1
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
No. 1
TUESDAY 7 MAY 2019
Contents
1 Opening of Parliament ...... 3 2 Proclamation ...... 3 3 Commission to Open Parliament ...... 3 4 Commissioner’s Message to the Council and Assembly ...... 4 5 Members elected at Periodic Council Election ...... 5 6 Commission to Administer the Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance to Members ...... 6 7 Members Sworn ...... 6 8 Vacancy in the Office of President ...... 7 9 Election of President ...... 7 10 Prayers ...... 7 11 Assumption of the Administration of the Government by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC, Governor of the State of New South Wales ...... 7 12 Presentation of President to Her Excellency the Governor ...... 8 13 Election of Deputy President and Chair of Committees ...... 8 14 Election of Assistant President ...... 8 15 Statement by President—to acknowledge and promote Aboriginal culture and heritage ...... 9 16 Conduct of Business ...... 9 17 Ministerial Statement—New Administration ...... 9 18 Ministerial Statement—Senior Ministers ...... 11 19 Ministerial Statement—Parliamentary Secretaries ...... 11 20 Leadership—Government ...... 12 21 Government Whip ...... 12 22 Ministerial Statement—Representation of Government in the Legislative Council ...... 12 23 Leadership—Opposition ...... 13 24 Opposition Whip ...... 13 25 Leadership—Pauline Hanson's One Nation ...... 13 26 Leadership—Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party...... 13 27 Leadership—The Greens...... 14 28 Leadership—Animal Justice Party ...... 14 29 Pro-forma Bill—Law of Evidence Bill ...... 14 30 Presence of Governor ...... 14 31 Placement of Aboriginal Languages Message Stick on Dais ...... 14
2 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
32 Governor's Speech ...... 14 33 Adjournment ...... 22 34 Attendance ...... 22
3 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
1 OPENING OF PARLIAMENT
The Council met at 10.00 am according to Proclamation of His Excellency the former Governor.
2 PROCLAMATION
The Proclamation convening Parliament was read by the Clerk, as follows:
PROCLAMATION
NEW SOUTH WALES By His Excellency General The Honourable DAVID HURLEY, Companion of the Order of Australia, Distinguished Service Cross, (Retired), TO WIT Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia
DAVID HURLEY Governor
PURSUANT to the powers vested in me by the Constitution Act 1902, I hereby summon and call together a Legislative Assembly for the State of New South Wales.
I further proclaim that the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council must assemble for the despatch of business on 7 May 2019, at 10 o'clock in the morning, in the premises known as Parliament House, Macquarie Street Sydney: and the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council are hereby required to attend at that time and place.
GIVEN under my hand and Seal, at Sydney, this first day of May 2019.
By His Excellency's Command,
Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!
3 COMMISSION TO OPEN PARLIAMENT
The Clerk informed the House that His Excellency the former Governor of the State of New South Wales had been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Public Seal of the State, appointing the Honourable Donald Thomas Harwin MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council, the Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, and the Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC, Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Commissioners for the opening and holding of this session of Parliament.
The Commissioners took their places on the Dais.
A Commissioner (Mr Harwin) directed the Usher of the Black Rod to let the Legislative Assembly know that the Commissioners request the immediate attendance of the Legislative Assembly in this House to hear the Commission for the opening of Parliament read.
The Assembly came.
Members of both Houses were seated at the request of the Commissioners.
4 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
A Commissioner (Mr Harwin) said:
HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
His Excellency has been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Public Seal of the State constituting us Commissioners with full power, in the name of His Excellency, to open this session of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly and to deliver messages to the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly, and to do all such things as may be necessary to enable Parliament or the Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly to proceed to despatch of business.
The Clerk read the Commission, as follows:
His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, Companion of the Order of Australia, Distinguished Service Cross, (Retired), Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia
GREETING:
Whereas by Proclamation made by me this day, I, General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), Governor of the State of New South Wales, in pursuance of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution Act 1902, proclaimed that a Session of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly should be held and should commence on Tuesday, the seventh day of May 2019, at the time and place mentioned in the said Proclamation; NOW I, General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), Governor of the State of New South Wales, trusting in the Honourable Donald Thomas Harwin MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council, the Honourable Sarah Ann Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, and the Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC, Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, with the advice of the Executive Council, give and grant unto the said DONALD THOMAS HARWIN MLC, SARAH ANN MITCHELL MLC, BRONWYN TAYLOR MLC, or any two of them, full power in my name to open the said Session of the said Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly on the seventh day of May 2019, and in my name, at the opening of the said Parliament, to deliver messages to the Legislative Council and to the Legislative Assembly, and to do all such things as may be necessary to enable Parliament or the Legislative Council or the Legislative Assembly to proceed to dispatch of business.
Given under my Hand and the Public Seal of the State, this 1st day of May, 2019.
