Dear Berowra Resident,
Thank you to everyone who got in touch recently about the upcoming closure of the 3G network.
Clearly, the Government’s decision to shut down the 3G network has not
been totally thought through. I've heard that it will seriously impact
areas including Glenorie, Galston, Arcadia, Wisemans Ferry, Milson’s
Passage, Maroota, Annangrove, Mount Colah and Laughtondale.
Many residents in these areas are still relying on the 3G network and
cannot get the 4G or 5G network. As well, for those in boats on the
Hawkesbury River, 3G is the vital link with emergency services.
There is not a shortage of technology, only a shortage of will.
It’s a cause I took up during the recent parliamentary sitting fortnight. You can read my speech here.
I am pleased that Minister Rowland has formed a working group inquiring
into the 3G shutdown, with a particular emphasis on triple zero calls.
Following my advocacy, and the advocacy of others in the Coalition, the
shutdown of the 3G network has been referred to the Senate’s Rural and
Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. The purpose of the
inquiry is to review the impact that the shutdown will have on
Australians who rely on the 3G network.
If you are impacted by this change, I encourage you to share your experience with the Committee.
Submissions close on 31 May. You can make a submission by clicking on the button below.
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As many of you will know, since I was
elected I have consistently fought for a better deal for our area from
the telcos – for more towers and fewer blackspots.
That's why I am so pleased to announce that Telstra’s new Glenhaven telecommunications tower is now fully operational.
This is a story of what happens when our community works together to get better telecommunications for our area.
I first secured Telstra's support for a tower to improve telco coverage
in Glenhaven and Dural in 2020. But when there was trouble finding the
right site, it looked like the tower wouldn’t happen.
That was until David Makin - who is President of the Glenhaven Green
Residents Association - got in touch with me and suggested a site next
to the retirement village.
David, the residents of Glenhaven Green, and I fought for that tower to be built there, along Old Northern Road.
Today, it is fully operational and improving the telco coverage for thousands of families across those suburbs.
David is a hero to me, and he should be a hero to everyone in Glenhaven
and Dural whose telco is better today because of his efforts.
In today's newsletter, you will find information about:
- The Government's Family Car Tax
- Housing affordability and planning
- The Parliamentary Inquiry into Diabetes
- How my team can help you with immigration
- The Tom Hughes Oration
- Play Our Way Grants Program
- New flags for our schools and community organisations
- Community grants for local organisations including:
- Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Sailing Club
- St John's Anglican Church
- St Agatha's Catholic Church
- Cowan Public School
- Local events including:
- Anzac Day
- International Women's Day
- Opening of the Ferry Artist Gallery's Wiseman's Ferry exhibition
- Beecroft Youth Awards
- Normanhurst Public School Fair
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The Government's Family Car Tax
The Government is currently trying to
push forward a tax on new vehicles, which will directly impact families,
farmers and tradies.
Under the proposed new law, within the next few years Australians could
pay up to $25,000 more for SUVs or 4WDs and up to $18,000 more for utes.
For example, that involves Australians paying:
- $11,020 more for a Toyota RAV4
- $25,050 for a Toyota Landcruiser
- $17,950 more a Ford Ranger
- $14,490 more for a Toyota Hilux
- $13,830 more for an Isuzu D-Max.
This policy comes at a time when
Australians are already paying more for everything, including
electricity - despite the Government's pre-election promise to bring
down electricity prices by $275.
It also means that older, less fuel-efficient cars will remain on the
road longer, because Australians won't be able to afford to upgrade to
newer, more fuel-efficient models.
Everyone wants to see Australian cars producing lower emissions. But I'm
concerned that Labor’s policy is poorly thought through, in a way that
will hurt Australians.
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Housing affordability and planning
I’m continuing to call out the appalling handling of housing affordability by the State and Federal Governments.
In 2020, nationwide servicing of an average new mortgage for a home
required 30.3 per cent of your income. By October last year, that had
risen to 49.5 per cent. In Sydney, that amount is 72.2 per cent.
In other words, if you live in Sydney and you’re on an average income
and want to live in an average house, then it will require $3 in every
$4 you earn. That’s impossible.
Obviously, we need to responsibly increase housing supply. But I’m
deeply concerned about the new planning regime that’s been put in place
by the Minns Labor government. They want to remove the say that local
communities have on how we increase housing supply.
The State government needs to work with local communities, like the
Hornsby and the Hills Shire councils in my electorate that have taken a
responsible approach to meeting the density requirements asked of them
by a succession of state governments.
I also want to commend my State colleagues and both Councils for their strong stand fighting for our community on these issues.
I recently spoke about my concerns in detail in Parliament. You can read that speech here.
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Leading the Diabetes Inquiry of the Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sports
During
the most recent sitting fortnight, I was appointed Deputy Chair of the
Parliament’s Standing Committee on Health, Aged Care and Sport.
The
Committee is currently inquiring into the state of diabetes in
Australia. 1.3 million Australians (the equivalent of one in every
twenty people across the country) are living with diabetes.
