New South Wales

Legislative Council

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Fifty-Seventh Parliament First Session

Tuesday, 28 May 2019

Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Visitors ...... 57 Visitors ...... 57 Members ...... 57 Commissions to Administer Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance ...... 57 Pledge of Loyalty ...... 57 Oath of Allegiance ...... 57 Governor ...... 57 Administration of the Government ...... 57 Judiciary ...... 57 Resignation of Magistrate Dominique Burns ...... 57 Committees ...... 57 Parliamentary Committees ...... 57 Government Response: Correspondence ...... 57 Documents ...... 58 Small Business Commissioner ...... 58 Reports ...... 58 Announcements...... 58 National Parliament of Solomon Islands ...... 58 Presiding Officers ...... 58 Temporary Chairs of Committees ...... 58 Members ...... 58 Parliamentary Secretaries...... 58 Motions ...... 58 Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis ...... 58 War Widows Guild of Australia ...... 59 Rulings ...... 59 Questions and Supplementary Questions...... 59 Documents ...... 59 Tabling of Papers ...... 59 Committees ...... 60 Selection of Bills Committee ...... 60 Reports ...... 60 Documents ...... 60 Papers Presented Out of Session ...... 60 Auditor-General's Reports ...... 60 Rulings ...... 60 Notices of Motions ...... 60 Business of the House ...... 61 Withdrawal of Business ...... 61 Notices ...... 61 TABLE OF CONTENTS—continuing

Presentation ...... 61 Business of the House ...... 61 Withdrawal of Business ...... 61 Postponement of Business ...... 61 Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders: Order of Business ...... 61 Order of Business ...... 61 Committees ...... 62 Procedure Committee...... 62 Membership ...... 62 Privileges Committee ...... 62 Membership ...... 62 Standing Committee on Law and Justice ...... 62 Membership ...... 62 Standing Committee on State Development ...... 62 Membership ...... 62 Standing Committee on Social Issues ...... 62 Membership ...... 62 Selection of Bills Committee ...... 62 Membership ...... 62 Regulation Committee ...... 63 Membership ...... 63 Public Accountability Committee ...... 63 Membership ...... 63 Public Works Committee ...... 63 Membership ...... 63 Portfolio Committee No. 1 - Premier and Finance ...... 63 Membership ...... 63 Portfolio Committee No. 2 - Health ...... 63 Membership ...... 63 Portfolio Committee No. 3 - Education ...... 64 Membership ...... 64 Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Industry ...... 64 Membership ...... 64 Portfolio Committee No. 5 - Legal Affairs ...... 64 Membership ...... 64 Portfolio Committee No. 6 - Transport and Customer Service ...... 64 Membership ...... 64 Portfolio Committee No. 7 - Planning and Environment ...... 64 Membership ...... 64 Standing Committee on Law and Justice ...... 64 Chair and Deputy Chair ...... 64 Standing Committee on State Development ...... 65 TABLE OF CONTENTS—continuing

Chair and Deputy Chair ...... 65 Standing Committee on Social Issues ...... 65 Chair and Deputy Chair ...... 65 State Development Committee ...... 65 Membership ...... 65 Ballot ...... 65 Declaration of Ballot ...... 65 Regulation Committee ...... 65 Membership ...... 65 Ballot ...... 65 Declaration of Ballot ...... 66 Public Accountability Committee ...... 66 Membership ...... 66 Ballot ...... 66 Declaration of Ballot ...... 66 Portfolio Committee No. 1 - Premier and Finance ...... 66 Membership ...... 66 Ballot ...... 66 Declaration of Ballot ...... 67 Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Industry ...... 67 Membership ...... 67 Ballot ...... 67 Declaration of Ballot ...... 67 Portfolio Committee No. 7 - Planning and Environment ...... 67 Membership ...... 67 Ballot ...... 67 Declaration of Ballot ...... 68 Questions Without Notice ...... 68 Country Universities Centre ...... 68 Musical Theatre ...... 68 Country Universities Centre ...... 69 School Testing ...... 69 Public School Infrastructure ...... 70 Country Universities Centre ...... 71 Coal Industry ...... 71 Regional Youth ...... 71 Animal Welfare ...... 72 Country Universities Centre ...... 72 Cost of Living ...... 73 Teaching Profession ...... 75 Country Universities Centre ...... 75 Kinchela Aboriginal Boys' Training Home ...... 77 TABLE OF CONTENTS—continuing

Members ...... 78 Inaugural Speeches ...... 78 Adjournment Debate ...... 90 Adjournment ...... 90 Tribute to William "bill" Ferguson ...... 90 Tribute to the Hon. Mabel Eileen Furley, OBE ...... 91 Coalmining and Climate Change ...... 92 Ballina Electorate ...... 93 Emergency Services Levy...... 94 Religious Freedom ...... 94 William Mills Longcase Clock ...... 95

Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 57

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Tuesday, 28 May 2019

The PRESIDENT (The Hon. John George Ajaka) took the chair at 14:30. The PRESIDENT read the prayers and acknowledged the Gadigal clan of the Eora nation and its elders and thanked them for their custodianship of this land. Visitors VISITORS The PRESIDENT: On behalf of all honourable members, I welcome to my gallery Mr Martin Butler, father of the Hon. , who is being sworn in as a member of the Legislative Council. I also welcome to my gallery guests of the Hon. Ben Franklin, who is being sworn in as a member of the Legislative Council: Tom Aubert, Deputy Director of the NSW Nationals, and Greg Dezman, former deputy director of the NSW Nationals. They are all most welcome. Members COMMISSIONS TO ADMINISTER PLEDGE OF LOYALTY OR OATH OF ALLEGIANCE The PRESIDENT: I announce receipt of commissions authorising me as President of the Legislative Council, the Deputy President and the Assistant President to be persons before whom any member of the Legislative Council may take the pledge of loyalty or oath of allegiance required by law. PLEDGE OF LOYALTY The PRESIDENT: At a joint sitting held on 8 May 2019, Rose Butler Jackson was elected to fill the vacancy in the Legislative Council caused by the resignation of the Hon. Lynda Jane Voltz. Ms Rose Jackson took and subscribed the pledge of loyalty and signed the Roll of the House. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE The PRESIDENT: At a joint sitting held on 8 May 2019, Benjamin Cameron Franklin was elected to fill the vacancy in the Legislative Council caused by his resignation. Mr Benjamin Cameron Franklin took and subscribed the oath of allegiance and signed the Roll of the House. Governor ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT The PRESIDENT: I report receipt of messages regarding the administration of the Government. Judiciary RESIGNATION OF MAGISTRATE DOMINIQUE BURNS The PRESIDENT: I report receipt of a copy of correspondence from the Hon. , MP, Attorney General to the Leader of the Government regarding the resignation of Magistrate Dominique Burns. In view of her resignation, the resolution of the House of Wednesday 8 May 2019 calling on her to address the House now lapses. Committees PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES Government Response: Correspondence The PRESIDENT: I table correspondence from the Leader of the Government, the Hon. , advising that the Government's responses to the following reports will be tabled by 30 June 2019: 1. Report No. 45 of the Standing Committee on State Development entitled Water NSW Amendment (Warragamba Dam) Bill 2018, tabled 10 October 2018. 2. Report No. 47 of Portfolio Committee No. 1 – Premier and Finance entitled Fresh food pricing, tabled 17 October 2018. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 58

3. Report No. 2 of the Regulation Committee entitled Cemeteries and Crematoria Amendment Regulation 2018, tabled 9 November 2018. 4. Report No. 66 of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice entitled Adequacy and scope of special care offences, tabled 22 November 2018. Documents SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER Reports The PRESIDENT: According to the Small Business Commissioner Act 2013, I table the annual report of the Small Business Commissioner for year ended 31 December 2018. The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the report be printed. Motion agreed to. Announcements NATIONAL PARLIAMENT OF SOLOMON ISLANDS The PRESIDENT: I inform the House that on behalf of members of the New South Wales Parliament, Mr Speaker and I have sent a message of congratulations to the newly elected Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Mr John Patteson Oti. I also indicate that the Clerks of the Parliament have forwarded a letter of congratulations to the new Clerk of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands, Mr David Kusilifu. As members are aware, we have a strong relationship with our twin Parliament in the Solomon Islands. I am informed that the new Clerk of the Solomon Islands Parliament was, in fact, one of the earlier interns who attended our Parliament as part of the twinning arrangement. Presiding Officers TEMPORARY CHAIRS OF COMMITTEES The PRESIDENT: According to standing order, I inform the House that the following members have been nominated as temporary chairs of committees during the present session of Parliament: the Hon. Niall Blair, the Hon. , the Hon. and the Hon. . Members PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES The Hon. DON HARWIN: With much pleasure, I inform the House that on 10 May 2019, the Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC, was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and the Arts. An updated list of Parliamentary Secretaries is available from the Clerks at the Table. Motions ARCHBISHOP STYLIANOS HARKIANAKIS The Hon. COURTNEY HOUSSOS (14:40): I move: 1. That this House notes that: (a) His Eminence, Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis, born in Rethymnon, Crete on 29 December 1935, was the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia and Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese from 1975 until his passing on 25 March 2019; (b) His Eminence, Archbishop Stylianos fostered the growth of the Greek Orthodox Church across Australia, establishing new parishes, founding the Greek Orthodox primary and secondary education system and establishing the St Andrew Theological College to provide tertiary level training for members of the Christian Orthodox churches; and (c) prior to his election as archbishop, His Eminence was a professor of theology, and taught at Sydney University since 1975. He was also a published and prolific essayist and award winning poet. 2. That this House notes that His Eminence, Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakis was: (a) a postgraduate student of then Reverend Father Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI; (b) engaged in many global dialogues with other Christian churches, seeking to bring them together; and (c) a wise, kind, tolerant, humble and warm servant of God, as the notice of his passing explained, he "loved Greece and Hellenism with great passion. However, his distinguished publications of poetry demonstrated Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 59

his love for everything that is Australia from the natural beauty of the land to the spirituality of its Aboriginal peoples to the strength of its modern democracy". 3. That this House notes that thousands paid tribute to his remarkable and broad legacy as a pioneering leader of the Greek Orthodox Church at the viewing, the funeral on Saturday 30 March 2019 and his burial at Rookwood Cemetery. 4. That this House expresses its sincere condolences upon the passing of His Eminence Archbishop Stylianos, and recognises his remarkable legacy as Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Australia. Motion agreed to. WAR WIDOWS GUILD OF AUSTRALIA The Hon. COURTNEY HOUSSOS (14:41): I move: 1. That this House notes that: (a) the War Widows Guild of Australia was founded in Victoria by Mrs Jessie Vasey on 22 November 1945, and a New South Wales branch established in 1946, to bring war widows together to support each other and advocate on their behalf; and (b) the War Widows Guild of Australia continues this important support and advocacy to this day, with a renewed importance given to the ongoing deployments of Australian service personnel overseas. 2. That this House further notes that the War Widows Guild of Australia NSW held its sixty-eighth Field of Remembrance service at St Andrews Cathedral, Sydney on Wednesday 17 April 2019, a moving and symbolic tribute to the many service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia. 3. That the service was chaired by Ms Gwen Cherne, Director War Widows Guild of Australia NSW, and included: (a) an address from the Most Reverend Dr Glenn N. Davies, Archbishop of Sydney; (b) a reflection from Mrs Jenny Ware, war widow; (c) performances from the OZY Youth Choir Honouring Defence Service; and (d) a farewell to the outgoing Governor, His Excellency the Hon. David Hurley, AC, DSC (Ret'd), and Mrs Linda Hurley. 4. That this House congratulates the War Widows Guild of Australia NSW for its tireless and important work, and in particular, New South Wales President Rhondda Vanzella, OAM. Motion agreed to. Rulings QUESTIONS AND SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS The PRESIDENT (14:41): As members are aware, today is the first day of operation of a number of new procedures under sessional orders adopted on 8 May 2019. In order to be able to consider and rule on any points of order about the wording of both types of supplementary questions during question time it will be important for me to be able to hear questions asked and answers given. It will also be helpful if I can have in front of me the wording of each original question. I therefore request that when a member asks a question they come to the lectern and, as they ask the question, they provide one copy of the question to Chamber and support staff which will be immediately provided to me. As members will appreciate, this will assist me during question time. A copy will subsequently be given to the Chamber staff for Hansard. Documents TABLING OF PAPERS The Hon. : I table the following papers: 1. Education and Care Service National Law Regulations—Annual report of the National Education and Care Services Freedom of Information Commissioner, National Education and Care Services Privacy Commissioner, and Education and Care Services Ombudsman for year ended 30 June 2018. 2. Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal Act 1992—Report of Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal entitled Review of Central Coast Council's water, sewerage and stormwater prices: To apply from 1 July 2019: Final Report: Water, dated May 2019. I move: That the reports be printed. Motion agreed to. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 60

Committees SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE Reports The Hon. NATASHA MACLAREN-JONES: I table report No. 18 of the Selection of Bills Committee, dated 23 May 2019. I move: That the report be printed. Motion agreed to. The Hon. NATASHA MACLAREN-JONES: I move, according to paragraph 4 (1) of the resolution establishing the committee: 1. That: (a) the provisions of the Ageing and Disability Commissioner Bill 2019 be referred to the Standing Committee on Social Issues for inquiry and report; (b) the bill be referred to the committee upon receipt of the message on the bill from the Legislative Assembly; and (c) the committee report by 4 June 2019. 2. That the following bills not be referred to a standing committee for inquiry and report, this day: (a) Fair Trading Amendment (Cash Loan Machines) Bill 2019; and (b) Statute Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019. Motion agreed to. Documents PAPERS PRESENTED OUT OF SESSION The CLERK: I announce receipt of the following reports presented since the last sitting of the House: 1. Annual Reports (Statutory Bodies) Act 1984—Report of Technical Education Trust Funds for year ended 31 December 2018. 2. Coroners Act 2009—Report of NSW State Coroner entitled Report by the NSW State Coroner into deaths in custody/police operations for the year 2018, dated April 2019. 3. Local Government Act 1993—Report of Commissioner Richard Beasley, SC, entitled Public Inquiry into the Blue Mountains City Council: Interim Report: Term of Reference 4, dated 7 May 2019. 4. Multicultural NSW Act 2000—Report of Multicultural NSW entitled Community Relations Report 2017-18. 5. Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991—Report of NSW Environment Protection Authority entitled NSW State of the Environment Report 2018. 6. Water NSW Act 2014—Report of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal entitled WaterNSW Operational Audit 2018: Report to the Minister: Compliance Report: Water, dated February 2019. AUDITOR-GENERAL'S REPORTS The CLERK: According to the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983, I announce receipt of the following reports from the Acting Auditor-General: 1. Performance audit report entitled Wellbeing of secondary school students, dated 23 May 2019, received out of session and authorised to be printed on 23 May 2019. 2. Performance audit report entitled Managing growth in the NSW prison population, dated 24 May 2019, received out of session and authorised to be printed on 24 May 2019. 3. Compliance audit report entitled Engagement of probity advisers and probity auditors, dated 27 May 2019, received out of session and authorised to be printed on 27 May 2019. Rulings NOTICES OF MOTIONS The PRESIDENT (14:45): I indicate the following, particularly for our new members. I propose to call on notices of motions in the following order: Ministers—all motions of any Minister; Leader of the Opposition— all motions of the Leader of the Opposition; then one each on rotation, Opposition, crossbench and Government. As much as it assists me for members to seek the call, having 20 or 30 members doing so at the same time does not assist in any way. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 61

Business of the House WITHDRAWAL OF BUSINESS The Hon. : I withdraw private member's business items Nos 2, 5, 8 and 11 outside the order of precedence relating to committees. [Later,] Reverend the Hon. : I withdraw private member's business item No. 20 outside the order of precedence relating to the Mining Amendment (Compensation for Cancellation of Certain Exploration Licences) Bill and cognate bill. [Later,] The Hon. : I withdraw private member's business item No. 10 outside the order of precedence relating to the appointment of a Public Works Committee. [During the giving of notices of motions] Notices PRESENTATION The PRESIDENT: I indicate to honourable members that if there are interjections when a member is giving a notice of motion the simple solution is to ask the member to give the notice of motion again. Members will allow their colleagues to give notices of motions in silence. Business of the House WITHDRAWAL OF BUSINESS Mr : I withdraw private members' business items Nos 4 and 13 outside the order of precedence relating to committees. POSTPONEMENT OF BUSINESS The Hon. JOHN GRAHAM: I move: That business of the House notices of motions Nos 1 and 2 be postponed until 4 June 2019. Motion agreed to. SUSPENSION OF STANDING AND SESSIONAL ORDERS: ORDER OF BUSINESS The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That standing and sessional orders be suspended to allow the moving of a motion forthwith relating to the conduct of the business of the House this day. Motion agreed to. ORDER OF BUSINESS The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That this day: 1. Proceedings be interrupted immediately following the asking of any additional supplementary questions for written answers and any debate to take note of answers to enable the Hon. , then Ms and then the Hon. to give their first speeches without any question before the Chair. 2. At the conclusion of these speeches, the motion for the adjournment be moved. In case honourable members did not catch the full purport of the motion, I am happy to outline the basis of it. This is a conduct of business motion, which is designed to facilitate, as I understand it, a small flaw in the sessional orders that we adopted relating to the timing of when debate on committee reports begin. It concerns the times we previously laid down in notices of motions in relation to the starting of honourable members' inaugural speeches. There was previously circulated an intention that one of the inaugural speeches would start at 5.00 p.m. Now the House has adopted sessional orders that could enable further business under the new sessional orders to go for at least half an hour beyond that. Therefore, I indicate that the inaugural speeches will follow the conclusion of all of those new processes that the House adopted. As I think I advised all members earlier in the day, we will go on the adjournment after the inaugural speeches, particularly because a number of the new members will have guests. I think that is the most appropriate way to proceed today. That is the purport of this procedural motion. Motion agreed to. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 62

