MP’s statement on operation of pools

I viewed City of Newcastle’s, ordinary council meeting in late May with great disappointment. The lord mayor and elected councillors tried to imply that any advocacy they receive is an instruction on how to vote. This is false and misleading. The lord mayor and councillors frequently lobby me to advocate for projects and funding and yet I do not hide from my democratic responsibilities or shirk my duties as an elected official.

It is imperative as leaders and representatives in our community that we embrace our democratic system and advocate for better outcomes in our community, indeed, where appropriate we should listen to the advocacy of others.

I’ve always stood up for Newcastle Pools and always will. Just as I’ve always stood up for our community and always will. The privatisation of our pools is an issue that many people raise with me, and I share their concerns.

Privatisation never leads to better outcomes for the community. I have always stood against privatisation across all levels of government. I have done so at great personal sacrifice to my career, having resigned as parliamentary secretary in 2009 in protest against an ongoing privatisation agenda.

I am proud to be a member of a government that stands against privatisation and indeed has committed to ending privatisation of NSW government assets. I implore all other levels of government to make the same commitment. I was recently re-elected as the Member for Wallsend. I believe that so many people in our community put their faith in me precisely because I listen to feedback and try to advocate for better outcomes for our community.

I will not be pressured to advocate any less for my community by anyone from any level of politics.

Sonia Hornery MP -State Member for Wallsend

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