By His Excellency's Command,
GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN DAVID HURLEY Premier Governor
4 COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE TO THE COUNCIL AND ASSEMBLY
A Commissioner (Mr Harwin) then said:
HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
We have it in command from the Governor, to acquaint you that the Governor desires that you take into your earnest consideration such matters as may be submitted to you.
A Commissioner (Mr Harwin) then said:
5 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
It being necessary that a President of the Legislative Council be first chosen, it is the Governor's pleasure that once Members of the Legislative Assembly have returned to their Chamber, that you, Members of the Legislative Council, after Members have taken the Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance, proceed to the election of one of your number to be your President.
A Commissioner (Mr Harwin) then said:
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
It being necessary that a Speaker of the Legislative Assembly be first chosen, it is the Governor's pleasure that you, Members of the Legislative Assembly, return to your Chamber, and there, after Members have taken the Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance, proceed to the election of one of your number to be your Speaker.
We are further commanded to acquaint you that the Governor desires that measures be taken by you, as may be deemed expedient, to provide for the peace, welfare and good government of the State.
______
The Assembly then withdrew.
______
5 MEMBERS ELECTED AT PERIODIC COUNCIL ELECTION
The Clerk announced receipt of the Writ for the periodic Council election, held on 23 March 2019, which was returned to His Excellency the former Governor, endorsed with the names of the following members who were elected at that election:
BANASIAK, Mark Jared BLAIR, Niall Mark BOYD, Abigail Selina BUTTIGIEG, Mark Robert CUSACK, Catherine Eileen D'ADAM, Anthony Gerard Damien DONNELLY, Gregory John FANG, Wesley Joseph HURST, Emma Christine LATHAM, Mark William MACLAREN-JONES, Natasha Marianne MARTIN, Taylor Mitchell MITCHELL, Sarah Ann MOOKHEY, Nitin Daniel MORIARTY, Tara Elizabeth PRIMROSE, Peter Thomas ROBERTS, Rodney John SHARPE, Penelope Gail SHOEBRIDGE, David Martin TUDEHOPE, Damien Francis WARD, Natalie Peta
6 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
6 COMMISSION TO ADMINISTER THE PLEDGE OF LOYALTY OR OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO MEMBERS
The Clerk announced to the House that His Excellency the former Governor of the State of New South Wales had been pleased to cause a Commission to be issued under the Public Seal of the State, authorising the Honourable Donald Thomas Harwin MLC, Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council, the Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, and the Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC, Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, Commissioners, to administer to all or any members of the Legislative Council the Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance required by law, which Commission was read by the Clerk as follows:
His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley, Companion of the Order of Australia, Distinguishes Service Cross, (Retired), Governor of the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia
GREETING:
Pursuant to the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution Act 1902, I, General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd), Governor of the State of New South Wales, hereby authorise the Honourable Donald Thomas Harwin MLC, the Honourable Sarah Ann Mitchell MLC and the Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC, or any one or more of them, as persons before whom the Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance, required by law to be taken by every Member of the Legislative Council before that Member shall be permitted to sit or vote in the Legislative Council, may be taken.
Given under my Hand and the Public Seal of the State, this 1st day of May, 2019.
By His Excellency's Command,
GLADYS BEREJIKLIAN DAVID HURLEY Premier Governor
7 MEMBERS SWORN
The following members took the Pledge of Loyalty or Oath of Allegiance before the Commissioners, and signed the Roll of the House:
The Honourable Catherine Eileen Cusack The Honourable Tara Elizabeth Moriarty Mr David Martin Shoebridge The Honourable Mark William Latham The Honourable Mark Jared Banasiak The Honourable Niall Mark Blair The Honourable Penelope Gail Sharpe Ms Abigail Selina Boyd The Honourable Damien Francis Tudehope The Honourable Gregory John Donnelly The Honourable Taylor Mitchell Martin The Honourable Anthony Gerard Damien D'Adam The Honourable Sarah Ann Mitchell The Honourable Nitin Daniel Mookhey The Honourable Natalie Peta Ward The Honourable Peter Thomas Primrose The Honourable Natasha Marianne Maclaren-Jones The Honourable Wesley Joseph Fang The Honourable Mark Robert Buttigieg The Honourable Emma Christine Hurst
7 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
The Honourable Rodney John Roberts
The Commissioners then withdrew.
8 VACANCY IN THE OFFICE OF PRESIDENT
The Clerk announced that as this was the first meeting of the House following the periodic Council election held on 23 March 2019, under section 22G of the Constitution Act 1902, the office of President of the Legislative Council was vacant, and it was necessary to choose a member to be President before the House proceeded to the despatch of business.
9 ELECTION OF PRESIDENT
The Clerk called for nominations for the office of President.
Mr Harwin, addressing himself to the Clerk, proposed to the House and moved: That the Honourable John George Ajaka do take the Chair of this House as President.