Committees PROCEDURE COMMITTEE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. ): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Mallard Opposition: Mr Moselmane, Mr Searle, Mr Secord Crossbench: Mr Borsak, Ms Faehrmann, Ms Hurst, Revd Mr Nile PRIVILEGES COMMITTEE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Khan, Mrs Maclaren-Jones, Mr Mason-Cox, Mrs Ward Opposition: Mr Donnelly, Mr Primrose Crossbench: Ms Faehrmann, Revd Mr Nile STANDING COMMITTEE ON LAW AND JUSTICE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Blair, Mr Fang, Mr Khan, Mrs Ward Opposition: Mr D'Adam, Mr Donnelly Crossbench: Mr Roberts, Mr Shoebridge STANDING COMMITTEE ON STATE DEVELOPMENT Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Fang, Mr Farlow, Mrs Maclaren-Jones, Mr Martin Opposition: Mr Graham, Mr Veitch Crossbench Mr Banasiak, Mr Field, Mr Pearson STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL ISSUES Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Franklin, Mr Mallard, Mr Martin, Mrs Ward Opposition: Ms Jackson, Mr Mookhey Crossbench: Ms Boyd, Revd Mr Nile SELECTION OF BILLS COMMITTEE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 63

Government: Mr Khan, Mrs Maclaren-Jones, Mr Martin Opposition: Mr Buttigieg, Mr Moselmane Crossbench: Mr Banasiak, Mr Field, Mr Latham, Revd Mr Nile, Mr Pearson, Mr Shoebridge REGULATION COMMITTEE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Ms Cusack, Mr Farlow, Mr Franklin, Mr Mason-Cox Opposition: Mr Donnelly, Mr Veitch Crossbench Mr Borsak, Ms Boyd, Revd Mr Nile PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Farlow, Mr Khan, Mr Mason-Cox Opposition: Mr Graham, Mrs Houssos Crossbench: Mr Borsak, Mr Field, Revd Mr Nile, Mr Shoebridge PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Blair, Mr Khan, Mr Mallard Opposition: Mr Mookhey, Ms Moriarty Crossbench: Mr Banasiak, Ms Boyd PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 1 - PREMIER AND FINANCE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Franklin, Mr Martin, Mrs Ward Opposition: Ms Moriarty, Mr Searle. Crossbench: Mr Borsak, Ms Boyd, Mr Field, Revd Mr Nile PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 2 - HEALTH Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Amato, Mr Fang, Mrs Maclaren-Jones Opposition: Mr Donnelly, Mr Secord Crossbench: Ms Faehrmann, Ms Hurst Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 64

PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 3 - EDUCATION Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Fang, Mr Farlow, Mr Mason-Cox Opposition: Mr D'Adam, Mrs Houssos Crossbench: Mr Latham, Mr Shoebridge PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 4 - INDUSTRY Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Amato, Ms Cusack, Mr Khan Opposition: Mr Graham, Mr Veitch Crossbench: Mr Banasiak, Mr Field, Ms Hurst, Mr Roberts PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 5 - LEGAL AFFAIRS Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Mr Blair, Mrs Maclaren-Jones, Mrs Ward Opposition: Ms Jackson, Mr Moselmane Crossbench: Mr Borsak, Mr Shoebridge PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 6 - TRANSPORT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Ms Cusack, Mr Fang, Mr Mallard Opposition: Mr Mookhey, Mr Primrose Crossbench: Mr Banasiak, Ms Boyd PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 7 - PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT Membership The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the Clerk has received the following nominations from the Leader of the Government, the Leader of the Opposition and crossbench members for membership of the committee: Government: Ms Cusack, Mr Franklin, Mr Mallard Opposition: Mr Buttigieg, Ms Sharpe Crossbench: Ms Faehrmann, Mr Field, Mr Pearson STANDING COMMITTEE ON LAW AND JUSTICE Chair and Deputy Chair The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the following members have been nominated by the Leader of the Government and the Leader of the Opposition as Chair and Deputy Chair of the committee: Chair: Mr Blair Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 65

Deputy Chair: Mr Donnelly STANDING COMMITTEE ON STATE DEVELOPMENT Chair and Deputy Chair The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the following members have been nominated by the Leader of the Government and the Leader of the Opposition as Chair and Deputy Chair of the committee: Chair: Mr Martin Deputy Chair: Mr Veitch STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL ISSUES Chair and Deputy Chair The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Trevor Khan): I inform the House that the following members have been nominated by the Leader of the Government and the Leader of the Opposition as Chair and Deputy Chair of the committee: Chair: Mr Mallard Deputy Chair: Mr Mookhey STATE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Membership The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House relating to the establishment of committees, I advise that crossbench members have not reached agreement about representation on the State Development Committee. The following members have written to the Clerk nominating themselves for the two crossbench positions on the committee: the Hon. , Mr , and the Hon. Mark Pearson. In the absence of such agreement, representation will be determined by the House. Ballot The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the crossbench members to serve on the State Development Committee be chosen by ballot in accordance with Standing Order 135. Motion agreed to. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted to ring the bells for one minute? Leave granted. The President informed members of the procedure to be adopted for the conduct of the ballot pursuant to Standing Order 135. [The ballot was conducted.] Declaration of Ballot The PRESIDENT: I declare the Hon. Mark Banasiak and the Hon. Mark Pearson, having received the greater number of votes in the ballot, as the crossbench members of the State Development Committee. REGULATION COMMITTEE Membership The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House relating to the establishment of committees, I advise that crossbench members have not reached agreement about representation on the Regulation Committee. The following members have written to the Clerk nominating themselves for the two crossbench positions on the committee: the Hon. Robert Borsak, Ms Abigail Boyd and Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile. In the absence of such agreement, representation will be determined by the House. Ballot The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the crossbench members to serve on the Regulation Committee be chosen by ballot in accordance with Standing Order 135. Motion agreed to. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 66

The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted to ring the bells for one minute? Leave granted. The President informed members of the procedure to be adopted for the conduct of the ballot pursuant to Standing Order 135. [The ballot was conducted.] Declaration of Ballot The PRESIDENT: I declare the Hon. Robert Borsak and Ms Abigail Boyd, having received the greater number of votes in the ballot, as the crossbench members of the Regulation Committee. PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE Membership The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House relating to the establishment of committees, I advise that crossbench members have not reached agreement about representation on the Public Accountability Committee. The following members have written to the Clerk nominating themselves for the two crossbench positions on the committee: the Hon. Robert Borsak, Mr Justin Field, Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile and Mr David Shoebridge. In the absence of such agreement, representation will be determined by the House. Ballot The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the crossbench members to serve on the Public Accountability Committee be chosen by ballot in accordance with Standing Order 135. Motion agreed to. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted to ring the bells for one minute? Leave granted. The President informed members of the procedure to be adopted for the conduct of the ballot pursuant to Standing Order 135. [The ballot was conducted.] Declaration of Ballot The PRESIDENT: I declare the Hon. Robert Borsak and Mr David Shoebridge, having received the greater number of votes in the ballot, as the crossbench members of the Public Accountability Committee. PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 1 - PREMIER AND FINANCE Membership The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House relating to the establishment of committees, I advise that crossbench members have not reached agreement about representation on Portfolio Committee No. 1 - Premier and Finance. The following members have written to the Clerk nominating themselves for the two crossbench positions on the committee: the Hon. Robert Borsak, Ms Abigail Boyd, Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile and the Hon. . In the absence of such agreement, representation will be determined by the House. Ballot The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the crossbench members to serve on Portfolio Committee No. 1 - Premier and Finance be chosen by ballot in accordance with Standing Order 135. Motion agreed to. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted to ring the bells for one minute? Leave granted. The President informed members of the procedure to be adopted for the conduct of the ballot pursuant to Standing Order 135. [The ballot was conducted.] Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 67

Declaration of Ballot The PRESIDENT: I declare the Hon. Robert Borsak and Ms Abigail Boyd, having received the greater number of votes in the ballot, as the crossbench members of Portfolio Committee No. 1 - Premier and Finance. PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 4 - INDUSTRY Membership The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House relating to the establishment of committees, I advise that crossbench members have not reached agreement about representation on Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Industry. The following members have written to the Clerk nominating themselves for the two crossbench positions on the committee: the Hon. Mark Banasiak, Mr Justin Field, the Hon. Emma Hurst and the Hon. Rod Roberts. In the absence of such agreement, representation will be determined by the House. Ballot The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the crossbench members to serve on Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Industry be chosen by ballot in accordance with Standing Order 135. Motion agreed to. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted to ring the bells for one minute? Leave granted. The President informed members of the procedure to be adopted for the conduct of the ballot pursuant to Standing Order 135. [The ballot was conducted.] Declaration of Ballot The PRESIDENT: I declare the Hon. Emma Hurst and the Hon. Mark Banasiak, having received the greater number of votes in the ballot, as the crossbench members of Portfolio Committee No. 4 - Industry. PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE NO. 7 - PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT Membership The PRESIDENT: I note the time. Is leave granted to undertake the final election for Portfolio Committee No. 7 rather than proceed with question time? Leave granted. The PRESIDENT: According to the resolution of the House relating to the establishment of committees, I advise that crossbench members have not reached agreement about representation on Portfolio Committee No. 7 - Planning and Environment. The following members have written to the Clerk nominating themselves for the two crossbench positions on the committee: Ms , Mr Justin Field and the Hon. Mark Pearson. In the absence of such agreement, representation will be determined by the House. Ballot The Hon. DON HARWIN: I move: That the crossbench members to serve on Portfolio Committee No. 7 - Planning and Environment be chosen by ballot in accordance with Standing Order 135. Motion agreed to. The PRESIDENT: Is leave granted to ring the bells for one minute? Leave granted. The President informed members of the procedure to be adopted for the conduct of the ballot pursuant to Standing Order 135. [The ballot was conducted.] Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 68

Declaration of Ballot The PRESIDENT: I declare the Hon. Mark Pearson and Ms Cate Faehrmann, having received the greater number of votes in the ballot, as the crossbench members of Portfolio Committee No. 7 – Planning and Environment. The PRESIDENT: Order! According to sessional order, proceedings are now interrupted for questions. Questions Without Notice COUNTRY UNIVERSITIES CENTRE The Hon. ADAM SEARLE (16:15): My question is directed to the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, representing the Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education. Is the Minister confident that all probity requirements were met before Country Universities Centre was awarded $8 million in State Government funding in April 2017? The Hon. (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:15): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for his question. Given that the Leader of the Opposition has asked me, on behalf of the Minister whom I represent in this House, a question that relates to probity issues before I was education Minister and before the current Minister responsible for tertiary education was the Minister, I will take the question on notice and get some information in relation to that process. MUSICAL THEATRE The Hon. SHAYNE MALLARD (16:16): My question is addressed to the Minister for the Arts. Will the Minister update the House on New South Wales securing major musical theatre productions? [Members interjected.] The PRESIDENT: Order! Members are well aware of the fairly substantial changes to the standing orders in relation to question time. It will be difficult enough to proceed according to those new orders without having members screaming across the Chamber or the table. I will simply stop the clock and take my time bringing the Chamber to order. I also indicate to members that if points of order are called I intend to take a little bit of additional time to deal with them. I would rather deal with them now, during the first few question times, than later, as we have four years to go. The Hon. : Point of order: I just point out that the clock should be set at three minutes, not four minutes. The PRESIDENT: I thank the Opposition Whip. The time noted on the clock is incorrect. It should read three minutes. I ask that it be reset. Thank you. The requirement to provide me with a copy of each question applies to Government members as well as Opposition members. The Hon. DON HARWIN (Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (16:18): When it comes to drawing world-class premieres to Australia, Sydney really is the room where it happens. Our Government is proud to support Sydney's hosting of major musical productions. Musicals add to our cultural and tourism offerings, contribute to local job creation and boost the visitor economy. That is why last week I was absolutely thrilled to announce that the Australian premiere of Hamilton will be hosted right here in Sydney, the artistic and cultural capital of Australia. New South Wales had the chance to get this brilliant production to our State, and we did not throw away our shot. We are going to have to wait just a little while, but in less than two short years Lin-Manuel Miranda's award-winning sensation will hit Sydney Lyric Theatre thanks to the support of this State Government. Hamilton is a unique show that has captured the imagination of audiences across the world, bringing to life the story of Alexander Hamilton and America's founding fathers. Auditions are being held later this year that will provide a great opportunity for Australian performers, particularly Indigenous Australians. Hamilton is expected to attract 130,000 people to visit New South Wales, support up to 350 jobs and generate more than $84 million in visitor expenditure. For visitors to Sydney, both domestic and international, in the words of King George III—in the musical—"you'll be back". But most importantly you cannot have great world-class musicals with nowhere to perform and that is where the Government is truly kicking goals. The Government has played a key role in the reopening of the Theatre Royal. Master planning work has also begun on the Powerhouse site at Ultimo being repurposed in part as a Broadway-style theatre and the redevelopment of the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 69

Before the election the Hon. was fearful that New South Wales would lose its crown as the cultural capital of the nation if we did not get Hamilton. He can rest assured that audiences in Sydney will be well and truly satisfied. I was surprised to see that the honourable member tried to talk down this fantastic announcement for Sydney and he has been doing it again now. The honourable member wanted to say no to this great production but our Government is firmly behind it. I think he needs to take some advice from Aaron Burr— talk less, smile more. [Time expired.] COUNTRY UNIVERSITIES CENTRE The Hon. WALT SECORD (16:21): My question is directed to the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, representing the Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education. Will the Minister confirm whether her department was aware that Country Universities Centre was awarded $8 million in New South Wales Government funding just 40 days after it was registered? The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:21): Once again a question directed to me about the specific timing of the awarding of a contract that the member says is factual information. The Hon. Walt Secord: Maybe she could answer it. The Hon. Bronnie Taylor: Don't you point at me. The Hon. Walt Secord: Maybe you could answer. What a murky family that Taylor family is. What a murky mob they are. The PRESIDENT: The Minister will resume her seat. The Hon. Scott Farlow: Point of order: My point of order relates to interjections, which are disorderly at all times. The Minister was trying to give an answer to the Hon. Walt Secord's question and was unable to because of the member pointing across the table. The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Walt Secord was pointing directly to the Minister, the Hon. Bronnie Taylor, using the words "a murky family". Firstly, I require the Hon. Walt Secord to please listen to me while I am giving a ruling. Secondly, the Hon. Walt Secord will withdraw the words "murky family ". Thirdly, I uphold the point of order about the interjections. The Hon. Walt Secord will withdraw the words "murky family" that were directed to the Hon. Bronnie Taylor. [A Government member interjected.] The PRESIDENT: I do not require assistance from Government members when I have made a ruling. The Hon. Walt Secord: To suit the House and the President, I withdraw the phrase "murky family". The PRESIDENT: I call the Hon. Walt Secord to order for the first time for his interjections. The Minister has the call. The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL: As I was saying, the member has asked for some specific detail about the timing of a matter. I have no details with me in the House and will take the question on notice. SCHOOL TESTING The Hon. (16:23): My question is directed to the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning. What action is the Government taking to more rigorously measure results and outcomes in New South Wales schools other than through National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy [NAPLAN] testing? Does the Minister accept that comprehensive measurement is the key to identifying underachievement and other problems in the system and then rectifying these weaknesses for the benefit of students and their opportunities in life? The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:24): I thank the honourable member for his maiden question, one on education and I am sure there will be many during his time in this Chamber given his interest in the area. The member has raised some issues about what the Government is doing to ensure we have high performances in our schools. That is something that is very important to me as the new Minister, particularly as we are seeing record funding in our schools. We want to ensure that we are providing resources so that we can have the best schools in the country and be on par with some of the best education systems in the world. Not only are we providing this record amount of needs-based funding but also we are ensuring that equity lies at the heart of our education system. I think that all members in this place would agree that every child no matter where they live or what sort of school they attend can get great results. For me as Minister I think it is Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 70

