Penny Sharpe's blog

Note: I had not heard the latest news that the bill may still be debated in Uganda. I am however pleased that Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd has made representations to the Ugandan Government on this issue. Here is my speech:

The Sydney Ferries sell off announced today by the O'Farrell Government could lead to job cuts, service cuts and fare increases for passengers.

Leader of the Opposition John Robertson said it was a sad day for Sydneysiders, whose iconic green and yellow ferry services are being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

"The iconic green and yellow Sydney Ferries are part of the fabric of Sydney but today the Government has moved to sell them off," he said.

"Premier O'Farrell's pledge to increase services, whilst cutting $40 million from the Sydney Ferries budget, simply doesn't add up.

"The Premier is trying to say that 2 + 2 = 1, but it is the commuters of Sydney that will end up short-changed.

The Opposition asked many questions of the new Minister for the Environment today during Question Time. This media release is a result of her answers (or lack there of):

NSW Environment Minister, Robyn Parker has refused to stand up for the environment in Parliament today and left the door open for the Government to increase land clearing and reduce protections for threatened species.

The new Minister also signalled that Marine Parks are in the firing line and failed to explain how the environment will be managed, now that NSW does not have an Environment Department.

Leader of the Opposition John Robertson said the O'Farrell Government has made it clear that environmental protections are on the chopping block.

Today marked the opening of the 55th Parliament of NSW. It is essentially a very formal day where new members are sworn in and presented to the Governor. The most important business is the speech given by the Governor that outlines the incoming government's agenda.

I am interested in your thoughts. For my part I am disappointed that despite promises to take the politics out of infrastructure and transport planning, the appointment of Nick Greiner as the Chair of Infrastructure NSW put politics back front and centre. Can you imagine the outcry if Kevid Rudd had appointed Paul Keating as the Chair of Infrastructure Australia?

This media release has just gone out:

The NSW Opposition
has called on the O'Farrell Government to withdraw its submission to Fair Work
Australia opposing equal pay for women and better wages for community workers.