Jewish House - a wonderful service to all in the community in need

Rabbi Mendel Kastel, Co-President Roger Clifford, Ron Hoenig MP, Co-President Gar Cohen

I was delighted this week to attend the information evening at Jewish House. I was so impressed with not just the crisis accomodation that is provided, but the support services and success rates.

The jewish community through Jewish House decided it needed to service the broader community, regardless of demonination, and does so by providing crisis accommodation to those in need.

As they point out, crisis can occur to anyone at any age. People seek their help with issues around alcohol and drugs, mood disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and panic amongst other issues.

People come to Jewish House in a state of turmoil and distress, having undergone extreme violence, either physical or emotional and other forms of abuse.

Jewish House provides confidential and individualised pschycological consultations.

This year Jewish House provided 2054 nights of accommodation; 2200 people were refereed; 3600 visits to hospital; 573 psychology sessions, 174 homeless people housed. A remarkable contribution to the community.

I congratulate CEO Rabbi Mendle Kastel, the board and staff of Jewish House. You do the jewish community proud. 

Population increases causing critical failings at Prince of Wales Hospital

The pressure of increased population in our area is causing critical failings at the Prince of Wales Hospital as it struggles to cope.

I have been warning the O'Farrell Liberal government that poor planning policies and increased population densities have been putting huge pressure on not just transport and roads, but also schools and hospitals. I am often dismissed as scaremongering.

This month an internal NSW Health Department report prepared for the O'Farrell Liberals has revealed critical failings at South wast Sydney hospitals - with staff warning of serious structural issues, inability to meet increasing demand and failure to meet clinical standards.

The report highlights serious issues at St George, Sutherland and Prince of Wales hospitals with all three failing to meet demands of an increasing population in the region - and facilities and infrastructure are "inadequate, inefficient and ineffective, resulting in failures."

Specific issues identified in the report in relation to Prince of Wales Hospital:

• The older buildings require extensive upgrades to meet current fire protection standards;
• The Emergency Department space availability has reached limits - with overcrowding and an inability to reach demand;
• Patients in the Intensive Care Unit Isolation rooms are currently being treated in non-conforming facilities;
• The hospital facilities do not meet required clinical or Australian Standards.

Mr O'Farrell should be investing more money in this hospital - not cutting funds. Ultimately lives will be at risk unless the penny drops with the Liberals that health care is a quality of life issue and not just a balance sheet. Protection of human life is more important than a "triple bottom line."

Mobile Offices at Zetland, Rosebery, Alexandria, Mascot, Tempe and Sydenham

What a wet and wild weekend it was! But it wasn’t wet enough to deter the locals of Zetland, Alexandria, Rosebery, Mascot, Tempe, St Peters and and Sydenham as they came along to say Hi at our mobile offices that were held on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17June across the Heffron Electorate.

Despite the very wet weather at times particularly on Sunday, the mobile offices were a success with many locals out and about coming along to speak with me. What I like most about mobile offices is that it gives me an opportunity to get out into the community and talk and meet with my constituents; it’s a great way to connect with you and gives you "after hours" access to myself and my staff in addition to the services available at my Heffron Electorate Office.

I was also very appreciative that Councillor Linda Scott from City of Sydney Council attended with me at Zetland, Alexandria and Rosebery on Saturday as did Councillor Stan Kondilios from Botany Bay City Council at Mascot. On Sunday I was accompanied by Councillor Chris Woods of Marrickville Council. The councillors were terrific as they made themselves available to deal so proficiently with local government matters.

Thank you to everyone that came along, I was delighted to meet you and help you with any enquiries and please keep an eye out for my next mobile office near you.

Ron Hoenig with residents at Rosebey

Ron Hoenig with Cr Linda Scott at Alexandria

Ron Hoenig MP talking to a resident at Mascot with Cr Stan Kondilios looking on

Ron Hoenig MP with residents at Lionel Bowen Park Mascot 

Ron Hoenig MP and Cr Chris Woods at the Tempe mobile office

Ron Hoenig MP & Cr Chris Woods (left) at St Peters Town Hall

Ron Hoenig MP with residents at Zetland

Ron Hoenig MP with residents at Tempe

Ron Hoenig MP with a resident at St Peters Town Hall

Urban Activation in Kensington and Kingsford – Time to act is now

When I first wrote to Kingsford and Kensington residents in May about the State Government’s so-called urban activation policies, I had based my concerns on the possibility of high-rise buildings of up to 16 storeys in these neighbourhoods. In response, the O’Farrell Government accused me and the Opposition of scaremongering.