The Honourable John George Ajaka submitted himself to the House.
There being only one nomination, the Honourable John George Ajaka was therefore declared elected President.
The President-elect expressed his sense of the honour to be conferred on him and was conducted to the Chair.
The President took the Chair.
Honourable members congratulated the President.
The President acknowledged the members' remarks.
10 PRAYERS
The President read the prayers.
The President acknowledged the Gadigal clan of the Eora nation and its elders and thanked them for their custodianship of this land.
11 ASSUMPTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT BY HER EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE MARGARET BEAZLEY AO QC, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW SOUTH WALES
The President reported the following message from Her Excellency the Governor:
GOVERNMENT HOUSE SYDNEY
Margaret Beazley GOVERNOR
The Honourable Margaret Beazley AO QC has the honour to inform the Legislative Council that Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased, by Commission under Her Royal Sign Manual and the Public Seal of the State of New South Wales, bearing date at Saint James’s the tenth day of January 2019,
8 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
to appoint her to be the Governor in and over the State of New South Wales in the Commonwealth of Australia; and that this day she took the Oath of Allegiance and Judicial Oath before the Honourable Thomas Bathurst AC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and assumed the administration of the Government of the State accordingly.
Thursday, 2 May 2019
Mr Harwin moved, without notice: That consideration of Her Excellency's message communicating the fact of her assumption of the administration of the Government of the State stand an order of the day for next sitting day.
Question put and passed.
12 PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENT TO HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR
Mr Harwin advised the House that he had ascertained it to be the pleasure of Her Excellency the Governor to receive the Legislative Council to present their President to Her Excellency in the Jubilee Room at 12 noon this day.
13 ELECTION OF DEPUTY PRESIDENT AND CHAIR OF COMMITTEES
The President informed the House that, following the periodic Council election held on 23 March 2019, according to standing order, the office of Deputy President and Chair of Committees of the Legislative Council was vacant and it was necessary to choose a member to be Deputy President and Chair of Committees.
The President called for nominations for the office of Deputy President and Chair of Committees.
Mrs Mitchell, addressing herself to the President, proposed to the House and moved: That the Honourable Trevor John Khan be Deputy President and Chair of Committees.
The Honourable Trevor John Khan submitted himself to the House.
There being only one nomination, the Honourable Trevor John Khan was therefore declared elected Deputy President.
14 ELECTION OF ASSISTANT PRESIDENT
The President informed the House that, following the periodic Council election held on 23 March 2019, according to resolution of continuing effect, the office of Assistant President of the Legislative Council was vacant and it was necessary to choose a member to be Assistant President.
The President called for nominations for the office of Assistant President.
Mr Latham, addressing himself to the President, proposed to the House and moved: That the Reverend Honourable Frederick John Nile be Assistant President.
Mr Searle, addressing himself to the President, proposed to the House and moved: That the Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane be Assistant President.
The Reverend Honourable Frederick John Nile and the Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane submitted themselves to the House.
The President informed the House that there being two nominations, according to standing order, a ballot would be held.
9 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Before proceeding to the ballot, the bells were rung.
Ballot papers were distributed by the Clerk to members in their places and members lodged their votes.
The President announced the result of the ballot as follows:
Reverend Honourable Frederick John Nile—19 votes The Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane—20 votes
The President announced that the Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane, having a majority of the members present and voting, was therefore elected Assistant President.
15 STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT—TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND PROMOTE ABORIGINAL CULTURE AND HERITAGE
The President made a statement regarding acknowledgement and promotion of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
16 CONDUCT OF BUSINESS
Mr Harwin moved, by leave and without notice: That, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the standing or sessional orders:
(a) there be no question time this day,
(b) the question on the motion for the adjournment of the House this day be put without amendment or debate, and
(c) for the sitting of the House this day, members may give notices of motions by delivering a signed copy to the Clerks at the Table. Such notices will be entered by the Clerk on the Notice Paper in the order in which they would appear if given orally.
Question put and passed.
17 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT—NEW ADMINISTRATION
Mr Harwin informed the House that on 2 April 2019, His Excellency the former Governor accepted the resignation of the Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP, as Premier, and as member of the Executive Council, which action involved the resignations of her colleagues from their respective offices and as members of the Executive Council.