I
have long been a supporter of funding for diabetes research, because
research ensures we get the best outcomes for patients as well as
taxpayers.
So
it was wonderful to catch up with diabetes advocates from JDRF. Along
with many other groups, they are informing our deliberations on this
vital health issue.
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How my team can help - Immigration
Thank you to everyone who has reached out
following the information that I shared in my last email newsletter
about how my office can help you with Services Australia.
If you missed it, you can read that information here.
Today I want to highlight how we can help with navigating the immigration system.
I know that it can be difficult to get clarity and answers about the
status of an application. While my office can’t influence the migration
process or outcomes, we can draw the Department’s attention to
applications and seek updates on your behalf.
For example, last year, I was contacted by Taylor from Thornleigh.
Her niece had applied for a visa to come to Australia for her
wedding.
When it still was not approved 3 months later, despite her family’s
visas being granted, our office brought it to the Department’s
attention. A few days later the visa was approved – making for a much
happier wedding!
The best way to contact our office about immigration issues is via
email. To help us get you more information, you will need to provide:
- Full names of applicants
- Date of birth
- Visa application number
- Date of application
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Tom Hughes Oration
Each year, I hold the Tom Hughes Oration. Tom
Hughes was the first Member for Berowra. He is also a former
Attorney-General, a farmer, and one of Australia’s most celebrated
barristers.
And, last year, he turned 100! He has lived an extraordinary life.
The Oration is an opportunity to mark Tom’s contribution to public life
and to reflect on the values that we hold dear – in particular, values
of public service and moral courage.
This year, the Oration was delivered by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP.
You can read my speech introducing Peter's oration here, and you can read his speech here.
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The Hon John Howard OM AC SSI, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, the
Hon Tom Hughes AO KC, Mr Julian Leeser MP, Ms Joanna Davidson, Mrs
Chrissie Hughes, Mr Michael Hughes
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Play Our Way Grants Program
The Coalition has a long-standing commitment to supporting women and girls in sport across Australia.
It’s been fantastic to see the rapid growth of women’s sport in our area, led by organisations across our community.
The Play Our Way Grants program is a great opportunity for local
councils and community groups to build the involvement of women and
girls in sport in our community.
Local councils and organisations can apply for grants in two streams –
facilities or participation and equipment. The major criterion is that
it must make sport more welcoming and equitable for women and girls.
If you would be interested in applying for the grant, please click here. Applications close on Monday 29 April. |
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New flags for our schools and community organisations
I recently visited Cheltenham Girls High School to present them with new Australian and Aboriginal flags for their flagpoles.
Did you know that, when raising or lowering the Australian flag, you
should never let it touch the ground? I enjoyed learning that from the
Cheltenham Girls school captains during my visit and I was impressed by
their respect for our National Flag.
My office gives flags to dozens of schools and community organisations
each year. If your school or community organisation needs a new flag,
please get in touch with my office.
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Meeting some feathery and furry friends at the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
The Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in Dural does exceptional work caring for injured wildlife across Sydney.
I recently visited the Sanctuary and met the manager Ben Dessen, as well
as some of the residents – including Marlin the Black Cockatoo and
Squid the Sugar Glider.
Individuals and organisations including WIRES, Sydney Wildlife Rescue,
RSPCA and others call the Sanctuary for help when wild animals are
injured or in distress.
Their priority is to treat and release the animals who come to them for
care. Where that isn’t possible, the sanctuary will continue to look
after them.
Along with my State colleagues, I am advocating for the Sanctuary to
receive much-needed funding to upgrade its fences and expand their
sanctuary facilities to appropriately-sized, purpose-built wildlife
hospital.
I am raising this issue with my Federal colleagues to do everything we
can to help the Hills Wildlife Sanctuary to advance their work for our
wildlife.
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On board at the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Sailing Club
On one level sporting clubs are about competition. But on another, more important level, they are about creating community.
The
Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Sailing Club is a wonderful example of both success
and community. I always love visiting and seeing parents and coaches
impart sailing skills to the next generation.
Over the years I have supported the club with a range of grants, the most recent being for new life jackets and boat racks.
Thank you to the Sailing Club for welcoming me and my family to join them for one of their Learn to Sail Saturday events.
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New sound-proofing at St John’s Anglican Church
St John’s Anglican Church in Beecroft has developed a thriving community.
Whether it’s people who regularly attend Church or who only attend their
playgroup, the team at St John’s are helping to bring the Beecroft
community together.
I recently visited the Church to see the new sound proofing for their
hall, which was made possible through a $3,000 Stronger Communities
Grant.
I came along during their weekly playgroup, which (successfully!) put the sound proofing to the test.
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New Toilets at St Agatha's Catholic Church
I also had the pleasure of visiting St
Agatha's Catholic Church in Pennant Hills to see the recent upgrades
they have made with the help of a Stronger Communities Grant.