important and certainly a key priority that I will have during my time in this portfolio, understanding that recurrent funding is not enough because we have to ensure that while we are putting taxpayer money into the system it is used to deliver improved outcomes. We cannot invest billions of dollars and not see good results. We do not want children to miss out on the basics and not succeed. We want to ensure that children in our education system have that opportunity and acquire those skills to be competitive in the workforce and contribute to Australian society. One of my priorities as Minister will be to ensure that we match education funding to outcomes. I know it is a priority that the Premier shares as well. We will work collaboratively with stakeholders across the sector and the community to create a framework to achieve this. In terms of other evidence showing that there could be better ways that we are doing things, frankly as Minister I am quite open-minded as to how we achieve this outcome. I also add how important it is to ensure we have great teachers in our schools. We know if we have the best teachers standing in front of our students we will get the best outcome. There is a lot of research that shows that. There is a range of programs that we have introduced and are working on to address this, particularly the initial teacher education program that we have. We have the highest entry standards in the country ensuring that students get three band fives in the Higher School Certificate to get a teaching degree. We are the first State to impose exit standards on graduate— The Hon. : Ten thousand kids have to redo NAPLAN. The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL: You can ask me about NAPLAN, Penny. I look forward to it. We are the first State to impose exit standards on graduates if they want to teach in a government school. We know that high-quality teachers are critical in influencing a student's performance. We know that the best education system screens teacher trainee applicants early and thoroughly and we have a clear concept of what the best looks like. That is why we have introduced the Teacher Success Profile as well, to clearly articulate what we know is important to ensure that we have successful teachers standing in front of our children. [Time expired.] The Hon. MARK LATHAM (16:27): I ask a supplementary question. The Minister mentioned that the Government is matching education funding to outcomes, which sounds like a welcome change in the funding system. Does the Minister have a timetable for the introduction of this new funding approach? The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:27): I thank the member for his supplementary question. I started some initial work on this to ensure that we can see the education funding matched to outcomes, as I said. It will be a collaborative piece of work including stakeholders as well. I am very happy to provide the member with more updates as that piece of work progresses. The PRESIDENT (16:28): I ask honourable members seeking the call for a second supplementary question to indicate that it is a second supplementary question. That will assist me. PUBLIC SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE The Hon. (16:28): My question is addressed to the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning. Will the Minister give an update on any milestones regarding new and upgraded public schools in New South Wales? The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:28): I thank the Hon. Wes Fang for his question and his continued advocacy for education. The Government is committed to ensuring that every child in New South Wales has access to top-quality education facilities no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be. Since 2011 the New South Wales Liberal-Nationals Government has funded more than 230 infrastructure projects that will provide more than 3,500 new permanent classrooms and approximately 81,000 additional student places. The roll out of 190 more new and upgraded schools is underway across the State as part of our record $6.5 billion investment in public school infrastructure to ensure that each school provides the world-class facilities that our students and our teachers deserve. This funding is in addition to our existing record school infrastructure program to cater for the growing demand in our outstanding public school system and will create more than 40,000 jobs over the next four years. Last month the Premier, the member for Drummoyne and I joined Principal Dan Sprange to open the new Russell Lea Public School, one of five new and upgraded schools that opened to students on day one of term 2, on top of the 17 schools that opened the doors of 400 new classrooms to thousands of students across the State on day one of term 1 this year. The buildings will cater for 600 students and provide an environment for an engaging curriculum, with innovative learning spaces. It was a really great opportunity for me, particularly as a new Minister to the portfolio, to go and have a look at the amazing innovative classroom and learning spaces, and Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 71

also to spend time with some of the senior students to hear about how much they appreciate this new and upgraded learning space. This is just one example of the Government's $6.5 billion school infrastructure program, which is the largest investment into public schools by any State government in Australian history. We want to ensure that students in New South Wales have the best possible learning environments. We are committed to delivering not only the best schools but also the highest quality teachers, with a record $2 billion investment to deliver 4,600 additional teachers across the State. This commitment will bring the total number of full-time positions funded by the Government to nearly 11,000 new teachers since we came to government. We will focus on the quality of lifelong learning, whether it is preschool, school, vocational education or mature-aged retraining. This investment we are seeing in school infrastructure right across the State, with more to continue over the coming months and weeks, is exciting. We know that we have a once-in-a-generation student enrolment growth forecast to 2031. We know that this is essential work. I am proud to be part of this Government that is providing the amazing state-of-the-art learning facilities for our children right across New South Wales that will not only benefit our current students but also will be a really positive learning experience and environment for many generations to come. COUNTRY UNIVERSITIES CENTRE The Hon. PENNY SHARPE (16:32): My question is directed to the education Minister, representing the Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education. Will the Minister confirm that there was no tender process for the $8 million grant to Country Universities Centre? The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:33): Once again I have been asked a question on behalf of another ministerial colleague in relation to details of a tender process that I do not have with me in the House. I will take that question on notice and come back to the member with an answer. COAL INDUSTRY Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE (16:33): My question without notice is directed to the Hon. Bronnie Taylor, representing the Minister for Energy. Is it true that the Smart Energy Council forecasts that 70 terawatts of coal-generated power will be retired by 2040 AD. Does the Minister agree with this economically disruptive proposal to change the source of energy production in New South Wales? What does the Government propose to do to provide job security to workers in the coal industry? The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR (Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women) (16:33): I thank the honourable member for his question. As it relates to the portfolio of a Minister in the other place, I will seek a detailed answer for him and provide it at the earliest opportunity. REGIONAL YOUTH The Hon. (16:34): My question is addressed to the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women. Will the Minister update the House on what the New South Wales Government is doing to support regional youth in New South Wales? The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR (Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women) (16:34): I thank the honourable member for his question and commend him for his interest in regional youth. I am so proud to stand here as the New South Wales Government's first Minister for Regional Youth. I raised my two daughters in regional New South Wales—and what a fantastic place it is to raise a family. The sense of community is unrivalled. The benefits of living and raising a family in regional New South Wales are so wonderful that this Government has put country and coastal communities at the top of its agenda so that everyone has the opportunity to live, to work and to succeed in regional New South Wales. Our young people in the regions are certainly reaping the benefits. Going to university is only one option for our young people to get job ready. Apprenticeships are a proven pathway to well paying jobs and careers that our State's regional communities need. To reduce the cost barriers to getting an apprenticeship this Government has created 100,000 fee-free apprenticeships, which means $2,000 more in the back pocket of young people in the regions. Right across the State we are also working in partnership with local organisations and businesses to make sure our regions' kids are employed and stay employed. The Mining Skills Hub in Cobar, Illawarra and Yass, which has already transitioned 80 young people successfully into employment, are just three great examples. Our regional industry education partnership officers in towns such as Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Queanbeyan, Orange and Lismore are busy strengthening relationships between local schools and Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 72

industry to support students to plan their career pathways. We have our Government's flagship, Active Kids and Creative Kids vouchers, which have been so successful that the Government is doubling the Active Kids voucher come July. Over 180,000 children in regional and remote New South Wales are using those $100 vouchers so that they can take up sport, stay active, build relationships with other young people and become a part of a club or community in their local area. Our wellbeing health in-reach nurses in Young, Tumut and Cooma are providing tailored support to the region's school-aged children. This is a great program with great initial results and I am very proud of it. My wonderful colleague and Leader of The Nationals in this House, Sarah Mitchell, in her role as Minister for Early Childhood Learning, has ensured that preschools in drought-affected areas are supported so that when rain comes again and our agricultural towns are booming those classrooms will have remained open and our littlest learners can continue to go to preschool. I said it before and I will say it again: I am so proud to be the first New South Wales Minister for Regional Youth. ANIMAL WELFARE The Hon. MARK PEARSON (16:37): My question is directed to the Hon. Bronnie Taylor, representing the Minister for Agriculture. It concerns the burying alive of day-old chicks after a truck transporting over 100,000 of these vulnerable animals crashed near Yass on 2 April last year. On 12 April 2018 the then Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon. Niall Blair, told the Chamber that his department had reported the case to the RSPCA and that the RSPCA was "carrying out investigations". He wrongly advised the Chamber that the activists who found the chicks buried alive had not reported the case to the authorities. This was incorrect as a detailed complaint had already been made to the RSPCA by the activists— The Hon. Don Harwin: Point of order— The PRESIDENT: The Clerk will stop the clock. The Hon. Don Harwin: By saying things such as "that was incorrect", the honourable member is including argument in his speech. I might have been mistaken but I think I heard an argumentative statement more than once, which, in my submission, renders the whole question out of order. The PRESIDENT: I will allow the Hon. Mark Pearson to finish the question. Twelve seconds remain for the question. I will examine the question to decide whether it can be answered by deleting certain parts of it or if it needs to be reformulated. The Hon. MARK PEARSON: As this was a case that deeply concerned the community at large, my question to the Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales is: What was the outcome of the investigation into the department's complaint? The Hon. Niall Blair: Point of order— The PRESIDENT: I will examine the question first and then hear the point of order. The Hon. Niall Blair: I believe the member is casting aspersions and accusing me of misleading this House. The member should do so through a substantive motion rather than through a question asked in the House. The PRESIDENT: I have examined the question. I find it difficult to remove parts of the question that I believe are out of order. Imputations are made in relation to a member. I uphold the first point of order from the Leader of the Government. I uphold the second point of order from the Hon. Niall Blair. I do not believe I can reword or remove parts of the question. The entire question is out of order. COUNTRY UNIVERSITIES CENTRE The Hon. WALT SECORD (16:40): I direct my question to the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women. Given the role of the Minister's husband, Duncan Taylor, is chief executive officer and managing director of Country Universities Centre and given that that organisation received $8 million of taxpayers' funds from the Government in 2017, I ask: Why has the Minister failed to record this significant transaction in her discretionary disclosure since Country Universities Centre was first registered on 28 February 2017? The Hon. Scott Farlow: Point of order— The PRESIDENT: I will examine the question. The Hon. Walt Secord: Eight million dollars! Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 73

The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Walt Secord is already on a call to order. He asked the question, and a point of order has been taken. I do not need to hear the Hon. Walt Secord scream from the table a repeat of part of the question. The Hon. Scott Farlow: It has been held by previous Presidents that the pecuniary interests of family members are not a matter which pertains to a Minister's portfolio and are not subject to the public affairs to which a Minister is connected. Mr President, I ask that you review in that light whether the question is in order. The Hon. Walt Secord: It is completely in order. It is her return. It is not in the return, Bronnie— $8 million. The Hon. Natalie Ward: Point of order— The PRESIDENT: Is it the same point of order or a new one? The Hon. Natalie Ward: It is a separate point of order. The PRESIDENT (16:44): I first will rule on the point of order taken by the Parliamentary Secretary so that I do not confuse everybody, including me. I uphold the point of order taken by the Parliamentary Secretary. The question is out of order. In particular, the question, "Why has the Minister failed", clearly is out of order. The Hon. Walt Secord is always able to rewrite the question to make it in order. The Hon. Natalie Ward: The Hon. Walt Secord appears to be using a prop in the Chamber. I am new to this but I understand that is out of order. Mr President, I believe while you were considering your ruling the Hon. Walt Secord referred to the Hon. Bronwyn Taylor as "Bronnie". I understand that is disrespectful of a member. The Hon. Walt Secord should address the Minister by her proper title. The PRESIDENT: Order! I did not see the Hon. Walt Secord use a prop, nor did I hear what he referred to. I remind all honourable members that, when referring to another member, proper titles should always be used and the use of props is disorderly. COST OF LIVING The Hon. TAYLOR MARTIN (16:44): I address my question to the Minister for Finance and Small Business. Will the Minister inform the House of any measures of support the New South Wales Government is providing to families to help with the cost of living in New South Wales? Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE (Minister for Finance and Small Business) (16:44): I thank the Hon. Taylor Martin for his question. I thought I was not going to get a guernsey today. But don't Opposition members look a sad lot! Two weeks ago something happened. The Hon. : Point of order— The PRESIDENT: Order! The Minister will resume his seat. I am not sure how it occurred in the bearpit, but when a point of order is taken in this House, the Minister is expected to resume his seat. The Hon. Mick Veitch: Mr President, I would like your view on the directly relevant sessional order that has been adopted by the House. The PRESIDENT: I have been waiting for someone to ask me that. The Hon. Mick Veitch: I suggest that the Minister is not being directly relevant to the question. The PRESIDENT (16:45): Order! I order the Clerk to stop the clock. I intend to spend a little time on this. I would rather spend time on a point of order of that nature to set the groundwork for future question times instead of simply reserving my ruling. I indicate to honourable members that today is the first question time in which the House requires me to apply the test of direct relevance to answers given by a Minister. The Macquarie Concise Dictionary Fifth Edition defines "relevant" as "bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; to the purpose; pertinent". That dictionary's definition of "direct" is "going straight to the point; straightforward". The 1980 edition of Webster's Dictionary defines "directly" as "in a direct manner; without ambiguity". When considering previous rulings of this House relating to "generally relevant" and the rulings of other jurisdictions—in particular, the Federal jurisdiction's past rulings of Stephen Parry of the Australian Senate and the text from the House of Representatives Practice (6th Ed.)—I confirm the following view of the Chair: Answers have always been required to be relevant; that is, they have been required to bear upon or be connected to or pertinent to the subject or parts of the question asked. Now they also are required to be directly relevant; that is, they are required to go straight to the point in a direct manner without ambiguity. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 74

I believe that the meaning of direct relevance is just as subjective as is the meaning of generally relevant, which is the test that has been applied in question times in this House for the past 20 years. Applying the new test should mean that some answers given in the past will not meet the test of direct relevance. A specific question requires a specific answer. A very broad question, or a question framed in terms of political pointscoring, does not require a more specific answer than is contained in the question. When considering the past rulings of past Presidents in this Chamber, the following still applies: It is not for the Chair to direct how the Minister should answer a question. The Chair cannot compel the Minister to answer a question other than in the way he or she wishes. It is not for the Chair to direct what part of the question a Minister should answer. A Minister may indicate they do not wish to answer the question. A Minister cannot provide an answer to a question ruled out of order. In answering a question, a brief preamble is possible. When answering a question the Minister must demonstrate a nexus between comments made and the original question. The specific question should always be the focus of the Minister's answer. A Minister should not add material to their answers that is not, according to past rulings, generally relevant to the question asked and requires an even more stringent answer to be directly relevant as opposed to being merely relevant. A Minister should resume his or her seat if they do not have the information to answer the question. I have carefully examined the question asked by the Hon. Taylor Martin and the opening sentence made by the Minister is, in my opinion, not directly relevant. I ask that the Minister be directly relevant to the question asked. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: I thank the President for his very erudite ruling on whether I was being directly relevant. It was directly relevant in the sense—I do not quibble with the ruling— Mr David Shoebridge: Point of order— The Hon. Mick Veitch: Point of order— The PRESIDENT: I do not need to hear a point of order. I indicate to the Minister that he should proceed to directly answering the question. He does not need to comment on my ruling. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: The greatest contribution to the cost of living in New South Wales was the election of the Morrison Government. The greatest threat to the cost of living in New South Wales was the potential election of a Shorten government. I can see why those opposite sit in here with downcast mouths and do not want to contribute to debate. We are looking out for the families of New South Wales. When we came to government there was a housing crisis in the State like never before. The infrastructure— [Members interjected.] The PRESIDENT (16:49): Stop the clock. The Minister will resume his seat. I was very concerned that a member would take a point of order that the Minister was not being directly relevant. The reality is that I would not have been able to rule on the point of order because I have not had any opportunity to hear what the Minister was saying due to the very extensive number of loud interjections. If members want me to be in a position to rule on something as important as whether the answer is directly relevant they need to afford me the opportunity to at least be able to hear what the Minister is saying when the Minister is saying it. Otherwise my hands are tied. I will not rule on it. The Minister has the call. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: What did we do in response to that housing crisis? We introduced a rebate scheme for stamp duty. Since 2017 there have been more than 50,000 applications for first home buyer grants to assist first home buyers. There has been a real benefit to those first home buyers. But we get better, of course. What have we done in relation to tolls? For the average family, tolls are a significant difficulty. The Hon. : You put them on. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: Not nearly as many tolls as were imposed by those opposite when they were in power. The PRESIDENT: Stop the clock. The Minister will resume his seat. The Hon. Trevor Khan: Point of order: The Hon. Daniel Mookhey has lost control. The PRESIDENT: That is not a point of order. An excellent point of order would have been, "The Hon. Daniel Mookhey is interjecting continuously." As that was not the point of order, it is difficult for me to rule other than to say that there is no point of order. The Minister has the call. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: Thank you, Mr President. I will try to be calm. I am only up to my second point—I have about 20 to go. We have given relief in response to tolls. If a motorist— Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 75