On the same day, His Excellency the former Governor appointed the following persons to the offices indicated:
The Honourable Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier
The Honourable (John) Giovanni Domenic Barilaro MP Deputy Premier, and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade
The Honourable Domenic Francis Perrottet MP Treasurer
The Honourable Paul Lawrence Toole MP
10 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
The Honourable Donald Thomas Harwin MLC Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs, and the Arts, and Vice-President of the Executive Council
The Honourable Andrew James Constance MP Minister for Transport and Roads
The Honourable Bradley Ronald Hazzard MP Minister for Health and Medical Research
The Honourable Robert Gordon Stokes MP Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
The Honourable Mark Raymond Speakman SC MP Attorney General, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
The Honourable Victor Michael Dominello MP Minister for Customer Service
The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning
The Honourable David Andrew Elliott MP Minister for Police and Emergency Services
The Honourable Melinda Jane Pavey MP Minister for Water, Property and Housing
The Honourable Stuart Laurence Ayres MP Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney
The Honourable Matthew John Kean MP Minister for Energy and Environment
The Honourable Adam John Marshall MP Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales
The Honourable Anthony John Roberts MP Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections
The Honourable Shelley Elizabeth Hancock MP Minister for Local Government
The Honourable Kevin John Anderson MP Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation
The Honourable Dr Geoffrey Lee MP Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education
The Honourable Anthony John Sidoti MP Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans
The Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women
The Honourable Gareth James Ward MP
11 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services
The Honourable Damien Francis Tudehope MLC Minister for Finance and Small Business.
18 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT—SENIOR MINISTERS
Mr Harwin informed the House that, effective from 2 April 2019, the following ministers were designated as Senior Ministers:
The Honourable Dominic Francis Perrottet MP
The Honourable Paul Lawrence Toole MP
The Honourable Andrew James Constance MP
The Honourable Bradley Ronald Hazzard MP
The Honourable Robert Gordon Stokes MP
The Honourable Mark Raymond Speakman SC MP
The Honourable Victor Michael Dominello MP.
19 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT—PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
Mr Harwin informed the House that on 24 April 2019, the following persons were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries:
The Honourable Gabrielle Cecilia Upton MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier
The Honourable (Ray) Raymond Craig Williams MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier and Western Sydney
Ms (Steph) Stephanie Anne Cooke MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier
The Honourable Scott Glynn Farlow MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Leader of the House in the Legislative Council
The Honourable Catherine Eileen Cusack MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Cost of Living
Mr Mark Taylor MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Justice
Mr (Geoff) Geoffrey Keith Provest MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism and Major Events
Mr Kevin Francis Conolly MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education
The Honourable Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Health
Ms Eleni Marie Petinos MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads
Mr Stephen Bruce Bromhead MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport
Mr Christopher Gulaptis MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Roads and Infrastructure
The Honourable Natalie Peta Ward MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General
12 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Ms Melanie Rhonda Gibbons MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Families, Disability and Emergency Services
Mr James Henry Griffin MP, Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Veterans
Mr Michael John Johnsen MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture.
20 LEADERSHIP—GOVERNMENT
Mr Harwin informed the House that, on 2 April 2019, he had been appointed Vice-President of the Executive Council and Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council, and the Honourable Sarah Mitchell had been appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council.
21 GOVERNMENT WHIP
Mr Harwin informed the House that, on 9 April 2019, the Honourable Natasha Maclaren-Jones had been elected Government Whip in the Legislative Council and on 31 March 2019, the Honourable Wes Fang had been elected Deputy Government Whip in the Legislative Council.
22 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT—REPRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Mr Harwin informed the House that in the representation of government responsibilities in this chamber he will act in respect of his own portfolios and will represent the following ministers in the other House in respect of the following portfolios:
The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP Premier
The Hon Paul Lawrence Toole MP Minister for Regional Transport and Roads
The Hon Andrew James Constance MP Minister for Transport and Roads
The Hon Shelley Elizabeth Hancock MP Minister for Local Government
The Hon Anthony John Sidoti MP Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans.
The Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning, will act in respect of her own portfolio and will represent the following ministers in the other House in respect of the following portfolios:
The Hon (John) Giovanni Domenic Barilaro MP Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional New South Wales, Industry and Trade
The Hon Mark Raymond Speakman SC MP Attorney General, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
The Hon David Andrew Elliot MP Minister for Police and Emergency Services
The Hon Anthony John Roberts MP Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections
The Hon Dr Geoffrey Lee MP Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education.
13 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
The Honourable Bronwyn Taylor MLC, Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women, will act in respect of her own portfolio and will represent the following ministers in the other House in respect of the following portfolios:
The Hon Bradley Ronald Hazzard MP Minister for Health and Medical Research
The Hon Robert Gordon Stokes MP Minister for Planning and Public Spaces
The Hon Melinda Jane Pavey MP Minister for Water, Property and Housing
The Hon Matthew John Kean MP Minister for Energy and Environment
The Hon Adam John Marshall MP Minister for Agriculture and Western New South Wales.
The Honourable Damien Francis Tudehope MLC, Minister for Finance and Small Business, will act in respect of his own portfolio and will represent the following ministers in the other House in respect of the following portfolios:
The Hon Dominic Francis Perrottet MP Treasurer
The Hon Victor Michael Dominello MP Minister for Customer Service
The Hon Stuart Laurence Ayres MP Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney
The Hon Kevin John Anderson MP Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation
The Hon Gareth James Ward MP Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services.