Now it transpires I was wrong. Heights of 16 storeys are not the limit. The O’Farrell Government is set to allow developers to build up to 20 storeys right throughout Kingsford and Kensington.

And if you think I am kidding or scaremongering, I have included the proposed high rise development plans for your information. Have a read and you’ll be as concerned as I am.

The Government claims Urban Activation Precincts will deliver more homes in places with access to

infrastructure, transport, services and jobs . Sounds good but it’s not the case.

Our roads are already gridlocked, public transport is under pressure. There is no train line to move large groups of people quickly and efficiently . Our hospitals are under pressure, with wards and beds closing. Our open space is limited. Our homes will be overshadowed by the massive high-rise apartments and our daylight and privacy will disappear.

Using the Government’s guidelines for Urban Activation Precincts, there are better locations, such as Killara, Turramurra, Lindfield that have train stations and bus services on major roads that feed into the city. Why not there?

Why Kensington and Kingsford?

Unless we speak up now we will be forced to accept the Government’s plans for our community. The O’Farrell Liberal Government is banking on your silence. The impact of this scheme will not be felt until the developments begin and the up to 20 storey blocks begin to be constructed. This might be a year or two from now, but by then it will be too late. Please do not think this will not impact you. It will. 

I have and will continue to oppose it in Parliament but I need your support. Please join me in the fight to save our community. You can help by personally emailing the Liberal Minister for Planning at: office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au or writing to him at: Level 31 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, SYDNEY NSW 2000.hen I first wrote to Kingsford and Kensington residents in May about the State Government’s so-called urban activation policies, I had based my concerns on the possibility of high-rise buildings of up to 16 storeys in these neighbourhoods. In response, the O’Farrell Government accused me and the Opposition of scaremongering.

Now it transpires I was wrong. Heights of 16 storeys are not the limit. The O’Farrell Government is set to allow developers to build up to 20 storeys right throughout Kingsford and Kensington.

And if you think I am kidding or scaremongering, I have included the proposed high rise development plans for your information. Have a read and you’ll be as concerned as I am.

The Government claims Urban Activation Precincts will deliver more homes in places with access to

infrastructure, transport, services and jobs . Sounds good but it’s not the case.

Our roads are already gridlocked, public transport is under pressure. There is no train line to move large groups of people quickly and efficiently . Our hospitals are under pressure, with wards and beds closing. Our open space is limited. Our homes will be overshadowed by the massive high-rise apartments and our daylight and privacy will disappear.

Using the Government’s guidelines for Urban Activation Precincts, there are better locations, such as Killara, Turramurra, Lindfield that have train stations and bus services on major roads that feed into the city. Why not there?

Why Kensington and Kingsford?

Unless we speak up now we will be forced to accept the Government’s plans for our community. The O’Farrell Liberal Government is banking on your silence. The impact of this scheme will not be felt until the developments begin and the up to 20 storey blocks begin to be constructed. This might be a year or two from now, but by then it will be too late. Please do not think this will not impact you. It will. 

I have and will continue to oppose it in Parliament but I need your support. Please join me in the fight to save our community. You can help by personally emailing the Liberal Minister for Planning at: office@hazzard.minister.nsw.gov.au or writing to him at: Level 31 Governor Macquarie Tower, 1 Farrer Place, SYDNEY NSW 2000.

Urban Activation Plan for Kingsford

Urban Activation Plan for Kensington Village

O'Farrell Liberal Government shamed by Labor into placing on hold CSG in Sydney water catchment

The O’Farrell Government has been shamed by Labor into placing a temporary hold on coal seam gas activity in Sydney’s core water catchment areas, Opposition Leader John Robertson said today.

“The only problem is they haven’t gone far enough,” said Mr Robertson.

“Barry O’Farrell should be adopting Labor’s policy in full – which is to permanently ban coal seam gas mining in our water catchments.

“Announcing a temporary ban is classic O’Farrell politics. The community deserves better from the Premier on this issue.”

Mr Robertson has called on the Government to swallow its pride and support the legislation introduced by Labor into the Parliament on October 17, 2013, which would permanently ban coal seam gas activity from core water catchment areas.

“The O’Farrell Government has been shamed into half-hearted action,” Mr Robertson said.

