Tesch reflects on the government’s first 100 days

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch has reflected on the achievements of the Minns Labor State Government during its first 100 days in office.

In what she described as “a busy couple of months”, Tesch said the new Government, elected in March, had delivered the biggest pay increase for NSW public sector workers in more than a decade; taken significant steps to reduce the impact of energy price increases; transferred thousands of temporary teachers and support staff to permanent contracts; begun the transition to safe staffing levels in our hospitals; and made renting fairer while delivering more affordable housing.

She said being appointed as Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion was “a huge privilege”.

“It is a privilege to be entrusted with such an important portfolio; to say I am excited is an understatement,” she said.

“As Parliamentary Secretary, I will work to create a more accessible and inclusive state and continue to work on behalf of vulnerable people and communities across NSW.”

On the local front, Tesch said a highlight had been joining Premier Chris Minns to confirm a funding pledge for the Wildlife Walkabout Sanctuary at Calga.

“Wildlife habitat in the Central Coast sanctuary will be better protected with the NSW Government fulfilling the $50,000 election commitment,” she said.

“Support from the NSW Government will go towards additional fencing and equipment to better protect animals on the Sanctuary site and accelerate recovery of degraded areas.

“The proposed program of work at the Sanctuary has been guided by the advice of ecologists, horticulturists, and the NSW Local Land Services (Greater Sydney) team.

“This is just the start of creating a sanctuary that will continue to provide education, conservation and protection of our native animals right here on the Central Coast.”

Tesch said the Government would deliver $3.7M to improve access to soccer facilities and programs on the Central Coast.

The commitment is in conjunction with the Central Coast Mariners who will cofund the investment to improve grassroots, youth and female participation in Central Coast sport.

The commitment will go towards constructing a synthetic playing field in Tuggerah accessible to up to 17,000 local community sport members; contributing to the Central Coast Mariners’ community support programs for at-riskyouth and disadvantaged adults; and funding for modern training facilities for the new Central Coast A-League Women’s team.

“There are currently no local synthetic playing fields available for use by the community,” Tesch said.

“This means that there are few pitches in the area that are available year-round with reliable quality, limiting the capacity for both community and professional teams to consistently train.

“In 2022, record rain in NSW caused havoc for sporting teams, games and training.

“The synthetic pitch will offer better drainage and also provide an essential facility for women’s football and sport on the Central Coast.”

Tesch said the extension of the 24-hour Commissioner to the Central Coast would see