23 LEADERSHIP—OPPOSITION
Ms Sharpe informed the House that, on 4 April 2019, she had been elected interim Leader of the Opposition.
Ms Sharpe further informed the House that the Honourable Adam Searle remains Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and the Honourable Walt Secord remains Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.
24 OPPOSITION WHIP
Ms Sharpe informed the House that the Honourable Shaoquett Moselmane remains Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council until such a time as the Opposition elects this position and that the Honourable Greg Donnelly remains Deputy Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council.
25 LEADERSHIP—PAULINE HANSON'S ONE NATION
Mr Latham made a statement concerning the leadership of Pauline Hanson's One Nation.
26 LEADERSHIP—SHOOTERS, FISHERS AND FARMERS PARTY
Mr Borsak made a statement concerning the leadership of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.
14 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
27 LEADERSHIP—THE GREENS
Ms Boyd made a statement concerning the leadership of The Greens.
28 LEADERSHIP—ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY
Ms Hurst made a statement concerning the leadership of the Animal Justice Party.
29 PRO-FORMA BILL—LAW OF EVIDENCE BILL
Mr Harwin presented a bill titled "A Bill to amend the law of evidence" and moved: That this bill be now read a first time.
Question put and passed.
Bill read a first time.
______
The President left the Chair at 11.09 am for the presentation of the President to the Governor in the Jubilee Room. ______
The House resumed at 2.30 pm.
30 PRESENCE OF GOVERNOR
Her Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Mr Dennis Wilson, and attended by the Official Secretary (Colonel Michael Miller) and the Aides-de-Camp to the Governor, was announced by the Usher of the Black Rod and conducted to the Vice-Regal Chair by the President.
Being seated, the Governor commanded the Usher of the Black Rod to let the Legislative Assembly know that it is Her Excellency's pleasure they attend her immediately in the Legislative Council chamber.
The Assembly, with their Speaker and other officers of the House, being in attendance accordingly and seated by desire of Her Excellency the Governor—
31 PLACEMENT OF ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES MESSAGE STICK ON DAIS
According to resolution of continuing effect, Donna McLaren, Aunty Maureen and Keith Munro of the Gamilaraay nation, addressed members from the Bar of the House in their language and handed the message stick to the Usher of the Black Rod for placement on the dais.
32 GOVERNOR'S SPEECH
Her Excellency read the following speech:
We are meeting today on the traditional lands of the Gadigal people and I acknowledge them as the custodians and traditional owners of this land.
I pay my respect to their elders, past, present and emerging.
And I extend this respect and recognition to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait people here today.
15 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Honourable Members of Parliament, you have been called together to consider proposals from the Government and other Honourable Members for the first session of the 57th Parliament of New South Wales.
You have the privilege of representing the people of this great state in this, the oldest Parliament in Australia.
Over the next four years, you will work together on behalf, and in the best interests, of the communities by whom you have been chosen.
I urge you never to forget the honour which has been bestowed on you, nor the trust that has been placed in you.
Yours is an act of public service that should be commended.
It demands the highest standards of integrity at all times.
It calls for great wisdom, selflessness and often courage.
And it requires a constant willingness to act in the best interests of the people you serve.
The Parliament of NSW has a rich and robust history.
Since its first sitting in 1824 with just five government officials, the Parliament of New South Wales has acted consistently to make a real and positive difference in people’s lives.
This is the tradition which is passed to you this day.
And so, whether this is your first time in this chamber, or whether you are a veteran of this place, I urge you to embrace this opportunity.
And I wholeheartedly commend you to the task.
Today, it is my great pleasure as my first official task in this place, to speak to the Government’s program for this 57th term of Parliament.
This program builds on the vision, hard work and determination demonstrated during the 55th and 56th terms of Parliament.
I am advised that before the 2019 State General Election, the Government set out a plan for NSW to: • Lock in the state’s strong economy, keep the budget in surplus and help business continue to create jobs. • Take the pressure off families by helping ease the cost of living and delivering better services. • Fix our roads and transport network to ease congestion and make it quicker for people to travel around. • Invest more than ever in health so that every person has high quality care when they need it most. • And invest more than ever in schools to give all children in New South Wales the best start in life.
This is the agenda the Government put to the people of this state and the basis upon which it was elected.
It is an agenda designed to secure the future for New South Wales, and will: • Deliver a strong economy, quality jobs and job security for workers of today and tomorrow. • Provide the highest quality education no matter where a person lives or what their circumstances may be.
16 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
• Create well-connected communities and quality local environments. • Make government work better for people by putting the customer at the centre of everything government does. • And break the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage by fixing problems that have been in the too- hard basket for too long.
The Government has made clear that it is not here to avoid the toughest problems or simply to mark time.