The Hon. Wes Fang: Point of order: The Hon. Daniel Mookhey is interjecting. He is being disorderly. I ask you to call him to order. The PRESIDENT: I uphold the point of order. I call the Hon. Daniel Mookhey to order for the first time. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: The circumstances are that if a motorist pays more than $25 per week in tolls they are entitled to a rebate for those tolls. That has delivered $729 in savings per year for those motorists. We have reformed compulsory third party insurance so that registration is cheaper. I was present when— [Time expired.] TEACHING PROFESSION The Hon. MARK LATHAM (16:55): My question is directed to the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning. What proportion of the State's new Gonski funding will be allocated to increase pay for school teachers and principals in recognition of the urgent need to upgrade the status, reputation and financial rewards of this vitally important profession for the State's future? The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL (Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning) (16:55): I thank the member for his question about ensuring that we recognise how important the teaching profession is. It is incredibly important. As I said in one of my earlier answers today, we need to ensure that we have high-quality teachers standing in front of our school students. We need to ensure that we value the incredible work that teachers do. We need to ensure that those who do a good job are rewarded for the work that they do. That is why in the last three years we have moved away from giving sub-par teachers pay rises just because they are turning up. The Government supports standards-based pay. Now teachers who are doing a great job will have the ability to have their pay increased each year. We do not want underperforming teachers to be rewarded; we want only the best in New South Wales. As I said in response to an earlier question, we already have the highest initial teacher education entry standards in the country. We require students to get three band fives in the Higher School Certificate to get into a teaching degree. We started the Initial Teacher Education program, which ensures that applicants meet the Teacher Success Profile standards if they want a job. The program ensures that, as well as other measures, the applicants must have achieved a credit average. They will be assessed on every practicum placement, rather than just the one they pass. They also need to pass psychometric testing, attend a face-to-face interview, and, recognising that teaching is relational, complete most of the degree in person rather than online. I understand that the premise of the question asked by the honourable member was about ensuring that our best teachers get paid well. I agree with that. We know high-quality teachers are a critical influence on student performance. Students with high-performing teachers can out perform students with low-performing teachers by up to 50 percentile points. That is why we need to have the best education systems in place to screen teacher trainee applicants early. That is why we have the Teacher Success Profile. That is why we have standards-based pay. We want to ensure that our best teachers are being appropriately remunerated. COUNTRY UNIVERSITIES CENTRE The Hon. WALT SECORD (16:57): My question without notice is directed to the Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women. Where would honourable members be able to find the Minister's disclosures in relation to Country Universities Centre, which was first registered on 28 February 2017 and 40 days later received a grant for $8 million from the New South Wales Government? That is in order. The PRESIDENT: Order! I do not need any commentary after the question is asked. May I have a copy of the question? The Minister has the call. The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR (Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women) (16:58): I thank the honourable member for his question. Everything I am required to disclose is disclosed on the Register of Disclosures by Members of the Legislative Council, which is available to anyone on the New South Wales Parliament website. I ask the member to refer to that. Given that we are talking about Country Universities Centre and given that the member directly mentioned my husband, Duncan Taylor, I remember a conversation I had with the member where he said, "nothing's personal"—gee whiz, the member has gotten pretty personal today. I wonder how I could ever trust the Hon. Walt Secord given that the Australian Medical Association says that it cannot trust him— The Hon. Daniel Mookhey: Point of order— The PRESIDENT: Order! The Hon. Walt Secord should not to flash a prop when I am trying to hear a point of order from his colleague. Flashing a piece of paper is using a prop and it is disorderly. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 76

The Hon. Daniel Mookhey: I have three points of order. First, all comments should be directed through the Chair. Secondly, the Minister knows full well that she should be referring to members by their proper title, so the use of the word "you" is not parliamentary. Thirdly, the Minister is straying dangerously close to reflecting on another member, which should be done by way of substantive motion if that is the way she wants to proceed. The PRESIDENT: I uphold all three aspects of the point of order. I also remind the Minister that she is required to be directly relevant to the question asked. I bring the Minister back to the leave of the question. The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR: The honourable member mentioned the Country Universities Centre [CUC] and my husband, Duncan Taylor. My husband is the chief executive officer of the CUC—a job he does as a volunteer. Three young women working at the centre in Cooma now have paid employment because my husband works as a volunteer. I will talk a little about the Country Universities Centre. For decades both sides of politics have been trying to get people to work in regional centres in the health and education fields. A woman who is the first-ever resident psychologist in Broken Hill is there because she was able obtain her degree through the Country Universities Centre. What an amazing story for rural and regional people. I will tell members about Michelle Freebody in Goulburn. The Hon. Penny Sharpe: Point of order— The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR: This is directly relevant to the Country Universities Centre. The PRESIDENT: Order! The Minister will resume her seat. The Hon. Penny Sharpe: The question was very specific in asking about where particular disclosures made by the Minister can be found. The Minister is not being directly relevant to the question asked. The Hon. Catherine Cusack: To the point of order: The member's question specifically referred to that organisation, and he referred to it throughout question time. Therefore, the Minister giving information about the organisation the member has referred to all afternoon is directly relevant to the question. The PRESIDENT: First, I agree with the first part of the Hon. Catherine Cusack's point. However, as far as I am concerned, previous questions asked by a member are not relevant when I must consider what is directly relevant to the current question being answered by a Minister. It is not for a Minister to go back, in effect, and start to answer parts of previous questions that have been asked. Had the question asked comprised part one only, I would agree with the Hon. Penny Sharpe. However, part two of the question referred to $8 million being received by the organisation from the New South Wales Government 40 days later. My view is that the Minister is being directly relevant if she is referring to how that $8 million was being dealt with by the organisation. The Minister is being directly relevant to the question. The Minister has the call. The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR: Thank you, Mr President. Given that I am being directly relevant, I will talk about Tanya Plibersek, a Federal member of the Labor Party— The Hon. Penny Sharpe: Point of order— The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR: You don't want to hear. This is directly relevant. The PRESIDENT (17:02): Order! I call the Hon. Bronnie Taylor to order for the first time. I have already indicated to the Minister that if a point of order is being taken she should resume her seat. I do not need the Minister to engage in direct commentary with the member taking the point of order. I will deal with the point of order. I indicate to the member taking the point of order that I have absolutely no idea what her point might be because the Minister has simply mentioned a Federal member. I am interested to know how she will make her point. The Hon. Penny Sharpe: I am happy to do that. It is about direct relevance. We have a specific question before the Chair, and I understand the previous ruling. It was one thing for the Minister to talk about the organisation specifically—which was ruled in order—but a Federal member of Parliament has no relevance to the question asked. The Hon. Don Harwin: To the point of order: Mr President, there is absolutely nothing before the Chamber to enable you to conclude that the Minister's reference— The PRESIDENT (17:02): I agree. I do not need to hear further. I do not need Government members to give the ruling from the backbench. The Minister is required to be directly relevant to the question in bringing up the name of any member of Parliament. Simply raising the name and then a point of order being taken in no way assists me in making a ruling. I have no idea what she will say next. However, I remind the Minister that I expect her to be directly relevant to the question. She must show the nexus between the Federal member and the answer to the question. The Minister has the call. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 77

The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR: Thank you very much, Mr President. Tanya Plibersek said that if the Australian Labor Party were to win the Federal election—which it did not—it would deliver 22 regional study hubs. A Federal Labor government would have invested in this fantastic model. It is terrific that we agree. Given that we are talking about CUCs, I point out that 58 per cent of CUC students at Broken Hill and 55 per cent at Goulburn are the first members of their family to study for a university degree. What is not to like about that? We should be thanking the CUC volunteers and we should thank Duncan Taylor for volunteering his time as the chief executive officer. We should be thankful for the opportunities that the CUCs are providing. We should be proud of them. The Hon. WALT SECORD (17:07): I ask a supplementary question. Will the Minister elucidate her answer in relation to her husband, whom she described as a volunteer? Does he receive any payment from the Country Universities Centre? Clause 4.2 of the organisation's constitution permits payments to the chief executive officer and managing director—positions he holds. The Hon. Trevor Khan: Point of order: My point of order goes to whether the question now asked falls within the provisions of Standing Order 64 (1); that is, a question being put to a Minister should relate to public affairs with which the Minister is officially connected, to proceedings pending in the House, or to any matter of administration for which the Minister is responsible. The Hon. Daniel Mookhey: To the point of order: The honourable member has raised that point of order. Perhaps he should have raised it in respect of the first question, not the supplementary question. The Minister has already answered the question and in fact made key statements about the role that Mr Duncan Taylor has played. The Hon Trevor Khan may well have been entitled to raise that point of order in respect of the original question. However, given that the Minister has already spent three minutes answering it, the Hon. Walt Secord is entitled to ask a supplementary question. That supplementary question relates directly to elucidation of the Minister's original answer. The Hon. Don Harwin: To the point of order: The error that the Hon. Daniel Mookhey has made is in saying that the supplementary question has to be seen in the context of the original question. In fact, the supplementary question is quite a different matter. Even though a question may be in order as a supplementary question as such, seeking elucidation of the answer, it could still fall foul by going into an area which would not have been in order if it was asked in the first question. Therefore, the Hon. Trevor Khan's point of order is quite valid. The Hon. Walt Secord: To the point of order— The PRESIDENT (17:10): I have heard enough. I remind members that we have a full public gallery. I indicate to members that, first, when the original question was asked by the Hon. Walt Secord no point of order was taken. If a point of order was to be taken on the original question, it should have been done before the Minister commenced her answer. That did not occur. It is futile now to try to indicate that there may have been a point of order on the first question; I am not interested in hearing it. Secondly, I have indicated in previous rulings that for a supplementary question to be in order it must satisfy three aspects: It must be actually and accurately related to the original question; it must relate to or arise from the answer given by the Minister; and it must seek to elucidate a part of the answer given. I am of the opinion that all three aspects are satisfied. In giving her answer, the Minister did, in fact, raise the matters on which the supplementary question is being asked. She did not have to, but she did. The supplementary question is in order. The Hon. BRONNIE TAYLOR (Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women) (17:12): As I said in my previous answer, my husband, Duncan Taylor, is a volunteer. KINCHELA ABORIGINAL BOYS' TRAINING HOME The Hon. NIALL BLAIR (17:12): My question is addressed to the Special Minister of State, and Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts. Will the Minister update the House on what is being done to support the history and heritage of the Kinchela Aboriginal Boys' Training Home? The Hon. DON HARWIN (Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council) (17:13): I thank the Hon. Niall Blair for his question and his interest. Firstly, I acknowledge the Dunghutti people as the traditional custodians of the lands and waters around Kempsey. Dunghutti country includes the site of the former Kinchela Aboriginal Boys' Training Home, which is located just outside Kempsey. Yesterday I visited the area and spoke with community members and, most importantly, survivors from the Kinchela Boys' Home as we began this year's National Reconciliation Week. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 78

For those unaware of its history, between the years of 1924 and 1970 the home housed Aboriginal boys forcibly removed from their families under past policies of assimilation. Sent there with an expectation of training for employment, the reality was that Kinchela was an extremely harsh and cruel place to send these young men. From the moment the boys arrived, they were stripped of their shoes and identities, made to walk barefoot into an unknown place and acknowledged only by a number—never by their names. Yesterday in Kempsey I was humbled to meet with the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation. The corporation has been established by survivors of the home and I had the opportunity to hear a few of their stories. Let me say that those stories were truly harrowing and often juxtaposed to the perception many outsiders had at the time the home was in operation. While from the outside the pool on the grounds appeared a happy place, it was, in fact, used as an instrument of torture. Boys would be thrown into the cold waters in the depths of winter and held underwater with a stick as a form of punishment. The Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation supports survivors of this terrible place through healing programs that address the legacy of physical, sexual, psychological and cultural abuse experienced, as well as the intergenerational trauma experienced by their descendants. The site is also heritage listed in recognition of the significance of these sites and I am pleased to advise that the New South Wales Government is providing heritage grants to assist in the truth-telling of the site. The grants include $150,000 to the Kempsey Local Aboriginal Land Council, which owns the site, for necessary conservation management building works; and $70,000 to the corporation for heritage interpretation and healing space. Our acknowledgement of the past will help these men and their families to heal. The time for questions has expired. If members have further questions I suggest they place them on notice. Members INAUGURAL SPEECHES The PRESIDENT: I ask members to extend the usual courtesy to all members giving their inaugural speeches this evening. Before calling the Hon. Damien Tudehope, I welcome into my gallery members of his family, including his wife, Diane; their children, Patrick, Monica, John, Madeleine, Anna, Lucy and James; and their baby granddaughter, Lily. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE (Minister for Finance and Small Business) (17:18): I commence by saying I do not know where my wife is—I am sure she is coming—but my seven-month-old granddaughter is going to have a very serious operation tomorrow and I dedicate this speech to her. I thank my wife, Diane, who is somewhere, and the members of my family who have come here today, and all those people who are here who have supported me throughout my parliamentary career. There are too many of them to name, but they can be assured that they have my gratitude. I am tempted to repeat what I said in the other place four years ago and just sit down, but I am not going to do that. One should never give up an opportunity to place on record those matters that are important in this next term of government and are important to me. I want to start by saying that I am a fierce advocate of freedom. This includes the freedom to make mistakes, the freedom to have a different world view and the freedom to share different, even disagreeable, ideas. I reject the notion that it is the political elite who are the custodians of all our thoughts, our speech and our actions. I believe that all Australians ought to be entitled to their own opinions, that it is fine to disagree with the person standing next to you and that we may hold our differences with civility, whether they be on matters of economy, education, or religion. I echo the words of our Prime Minister, who said, "We must learn to disagree better." Free speech in this country is under attack like never before. Tragically, there are few remaining in public life who will stand up for it. The most recent State and Federal elections, however, are indicative. That tells us that Australians will always reject the politics of division and envy. That tells us that there is a generation of "quiet Australians" who value their families, their jobs and the wonderful lifestyle that this country has to offer. That tells us that the average Australian asks for nothing more than that the government should get on with the job of delivering for the community and then get out of the way so families can get on with their lives. It is now clear that there is only one side of politics that represent these "quiet Australians". It is the Liberal-Nationals Coalition that seeks to deliver better outcomes for all the people of this State. It is the Coalition that is now the party of the worker. Workers do not want a government whose aim is to push policies that will tax them into poverty and then tell them how to live their lives. No—they desire a better future for themselves and their families, and they should expect to achieve just that through hard work and persistence. It is this side of the House that gets it, and the Berejiklian Government is one that I am proud to be a part of. In our Premier we have a leader who every single day puts the needs of the people of New South Wales first. The Premier has spelt out Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 79

