Werriwa e-Newsletter

05 February 2021

Welcome to the latest edition of the Werriwa e-Newsletter.

This week I returned to Canberra for the first sitting of Parliament for the year. With the end looming for JobKeeper and the Government's attempts to strip workers' rights with changes to the Fair Work Act, it was a busy week.

At the end of March, Scott Morrison will leave hundreds of thousands of Australians behind by ending the JobKeeper wage subsidy. As the nation recovers from the pandemic, it's critical we keep businesses open and workers in jobs. That is why Labor supports an extension to JobKeeper and the Coronavirus Supplement.

The Government's proposed changes to Industrial Relations are bad for workers and bad for the economy. For evidence, look no further than the proposal to water down the Better Off Overall Test. These changes will allow businesses to cut penalty rates, shift allowances and other entitlements. The Prime Minister's answer to the problem of insecure and low paid work, is more insecure and low paid work with fewer rights.

Cleaners, supermarket workers, truck drivers, childcare workers, aged care staff and many other essential workers on the frontline will be worse off. They’re the ones who are carrying us through this Pandemic and they deserve better.

There is a lot of work to do this year and I look forward to working with you to reflect the needs of our community in Federal Parliament.

I hope you have a great weekend. Stay safe and keep well.

Kind Regards

Anne

This Week in Parliament

This week in parliament I spoke in the House of Representatives about the fantastic New Year’s Eve fireworks display that Liverpool City Council hosted for the community.

Australia Day Award Winners

Congratulations to all the Australia Day Award Winners across our community. Thank you for all the work you do and the outstanding achievements you have exhibited.

See below for a list of winners from each local Council.

Liverpool City Council

• Young Citizen of the Year: Jonathon Mayorga
• Senior Citizen Award: Harry Hunt OAM
• Sports Award: Gabor Fejszes
• Cultural and Arts Award: Claire Abrakmanov
• Fraser Environment Award: Paul Sillato
• Small Business Award: Mobility Masters Australia
• Small Business Award: Out of Office Espresso
• Health Award: Professor Jeremy Wilson AO
• Macquarie Award: Margaret Parker

Fairfield City Council

• Fairfield Citizen of the Year: Andy Snook 
• Young Citizen of the Year: Blanca Assunta Barrios
• Volunteer of the Year: Kath Whiteley and Douglas Draper
• Sports Achiever of the Year: Fabian Monge

Campbelltown City Council

• Citizen of the Year: Uncle Ivan Wellington.
• Young Citizen of the Year: Jaden Legaspi.
• Sportsperson of the Year: Kaden Smith.
• Community Group Initiative of the Year: Youth Solutions - Macarthur Drug and Alcohol Services Committee Inc.
• Environmental Citizen of the Year: Martin Wallace.
• Disability Community Contribution of the Year: Caroline Norman.

Easing of COVID Restrictions

From 29 January 2021, changes to restrictions across the Greater Sydney region affect the number of visitors allowed at a residence, outdoor gatherings and capacity limits at weddings, funerals and some venues. There are also changes to the requirements for wearing a face mask.

• Up to 30 visitors from any number of households may visit another household on any day. The total number of visitors includes adults and children. (A member of the hosting household is not counted as a visitor.)
• No more than 50 people can gather outside in a public place which includes public parks, reserves, beaches, public gardens and spaces. 
• A maximum of 300 people may attend a wedding or a funeral subject to the square metres rule applicable at the venue.
• Up to 25 people are allowed at hospitality venues before the one person per 4 square metres rule applies.

In the Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong), face masks are still mandatory in the following indoor settings:

• On public/shared transport and at public transport waiting areas
• Places of worship
• Hair and beauty premises, such as hairdressers, beauty salons, nail salons, tanning salons and waxing salons
• Massage parlours and spas
• Tattoo parlours
• Hospitality venues (customer-facing staff only)
• Gaming areas in licensed premises, including pubs, registered clubs and casinos

NSW Health recommends that you wear a face mask at retail shopping centres but it is not a mandatory requirement.

Start School Strong - Parenting Program by Fairfield City Council

Start School Strong is for mums, dads, carers and grandparents living in the Fairfield, Liverpool and former Bankstown local government areas.

Start School Strong is offering this information session for mums, dads, carers and grandparents with children up to the age of 6 years.

Social Psychologist Petra Will Herat, will host the program and she will discuss:

• Talking and listening to your child
• Building stronger relationships and developing confidence
• Encouraging a positive attitude with your child
• Understanding the importance of play and lowering your child’s stress levels.

Click here to make a booking

Generation CommunitY

Generation CommunitY is your chance to develop key knowledge and leadership skills from market experts, helping you transition into leadership roles and to influence positive change.

Does your organisation have a young person who has what it takes to become a great leader? The Generation CommunitY program provides an opportunity for emerging leaders to develop their leadership skills enabling them to transition into leadership roles and influence positive change.

Approximately 30% of Public Sector leaders will be retiring in the next 10 years. If you're under 35 and want to take the next step in your career you can apply now for the 2021 program.

Click here for more information

Highlights from Parliament

There were many great speeches delivered in parliament this week. Below are just a few of my favourites.

Ed Husic

Ed Husic gave a powerful speech speaking up for Colebee residents and the poor quality of their broadband network.

Andrew Leigh

Dr. Leigh called out the misinformation spread by Liberal MP Craig Kelly and called on the Prime Minister to publicly denounce him.

Bill Shorten

Bill spoke passionately about the many small businesses in the travel and tourism sector that are still struggling and being left being by this Government.