The Grant has helped the Church to upgrade their toilets, and in doing
so expand the Family Room - a room where families can all
confidently come to enjoy church services without worrying about making
too much noise.
While I was there, the congregation generously welcomed me to share Mass with them.
Thank you to St Agatha's for having me for such a joyful morning.
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Testing out the new basketball and netball hoops at Cowan Public
I recently visited Cowan Public to test out their new netball and basketball hoops.
Cowan Public was able to purchase the hoops with the help of a $3000 Commonwealth Stronger Communities grant.
The
school leaders and I had a great time testing out the hoops. It was
great to hear about their aspirations heading into high school.
The students have clearly been practicing, because they did a better job than I did at getting the ball in the hoop!
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Helping those in need at Easter
I
hope that everyone had a restful Easter break and had the opportunity
to celebrate with family and friends - and plenty of chocolate!
On
Good Friday, my family and I joined the team at The Dish of St John's
to help serve their Good Friday dinner to those in need in our local
community. The Dish has been doing this important work for 20 years and
makes such a difference to our community.
Earlier
in March, the Easter Bunny joined me at train stations across the area
to spread some Easter cheer. There's no bad time for Easter Eggs - even
at 8 am!
While there, I heard a lot from commuters about the rising cost of
living and their concerns about the State Government's proposed changes
to planning regulations.
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Anzac Day
Later this month, millions of Australians
across the country will pause to reflect on Anzac Day. We will reflect
on the service of veterans, many of whom made the supreme sacrifice far
too young.
We also honour the more than 80,000 Australians who are currently
serving our country in the Australian Defence Force, either full-time or
as reservists.
I strongly encourage you and your family to attend one of the Anzac Day
services which will be held across our community on 25 April.
Services will be occurring at the following times and locations on Anzac Day across our electorate:
- 5 am: Hornsby Cenotaph
- 5:30 am: Wiseman's Ferry Cenotaph
- 5:45 am: Glenorie RSL Memorial
- 7:15 am: March starting from Berowra RFS, Berowra Waters Road
- 7:30 am: Berowra Community and Cultural Facility
- 8 am: John Benyon Rotary Park
- 11 am: Annangrove Park
- 11 am: Wiseman's Ferry Cenotaph
- 3 pm: Beecroft Cenotaph
- 3:15 pm: Glenorie RSL Memorial
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International Women's Day
Many of us will have marked International Women's Day (IWD) last month.
I
had the privilege of attending the Hornsby Soroptimists IWD event and
the Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Post's IWD event - both of which were wonderful
opportunities to come together with women across our community to mark
the occasion.
But events which are organised by the incredible women in our community are of course not limited to one day each year.
It
was also wonderful to recently attend the annual Wine, Women and Song
dinner at Hornsby, run by wonderful local musicians Kylie Clift and
Carmel May from Jim Jam Music and Clr Sallianne McClelland, who is one
of our great community organisers.
All
proceeds of the dinner went to supporting KYDS Youth Development
Service and Fundrummers. The dinner represents the spirit of what makes
our community - people giving their time and using their talents to make
our country stronger.
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Opening of the Ferry Artist Gallery’s Wiseman's Ferry exhibition
The Ferry Artist Gallery in Wiseman’s Ferry is one of the hidden gems of our community.
I recently opened the gallery’s latest exhibition. It features paintings, pottery, wood carvings and jewellery.
If
you haven’t visited the Gallery before, I’d highly recommend giving it a
visit to see the beautiful artistry of our local community.
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Beecroft Youth Awards
It was wonderful to attend the Beecroft
Youth Awards recently to celebrate young people from the area who
are excelling in a range of fields.
It was inspiring to be in a room surrounded by the leaders of the
future. I am always so impressed by the intelligence, passion, and drive
of young people in our community.
Congratulations to Beecroft Rotary for once again organising this great
event and for all their work for the Beecroft and Cheltenham
communities.
Please join me in congratulating the winners:
- Young Volunteer of the Year: Yuna Cho
- Young Athletes of the Year: Audrey Hogg, Emily Rogers
- Young Performing Artist of the Year: Isabelle Ogier
- Young Environment Leader of the Year: Hana Stennett
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Jesse Witt
- Young Creator of the Year: Sophia Lau
- Young Journalists of the Year: Rose Cunningham and Anju Dhanushkodi
- Young Person in STEM of the Year: Ranya Khan
- Future Educators of the Year: Arrow Bosanquet and Madeleine Grindon-Ekins
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Normanhurst Public School Fair
Congratulations to the Normanhurst Public P&C on a brilliant school fair.
It had all the ingredients for a great school fair - a jumping castle, a
petting zoo, rides for all ages and a chocolate wheel where everyone
wins a prize. And the most important ingredient of all, a great P&C
team working with the school staff to organise a brilliant event.
Well done Normo!
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If I can ever be of assistance to you,
please contact me by emailing Julian.Leeser.MP@aph.gov.au or by calling
my office on 9980 1822.
Yours sincerely,
Julian
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