the five priorities for this next term of government. I wish to take this opportunity to address each of those priorities. Firstly, we are delivering a strong economy, quality jobs and financial security for the workers of today and tomorrow. This Government has a great story to tell of responsible governance and strong economic management. We have a narrative that points to the lowest unemployment rates in the country and record spending on vital infrastructure—on our roads and public transport, on our hospitals and on our schools. We are employing more teachers, more doctors and nurses, and more essential services personnel. Since 2011 we have delivered over half a million jobs in New South Wales. Over the next four years, we are going to deliver a quarter of a million more. Our Government has achieved this while keeping our expenses reined in, with predicted surpluses across the forward estimates. Our triple-A credit rating is affirmed and we are in negative net debt. Operating expenses per capita are the lowest of the mainland States and New South Wales now holds a net worth of a quarter of a trillion dollars. Our almost $90 billion infrastructure program is driving this State forward. And the projects that this generation of government begins will be the infrastructure that the next generation of Australians will enjoy. We are creating jobs for today and careers for tomorrow. We are providing for the present but also preparing for the future. We are proudly known as the jobs capital of Australia and we are the engine room of this nation. I repeat: We are the party of the worker. So, whether you are a shearer in Dubbo, a shoppie at David Jones, a nurse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, or a tradie in Parramatta, this Government has your back. Because unlike previous governments that have operated on platforms of dependency, this Government operates on policies which are designed to create jobs and provide opportunity. In my submission, the greatest expression of dignity that we can guarantee individuals is to ensure that they have an opportunity to pursue a career; for we are dignified by our work. To be deprived of work—to be unable to provide for ourselves and those dearest to us—is not only to be financially vulnerable but it is also mentally and emotionally crippling. I repeat what I said in my maiden speech in my capacity as the member for Epping. I quoted Saint John Paul II in his encyclical Laborem Exercens, where he said: Work is a good thing for man—a good thing for his humanity—because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfilment as a human being and indeed, in a sense becomes more a human being. Ours is the Government that pulled all the necessary economic levers. Ours is the Government that took notional ideas and made them come alive. Ours is the Government that took pipedreams and actually took them to the pipeline. The Sydney Metro opened last Sunday. It is a fine example of just this. It is a project promised no less than four times by the dreamers opposite but finally delivered by the doers on this side of the House. Ours is the Government that ought to stand proud at the fact that we have restored this State to the premier position in the country and the envy of this nation. And so it should not come as a surprise that the good people of New South Wales would place their confidence in us for a historic third term of government. The second priority is to deliver the highest quality education no matter where you live or what your circumstances. We are privileged to have the Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning in this Chamber. I do not know a single parent in New South Wales, nor in the whole of Australia, who does not desire the very best for their child. We as a government share this aspiration. We want to give every child the opportunities, the education and the skills that will give them the very best start in life. It is for these reasons that we have embarked on the largest school-building revolution that this State has ever seen. This includes a $6.5 billion commitment towards more than 190 new and upgraded schools, 22 of which were delivered before the first term started this year; a $1.3 billion investment to wipe out the school maintenance backlog for our government schools; and $500 million to provide cooler classrooms with air conditioning and ventilation systems at up to 1,000 schools across the State. But this Government is rolling out education initiatives beyond bricks and mortar. We are investing in our teachers, our curriculums and our programs to provide better outcomes for our children. We are talking about 4,600 new teachers over this term of government working in these schools with our children. We are talking about worthwhile initiatives like the Active Kids and Creative Kids programs so that our children can develop the skills, friendship groups and networks that will benefit them long into the future. We are talking about a government that understands that a quality education will mean a more capable and flexible workforce, greater innovation, greater opportunities and jobs for the future. That is why the Government has also invested $80 million towards the construction of a new "mega TAFE" in the heart of western Sydney. That is why our Government is providing 70,000 extra free courses for young jobseekers and 30,000 places for mature-aged workers looking to re-enter the workforce. But while it is true that a child's educational environment is important, what is taught outside of the classroom is just as important. It is my submission that parents are the primary educators of their children. The State must always recognise and support Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 80

this rather than seek to usurp it. It is not the educator's role to promote a radical agenda of identity politics in the classroom. Our focus must be on arithmetic, history and literacy, not gender identity. In my capacity as the member for Epping— [Interruption from the gallery] The PRESIDENT: Order! Just as we have rules in the Chamber, we ask that members of the public also abide by those rules. I ask those in the public gallery not to applaud or interject but simply to wait until the member has completed his speech. There will be an opportunity outside in the foyer for the public to congratulate the member on his speech. Mr DAMIEN TUDEHOPE: I thank the President and I thank the people in the gallery for the applause. In my capacity as the member for Epping I was proud to have introduced to the Legislative Assembly a petition of more than 17,000 signatures from concerned parents opposed to the ironically labelled Safe Schools program, which was introduced under the guise of an anti-bullying initiative. Allow me to be clear: There is no room for bullying of any kind in our schools but neither is there room for a program that encourages children to explore gender theory and promotes the sexualisation of young children. There is no room for any program that calls for students to cross-dress or for the introduction of unisex bathrooms in our schools. We owe a debt to who, as education Minister, committed to ensuring the removal of the Safe Schools program. We also owe a debt to Dr Pansy Lai and the courageous work done by all those who gathered the 17,000 signatures for that petition. I will say again that the State does not own our children. The values that make us who we are—our moral fibre and the things we hold dear to us, whether they be the intrinsic dignity of the individual, freedom, respect for others and the law, hard work or equality between the sexes—begin at home. In his first address to this place the Hon. Mark Latham asked why we hear so many voices of the people who refuse to believe in the virtues and achievements of Western civilisation. He asked: What has Western civilisation done for us? Only advanced health care and education, architecture, engineering, information technology, free speech and the rule of law. It is a rule of law that no single individual is above, irrespective of their office. Nevertheless, he questioned how the West has come to such a serious state of decline. While I agree with the observation made by Mr Latham, I submit that the answer is to be found largely in the systematic deprecating of the family unit. Only within a strong family unit is it possible for the bedrock of our Australian values to be properly nurtured in the lives of our children. I agree with Ronald Reagan, who captured the sentiment well: In raising and instructing our children, in providing personal and compassionate care for the elderly, in maintaining the spiritual strength of religious commitment among our people—in these and other ways … families make immeasurable contributions to … [a nation's] well-being. Today, more than ever, it is essential that these contributions not be taken for granted and that each of us remember that the strength of our families is vital to the strength of our nation. The third priority outlined by the Premier is that this Government will be delivering well-connected communities with quality environments. When the Coalition was elected in 2011, the Government was faced with soaring housing demand and a total bankruptcy of infrastructure and debt. The message accepted by those opposite was that Sydney was full and it sent the corresponding message that proper planning and infrastructure were not required. Ten years ago New South Wales had no B-Line bus service on Sydney's northern beaches, no effective light rail in Sydney or Newcastle and no metro railway connecting Sydney's booming north-west and south-west to the CBD. Ten years ago there was no Opal card. Instead, we stood in long lines at the train station concourses waiting to buy tickets and in even longer lines at the Roads and Transport Authority to renew our licences. Now housing and infrastructure in New South Wales have been and continue to be addressed—but at a cost. The speed and volume of construction have been disruptive to the community. The Premier is right to call for a slowing of immigration rates because there is a need to allow infrastructure to catch up with demand. As it currently stands, the States bear the responsibility for providing the roads, schools and hospitals but have no hand on the lever controlling immigration. In my submission, it is appropriate that States have a seat at the table when immigration targets are set by the Commonwealth. Such significant changes in terms of immigration, development and infrastructure in such a short period will inevitably lead towards a fracturing of community life. With this in mind, the Premier has embarked on a strategy to improve the quality of community life through greater attention to planning decisions and the delivery of open space. I would like to take a moment just to dwell on the concept of well-connected communities because it gives rise to issues well beyond the delivery of open space and more available parking, as important as those issues are. Recently a friend of mine who does home maintenance for an elderly woman found her deceased at her home. She had been deceased for a week and no-one knew. I recall many years ago, in 1974, a lecture I attended at university. The lecturer observed that living rooms were once structured so that lounges and chairs Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 81

faced one another, as people were expected to interact and engage in conversation. His lament was that they all now faced the television instead. The breakdown that started in the family home is now endemic. Today it is no longer an uncommon sight to board a bus or train only to see every face staring down at a small screen. My son recently pointed out to me that there is now a function on Uber whereby a passenger is able to inform a driver that they would rather not be disturbed on the journey. It appears to me that one of life's bitter ironies is that while there is increasing engagement and connectivity on platforms like social media and the internet, human interactions are on the decline and today many face terrible struggles with loneliness. I would like to suggest that when we talk about well-connected communities we need to do so in a way that seeks to address loneliness, which is becoming such a crippling health problem. We need to acknowledge that there are many people in our communities who believe that no one cares about them. This is the age of loneliness. Indeed, so severe an issue is loneliness that the United Kingdom has appointed a Minister for Sport, Civil Society and Loneliness. The Jo Cox Commission in the United Kingdom has found that more than nine million people— approximately 14 per cent of the population—are often or always lonely. Former United States Surgeon-General Vivek Murthy echoes these sentiments when he calls loneliness a health epidemic. It would be naive of us to think that Australia is exempt. A 2016 Lifeline survey found that more than 80 per cent of Australians believe society is becoming a lonelier place. One further small observation is that we have seen the proliferation of single-bedroom apartments in Sydney, which, in my view, has contributed to or is emblematic of increasing levels of loneliness. But there is no silver bullet. I raise this issue because loneliness appears to play such a significant precursory role to homelessness. Addressing homelessness is a priority for this Government. Over $1 billion will be invested in homelessness services over the next four years and I note that the Premier earlier this year signed a global agreement to halve street homelessness across the State by 2025. Government, however, cannot achieve this alone. There must be a united and concerted effort from local communities, non-government organisations and all of us. To this end, we ought to invest in our volunteers. We need to see the value in each person and the time that each person freely gives to volunteer organisations. We must never undervalue the work that is being done by our churches and charities. Already more than 2.1 million people volunteer across the State each year, contributing a combined 240 million hours. We, as a government, ought to be looking for further ways in which we can encourage more people to get involved in making New South Wales a better and more connected place. Governments around the world are consistently looking at ways to improve taxation systems to ensure efficiency and promote fairness. It is my submission that in New South Wales we ought to consider ways our taxation system can encourage more volunteering in our communities. We should consider how small and medium businesses can play a role in encouraging more volunteering. I am of the view that businesses will benefit from increased goodwill and our communities will benefit from increased tangible social capital. It is fitting that I raise this matter today as last week was National Volunteer Week, which recognises and celebrates volunteers and the important work that they do. I acknowledge the work done by the husband of the Hon. Bronnie Taylor. I commend the Premier on celebrating volunteers across our communities. The fourth priority for this Government is to be at its core radically customer centred. The Premier has made it abundantly clear that this Government's reason for being is to put the people of New South Wales at the centre of everything we do. It came as no surprise that the earnest, hardworking and digitally savvy was appointed as the very first Minister for Customer Service. We have already made great steps in demonstrating that commitment to the people of New South Wales. The one-stop Service NSW offices, which facilitate the processing of transactions with government and provide advice to reduce the cost of living have been a resounding success. I am honoured to have been appointed the Minister for Finance and Small Business in the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government. Victor has been and will be putting the customer at the centre of everything that he does. In very much the same capacity, so will I make every endeavour to put small businesses front and centre of what we do as a government. Behind every small business is a family; behind every small business are its employees; and behind every small business is a community that is dependent on its services. I say this because I was once a small business owner. I know firsthand the difficulties small business owners face on a daily basis, the pressures that are placed on families when cash flow is tight, when bills need paying or when school fees are due. I know what it is like to put your house on the line, to be buried in mountains of paperwork, to work long hours and to have sleepless nights. I am not saying that it is the role of government to ensure that every business succeeds. What I am saying, however, is that it is incumbent on government to make it as easy as possible for them to do business and to foster an environment that will allow small businesses to grow and succeed. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 82

While there is always more work to do, we as a government are committed to the following principles: reducing red tape; connecting small businesses with expert advice; creating networking opportunities for small businesses to work collaboratively; building our economy and growing confidence and investment; and ultimately nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that has become so characteristic of Australians. Finally—and I am sure everyone will be happy to hear me use that word—this Government is committed to breaking the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage by fixing the problems that have traditionally been thrown into the too-hard basket. It is my submission that we are all here to leave a better New South Wales for the next generation than the one we find ourselves in. There are a number of areas where there are entrenched social issues, including indigenous health and education, high recidivism rates, the number of children in out-of-home care and the treatment of the elderly and the vulnerable. I want to pay tribute to the retired Minister for Family and Community Services for the remarkable job she did in the last Parliament to reduce the number of children in out-of-home care who would be shuttled from one foster family to the next. It was her vision to seek a solution by facilitating permanent placements. The passing of the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Amendment Act last year is a tribute to her and it is a matter of some shame that it was not supported by those opposite. The newly appointed Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services, Gareth Ward, has recently introduced a bill to create the first independent Ageing and Disability Commissioner to shine a light on abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly and vulnerable in our communities. I commend that initiative. I would like to raise just a few issues that have traditionally been deemed "too difficult". One of the largest epidemics we face as a society, particularly in our regional centres, is the increased use of crystal methamphetamine, or the drug more commonly known as ice. I was pleased to hear the Premier announce last year a special commission of inquiry into the use of this drug in New South Wales. The question for the inquiry is: How do we as a government treat the problem? It is my view that this Government cannot by its passivity allow more users to simply fall by the wayside of a misguided solution to the problem of drug addiction. Only a strong message of deterrence and rehabilitation programs designed to help those addicted will prevail. The problem of ice certainly is related to a wider issue of drug addiction, which includes the use of gateway drugs such as ecstasy at music festivals. There is a small percentage of the population who would suggest that drug testing is a possible solution. The evidence, however, does not stack up. I agree with the findings of a research report published by the National Addiction Centre at Kings College, London, which found: Pill testing of any description does not guarantee safety, or protect the consumer against individual responses to pills. At best, it gives an artificial "shine of safety" to a group of diverse drugs that remain both illicit and potentially harmful. There is one final issue that I would like to raise. Lest there be any doubt, I am fiercely pro life. I join with Thomas Jefferson, who said: The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government. It is my strong view that we have become far too comfortable with speaking of human life critically as noxious to the environment, or taxing upon the economy, or straining upon our relationships, or burdensome to the wider population. I believe that all life—whether at its dawn or dusk—is good and brimming with latent potential. We all can empathise with the circumstances of those who have suffered tremendously at their closing hours with their loved ones. Indeed, who wouldn't? It would be an exceptional case to find anyone whose hearts are not stirred by such unhappy circumstances. But compassion itself cannot and will never be an ultimate solution. It is seldom wise to make decisions based purely on emotions. As parliamentarians we must also look at the potential consequences of the decisions we strive to undertake. When a human life begins we hold to an unshakeable conviction that that life should go well, that the investments and aspirations attached to that life represent hopes and dreams to be realised rather than frustrated. Should such a position change for a person whether at the dawn or the twilight of their lives? Could it be that the plea for so-called death with dignity might be better interpreted as a plea for better care, support and comfort? In the 2017-18 budget the Treasurer announced a $100 million funding packing for palliative care across New South Wales. This package included training for 300 nurses, 300 scholarships for rural and regional staff to enhance their palliative care skills and 30 additional nurses in hospitals, homes and nursing homes. Additionally, the Premier has made a further commitment of $45 million towards the delivery of 100 additional palliative care nurses to ensure patients can access the care they need in the setting they choose. These are all initiatives I am proud that this Government has undertaken, for there are few things worth fighting for more than to protect life and to uphold its intrinsic value. At the risk of torturing the language, this was not my first inaugural speech—as I said earlier. It is my honour and privilege to be given the capacity to stand here and deliver another. I again thank my colleagues in this place and all in the public gallery for their courtesy in listening to me. In closing, I am of the strong view that the future is bright for New South Wales and for the aspirational, hardworking families of this great State. But Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 83

there is more work to do and I look forward to contributing in some small part to the success of the Berejiklian-Barilaro Government. Thank you. The PRESIDENT: We will now proceed to the inaugural speech of Ms Abigail Boyd. Before I call the honourable member, I remind all members that Ms Boyd is about to make her first speech in this place and I ask members to extend to her the usual courtesies. I welcome into my gallery the members of Ms Abigail Boyd's family, including Mr Perry Gretton, her father, and Mr Rod Boyd, her husband. I welcome back to this Chamber former members Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Ms Sylvia Hale and Ms Lee Rhiannon. You are all most welcome. I welcome also each and every member in the public gallery. Ms Abigail Boyd has the call. Ms ABIGAIL BOYD (17:55): Thank you, Mr President. I acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land I stand on, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. I acknowledge also the Awabakal, Darkinjung and Guringai peoples, traditional custodians of where I now live and where I grew up. I pay my respect to elders past and present and to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people here today. This is, was and always will be Aboriginal land. The traditional custodians of this land lived for tens of thousands of years in a sustainable economy— producing and storing food, sewing clothes, engineering and building homes and infrastructure, respecting country, understanding that if you look after the land the land will look after you. Of all the ways we have failed First Nation peoples—and there are many—failing to learn from them about land management may be what ends up making Australia uninhabitable for us all. As an elected member of the New South Wales Parliament I pledge to stand alongside First Nations peoples in their struggle for justice and self-determination and for the right to practise culture and to speak and preserve Indigenous languages. The truth must be told. History must be corrected. Treaties must be signed on the path to justice. I did not get here by myself. I am here because of the support of my parents, my partner, Rod, and my children—each of them a gentle anchor to my truth and my values. I am here because of the active and engaged community on the Central Coast where I live and because of the 433,000 people who voted for The Greens in the recent State election. I am here because of the belief and trust placed in me by Greens members. Thank you to The Greens movement across the country, built over decades and still going strong. Thank you to all The Greens volunteers, staff and public representatives across New South Wales, including my hardworking colleagues Cate, David, Jamie, Jenny and Tamara. I am so pleased to be able to join you in this Parliament. Thank you to The Greens NSW State campaign team; thank you to the team in my office who are helping me settle into this new role with such care; and thank you to the parliamentary staff who are going out of their way to make me feel welcome. Thank you to The Greens members who trusted me with a winnable position on our State election upper House ticket. Thank you particularly for your support Cath Connor, Matthew Thompson, Mark Riboldi and Damiya Hayden, all of whom I am pleased to see in the gallery tonight. To all the people who have brought me to this moment, I thank you. Family and friends, I embrace you. I trust you to guide me and hold me to account over the next eight years. I believe it is important for us in Parliament to thank and acknowledge the people, communities and movements that brought us here. We might belong to various political parties but we are united in one thing: There is no manifest destiny that brought us here, no divine proclamation of our specialness or our right to be politicians. We are not special. We have privilege and we have power and we have an enormous responsibility to use these on behalf of the people and communities who brought us here. They have placed their trust in us to represent them and make decisions on their behalf. If we cannot do that we should quit. I am under no illusions about the political differences that some of us share. I also know that positive change happens when good people sit down and try to find consensus. I have no doubt that I will disagree with every single one of you at some point—and that includes all of my Greens colleagues—but I hope that we can disagree with respect and good grace. To do that we must reject fear and embrace hope. We must reject the politics of hate and division, reject misogyny, reject racism and reject discrimination. We must pursue equality, compassion and justice. I hope that through generosity and patience we will find things in common that we can work together on, for the benefit of the broad community that is New South Wales. I hope we can all keep open minds: As the medical profession says, we must be humble before the evidence. My family emigrated from England when I was two years old. I spent my early childhood sharing in my parents' enthusiasm as they experienced all that Australia had to offer. They instilled in me not only a love of our unique Australian flora and fauna but also a love of observation and analysis. Nothing was taken for granted. I learned that our life in Australia was special, that the freedoms and opportunities we are given here are not shared by everyone across the globe, or even by everyone across Australia. Like so many other families, we have had our fair share of troubles working through mental illness, drug addiction and disability. From my own childhood to my time now as a parent, I have learnt that no child comes with an instruction manual and good intentions and Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 84