“The legislation I have introduced would permanently ban coal seam gas activities in the core water catchment areas of Sydney, the Illawarra and the Blue Mountains.

“I say to the Premier - why announce a hold when you can legislate a ban?

“Labor recognises there are certain no-go zones where we should never allow coal seam gas extraction – and core water catchment areas are foremost amongst them.

“Labor is committed to exploring a ban on coal seam gas activities in water catchment areas right across NSW – including the Far North Coast, the Central Coast, the Mid North Coast and the Northern Tablelands.

“By contrast, nothing in the Government’s announcement offers any hope to regional residents concerned about their drinking water supply.”

One of Mr Robertson’s first acts as leader was to declare Labor’s support for an immediate moratorium on the coal seam gas industry in NSW until it can be proven scientifically safe.

In February this year I told parliament that the O'Farrell government has not gone far enough. I set out below what I had to say:

Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron) [3.46 p.m.]: I wish to amend the motion. I move:

That this House notes the New South Wales Government's decision to change the regulation and restrictions on the New South Wales coal seam gas industry and notes it does not go far enough.

The O'Farrell Government has been dragged screaming to this decision. The Coalition has been in government since March 2011. What was the view of the Opposition in November 2011 when it called for a moratorium on coal seam gas? The Labor Party said in November 2011 that coal seam gas had the potential to damage our drinking water and compromise food security; that there should be the immediate commission of an independent inquiry into the coal seam gas industry chaired by scientific experts to assess the real impact of coal seam gas; and that coal seam gas exploration licences should be suspended before irreparable damage was caused. That was in November 2011. Here we are in February 2013 and the Government has been forced into this decision.

Alan Jones—somebody who is probably more well known by those opposite than by members on this side of the House—has been conducting a campaign since 2011, drawing to the State's attention the impact of coal seam gas on drinking water, farms and aquifers. On 19 October 2011 Mr Jones told the press club that miners were equipped to rip off and rob the farmers. I have moved this amendment noting that the O'Farrell Government's decision does not go far enough because 11 coal seam gas wells in water catchment areas south-west of Sydney are untouched by this announcement. Those coal seam gas wells are located within 500 metres of the World Heritage listed Wollemi National Park. Members opposite who seek to interject think they are somehow pure. But some would think there is an election coming up this year. The fact that drilling was to occur under the Federal electorate of Macarthur might be the cause of their new-found knowledge. I remind the House that on 5 February 2013 the Minister for Resources and Energy told the Centre for Independent Studies:

Coal seam gas is no good to us still in the ground. You have to take it where it is. You can't say you don't want to develop it here.

The Premier of this State has since cut the rug from under Mr Hartcher's feet. I could have some sympathy for a Minister for Resources and Energy who is trying to secure future gas returns for New South Wales, but not when it will result in the destruction of the environment. The Premier had the absolute hide and temerity to say today in this House that he suddenly made a decision when the Opposition has been screaming for two years to stop the poisoning of the groundwater table. He then said the Environment Protection Authority has to defend the people of New South Wales. That authority has an atrocious record.

ACTING-SPEAKER (Mr Lee Evans): Order! Government members will come to order.

Mr RON HOENIG: One has only to look at the level of mercury poisoning and carcinogens in the Botany aquifer or at Sydney's air quality. The Environment Protection Authority could not protect a fly from Mortein spray. Every member of this House is responsible for these coal seam gas decisions. The vested interests seemed to walk straight over the environment and the future protection of the people of New South Wales. The Premier should say, "We made a mistake: we were looking to the long-term supply of energy for New South Wales and it is not sustainable." He should not come into this place and pretend to have a good environmental track record—those opposite never had one in their lives.

Controversial O'Farrell Bill pursues people beyond the grave

The NSW Labor Opposition has demanded Premier Barry O’Farrell personally explain controversial cemetery reforms that would allow burial plots to be leased out for 10, 25 or 99 years – and then opened up for reuse.

This week, the Liberal Government passed a Bill in the Lower House allowing for the renewable use of graves and different criteria for different religious faiths – but was embarrassed when only 40 Coalition MPs voted for the measure while the rest abstained.

The controversial Bill was passed by the lowest numerical vote since the last election – with the support of less than half the chamber’s 93 members.

“A Christian of poor means who cannot afford to maintain a gravesite may find that after 25 years granny gets moved.” Coffs Harbour National Party MP Andrew Fraser who voted for the measure.