It is here to make a real and lasting difference for the people of New South Wales.
A STRONG ECONOMY, QUALITY JOBS AND JOB SECURITY FOR WORKERS OF TODAY AND TOMORROW
Over the last eight years, through a combination of hard work, fiscal responsibility and strategic investment, New South Wales has rebuilt its economy.
Now, the New South Wales economy is number one again – the nation’s largest and strongest.
Our budget too is strong and New South Wales is on track to deliver budget surpluses over the next four years.
And we continue to benefit from Triple A credit ratings from both Standard and Poor’s, and Moody’s.
New South Wales is already Australia’s economic engine room and the next four years present an opportunity to consolidate our prosperity well into the future.
The Government has made clear that maintaining the state’s economic strength is fundamental to its vision for our state.
Economic strength is key to helping deliver equality of opportunity to everyone in New South Wales, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.
And economic strength is fundamental to continuing to grow jobs, something that has been a hallmark of the New South Wales economy over the last eight years.
Over the next four years, in particular, a strong economy means the creation of quality jobs, and job security, for the workers of today and tomorrow.
Right now, New South Wales’ unemployment rate remains the lowest of any state, and well below the national average.
Since 2015, almost 400,000 jobs have been created in New South Wales.
Job creation will continue to be at the heart of the Government’s agenda – with a commitment to create at least 250,000 new jobs over the next four years.
But this isn’t just about numbers or unemployment data.
The creation of quality jobs, and job security, for the workers of today and tomorrow is fundamental to the independence, dignity and wellbeing of every person in NSW.
It is about men and women being able to provide the quality of life for themselves and their families.
Jobs connect citizens to the community around them, and create a sense of contribution and belonging.
And they are vital to disrupting and reducing entrenched, intergenerational disadvantage across our state.
17 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Over the next four years, the Government will continue to focus on unlocking New South Wales’ enormous economic potential.
At the forefront of this effort is New South Wales’ record $89.7 billion infrastructure program, that will continue to deliver tens of thousands of jobs across the state.
This includes new jobs in some of the state’s most exciting projects such as the: • Western Sydney Airport Aerospace and Defence Industries precinct; • the Randwick and Westmead Health, Education and Research precincts; and • the Parkes Special Activation precinct.
These, and other similar future-proofing projects, are expanding New South Wales’ diverse economy, and are a significant investment in creating the jobs of the future.
They will build on our passion for innovation and our emerging strength in areas such as fin-tech, med- tech, research and development, robotics and information technology – to help secure our place as global- leaders in the industries of the future.
Small businesses provide employment for more than a million people in every corner of our state.
They are the backbone of the New South Wales economy and make an enormous contribution to the communities they serve.
In recognition of the vital role they play, the Government will continue to reduce costs and eliminate unnecessary red tape that can be an obstacle for small business.
This involves continuing to reduce payroll taxes, enhancing the "Easy to do Business" program to cut red tape, expanding the Energy Switch Program to small businesses, and encouraging New South Wales Government agencies to consider small business suppliers for everything they do.
During the life of this next Parliament, the Government has also set out plans to: • help start-up businesses grow and thrive in New South Wales; • increase the number of women running small businesses; and • encourage international investment to drive economic and jobs growth in some of the state’s most exciting projects.
HIGHEST QUALITY EDUCATION NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE OR WHAT YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES MAY BE
Our world is changing at an ever increasing pace and, with it, the challenges and opportunities present in our workforce.
The Government has set out an agenda to ensure that every person in New South Wales has the education and skills they will need to flourish and excel in this exciting future.
This is an agenda to ensure our state has the most dynamic, qualified and skilled workforce in the world.
Now, any investment in quality education must start early because we know that quality early childhood education can have long- lasting, positive impacts right through to adulthood.
That’s why New South Wales was the first state in Australia to subsidise preschool education for three- year-olds, and why the Government will continue to work with the community preschool sector to ensure a quality preschool education is available to even more children.
18 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
This work will help ensure more children have the best possible transition to school, setting them up to reach their full potential.
Key to any investment in quality education are quality teachers.
Evidence demonstrates that teacher quality is a major factor in student performance and most people will attest that, in their own lives, a well-informed, passionate and engaged teacher can inspire their students to dream big and achieve great things.
New South Wales has led the charge to increase the educational standards required to become teachers, helping to send a message that teaching is one of the most important jobs in our community, and that we should work to attract the strongest and most committed people to the role.
Among the Government’s key election commitments is the recruitment of 4,600 new teachers to our public schools, as well as 100 school counsellors and 350 student support officers, to ensure every public high school has access to mental health and wellbeing supports.
The Government recognises that modern schools need to be fit for purpose and able to meet the demands of a 21st century education.
That is why the Government is investing record amounts to upgrade and, where needed, build new schools, to meet demand – and why the Government has committed to clearing the school maintenance backlog by July 2020.