caring hearts are not always enough. Many children and families need additional assistance and professional support. Parents, carers and siblings need reassurance and timeout. I learnt early that those we love can hurt us. When I was 16, I lost myself in an abusive relationship. I still do not fully understand how another person was able to have so much control over me and make me feel so small. Having been a victim of child sexual assault, the abuse I experienced at the hands of my first serious boyfriend compounded my feelings of shame and deepened the sense that my body did not belong to me. It is common for those who have experienced sexual assault to feel shame: guilt attaches to specific actions whereas shame attaches itself to our identity. Guilt can tell us where we went wrong and encourage us to do better whereas shame tells us we are rotten. Shame is a destructive state that holds us back, whispering in our ear that it is our fault that we were abused—that we are inherently dumb, ugly, boring, worthless. It was not until I was in my late twenties that I sought professional help. By understanding and rejecting the shame I felt, I moved past being a victim and became a survivor. In my twenties I hid from so many things. I let my shame dictate so many of my decisions. In my thirties I could look at myself in the mirror again. I found love with Rod in a deeply caring and supportive relationship. We had our two amazing children, who bring us such joy. No longer at war with myself, I am comfortable in my own skin and confident that the traumas in my past do not define my future. I have been supported to overcome many of life's obstacles. But not everyone is so lucky. I am concerned and angry that too many people in New South Wales fall through the cracks, through no fault of their own, because we as a government fail to provide the services and supports they need. We cannot prevent hardship—I wish—but too often, whether you survive or whether or not you go on to thrive, depends on your postcode or your bank balance. We live in an increasingly unfair world. Economic inequality in Australia has widened. In Sydney, the top 20 per cent of income earners have an income around five times higher than those in the bottom 20 per cent. As household debt and expenses continue to skyrocket, median wages have flatlined. People are pushed into poverty. The difference in quality of life between people in Sydney and people in regional and rural areas is striking. Drought-stricken towns in regional New South Wales have been without drinking water for months, surviving only because charitable folk trucked them water when the New South Wales Government turned its back. As a proud Central Coast resident I will not turn my back on rural, regional and remote New South Wales. We know that when people do not get the help they need, they are more likely to continue to face increased challenges. These problems can spiral out of control. Our failure to help people denies them full participation in society. For example, compared to those without a disability, people with a disability are seven times more likely to face health problems and can expect to earn less than half the weekly median wage. Children who have experienced violence or abuse are more likely to face mental health challenges and are at increased risk of homelessness and unemployment. Disadvantage creates further disadvantage. The evidence is in. We understand this. This makes government responsible for doing something about it. But too often government resources go to those who move in the right circles, or are allocated to try and win elections. Rather than deep and meaningful investment in public and community services, we push small pools of money back and forth, taking money from one threadbare service and throwing crumbs at another. The Government finally signed up to Our Watch for the prevention of domestic and family violence while, for example, simultaneously slashing funding to some of the community-run legal centres that help women to leave their violent partners—centres like the Wirringa Baiya Aboriginal women's legal service. Right now, vital whole-of-government reforms are needed to turn around the lives of millions of disadvantaged people in New South Wales. We can spend another electoral cycle playing whack-a-mole with people's lives, or we could deal with the root causes of so many societal problems by investing in widespread reforms to end the cycle of disadvantage. For a start, we can redirect billions from prisons and punitive policing and put it into prevention and community services. We can create a safe State where women and children are free from violence and harassment. We can build a New South Wales where your access to quality education and health services is not determined by how much money you have. We can care for people by investing in suicide prevention and mental health services for our young people, and by helping the 90 per cent of people with a disability who are falling through the cracks of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Making those investments now will strengthen our society and improve people's wellbeing. Stronger communities means a stronger New South Wales. I undertook my first degree in psychology, wanting to understand what makes people tick. Then I studied law, wanting to understand the rules of society. Because I had a public school education and I grew up outside of Sydney, people had a particular—negative—impression of my prospects in law. Always stubborn, I determined to prove them wrong and work for a corporate law firm. It was from there that I became fascinated with finance Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 85

and capital markets. In those early years, I viewed the capital markets as a well-oiled machine with easy to grasp rules for operation. I bought into the myths that markets deliver good outcomes for society, and that the accumulation of extreme wealth for a very few could be excused on the grounds that that wealth would eventually trickle down to everyone else. Over two decades in Sydney and London, I became an expert in global banking regulation. I was in London for the onset of the global financial crisis. I had a ringside seat as governments around the world scrambled to prevent the failure of some of the largest financial institutions, and to contain the fallout from those that fell. I was in the thick of it as regulators were left gasping at how little they had understood the financial system they were supposed to be responsible for. I was there as the UK economy reeled from the impact of the cracks in the financial system as the government let the most vulnerable people fall through. Retailers faltered. Shops and small businesses closed at an alarming rate. In the financial services industry, redundancies were commonplace but those who kept their jobs still complained of reduced bonuses. The social impacts of the financial crisis were replicated across Europe and the United States. Financial services professionals walked away relatively unscathed; the rest of the workforce reeled from the resulting economic downturn—job losses, mortgage foreclosures and an entire generation of young people left with little prospect of entering the workforce or of ever owning a home. My experience left me with two very clear understandings. First, when financial systems fail, the heaviest burden is felt by those least able to withstand it. Secondly, the global financial system as it stands cannot be controlled or even adequately regulated. Our financial system relies on credit, which in turn demands constant economic growth. Without the production of more and more things, without increasing our consumption, the system falters. And if the financial system falters, if you and I refuse to get ourselves into ever-increasing levels of debt, the real economy falters too and we all suffer. This tangled knot linking the real economy and the financial system desperately needs to be unpicked and unwound. When the next financial crisis comes, as it inevitably will, we must be ready with a plan to build a progressive and sustainable economy. Capitalism is an economic model past its use-by date. For a time it delivered leaps forward in the quality of life for many, but now it causes more harm than good. We are in the twenty-first century, operating on nineteenth century economic principles. That is pretty stupid. The late-stage neoliberal version of capitalism we have now in Australia is reducing our average quality of life. It is driving widening economic inequality and trashing our environment. It is stifling creativity and holding back people's ability to participate. Neoliberalism has encouraged us to be in constant competition with one another and with nature, to act and think as individuals, to equate acquisition with success and to put a price on everything in our lives. To solve the mess we are in we need to go in a different direction. Our new economy needs to take into account our global ecological limitations and the impact of information technology on markets. We have hundreds of years of advancements in academic and scientific thought, yet those in charge clutch woefully at the past. The way an economy works is not a predictive science; it is inherently political. Government budgets are a series of political decisions. We can choose to build hospitals and high schools instead of stadiums. We can choose to spend money on domestic and family violence prevention instead of propping up the gambling industry. We can choose to make coal-fired power stations accountable for the toxic pollution they produce. We can choose to invest in the renewables industry, which will deliver cheaper, cleaner energy and stable sustainable jobs for tens of thousands of people. The New South Wales economy suffers from short-term government thinking. We budget for infrastructure differently because we know the benefits extend into the future. Infrastructure spending does not create deficits because it is budgeted as an investment. Why can we not do the same with social spending? Building a prison should not be easier than employing a nurse. The evidence shows that spending money on public services such as education, health and transport improves social outcomes. We know that investing in early support services and tackling poverty and housing insecurity keeps people out of prison and keeps kids with their families. Why can we not finance services the way we do infrastructure? Actually, we can, if we choose to. Our economy can recognise the long-term economic benefits of free life-long education. Our economy can recognise that the ongoing benefits of essential services being in public hands far outweigh the short-term revenue gains from privatisation. It is time to replace gross domestic product as a measure of economic success with a measure that includes indicators of wellbeing and sustainability. It is time to become agnostic about growth. What matters is wellbeing regardless of growth, not growth regardless of wellbeing. We can choose to pursue a zero-waste circular economy in New South Wales. We can invest in technology, facilitate lifestyle changes and increase our rates of repair, reuse and recycle. The first step is making industry responsible for the full life cycle of the products it produces and the pollution it creates. Make no mistake, our planet is dying. When I was a child my best friend, Saneia, lived next door. We spent hours exploring in our backyards, bandaging up the eucalyptus trees we saw bleeding with sap Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 86

and tracing the scribbles under the bark made by hungry insect larvae. We fed the visiting blue tongues and dug out worms and mice from the compost heap. With other children in the neighbourhood we would play for hours in the bushland at the end of our street, a vast wonderland full of lizards, frogs, wallabies and parrots. We would explore the caves and make figures out of the clay by the streams. As the sun went down our mums would call us in for dinner, yelling our names loudly over the roaring din of thousands of crickets and cicadas. These days the area is very different. It is not just that there are more houses, that the bushland is sparser, or that my childhood friends have moved away; the area no longer teems with life. We are killing off hundreds of species globally every year. Australia has one of the highest loss of species rates anywhere in the world. They are not all as cuddly as a koala, but the species dying off are vital for a healthy, well-functioning planet. We are breaking temperature records year after year. But the climate emergency that we have created goes beyond hotter temperatures. We are in a state of climate degradation. Global warming is the sweaty fever of a deep sickness degrading the earth's vital organs: the great lungs of our forests that filter the air; the water, circulating like blood, giving life to all things; and the soil, the vital skin tissue that houses the insects and micro-organisms on which so much other life depends. As we rip out more and more trees, allow water to be siphoned off and poison the soil with chemicals, we not only change entire weather systems, but also destroy the very things that should give the earth the resilience to withstand climate change. You cannot tinker with one part of our fragile environment without impacting another. Seemingly small and compartmentalised decisions by governments can have a devastating impact on our ecosystems, on our climate and on our ability to withstand climate change. That is why we have to reverse the 2016 tree clearing laws. That is why we have to stop the extension of the Warragamba Dam and preserve those river ecosystems, maintain access to sacred Aboriginal sites and ensure people are not put in the path of extreme flooding. That is why we need to leave the coal, oil and gas in the ground, and ensure a just transition to economic stability for the workers in fossil fuel industries. I became active in politics when I realised that I had as much right and as much responsibility as anyone else to fix the things I think are broken, to stop harm being done, to save that which needs rescuing and to protect the things I hold dear. I want our Parliament to better reflect the community we represent. That means more women, more people of colour, more people with disability, more people with diverse gender and sexual orientations, and especially more First Nations people. Representing the people of New South Wales requires us to listen to unions, advocates, community organisations, activists, experts and the public—and I do not mean obsessing over opinion polls. Overcoming the growing tide of political disillusionment requires us to build trust and respect through open dialogue. Democracy suffers when protest is sanctioned, when money buys access and when vested interests influence political decisions. Democracy is about more than voting and elections. To misquote Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, our democracy should be designed to speak truth to power. Real democracy is an ongoing, deliberative process of deep conversations and brave decision-making. Political communication must be about more than spamming peoples letterboxes, screens and school fences with focus-group marketing materials. Addressing the challenges we face will take all of us, inside and outside of parliament, working together. To the people sitting in the gallery and outside of this Chamber, if politicians are not doing their jobs, I ask you to challenge us. There are so many more of you out there than us in here. If we fail you, I hope you will rise up and put us out of a job. Hope is a most precious resource. It is hope for something better that inspires us to act; it is those actions that will create the change our world needs. I ask you to stay vigilant in guarding your hope, stay brave in creating change and remain fierce in holding your representatives in Parliament to account. Thank you. The PRESIDENT: Order! Before I call on the Hon. Tara Moriarty, I remind members that she is about to make her inaugural speech in this place. I ask members to extend the usual courtesies to the honourable member. I also take this opportunity to welcome into my gallery her family and friends, who are here in the Chamber for her first speech. They include her mother, Carol, her brother, Justin, Susan and Dean Weston and their two children, together with Kaila Murnain, the General Secretary of NSW Labor. The Hon. TARA MORIARTY (18:19): I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land, the Gadigal people. I pay my respects to Elders past and present. With this week being Reconciliation Week, I offer a hand of friendship and support on the journey towards reconciliation. It is very humbling and a great honour to be here in Australia's oldest Parliament, and it is lovely to be joined by family and friends to acknowledge this moment. I am truly thankful to the people of New South Wales for electing me to represent them in this place. I am enormously proud to be here as a member of the Australian Labor Party and to have had the great honour of leading Labor's upper House ticket at the election along with a number of other Labor men and women. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 87

One of the most remarkable things about Australia is that a first-generation Australian like me has the same opportunity to be in this place as someone whose family has been in the country for generations. My family are Irish. Both sides are from Tralee in County Kerry, in the south west of Ireland. I am grateful to have had a strong connection to my Irish family over my life, particularly through my Nan, Agnes Keogh, an amazing and inspirational woman who I know is very proud to see me here. My parents were the same age and from the same town, but they did not meet until they were both in Australia. They both left Ireland in the early 1970s, a couple of years apart, taking up the opportunity offered by the Australian Government to come to Australia for only 10 pounds to work and travel. My dad, John Patrick Joseph [Joe] Moriarty, came to Australia at the age of 17. There was not much opportunity at home in Ireland at the time and he came out here in search of work and adventure. He left behind his loving parents, Timothy and Elizabeth—from whom my middle name comes—and his brothers, James and David, all of whom are now unfortunately deceased. He arrived in Australia and worked, travelled and loved it so much he began to call Australia home. My mum, Carolyn Keogh, came for a two-year working holiday adventure at the age of 20, a couple of years after my dad. She too was looking for adventure, so she decided to fly to the other side of world for a couple of years having never before left home. Both my parents fell in love with Australia very quickly, and after a couple of years also with each other. They have always remained proudly connected to their Irish heritage, but they made the decision to settle here and to take advantage of the opportunities Australia offered as they created our family. Our lifetime connection to Ireland included my parents being foundation members of the Irish Club in Canberra and being very much connected to and involved with the Irish community in Queanbeyan and Canberra. That involvement included years of Irish dancing. I gave up early, but my sister became a champion dancer. My dad would make us listen to Irish music on long road trips. It would drive me mad as a kid because I wanted to listen to pop music. I now love it and appreciate its significance. After moving to Queanbeyan for work, my parents settled there and that is where we built our lives. As a family man, my dad worked very hard to provide a good life for our family. He worked in various jobs in the construction industry in the late 1970s and the 1980s. He did building work and some demolition work over a number of years, the latter proving extremely unsafe due to dangerous exposure to dust. My dad was very smart, a people person and a natural leader. In the mid 1980s he became a successful small businessperson running a scaffolding business and employing a number of people. I remember as a child him going out to work early in the morning to do physical labour all day. At night he would often sit at the dining room table for hours doing paperwork and preparing tenders for future work for him and his team. To make up for when business was slow, my mum ran a family day-care service from our home so she could also be at home with us before and after school. It was an idyllic childhood. My bother, Justin, and my sister, Samantha, and I grew up in a close-knit, safe neighbourhood, went to a great local catholic school— St Gregory's in Queanbeyan—and would spend our summer holidays every year swimming and fishing on the New South Wales South Coast. In the late 1980s, my dad started to show signs of ill health. He was in his late thirties and no-one really knew what was wrong. Over the next couple of years his health progressively deteriorated. It was eventually realised that his exposure to dust and the work he had done years earlier would cause him to suffer terrible illness. Dust-related diseases are truly awful. At that time dust-related diseases were not as well understood as they are now. Unfortunately for my dad and our family, the unsafe work he had done years earlier eventually killed him. He died in 1995, two weeks after his forty-third birthday. It was a truly awful, horrific way to die. To be so young and increasingly unable to breathe as his body shut down all because of unsafe work is criminal. No-one anywhere around the world, let alone in Australia, should be in an unhealthy and unsafe situation because of work. It is a basic human right that people are entitled to safe workplaces; it is a basic expectation that we have as a society. This is something that I will fight for every day. My mum, Carol, is a superstar. After my dad died she had three teenagers to support and plenty of bills to pay. We were very lucky to have a lot of support from neighbours, friends and our wider network, the local Irish community, which helped enormously at that time. I will never forget the generosity that people showed my family and the support we were given to get through that time. Our community coming together really helped my family and I am eternally grateful to each and every person who helped us. A sense of community is very important to me because that is how I grew up and became the person I am today. In order to manage over the longer term, Mum worked various jobs, including home care and disability support work, and she went to TAFE to get qualifications in that field. She eventually landed at CatholicCare in Canberra, where she has spent the past 20-plus years caring for people in permanent residential care who have Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 88

