Dear Berowra resident,

Last week, Australians were presented with two very different visions for our country’s future.

Labor’s Budget: New Taxes, Borrowed Money

Labor’s budget locks in a $42.1 billion deficit. Across all levels of government, national net debt will exceed $1 trillion dollars this year and keep climbing, meaning more of your tax dollars go to interest payments rather than defence, aged care, and local infrastructure.

Breaking pre-election promises, Labor has raised taxes, changed capital gains tax, restricted negative gearing and increased taxes on trusts. Treasury’s own modelling shows this will result in 35,000 fewer homes built over the next decade, a serious blow to Berowra residents trying to enter the property market. The Coalition will repeal these changes.

The Coalition’s Reply: A Different Direction
On tax, we will end bracket creep by indexing income tax thresholds to inflation, delivering relief starting at $250 in year one, growing to over $1,000 by year four. Australians work hard for their money. They should keep more of it.

On housing, our $5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund will unlock up to 400,000 new homes and cut building costs by up to $70,000 per home. We’ll also tie immigration directly to housing construction, so Australia only brings in as many people as it can house.

Two visions. One raises taxes, builds fewer homes, and borrows heavily. One backs hard work, rewards aspiration, and rebuilds confidence. 

If Labor's Budget is adversely affecting you or your family, please send me an email so I can raise your issues in Parliament.  Please reach out to me regarding the Budget or other issues on julian.leeser.mp@aph.gov.au or (02) 9980 1822.

Kind regards,

Julian Leeser
Member for Berowra

I was pleased to be part of the sod turning at Old Man's Valley on 6 May to mark a significant point in the redevelopment of Hornsby Quarry to become Hornsby Park.

Hornsby Council recently secured a $12 million dollar grant from the Federal Government to help create a multipurpose playing field, recreational green space, changing rooms, toilets, storage, picnic and BBQ areas.

The playing field is due to open in mid-2027.

I am excited to hear that local resident and Olympian Ellen Roberts has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Prague and the USA International Cup in Oklahoma. 

Wearing the green and gold on the world stage is a dream for Ellen and an important step in the Australian Spirit Squad’s journey towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. 
 
While representing Australia is an amazing opportunity, government funding and sponsorship support does not fully cover the cost of competing overseas.

Despite support from Softball Australia and sponsors, athletes are still required to personally contribute towards travel, accommodation, tournament participation, training camps and future campaign commitments.

To help Ellen on her Olympic journey, you can make a donation here.

This fundraiser will help support Ellen’s ongoing journey with the Australian squad as they work towards Olympic qualification. As a thank you, everyone who contributes will have their name included on the game-day ribbon Ellen will wear proudly on the field throughout international tournaments. 

Local Hornsby SES volunteers Murray Oakley and Phill Fairhall are preparing to swap flood rescue operations for a 4,000-kilometre journey as they take on the Shitbox Rally to raise money for the Cancer Council.

While recently doorknocking in Berowra, I had the opportunity to meet them both and hear about the team’s mission to drive a 2008 Volvo XC70 from Port Douglas to Melbourne in seven days in a rally where vehicles can be worth no more than $1,500.

Competing under the name “Floodwits” – a nod to their SES flood rescue background – the pair are aiming to raise more than $10,000 for cancer research and support services.

Murray shared that both he and Phill have seen firsthand the impact cancer has on families, having lost loved ones and supported friends through their battles with the disease.

As active members of the Hornsby SES, Murray and Phill have spent years helping communities during floods and emergencies across NSW, including deployments to the Hawkesbury, Forbes and Coonabarabran.

Along the rally route, the pair will also visit regional communities to support local towns and raise awareness for the Cancer Council.

Murray and Phill epitomise the amazing people we have in our community who turn their passion for helping others into action. If you would like to support the Floodwits team, every donation will help fund vital cancer research and support Australians facing one of life’s toughest challenges.

You can support the team here: https://autumn2026.shitboxrally.com.au/floodwits/donate
 

It was wonderful to visit Pacific Hills Christian School where Ashleigh Dewhurst had the opportunity to share her inspiring “Voice Letterbox” idea with Principal Dr Ted Boyce.

What began as a simple but powerful idea to help students who may feel too shy or unsure to speak up continues to grow, with more schools embracing this initiative across our community.

We are already hearing positive stories from schools using the letterboxes, with students who were too afraid to raise issues in the past now receiving the support they need.

Thanks again to the craftsmanship and generosity of the North Epping Men’s Shed. It’s making a real difference for students who now have a safe, private way to share what’s on their mind.

This project is a reminder of the impact young people can have when their ideas are supported.

This is community in action, and it all started with one young voice.

If your school would like a Voice Letterbox, please contact my office on: (02) 9980 1822.

I attended the launch of the Jemma Juckes Wellness Program (in partnership with Rare Cancers Australia) at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse on 6 May.

Created to honour the late Glenorie resident Jemma Juckes and her story, this program has been created to ensure no one facing cancer feels alone.

The Jem Program is a new initiative created to support people living with cancer, beyond treatment.

It is a deeply personal initiative, designed to support the mental, emotional and day-to-day realities of living with cancer, particularly for those navigating an advanced diagnosis.

