e-brief

As we head into the budget session of parliament - the last NSW budget before the state election - welcome to Red Leather #77.

There has been an important win for children under 2 in NSW. From 2011 all childcare centres caring for children under 2 will have to have a 1:4 staff ratio. This area has been a complex policy challenge that had to balance the cost of childcare, access to qualified staff and the best interests of our under 2's. Congratulations to Minister Linda Burney for making this policy a reality. Our kids will thank us for it.

This time next year, the people of NSW will have been to the polls to choose who they want to be the government in NSW. One year out there has been a lot of commentary in the media about the outcome and the possibility of a change in government.

In all the grabs and all the column inches of analysis I wonder if anyone other than those who follow politics closely are really paying much attention.

As the to's and fro's of the daily media cycle are closely analysed, most of our citizens are getting on with their lives.  State government services and programs support these busy lives.

Happy International Women's Day. As this event grows every year in NSW there were many different events at local and state level. The parliament spent some time talking about IWD and women.

I was fortunate to host the Women in Local Government Awards at parliament house. Congratulations especially to Mayor Jenny Dowell from Lismore and Mayor Jean Hay from Manly whose long time contribution to local government was recognised. 

EBRIEF #39: Special Budget Edition

This week was budget week.  Most of you would have seen the media coverage of the budget. What you won't have seen is what happened across every portfolio in the government.

This special edition ebrief gives you access to all the media releases that were prepared for the budget so you can find out what is happening in your particular field of interest.

If you want to read the whole budget speech you can check it out here.

For people in my duty electorates of Sydney, Bega and Willoughby I have provided an overview and my media releases below.

The latest e-brief is now available.

My fortnightly e-brief aims to give you an overview of legislation, committee inquiries, government announcements and other happenings in Macquarie St.

The focus is on seeking input and feedback as well as letting you know where you can have your voice heard in the decisions that are being made.

The e-brief will evolve over time. If you have any feedback or suggestions please let me know.