Speeches

Tonight I inform the House about an incredibly important issue in my electorate—namely, the Cellar Door Subsidy Scheme. The Cellar Door Subsidy Scheme, which ceased on 30 June 2012, provided…

This afternoon I once again gloat about the achievements of people from the Cessnock electorate and congratulate Andrew “Joey” Johns on his induction into the Rugby League Immortals and into…

I draw the attention of the House to the plight of grandparents who must step in to raise their grandchildren. It is most fitting to raise this issue on the…

Today I pay tribute to the Abermain Eisteddfod, which celebrates its ninety-second year. Recently I had the good fortune to assist with the Abermain Eisteddfod in a small way. Unfortunately,…

Tonight I speak about a magnificent organisation, the Ungooroo Aboriginal Corporation. I recognise that the Ungooroo corporation services the Wanaruah people, whose lands stretch from the Liverpool Ranges in the…

Sometimes being a State member gives one the opportunity to have interesting conversations with people within the electorate that sometimes remind us of things that have slipped off the radar.…

I speak today about education and young people—I seem to find myself doing that quite a lot; it must be a passion of mine—and about the Beacon Foundation. I recently…

Last week I had the good fortune to attend the Plan-it Youth mentoring awards night for West Wallsend High School. The community of West Wallsend are an incredibly nurturing and…

Today I speak with a heavy heart. Three hundred and forty-four is the number of jobs that will soon disappear from the employment landscape of the Hunter when the Norsk…