Of course, education today extends well beyond the school gates.
TAFE, and the broader vocational education sector, has been a mainstay of our economy and education program for decades, providing high quality training for many of the roles that our economy and community depend on.
TAFE, for example, now partners with our schools to prepare high school students to transition seamlessly into the workforce, and is there for people throughout their lives, supporting them to get their first jobs, or to retrain for a whole new career.
The Government will continue to support this vital institution to provide the highest quality technical and further education, including building eight new campuses in rural and regional locations and delivering 100,000 free TAFE courses over the next four years.
The Government is also supporting, and partnering with, the university sector in New South Wales, which is one of the finest and most progressive in the world.
WELL-CONNECTED COMMUNITIES WITH QUALITY LOCAL ENVIRONMENTS
Infrastructure is at the very heart of our communities, and at the very heart of this Government’s agenda.
From the road and transport projects that help keep business booming, to the social infrastructure that makes our communities more supportive and liveable – the infrastructure being built and opened across the state is making a huge difference to the lives of the people of New South Wales.
Infrastructure means a state-of-the-art road, or a more efficient and reliable train service, that helps people spend less time commuting and more time doing the things that matter to them.
But infrastructure also means the schools our children attend and the hospitals we rely on when we are not feeling our best.
And infrastructure means the places where we watch and play sport, and the parks and public spaces where we relax and connect with our stunning natural environment.
19 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
Infrastructure investment and delivery has been a defining feature of this Government.
And over the next four years, a number of key projects are due to be completed, delivering major benefits for families across the state.
These include the transformative Metro North West project, on track to open later this month, which includes a train every four minutes at the busiest times.
The new M4 tunnels from Homebush to Haberfield are due to open in August this year – a project that will take some 10,000 trucks off Parramatta Road every day.
WestConnex is due to be completed in 2023, providing more than 30 kilometres of continuous motorway connecting Sydney’s west and southwest with the city, airport and port precinct – a journey that will allow drivers to travel from Penrith to the Anzac Bridge without having to stop at a single traffic light.
The difference this will make in commuters’ lives – especially for those in Western Sydney – cannot be underestimated.
Connectivity is also a top priority for our regions – because regional businesses and families deserve a safe and efficient road network.
From Nowra to Bega, from West Wyalong to Forbes, from Manilla to Boggabri – the Government will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for businesses and families.
Roads in places like Dorrigo, Moss Vale, Monaro, Fingal Bay will be upgraded to make commutes safer and faster, improving the quality of life for regional drivers and their families.
The Government has also established the Regional Growth Fund to invest in key regional infrastructure projects.
To date, some 1,300 projects have been approved which help promote regional growth and job creation, including in mining- related communities.
The Fund helps deliver the sports, environmental, communications and community infrastructure that is so often at the heart of country communities – and also supports regional creativity, by investing in culture and the arts to support young people and attract tourism.
As drought continues to ravage New South Wales, we have all been devastated by images of livestock reduced to skin and bone and farmers reduced to tears.
The Government will continue to work with regional communities to alleviate the impacts of the drought now, and to futureproof communities to the greatest extent possible.
The shocking drought conditions have reinforced the Government’s decision to make water security one of five areas of immediate focus for proceeds of the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.
This investment will focus on dams and pipelines in priority catchments, and projects that will reduce the scourge of evaporation and seepage.
The people of New South Wales have one of the most reliable and accessible health systems in the world. Our doctors, nurses and other health professionals are the beating hearts, and of course the brains, behind our world-class health system.
But the Government is making sure that they have the health infrastructure they need to do their vital jobs – investing in upgrading and redeveloping hospitals and health facilities across our state.
20 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
This includes the redevelopment of Goulburn Base Hospital, eight new operating theatres for Sutherland Hospital, the establishment of the Liverpool Health and Innovation precinct, the upgrade of Grafton Base Hospital and the Stage 2 redevelopment of the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, starting next year.
While New South Wales continues to boom, it is important that the protection of our environment is not forgotten.
Communities across the state need green and open space to flourish and thrive which is why, for the first time, New South Wales now has a Minister for Public Spaces tasked with identifying and protecting publicly owned land for use as parks or public spaces.
Already, existing Government-owned land at Penrith, Ermington, Appin, Leppington, Frenchs Forrest, Carramar, Beaumont Hills and Hurstville has been identified to be transformed into new or upgraded public parkland.
PUTTING THE CUSTOMER AT THE CENTRE OF EVERYTHING GOVERNMENT DOES
I am advised that over the last eight years, a quiet revolution has been taking place in the NSW Government.
Long gone are the days when citizens had to work around the red tape, rules and requirements of the bureaucracy.
Rather, New South Wales has been leading a powerful transition towards a truly customer-centred public service, one that is designed to meet the needs of the people, rather than the other way around.