acquired brain injuries. She is such a generous and caring person that even though she is now generally retired, she still goes to the residential care home every week to volunteer her time with the residents. The work my mum did was low paid, caring but physical work. She always worked on weekends, especially Sundays, so she could earn much-needed penalty rates to assist the family budget. She did not like taking away from family time on weekends, but the penalty rates made all the difference for paying bills and putting food on the table. Mum worked as a casual for many years. The insecurity was always a concern, but it was a particular concern when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, along with some other heath-related issues. She had to take time off work to recover, which she thankfully did. As a casual, there was no pay for the period she was off work recovering. Managing illness is tough, but bills keep coming. We were able to get through it, but temporarily living off savings and credit in that kind of situation is not something everyone can recover from. Be it safety or secure work, I know what it means to people to work in unsafe environments and to experience income insecurity. My mum and dad's experiences shaped my worldview and they are but two examples of why we need basic rights at work—something I continue to pursue now. My family got through tough times with support, but I understand how easy it can be for people—especially people who are low-paid or vulnerable—to slip through the cracks. An incident or tragedy in your life can have an emotional and financial echo for years. For people who are living week to week with not much to fall back on, one unexpected misfortune or even a series of little things not going their way can throw them off course in a way that is hard to recover from. That is why you cannot be too quick to judge those who are not as well off as others, and why we always need a strong safety net for people when they need it financially or emotionally. I believe that government should have policies and structures that enable people to achieve their own success. People have ambitions for themselves and their families and we should create all the opportunity we can to enable people to work hard and achieve. But I absolutely know how easy it can be, despite your best efforts, to fall behind and there is a role for government to, wherever possible, protect people from that. Following that difficult time, I took a couple of years after school to work before starting university; I had to. I worked in various jobs, from childcare to office administration to hospitality—working in a couple of restaurants and a registered club. Working in hospitality was a lot of fun, but it was also an eye-opener to see the exploitation of vulnerable people. I worked in some good places but I also experienced some tough times and was ripped off. Witnessing unfair situations in the industry led me to join my union, the Liquor and Hospitality Division of United Voice. I was soon offered a job at the union and I took the opportunity to stand up for the people in the industry that I had worked in. It was never my intention to stay long, but after six years an opportunity arose to lead the union and to advocate for the rights of our members at another level. It has been a great honour to be an advocate for working people. I am proud to have been a part of a movement that, by its very nature, brings people together to fight for better lives. Yes, we fight for wage increases and better workplace conditions, but it is more than that. Being part of a movement that wants to empower people to lift themselves up is powerful and rewarding. It is a very special responsibility and privilege to work in the service of others and it is one that I take seriously. Compulsory superannuation—the great Labor policy created by Paul Keating to enable people to pool their resources together to invest for their retirements in a way they cannot do on their own—is a great example of how our movement can change people's lives for the better. I am proud to have been a part of an industry super fund set up for club workers. I was involved for over a decade and I am proud to have chaired the fund in recent years. I thank the team at Club Plus Super and industry super generally for the work they do in the interests of members. It is incredibly frustrating to keep having the same old fights over and over again about basic conditions for low-paid workers, but I am particularly proud to have fought for club workers to keep the penalty rates they have earned and deserve. Many of these workers do not earn a lot to begin with. For a long time, it has been socially accepted in Australia that if you are prepared to work unsocial hours and do shift work for low pay, it is only fair that you receive a little extra money for doing so. Penalty rates are a real example of basic fairness in relation to work and community standards. We have a social contract in Australia that says you work hard and you get a fair day's pay. Unfortunately, we are operating in a time when basic standards and basic fairness are being eroded, but I have fought and will continue to relentlessly fight to protect the basics, including safety and fair pay. I am a supporter of the hospitality industry and the jobs that it provides. I want to see more jobs created in the hospitality and tourism industries. I want business to succeed and thrive because of workers, not in spite of them. For our industrial relations system to work, we need to create a balance between the needs of business, workers and the community. For the system to be fair, it needs to include businesses valuing their employees and regarding them as an asset and a reason for success. People should be valued for their contribution and have some security for themselves in return for that contribution. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 89

During my time at the union, I am very proud to have played a part in working on behalf of our members and with the club industry to create secure permanent and permanent part-time jobs. I acknowledge that clubs do a lot of good work in the community and are community-minded organisations. I am proud that my union pushed the industry to value the work of club workers by creating career paths and permanent work across the industry in New South Wales. It reshaped employment in the industry for many years and it was a great success for the mostly women employed. Working together, we helped workers secure jobs with sick leave and annual leave, relatively secure rosters so they could plan their lives, and decent pay with penalty rates for working shifts at unsocial hours. This had a positive effect on the lives of thousands of club workers for many years. There are a number of club workers here today and I acknowledge their support here and always. I particularly acknowledge my union colleagues here today. I joined the Labor Party after Labor's election loss in 1996. It was the first election I was able to vote in and I was very upset about Labor losing. As a result, I decided to get involved and do something about the things that I cared about. I joined the wonderful folk at the Queanbeyan ALP branch and got involved from there. It was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I say to young people now: If you are unhappy with the way things are, join the Labor Party. Join any party. Get involved in politics. It really does provide an opportunity to change the world—although, join the Labor Party. I have been an active member of the Labor Party for well over 20 years and I am so proud to have worked alongside some of the most amazing and dedicated branch members and officials over that time. Our branch members and volunteers are the heart and soul of our party. They are passionate about our movement and their local communities and the kind of State and country we live in. I am proud to have been a party officer at a State and Federal level for many years and to have been part of the growth and development of our party whilst also being a trustee of its core values, especially in the toughest of times. I am grateful for the support of Labor Party members and officials for trusting me with being a representative of Labor values in this place. The issue that really got me activated in actual politics was the republic campaign and referendum in the late 1990s. I believe passionately in an Australian republic and that Australia should have its own head of state. I believe in it because I embrace and love Australia as it is now: a wonderful, diverse country, full of opportunity and promise, that is well able to show its maturity and independence in the world. I believe that it is an important part of Australia's future and I hope to see it happen in my lifetime. Through our roles in this place we all have a responsibility to use our positions to make life better for people and to bring people together. There is a role for government to set an agenda for the future and to enable and empower people to prosper—to feel hopeful and secure about the future, not hopeless or worried. Our job as public representatives is to understand the needs of the people we represent now and into the future. We need to hear from them about what their needs and wants are and, where possible, deliver for them. But on occasion we also have to be prepared to make tough decisions and show leadership on tough issues. That means being honest and open and bringing the community into our decision-making process. Australians are ambitious for themselves and their families. They want to work hard, be successful, help their families and ensure that they are secure into the future. We have seen at the last election that people are not caught up in class warfare. I will be a strong advocate for the people I am here to represent, but to do that you have to bring people together, not pit them against each other. People want us to make policy decisions that encourage and empower success while at the same time create protections that ensure nobody falls behind. I spent the first 23 years of my life living in regional New South Wales. After living and working in Sydney for many years I made the decision to move back to regional New South Wales. Like millions of people in New South Wales, I have chosen to make a life outside of the CBD. I understand regional New South Wales and the wonderful lifestyle and opportunities it provides, but I also understand the challenges and lack of investment and services. I will be a strong voice for the people of rural and regional New South Wales in this place and I will advocate to ensure that they get their fair share. We need jobs in the bush. Unemployment rates are higher than the State average in every section of regional New South Wales. Youth unemployment sits way above State unemployment rates across the regions and it is simply not good enough to leave young people without opportunity. We need a strong economic plan for rural and regional New South Wales. People should be able to work where they live. There continues to be a lack of investment. The time to act is now. We need more significant investment in the infrastructure and technology that will better enable people to run businesses with real scale outside of Sydney. Embracing technology and new ideas and rolling out the infrastructure that assists more efficient freight and people movement around the regions is essential. Our cities and towns need to be more livable across the State. Sitting on long-term issues in overpopulated suburbs or underpopulated regions will not create the State we need into the future. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 90

Education is the great opportunity equaliser and every child should have access to a first-class education. We need a strong vocational education system that creates opportunities for people to develop skills and qualifications that they can build on and take with them for life. We should invest in our people everywhere through education and skills and always be training and preparing people for the jobs of the future. People deserve a first-class healthcare system. Every single one of us matters and we should ensure that every single one of us has access to the best care and advice needed to manage our health, wherever we live. We all have a responsibility to raise the level of debate in the community. It is important to robustly debate and contest ideas but ultimately we need to work together in the interests of the people of New South Wales. I want to be part of making our State one where people have every opportunity to build the lives they want for themselves and their families. I want us to live in a community where we all look out for each other and everyone has the chance to live the lives they want to live—everyone should feel as though they are valued and have a place in our community—a State where our regions are respected and invested in and where we invest in our people to make them feel secure about the future. No-one gets here by themselves. I would not be here without the support of many, many people. I want to start with my family: my mum; my dad; my brother, Justin; my sister, Samantha; my grandmother, Agnes; and my extended family in Ireland. Thank you for your love and support. Thank you again to the women and men of the New South Wales branch of the Labor Party and all of the party members and officials who supported me along the way. Our party machine certainly has a large reputation but I have always found the team at the ALP and the party officers and officials I have worked with over many years to care passionately about Labor values. I thank the officers I have worked with, including my friend our amazing general secretary, Kaila Murnain. Thank you to Pat Garcia, Mark Lennon, Michael Lee, Matt Thistlethwaite, Karl Bitar, Mark Arbib, Bernie Riordan, Eric Roozendaal and Sam Dastyari. Thank you to the mighty trade union movement in New South Wales. Thank you again to my own union, the Liquor and Hospitality Division of United Voice. Thank you, John Hawker and the committee of management, our team and our members, for your support over many years. Thank you to my friend Mark Morey, Secretary of Unions NSW; Graeme Kelly and the USU; Gerard Hayes and the HSU; Bernie Smith and the SDA; Richard Olsen and Tony Sheldon and the TWU; Shane Murphy and the CEPU; Martin Cartwright and the NUW; Justin Page and the ETU; Alex Claassens, Bob Nanva and the RTBU; Theo and the Plumbers Union; and my long-time friend Daniel Walton and the AWU. Thank you to my amazing friend Sophie Cotsis. I am so proud to call you a friend and I am so glad you are here after your experience last year. I thank my dear friend Susan Weston and her family: Dean, Bridgette and Katia. Thank you to Daniel Weizman, Siobhan Barry, Tanya Gadiel, Paudie and Cathy Murphy, my neighbours Peter and Valarie, Steve Whan and Cherie Whan, Bryce Wilson, Walt Secord, Peter Punch, Nick Lucchinelli, Paul McLeay, Richard Angel, Paul Howes, Sharon Murnin, David Holder, Jessica Malnersic, Dave Dobson, Jay Suvaal and Alex Costello. Thank you to all my Labor colleagues in this place for welcoming me here. I have worked with all of you in different capacities over many years and now I look forward to working with you in this place towards a Labor government in four years. I again thank the people of New South Wales. Public service is a privilege and an honour and now it is time to get on with the work. Adjournment Debate ADJOURNMENT The Hon. SARAH MITCHELL: I move: That this House do now adjourn. TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM "BILL" FERGUSON The Hon. MICK VEITCH (18:47): I note this week is National Reconciliation Week. In that spirit I note the life of one William "Bill" Ferguson—Aboriginal leader, trade unionist and activist, member of the Australian Labor Party and candidate for the Federal seat of Lawson at the 1949 election. On 4 May this year an impressive bronze statue of Ferguson was officially unveiled on the main street of Dubbo, his long-term home. The project to build the statue, and then its final unveiling, has prompted renewed focus on the life of this great man, who has been described as "Australia's Martin Luther King". The statue was the creative work of leading sculptor Brett Garling, a local of Wongarbon, near Dubbo. The idea of a statue was taken up some years ago by Ferguson family members and supporters. Key people involved included Bill Ferguson's grandson William "Willie" Ferguson, Rod Towney and Meg Huddleston. These people and others campaigned for years and established the William Ferguson Trust Fund to assist the effort. The New South Wales Government and the Dubbo Regional Council also played key roles in the funding and management of the project respectively. Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 91

The unveiling of the statue attracted a crowd of hundreds, including many members of Mr Ferguson's family. It was an incredible tribute to the life of the great man. Everyone involved in the project to build the statue of Bill Ferguson should be congratulated on their role in remembering a great Aboriginal Australian, who led at a time when Aboriginal people did not enjoy full citizenship of this country. Bill Ferguson lived between 1882 and 1950. He was born at Waddai, Darlington Point, in New South Wales—one of seven children born of William Ferguson, a Scottish shearer, and his wife, Emily. Emily had been a housemaid in a homestead and died in childbirth in 1895. William Ferguson was a shearer, and became a shed organiser for the Australian Workers Union. In 1916 the Ferguson family settled in Gulargambone, where Ferguson was key in establishing and leading a branch of the Australian Labor Party. In 1933, after years of working as a shearer and labourer, he settled in Dubbo, where his greatest achievements as a political leader of his people were to take place. By that time he had 12 children of his own. He had married Margaret Mathieson Gowans, who was a domestic servant in Carrathool, in 1911. On 27 June 1937 he founded, along with Jack Patten, the Aborigines Progressive Association [APA], which later had chapters across the State and led the debate on Aboriginal rights at an early and crucial time. Its aims seem modest today, yet they were revolutionary and inspirational at the time: full citizenship rights for Aboriginal people, abolition of the New South Wales Aborigines Protection Board, and representation in Parliament for Aboriginal people. The year before the formation of the Aborigines Progressive Association the New South Wales Parliament had amended the Aborigines Protection Act to further strengthen the control of the state over Aboriginal people. This had greatly concerned Ferguson, and the association was formed to provide a voice for Aboriginal people in their struggle for freedom from state paternalism and control. Due to the activism of the APA the Government later moved to allow a degree of democratic representation of Aboriginal people on the Aborigines Welfare Board. Ferguson was elected to the board and used his position to advocate for improvements to the conditions of Aboriginal people statewide. This brought him into conflict with other board members as he advocated on behalf of his people. On Australia Day 1938 he organised the National Day of Mourning along with fellow activists William Cooper and John Patten. He was a key advocate for a national Aboriginal policy. In 1938 he was co-author of the pamphlet Aborigines Claim Citizen Rights. Shortly before his death Ferguson drafted a series of policy proposals that were put to the Government by the Australian Aborigines League, of which Ferguson was vice-president of the New South Wales branch. Knocked back in Canberra, Ferguson determined a course of action that led him to resign from the Australian Labor Party and contest the December 1949 Federal election for the seat of Lawson as an Independent. He was unsuccessful in that election, but his candidacy alone must have been an inspiration to many. It is also important to reflect upon the fact that at that time William Ferguson would not have been able to vote for himself, let alone any other candidate in that election. On 4 January 1950 he died from heart disease. He collapsed outside a church in central Dubbo after delivering his last speech. The statue in Dubbo shows him mid speech, leaning slightly forward, with a rolled-up newspaper in one hand being used to make an emphatic point. The statue's sense of constant movement symbolises perhaps the ongoing impact and inspiration of the great man. Its presence on Macquarie Street in Dubbo, adjacent to the Church Street rotunda, will ensure that generations to come will continue to remember Bill Ferguson. TRIBUTE TO THE HON. MABEL EILEEN FURLEY, OBE The Hon. LOU AMATO (18:53): The William Mills long-case clock in the Legislative Council foyer has been fully restored and is now in perfect working order. There are a lot of people we need to thank for taking up the cause and ensuring that this valuable piece of history is now preserved for future generations. Special thanks go to our President, the Hon. John Ajaka, who commissioned Mr Andrew Markerink of Master Clockmakers to undertake the extensive restoration works. Interestingly, the William Mills long-case clock keeps time to plus or minus one tenth of a second. That is rather impressive for 260-year-old technology using gears, springs and weights. Our gratitude goes to the generous person who donated such a valuable timepiece to this distinguished Chamber. That generous person was the Hon. Mabel Eileen Furley, OBE, who lived from 1900 to 1985. Mabel Eileen Furley was a Liberal member of this House from 1962 to 1976. Mrs Furley was the first woman ever to gain Liberal preselection for the New South Wales Legislative Council and was the first ever Liberal Party woman elected to this place. During World War II, Mrs Furley was officer-in-charge of sugar rationing in New South Wales, Secretary of the Council for Women in War Work and a member of the National Council of Women. She was also a member of the Food for Britain Fund and Superintendent of the Mosman National Emergency Services. In 1954 Mabel Eileen Furley was appointed to the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contribution to social welfare. Mrs Furley was an active member in the New Settlers' League of Australia in New South Wales and the Good Neighbour Council of New South Wales. In 1956 she became chair of the Migrant Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 92

