Reid reflects on first year in office

Member for Robertson Gordon Reid has reflected on the performance of the Federal Government, as the Australian Labor Party marks one year in office.

Reid became Robertson’s first Labor MP in almost a decade after achieving a 6.9 per cent swing with preferences at the May 21, 2022, election to oust incumbent Liberal Member Lucy Wicks, who had held the seat since 2013.

The result echoed a nationwide swing of more than six per cent against the Liberal Party, with huge swings to The Greens and the “teal” independent candidates sending a clear message to both major political parties. He said the past 12 months had seen the Government pass signature pieces of legislation to build a better future for Australians living on the Central Coast.

“The Albanese Labor Government is a government of purpose,” he said.

“We have hit the ground running and we are not slowing down.

“(We have continued) on the commitments we took to the 2022 election.

“We are delivering cheaper childcare, cheaper medicines and fee-free TAFE.

“The Federal Government has also legislated its ambitious climate change policy to ensure Australia reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent and net zero by 2050.”

Reid said the Government was also extending paid parental leave and easing the cost of living.

“Here on the Central Coast, 73,130 people will benefit from our record $3.5B investment in Medicare, by tripling the bulk billing incentive, making it easier to see a doctor when you are sick,” he said.

More locally-based projects were progressing, including the $100M upgrade of Avoca

Stay clear of whales on their way north

Marine Rescue is advising sea-going boaters on the Central Coast not to get too close to whales as they make their annual trip north to warmer waters.

Multiple pods of humpbacks have been spotted off the coast from the Royal National Park south of Sydney to Seal Rocks in recent days.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said boaters need to be aware of the marine mammals.

“As we are starting to see the whale migration along the NSW Coast, Marine Rescue is reminding boaters that there are rules and restrictions in place for the wellbeing of the animal but also the safety of boaters,” he said.

“Boaters are not to come within 100m of a whale or 300m of a whale and a calf.

“If a whale does surface near your vessel it is important that you cut your motors and slow down to a safe speed.”

Barrell is also reminding skippers not to approach whales from behind or to wait in front of their path.

The Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner said no more than three vessels at a time should approach whales and skippers should wait their turn.

“There will be plenty of time to enjoy these magnificent creatures during the migration season,” he said.

“As always if you are heading out on the water to view the whales please make sure that you Log On and Log Off with your local Marine Rescue base either via the Marine Rescue app or over VHF marine radio Channel 16.”

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.

Dr through Kincumber and sporting facility upgrades, he said.

“The region is on track to receive two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics that will take pressure off our emergency departments and primary health network,” he said.

“Our region’s $40M local roads package is also steaming ahead and I looking forward to local roads receiving muchneeded renewals.”

Bill relief of up to $650 from July 1 and changes to the instant asset write-off threshold would help support Central Coast businesses, he said.

Source: Member for Robertson Gordon Reid