This transition is being facilitated by giant leaps forward in technology and automation, and over the next term, the Government will take its reforms in this area to the next level – a move marked by the establishment of the Customer Service Cluster.
The establishment of this new Cluster builds on key customer service based reforms implemented over the last eight years.
Reforms like the Opal Card that have revolutionised the way we use public transport.
And the rollout of Service NSW – the Government’s one-stop shop – where customers can carry out more than 850 different government transactions.
This landmark reform project has seen customer satisfaction increase exponentially, with individual and business satisfaction with government services reaching almost 80 per cent in 2018.
This demonstrates that while good progress has been made, there is still much more to be done.
The newly created role of Minister for Customer Service will be supported by the newly established Department of Customer Service, bringing together key areas within the public service with a common purpose to improve the lives of the people of New South Wales.
The Minister will lead the Government’s efforts to focus on how people interact with our schools, hospitals and social services so that each of these services is re-designed to work better for each citizen, and improve their lives at an individual level.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF INTERGENERATIONAL DISADVANTAGE
With sound economic fundamentals in place, the Government is in a position to make a real and lasting difference to some of the most difficult problems our community faces.
Too often, these challenges are relegated to the too hard basket, meaning that intergenerational disadvantage becomes entrenched.
21 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
That needs to change.
During this term of Parliament, the Government will be focussed on improving the lives of everyone in New South Wales, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be.
On a number of fronts, progress is being made, but there remains more to do.
This work to improve lives across the state must start with children – because every child deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive home environment.
That is why the Government will continue to work hard to reduce the percentage of children and young people re-reported as at risk of significant harm.
Caseworkers will continue to be supported so that they can see more children, and see them at the first opportunity – helping families who are struggling to get the support they need.
And helping ensure children stay safe, and have a better opportunity to thrive at home with their family.
In 2018, the percentage of children re-reported at risk of significant harm fell by nearly two percentage points – meaning more than 500 children were able to stay with their families in safer and more stable homes.
Homelessness does not discriminate, and can effect anyone at any stage in their lives.
Young people can be especially vulnerable, which is why the Government will continue to work hard to reduce the number of young people facing homelessness.
In 2017-18, almost 2,000 young people moved into stable long-term accommodation with the help of a Specialist Homelessness Service – over 200 more than in the year before.
Domestic and family violence is a terrible scourge in our communities.
The Government has vowed to hold perpetrators to account, and to reduce domestic and family violence and its terrible consequences by reducing rates of reoffending and continuing to trial and expand the roll out of interventions to change offending behaviour.
This will include enhancing community corrections supervisions and increasing the use of suspect target management plans.
In our regions, young people, in particular, face challenges their city peers do not.
Whether it is access to education or employment opportunities, or health and mental health outcomes, the Government is taking steps to address the imbalance.
The newly appointed Minister for Regional Youth will be a strong voice for young people in our regions, helping to coordinate the roll out of New South Wales’ first Regional Youth Strategy.
A Regional Youth Taskforce, bringing together community leaders and youth specialists, will advise and support the Minister, as will the newly established Office of Regional Youth.
Aboriginal people make an enormous contribution to New South Wales.
Yet, like Indigenous people across the country, too many still struggle with entrenched disadvantage.
As a mark of the importance of this issue, Aboriginal Affairs has been moved into the Premier’s own agency, the Department of Premier and Cabinet, where it will receive renewed focus at the heart of Government.
22 Legislative Council Minutes No. 1—Tuesday 7 May 2019
This focus will help to deliver an existing Government commitment to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in senior leadership roles in the New South Wales public sector by 2025 – to date, thirty new Aboriginal senior leaders have been recruited, bringing the total to 87.
In 2019, with sound economic fundamentals in place, there is no better time to build on the progress that has been made to date, and address problems that have been in the too-hard basket for too long.
As elected representatives, this is both your opportunity and your obligation.
And your chance to drive real change for the people of New South Wales now, and leave a real legacy for those yet to come.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The people of this great state have entrusted you, the members of the 57th Parliament of New South Wales, to represent their interests.
Each of you has earned the right to speak on behalf of your community.
It is a responsibility that I know you will not take lightly.
I urge you to place the good of the people you represent at the forefront of every decision that you make over the next four years.
I encourage you to always act with compassion and integrity, and be guided by respect for each other and the community you work for.
It remains for me to extend every good wish to you all.
Mr President, Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, I now leave to you to the important task entrusted to you by the people of New South Wales.
33 ADJOURNMENT
Mr Harwin moved: That this House do now adjourn.
Question put and passed.
The House adjourned at 3.19 pm until Wednesday 8 May 2019 at 11.00 am.
34 ATTENDANCE
All members present.
David Blunt Clerk of the Parliaments
______
Authorised by the Parliament of New South Wales