Advisory Council. Her greatest contribution was in championing the protection of the family. During 1968 to 1969, as a member of this place, Mrs Furley chaired a Legislative Council select committee that inquired into violent sex crimes in New South Wales. The committee's findings reflected her long-held views that stability in the home was the main weapon to combat many of society's moral ills. Mrs Furley was a strong advocate for the traditional family. She understood that a strong family would provide children with the best possible foundation to grow into healthy and happy adults. Sadly, Mrs Furley was childless and never experienced the joy of having her own children. Nonetheless, she remained throughout her life a strong advocate for the safety of children and the promotion of the traditional family. Her commitment to the safety and wellbeing of mothers and children motivated her to serve on several bodies. They included the Convocation of Macquarie University, the Children's Film and Television Council, the Australian Council of Social Service and the Mothers' Union of the Church of England. A former Clerk of the Legislative Council described Mrs Furley as "a lady from an earlier generation". Mabel Eileen Furley, OBE, died on 20 September 1985 at Mosman. This "lady from an earlier generation" was a pioneer of equal opportunity for women. Her life was a story of giving to others. She was a champion for motherhood and the safety of children. Mrs Furley enthusiastically campaigned for female participation and advancement in politics. Her efforts resulted in her being a ground-breaking role model for women and the first Liberal Party woman to be elected to this place. We pay homage to Mabel Eileen Furley, OBE, a great Australian who championed equal opportunity for women and the protection of children. She served our nation and the State in public office with distinction. As members make their way into this place, I hope they take the time to look at the magnificently restored William Mills clock and reflect for a moment on the life of Mabel Eileen Furley, a truly great Australian. COALMINING AND CLIMATE CHANGE Mr JUSTIN FIELD (18:57): Anyone who thinks the future of coal was decided at this month's Federal election is ignoring the facts. A transition from mining and burning coal for energy to a future powered by renewable energy is coming and as a community we either plan for it or risk getting run over by it. In New South Wales the Hunter Valley has the most at stake. The Federal election and the public debate around the Adani coalmine has shown the risks of allowing hyper-partisanship to define public discussions about coal. The future of the Hunter Valley and coal communities across New South Wales is too important to become the political plaything of future elections. Hyper-partisanship over coal and climate change will not enable local communities or the State to take advantage of the opportunities of this necessary process of change. While coal communities have the biggest stake in this discussion, the issue is also entwined in the economic future of this State and the climate future of the planet. Simplistic arguments that go something like "Don't tell us what to do" provide no pathway forward and leave communities with a false sense of security about their future and badly exposed to rapid and forced change. We all have an interest in a transition, and this Parliament has a responsibility to help guide that process in the interests of those local communities and the State, and, with regard to our collective responsibility, the interests of the country and the planet. Now is the time to be developing and building a consensus for a transition plan for the Hunter—a plan to manage the shift from coalmining, coal power and coal export as the key economic drivers of the region to a more diverse economy that is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Last weekend the chairman of the Port of Newcastle—the largest coal export port in the world—said: Even those unconvinced by the climate science cannot ignore that a global transition is underway. The debate is only about the speed at which this transition is proceeding, and what we should do in response. Ignoring the challenge is to ignore the opportunities, of which there are many. Those comments followed a warning from BHP that coal energy assets were challenged and could be phased out —potentially sooner than expected—as there was "no appetite for growth". The debate over timing will continue but the reality is that kids born in coal communities today are almost certainly not going to be involved in thermal coal mining or related industries in their lifetime. As politicians we have a responsibility to ensure there is another much brighter future for them. I am calling on this Parliament to work to establish a broad public inquiry to work with coal communities, workers and unions, civil society groups and affected businesses to set the parameters for a transition plan for the thermal coal industry in New South Wales. Overwhelmingly as it relates to thermal coal—the coal we burn for energy—the Hunter Valley and the mines and communities that form the Hunter Valley Coal Chain that extends from the north-west and central-west, through the Hunter Valley and Central Coast to Newcastle, would be the focus of this inquiry. A joint parliamentary inquiry or something similar, with broad political support, could work Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 93

to develop a road map for transition to be taken up by this or a future government or be handed to a future transition authority or commission as a blueprint. A public inquiry presents the opportunity for a community-driven, bottom-up approach, seeking submissions and holding local hearings. It could look at future industry opportunities and how to enable them, including needs for future education and training; it could ensure mine rehabilitation and future land use offers the best economic and environmental outcomes for the region; it would consider how existing rail and port infrastructure could best be utilised for the future; and how we replace the State revenue as coal royalties decline. The current New South Wales Parliament presents an opportunity to get in front of this challenge. The Berejiklian Government has flagged an intention to strengthen the focus on climate change and the environment. The energy challenges of the future require a plan and the future of coal communities needs a strategy. This Parliament should take on this challenge and work together to guide the development of a transition plan for the Hunter for the future. BALLINA ELECTORATE The Hon. BEN FRANKLIN (19:01): Tonight I talk about the electorate of Ballina and the last State election. Although it was not the result that I wanted I take the opportunity to make a few comments on the campaign and the community. My campaign for Ballina was an extraordinary journey, and one that I would take all over again if I had the opportunity, even knowing the outcome. I was incredibly proud and grateful to have met so many people and organisations that make up the heart of that community. Honourable members have heard me congratulate pretty much every one of them over the last two or three years. I did that because it was my honour and privilege to genuinely engage with them. Organisations such as the Ballina Shire Meals on Wheels who, through an incredible woman called Meg Pickup, delivers meals to those least fortunate to provide them with independence in their own home; or the Byron Writers Festival, a small festival started 20 years ago which has been driven into something that is now of international repute and is now run by an extraordinary woman, Edwina Johnson—and a shout out to her wonderful 10-year-old son Milo; or the Wardell and District Progress Association, a tiny town, but this committed group of people will drive that community and continue to fearlessly advocate for them every day. It does not matter whether it is the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary, the Lennox Head Community Pre School, the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, or the incredible local schools and surf lifesaving clubs, the local churches, the progress associations, the sporting organisations or the service clubs, these groups and so many like them are the heart of the Ballina community. I was very privileged to meet hundreds of people and organisations. I went to meetings, I sat in lounge rooms and I listened. I am very proud of the plan that I put forward to that community, a plan that I am very pleased to say will be delivered by this Government, even though I was not successful. It is a plan that is going to commit to the full refurbishment of Ballina District Hospital, something that has been needed for a long time. It is a plan to finally inject the sort of money that is needed into roads in the Byron Shire. Anyone who has been to Byron Bay knows that the roads are not in a good state. Why? Because they have more than two million visitors a year with a rate base of 14,000 people. So the State needs to take more responsibility, and we will. It is a plan that would increase and rebuild sporting facilities in the Ballina and Byron shires, whether that is Kingsford Smith Park, the Alstonville Football Club, the Ballina Rugby Union Club, and so many like it. It is a plan to fully fund a feasibility study to recommission the old Lavertys Gap Power Station in Mullumbimby into an operational pumped hydro project. I particularly commend Community-Owned Renewable Energy Mullumbimby— COREM—and Svea Pitman for driving that initiative. Those are the things that the community wanted. My word is important to me and I will ensure that these and my other commitments are delivered by this Government. Finally, I acknowledge and thank a few people who were incredibly helpful and important throughout that journey over the past two or three years: My campaign manager, Lachie Crombie, is an extremely impressive young man who has a big future ahead of him and I could not have done it without him; Jed Lisetto, who worked with me every day, was there before I got there, stayed until after I left, is also a young man with a big future; Jess Price Purnell, Marty Musgrave, Graham and Margaret Shaw, Phil and Sue Meehan, Nicole Reeve, Sharon and Bruce Cadwallader, and so many others. The support of head office led by Ross Cadell and Tom Aubert was critically important to me, as was the support of the Ballina Electorate Council. The irrepressible mayor of Ballina, David Wright, was wonderful and went well over and above—as did Don and Liz Page, the former member and his wife who were there every day. I acknowledge Kevin and Karen Hogan. Kevin was just returned as the member for Page, a quintessentially marginal seat, with a 7½ per cent swing, proving the sort of commitment that he and Karen have made to that community. Most of all I thank the wonderful and diverse communities of the electorate of Ballina. So many of them trusted me, they worked with me, they allowed me into their lives and the experiences that I had I will never forget. I congratulate Tamara Smith on her victory and in particular I acknowledge the Labor candidate, Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 94

Asren Pugh, someone whom I both like and respect and someone for whom I know that politically the best is yet to come. I am proud to have called the Northern Rivers home for the past four years and I am incredibly excited that it will remain my home for many more. Although I was not elected the member for Ballina, I love that community and I consider it one of the greatest honours of my life that I had the opportunity to put myself forward to be its representative. EMERGENCY SERVICES LEVY The Hon. (19:06): Last November Parliament belatedly passed legislation with bipartisan support to provide better workers compensation coverage for firefighters diagnosed with specific work-related cancers. New South Wales Labor fully supports this expanded workers compensation scheme—that is why we voted for it—as did local councils across the State. But of course, as with everything this Government touches, we have now found out that there is a sneaky twist in how this important scheme will be funded. How she responds will be the first real test of how serious the new Minister for Local Government is about supporting cash-strapped local councils, especially those in drought-ravaged areas. Each year the Government collects payments from councils and insurers to fund emergency services agencies, with councils required to pay 11.7 per cent of the budget. These charges are embedded in council rates and the insurance premiums paid by policy holders. However, earlier this month, and without any consultation, local councils were sent invoices with a letter from Revenue NSW saying New South Wales council contributions will increase by $19 million in 2019-20. The letter also foreshadowed increases in the following year but not the amount. The Government failed to disclose this impost during debate on the bill and of course also failed to mention it during the State election campaign. The belated timing of this communication to councils about the increased levy makes it almost impossible for them to include this requirement in their budgets. Councils are required to consult with their communities about their upcoming budgets and their operational plans before being adopted by the council for the coming financial year. Greater Hume Council, for example, has confirmed that its share of the Hume zone emergency services levy contribution will be $510,068 for 2019-20. This is $97,689 more than last year's levy or an increase of $88,780 more than the amount allocated in council's 2019-20 budget. I quote directly from the general manager, who said: Allocations across all areas of Council's budget are stretched to the maximum and any unexpected impact in one area will have ramifications across all service areas. Should Council be required to meet the additional cost of the Emergency Services Levy, other activities will suffer. Less will be spent on rural roads, parks and gardens, local halls, libraries, public toilets—the list goes on. The same impact is being felt by all councils. For instance, Cumberland Council has been hit by a hike of an additional $83,590 or a 19.5 per cent increase. Oberon Council will be forced to pay $65,495 more in this year's levy. Lachlan Shire Council will have to pay an increase of 24 per cent over the current year's levy or $84,000. Upper Lachlan Shire Council is being hit with a 24.43 per cent increase or $108,884. Temora Shire Council will be hit with a $66,000 increase. Cessnock City Council is being hit by an increase of $44,252 more than the current year. The impact of this unplanned cost shifting by the NSW Liberals and Nationals will hurt all communities, especially those in drought-ravaged areas of the State who are already experiencing great hardship. Everyone supports the better coverage for our firefighters. Local Government NSW and local councils are calling on the New South Wales Government to fund the cost of the first 12 months of this important scheme and to work with local government to ensure that the implementation of the funding mechanism is fairer into the future. This is the first big test for the new Minister for Local Government. She has already allowed the Office of Local Government to be abolished without any protest. The Minister's choice on this issue is clear. Is she going to back local councils and local communities and stop this sneaky cash grab by her Government or, like her immediate predecessors, will she be a jelly back, like they were on every major issue that confronted local government in this State? RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Reverend the Hon. FRED NILE (19:11): Tonight my adjournment speech is about the very important issue of religious freedom. It is a very important issue for the Christian Democratic Party but it is also important for the majority of people in Australia. We have just had two major elections—one in New South Wales that saw the return of Premier and the most recent election that saw the election of the Federal Government under our Christian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. Many issues motivate the public in casting their vote for this or that party or person but there is one issue that I think impacted both elections and will likely remain a pressing concern for many people living in this State. I am referring to religious freedom or, rather, how that freedom has no guarantees in law or statute. As members know, the Ruddock review was very clear in its recommendations, one of which stated that legislation should be Tuesday, 28 May 2019 Legislative Council Page 95

passed in New South Wales to protect the rights and liberties of people of faith. I recall the Government indicated to me that it would not be taking any action until the review published its findings and the recommendations were known to all. We now have the recommendations but so far no action has been taken, although I have given notice of a bill dealing with religious freedom that I hope will be debated in the next few weeks. This issue has resulted in many people of conscience having their lives turned upside down and their careers ruined. This has happened not because what they did or said had a really harmful impact on anyone but because a small minority in this country are very negative in their attitude to people of faith. They feign offence so as to attack and vilify. This illustrates an upside down and inside out use of existing laws that seek to limit discrimination and vilification in society. These laws, which we support, are now being abused. We now have a system that facilitates and enables the discrimination of religious people—people of faith—when they have done nothing other than preach to their own congregations. Members would be aware of the recent case of Israel Folau. Israel is a great sportsman but when he is not on the field he is a preacher in his community church. By exercising his right to speak on a social media website by quoting the Bible he became the focus of a relentless campaign of hate that finally led to the end of his professional career. This is not an issue that only religious people should be concerned about. The new puritans who are sniffing out witches to burn at the stake of public opinion are not motivated by any desire for a better society. Once people of faith are dispatched, it is likely that they will come up with another group or view that they find offensive. By "offensive", I mean the next thing that they simply disagree with and want to shut down debate on. In the Hon. Mark Latham's inaugural speech, which I supported and congratulated him on, he made it clear that even someone who is agnostic should be concerned about the choking effect of political correctness. Nobody is perfect but if we cannot talk and exchange frank views, even on religious topics, then we destroy the very thing that has made our civilisation dynamic. I am of course referring to freedom of thought and the ability to express it in the public square. Ironically, while those who disagree with me about this may preach tolerance, it is they who should display a little more tolerance themselves. Recently I spoke to a professor at the University of Notre Dame here in Sydney. He made very clear to me his concerns about the effect that an absence of law guaranteeing religious freedom may have on his ability to teach at the university. Universities should be places where ideas can be most freely discussed and debated. This freedom becomes especially valuable to people who work and teach at universities, at Christian colleges and at Christian schools that have a religious charter or objectives. I feel it is almost ridiculous to have to say this—it seems too obvious—but if we do not pass some form of legislative protection for religious liberty then I fear that what many take for granted now will come under increasing threat. Christians have suffered persecution for centuries. Even today Christians are the most repressed, persecuted religious group in the world, whether it is in North Africa, the Middle East or parts of Asia. I commend Almighty God to provide that protection for us. [Time expired.] WILLIAM MILLS LONGCASE CLOCK The Hon. SCOTT FARLOW (19:17): Earlier in the adjournment debate the Hon. Lou Amato mentioned the people who needed to be thanked for the clock. One person he omitted in those thanks was his own staff member, Darron Fenton, who has fought a very strong campaign for the return of the clock over many years against all of the bureaucratic nightmares that one can confront in this place. I place on the record on behalf of the Hon. Lou Amato, who will not do it himself for his own staff member, the thanks of the House to his staff member, Darron Fenton, for the work that he has done in restoring the clock to its rightful place outside the Chamber. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (The Hon. Shayne Mallard): We should acknowledge the role of the Hon. Lou Amato, who is quite modest. The question is that this House do now adjourn. Motion agreed to. The House adjourned at 19:18 until Wednesday 29 May 2019 at 11.00.