The NSW Liberal National Government didn't turn up last Tuesday for the Legislative Council's scheduled sitting. Of course, it wouldn't suit them to be scrutinised and held accountable, because they've been happily dismantling democracy and dictating to us from behind socially controlling health orders. Given the technology employed for these Upper House sittings, which included a dial-in WebEx facility, health advice cannot be reasonably argued as an excuse.
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NSW is the only parliament in Australia which has not resumed sittings. Other parliaments have adapted to COVID-19 by implementing a virtual facility for members to remotely and safely access sittings.
The sole government representative to turn up last Tuesday was The Hon. Trevor Khan MLC. He only turned up as the Government needed a representative to shut down the proceedings. He relied on an historic rule which stipulated the House cannot sit if there wasn't a Minister or Parliamentary Secretary present.
The Hon. Sam Farraway MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW and self-appointed MLC for Orange, had not bothered to show up, demonstrating a lack of commitment to representing the interests of country folk in the parliament.
The government's efforts in blocking parliamentary sittings drew a lot of flak from members of the opposition and cross-bench, though, of course, it's fallen on deaf, and defiant, ears of the Berejiklian-Barilaro government. To be frank, it's an insult to the citizens of NSW.
During the Premier's daily press conference on August 21, 2021, COVID briefing she said, "...I'm the Premier of the largest State in Australia, and I expect to be held to account, I expect every decision that we (NSW Government) take to be scrutinised, to be commented upon...". If the Premier were genuine, she would have insisted that her Upper House members facilitate the sittings, as scheduled.
The Premier has ignored the 23,835 citizens who've petitioned the NSW Parliament for the return of Parliament. This is NSW Parliament's third-largest supported e-petition, which called on the Government to immediately recall and resume the NSW Parliament.
It's clear the Premier and her government have no interest in transparency, nor allowing themselves to be subject to scrutiny or being held to account by the members of Parliament, who've been elected by the citizens of our State.
I look forward to a return to Parliament so that democracy is restored and that I, as your elected representative, can raise issues affecting our community and hold the Berejiklian-Barilaro government to account.
Actually attending parliament and prosecuting the issues affecting our community is how I've successfully been able to deliver for our community. Being blocked from parliament by the government has significantly hindered the ability of non-government MPs to advance the interests of their communities.
I cannot and will not diminish the seriousness of the pandemic, but there is a litany of other serious issues which need to be addressed, and parliament is where that needs to happen.
SALOONS FAVOURED OVER SALONS
The NSW Government have unveiled their roadmap to freedom. The relative 'freedoms' for vaccinated adults will come into effect on the Monday after NSW hits the 70 per cent double dose target.
There have been some inconsistencies identified in these eased restrictions, which unfairly impact some businesses. Under the easing of restrictions, which will initiate upon reaching the 70 per cent double-dose vaccination rate, hospitality venues will be allowed to reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside. However, personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can only open with one person per 4sqm, capped at just five clients per premises - irrespective of their capacity!
This is inconsistent, as there are many hairdressing and nail salons which can cater for more than five clients and still meet the 4sqm rule. The rules are meant to stop the spread of COVID-19, and hairdressers typically operate on scheduled booking which can better manage people than a pub could with people wandering around. I've asked the Health Minister to review the proposed restrictions and apply common sense.
