WILL YOU HELP SAVE LEICHHARDT COUNCIL?
So far most Councils are resisting the Premier's latest attempt at bullying by refusing to "voluntarily" amalgamate before a 18 November deadline.

However, at the Leichhardt Council meeting on 26 October the Labor and Liberal Councillors caved in to the Liberal Government and ordered an investigation into an amalgamation with Ashfield and Marrickville Councils. Labor and Liberal Councillors then refused to hold a public meeting for residents to discuss the implications, like increased rates and reduced services.

The Greens Councillors are holding the Public Meeting that Labor and Liberal Councillors have denied residents. Come along to be informed and show your support:

11:30am Saturday 7 November
Balmain Town Hall
370 Darling Street Balmain [map]

This is an incredibly important issue for our local area and it is vital you have the facts. Greens MP David Shoebridge will talk to the legal advice on forced amalgamations; the Save Our Councils Coalition will talk about other councils standing up for their community; and the Save Our Leichhardt Council group will talk about the real impact of amalgamation on our local area.

WESTCONNEX M4 EAST - STUNNING NUMBER OF SUBMISSIONS

A huge thank you to everyone who made a submission on the WestConnex M4 East Environmental Impact Statement. A staggering 1,427 submissions were received by the Balmian and Newtown electorate offices, and we took great pleasure in hand delivering each and every one to the Department of Planning.

What a magnificent response from our community to show the State Government the strength of our objection to this expensive, ineffective and destructive tollroad.

Image: Jenny Leong MP and Jamie Parker MP with their electorates' submissions.

GREATER SYDNEY COMMISSION - POWERFUL AND UNACCOUNTABLE
In speaking up in defence of the smart, sustainable development this city requires, I spoke in Parliament against the Government's plan for its 'Greater Sydney Commission'.

Sydney does need sustainable, coordinated and strategic planning, but it will not be met by the top-down, bureaucratic approach proposed with the Greater Sydney Commission. This is an extremely long way from the Liberal's promise to return planning powers to local communities. The Greater Sydney Commission will consist of 13 members, who are in no way democratically elected or accountable but instead appointed by the Minister for Planning.

I encourage the government to introduce more democratic engagement with local communities. If we are to have a bigger Sydney, it must be a more sustainable, more liveable Sydney. Read more here

ATTACK ON ICAC UNWARRANTED

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) was again under fire from right wing elements within the Liberal Government who seem determined to weaken the Commission’s ability to fight corruption. You can read my comments published in the Sydney Morning Herald here.

If the Premier has any credibility he should back his own independent panel and stop impeding the important work of  ICAC with yet another inquiry, less than three months since the Independent Panel’s report into ICAC’s powers. Mr Baird needs to stand against these moves to publicly discredit ICAC and strip it of critical corruption fighting powers

Read more here.

BALMAIN FUN RUN - EARLY BIRD ENTRY ENDS SUNDAY
Great for you, great for the community: the Balmain Fun Run is one of Sydney's best community fun runs with a 2km, 5km and 10km course through the beautiful grounds of Callan Park. Lots of activities for the kids too. Race day is Sunday 22 November. Register by 8 November to get the Early Bird rates: adults $35 (on the day $45), children 5km/10km $18 (on the day $25); or kids' 2km $15 (on the day $20) - it's free for an accompanying adult on the 2km event. Families can enjoy the rides, BBQ and food stalls at the picturesque King George Oval. This year every finisher will receive a Balmain Fun Run medal!

HAPPENINGS IN PARLIAMENT
You can read transcripts of all my speeches, questions and debates here.

Last week in parliament
29 October: State Revenue Legislation Amendment Bill
29 October: Gaming and Liquor Administration Amendment Bill
28 October: Greater Sydney Commission Bill

CONTACT
My team and I are available to help with concerns you may have about public housing, public transport, health, planning and development, education, childcare or any other local or state issue. Call us on 9660 7586 or email [email protected]