“No-one knew they were going to turf out bodies after 25 years. They did not tell us that.” Source in the Coalition party room reported today.

Labor voted against the measure.

Shadow Minister for Resources and Primary Industries Steve Whan said the Premier and Minister Katrina Hodgkinson had blindsided Coalition MPs by forcing a vote on the measure on Wednesday night without fully explaining its implications.

“This legislation from the O’Farrell Government has far-reaching consequences beyond the grave,” Mr Whan said.

“Premier Barry O’Farrell needs to explain to the community why he believes 25-year burial plots are a good idea and why this legislation gets the balance right.

“The unprecedented revolt by Coalition MPs shows they had had no confidence at all in the Premier and Minister’s carriage of what is a deeply sensitive and personal issue.

“What we saw this week was a massive vote of no-confidence that is unprecedented in recent Parliamentary history.

“Premier O’Farrell clearly has a huge problem on his hands with a party room leaking like a sieve at being asked to pass legislation they did not understand.”

Waterloo Public Housing Forum - tenants live in squalor

Ron Hoenig MP & Hon. Sophie Costsis at the Waterloo Housing Forum

I would like to thank those many Waterloo public housing tenants that came along to my Public Housing Forum at the Factory Community Centre last week.

The forum was held to give public housing tenants an opportunity to meet and speak with me, Housing NSW staff and Police about Housing NSW issues and initiatives along with Policing and Crime Prevention. 

I was happy to see so many people turn up and speak with me about their concerns regarding public housing. It seemed that everyone had the same issues they wanted their places cleaned up & maintained, the mould removed, improved security and put an end to anti-social behaviour. The message was loud and clear that the pensioners in public housing felt that their safety was at risk and that they were vulnerable to their younger problematic neighbours. 

As a local Member of Parliament it is my duty to protect my constituents and that their safety is not compromised. Having a safe and welcoming community is paramount and I will continue to advocate on your behalf to the NSW Government regarding public housing issues.

I would like to thank The Hon.Sophie Cotsis, Shadow Minister for Housing, Robert Harbin, Redfern Local Area Command's Crime Manager, Constable Maria Flood from Redfern Police and Michael Modder from Housing NSW for coming along and being of great assistance to me.

If you would like to see the A Current Affair broadcast of "Housos left to live in squalor" during my tour around the streets of Waterloo and visiting constituents please visit http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/video/?uuid=2748980830001

Special Olympics Gala Dinner

Media personality Andy Paschalidis with Ron Hoenig MP

It was a pleasure last night to attend the Special Olympics Gala Dinner with Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Communities and Member for Fairfield Guy Zangari, Member for Cabramatta Nick Lalich, and a number of my liberal parliamentary colleagues.

The Special Olympics just do wonderful work by changing the lives of children and adults with intellectual disability by providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a number of Olympic-type sports.

As the Special Olympics write; "Perceptions and attitudes matter. That's why Special Olympics are the leading voice in raising awareness of the needs and abilities of people with an intellectual disability."

That to everyone for being so generous. Thanks to my parliamentary colleagues for their support, and thanks to the generosity of so many sponsors, which included NSW Labor.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington

Ron Hoenig MP learning from OLSH Students

Last Wednesday I had the opportunity to visit Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington (OLSH). I was so delighted to be able to sit down with Principal Libby Denny and Assistant Principal Robyn Rodwell and speak about the school, the students, what they are doing and up and coming events. Not only could they tell me about what the college is up to and their curricular activities they told me with a real passion and energy, I could clearly see that they truly believe in what they do.

OLSH is a Catholic non-selective school that is achieving big results. Of the students who completed Year 10 in 2010, 95% completed Year 12 in 2012. The average student attendance rate for 2012 was 93%.100% of students attain the award of Higher School Certificate or equivalent vocational education and training qualification and if you think that is impressive, 93% of Year 12 students go on to Tertiary Education such as University or TAFE.

I asked Ms Denny and Ms Rodwell what was their secret to such a successful school and Ms Denny went on to explain that it’s all about matching the students’ needs to appropriate subject learning, realising their abilities and potential and working on their confidence to do their best along with establishing and building trusting relationships with their teachers. “Good learning begins with good feelings in the classroom”-Ms Libby Denny

I soon came to realise that you cannot just build a school on infrastructure and curricular, you need culture and commitment, that is the secret to enriching the students life and giving them poise and empowerment will only make them believe and go on to become good educated citizens. 