Jemma died from a rare form of lung cancer in 2024.

You can read more about the program on this link: The Jem Program - Rare Cancers Australia

I spoke about Jemma in Parliament recently. You can watch the speech here. 

Yesterday morning I had the pleasure of joining the Hawkesbury River Dragons at Parsley Bay, Brooklyn, to celebrate the club's 15th anniversary.
 
Founded in 2011, the Dragons are a wonderful example of what community sport is all about: volunteer-driven, and bringing people together through a shared love of dragon boating on one of the most beautiful waterways in our electorate.
 
My thanks to President Stef Haug and the committee for their warm welcome.
 
Fifteen years is a real milestone, and it doesn't happen without the dedication of countless volunteers who give their time week after week. The Hawkesbury River Dragons are a credit to the Berowra community, and I look forward to seeing what the next 15 years brings.

I recently visited a number of small businesses near Brooklyn,

In my conversations with the owners of Pie in the Sky, Brooklyn’s Corner, Fenwicks Marina and Sydney Oyster Farm Tours there were some common themes about business conditions. They all shared concerns about the effect of rising prices and the recent budget.

These visits were a reminder of the importance of backing small family businesses that are at the heart of our local economy.

I recently had a wonderful evening attending Cheltenham Girls' High School's production of Shrek the Musical.
 
The show marked a historic milestone for the school: its first standalone musical in over 30 years, and the students absolutely rose to the occasion.
 
With more than 100 students involved across every aspect of the production, from performing and playing in the band, to set design, costumes, lighting, sound, and makeup, it was a true whole-school effort.

The talent, creativity, and hard work on display were nothing short of extraordinary, and I was delighted to join the audience for such a special night.

Congratulations to every student, teacher, and volunteer who made this landmark production a reality.

During a visit to Dangar Island, I met with local residents, Terry, Lisa and Di to hear firsthand about the challenges affecting their community.
 
One issue raised was the growing difficulty in securing affordable insurance, or any insurance at all, for riverfront properties, even those well above flood levels. This is creating real stress for families and impacting their ability to stay in the community.
 
Residents also raised concerns about ferry services and the impact of timetable changes on those commuting for work.
 
I am taking these concerns back to Canberra and will continue advocating for practical solutions that ensure communities like Dangar Island are not overlooked.

I recently visited Western Sydney Airport, which is due to open to travellers later in the year to flights from Qantas, Virgin, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines. 

The builders have been using products from across western Sydney, so I was delighted to see a local connection: the sandstone used in the airport's striking interior features came from Gosford Quarries, a business with a connection to the Berowra electorate.

The 24/7 airport looks fantastic. It will give Berowra residents greater choice when it comes to flights and travel.

At presentation day last year, I promised the community at Normanhurst West Public School that I would come and help out on canteen duty one day during the school year.

On 6 May, I joined the amazing P&C team led by Canteen Manager Jenny Sorkovsky to provide healthy food options for students. Jenny has been running the canteen for 14 years and runs a really well oiled machine. Jenny’s care for the students and the school is one of the essential ingredients that makes Normo West such a special community.

Together with Jenny, Jen, Dan and Jo, we solved the problems of the world while buttering sandwiches.

Thank you to everyone who gives their time to keep the Normanhurst West PS canteen running so successfully.

In recent weeks I have been holding community listening posts with residents across Hornsby, Normanhurst, Thornleigh, Westleigh, Brooklyn, Berowra, Mt Colah and Asquith, hearing firsthand the issues that matter most to local families.

People raised a wide range of concerns, from traffic and infrastructure to cost of living, telecommunications, education, apprenticeships and migration, and these conversations continue to shape the work I do to represent Berowra.

I am grateful to the many local businesses who generously hosted these catch-ups and created welcoming spaces for open conversation.

More Listening Posts are planned for July. I encourage anyone with feedback or concerns to come along for a chat.

This year, I had the privilege of attending 13 ANZAC Day services across our community, and at each one, it was clear that Berowra continues to come together in strong and growing numbers to honour those who served our nation.

From moving dawn services to school ceremonies, there was a deep sense of respect and reflection shared by people of all ages and backgrounds.

It was especially encouraging to see the strong involvement of young people, with students across our local schools playing an active role in commemorations and ensuring the ANZAC legacy is carried forward with genuine understanding.

These services are made possible by the dedication of volunteers, veterans, cadets, scouts, guides, families and in particular, RSL sub branches. ANZAC Day continues to remind us of the courage and sacrifice that shaped our nation, and I could not be more proud of the way our community honours that legacy.

Suicide prevention is very personal for me. My father died by suicide.

I spoke about this in my maiden speech and founded the Parliamentary Friends of Suicide Prevention.

I spoke at the National Suicide Prevention Conference on 30 April.You can read my speech here.

If you or someone you know is struggling, Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Phone: 13 11 14
• Text: 0477 13 11 14

Online chat: lifeline.org.au

It was lovely to attend a service to celebrate the commencement of the Reverend Chris Donald as Rector of the Anglican Parish of West Pennant Hills on 5 May,

Chris Donald, who has been assistant minister for 11 years, is a popular choice with local parishioners.

The service, held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church, was also attended by local parishioners.