Legislative Assembly of NSW Parliament resumed for 2018. I wasted no time in getting down to brass tacks in the first few minutes of day one.
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My first order of business was to deliver a notice of motion demanding the Government honour its promise to build the Bells Line expressway. An expressway would be a nation-building infrastructure initiative that would deliver essential growth to regional NSW and maximise the benefits of the Inland Rail Hub at Parkes, providing a safer, more efficient and capable roadway connection with Sydney.
I addressed the house on each sitting day. I called on the Government to provide additional funding and expand the front line of the NSW Police Force. On behalf of local police, who are understaffed and overworked, I demanded the Government provide a minimum of four first response police officers.
I will continue to vigorously pursue these and other issues of importance to our electorate and regional NSW.
KNOCK, KNOCK … DON’T BE SCARED
I AM dedicated to remaining accessible, approachable and in-touch with all people in the community whom I represent. In recent weeks I have resumed walking through neighbourhoods and knocking on people’s doors for 2018, commencing in Glenroi at Orange.
I met some fantastic people there; proud home-makers who appreciated the Glenroi neighbourhood as a great place to live. It reminded me of how fortunate we are to live a country life with access to so many services, activities and events in such a picturesque place.
I was invited into homes where I shared wonderful conversation. Issues which were raised with me included palliative care, energy, roads and health. I take on board what my constituents say, and wherever possible I do whatever I can for them.
I will continue to walk through the community throughout the year, and hope to meet as many people as possible. Communicating directly with the community is the best way to find out the issues which affect you and how best I can assist you.
CENTURION’S CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION
WHEREVER possible I try to personally deliver birthday wishes to my constituents who are turning 100 years of age; it is a milestone that not many of us will ever experience.
Mr Phillip Healy of Orange is one of those few, and he hit his ton on February 8. Knowing I would be in Parliament on the day, I decided to get early so as not to miss it.
I heard on good authority that Mr Healy is a rugby fan, and a keen supporter of the Wallabies. I also heard Phil likes the occasional glass of a fine red, too. I dropped a line to my mates and former Wallabies, Marty Roebuck and James Grant, who both jumped on board.
Together we all headed over to surprise Mr Healy during one of his regular workout sessions at RPT in Woodward Street. Yes, he still trains three days a week.
I presented Mr Healy with a certificate to commemorate the occasion, as well as a lovely bottle of local shiraz. Marty and James each presented Mr Healy with their personal authentic Wallabies apparel. They also threw in a couple of tickets to the Australia-Ireland test which will be played this coming season.
Happy birthday, Mr Healy.