I was also lucky enough to be taken on a tour of the college and speak with the students in the drama class and I also got to pop my head into the Biology class where they were looking at red blood cells, even I had a look through the microscope- fascinating stuff!

As the HSC is well underway, many of the students were studying and preparing the big exam. One student showed me her portfolio that she was working on for Textile Technology, one day hoping to become a fashion designer. The students certainly have immense talent and it was really refreshing to see. 

Robyn Rodwell, Ron Hoenig MP, Libby Denny

I would like to thank Principal Denny and Assistant Principal Rodwell along with their staff for their time. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and look forward to their Annual Presentation Day where I am able to see all of the achievements.

Libby Denny, the staff, students and parents can be rightly proud of such a fabulous school.

Our Lady of the Rosary, Kensington

Ron Hoenig MP & Vicki McGrath Assis Principal

Whilst out and about catching up with my local schools I was delighted to visit Our Lady of the Rosary, Catholic Primary School.

It was great to catch up with Assistant Principal Vicki McGrath and Liz Thorp from the Parents and Friends Association.

The Parents and Friends Association at Our Lady of the Rosary is very active raising over $50,000 for the school. Their major fundraiser at held South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club raised $20,000. What a great effort! I take my hat off to the P & F as I know from experience how amazing it is to raise this kind of money. Just a fantastic parent body. I also know how important these extra funds are to the school and the students.

It was an absolute pleasure to say hello to some of the young students as they ate their lunch. It is always nice to get a child’s perspective on what is important to them. I think in my job it is important to be in touch with all age groups and to understand what they see as being important or a problem.

I would like to thank the school for having me and look forward to attending their annual presentation night on 6 December to hear about all the students’ achievements.

Armistice Day with Mascot RSL

Ron Hoenig MP laying a wreath

I was honoured to attend the Armistice Day Ceremony at Eastlakes Sports Club to commemorate a significant day in our history; the end of the hostilities for World War One bound by the signing of the Armistice on 11 November, 1918. 

Paul Graham, President of Mascot RSL Sub-Branch opened the ceremony with a moving speech as he spoke about the men that left our shores never to return, however, what got my attention was when he said “Freedom will ultimately restore our losses”. Powerful words ... we live in a very lucky country and we should grateful every day to those men and women who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Of course we don’t we tend to take our freedom and democratic rights for granted. And that is the way these courageous men and women would have wanted it, that is what they fought for. 

So several times a year it is fitting and right that we pay our respects and take a moment to honour and remember the nation’s fallen heroes that fought to protect our country.

It was a wonderful morning and not even the pouring rain, and the movement of events indoor could dampen the spirits of those in attendance as they remembered the events and the stories that have been passed down, the celebrations of their victory and how they mourned the losses. It was really so wonderful to see their legacy live on through the sea of red poppies that filled the Sports Club yesterday.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Paul Graham and Ron Hoenig

I was honoured to lay a wreath in remembrance of our soldiers alongside Matt Thistlethwaite our Federal Member for Kingsford-Smith, Cr Ben Keneally Mayor of the City of Botany Bay and Cr Stan Kondilios from City of Botany Bay Council.

I would like to thank Paul Graham, President Mascot Sub-Branch, Les Cannon and Greg Porter, Vice Presidents, Pam Richardson, Secretary, Carolyn McMahon Treasurer and the rest of the executive committee and Sub-Branch members for hosting a wonderful ceremony and inviting me to be a part of it. 

I would also like to thank Paul Boudan, President of Eastlakes Sports Club, Paul’s wife Doreen and everyone from the Club for their hospitality.

O’Farrell’s disgraceful attack on judicial independence

In one of the most serious attacks on the doctrine of separation of powers Premier O’Farrell, used his numbers to rush through parliament a motion to disallow 2.5% salary increase to the states judges awarded by the independent Remunerations Tribunal.

Cloaked under the guise of economic and fiscal principal this is clearly an attack on the states judges as petty payback. This decision was rushed through the parliament virtually without debate. I was prevented in making a contribution in quite a dishonest way.

Why the hurry? There is no doubt parliament is entitled to disallow an annual determination of the Remunerations Tribunal. If Premier O’Farrell thought that his decision had merit why not give MP’s time to consider the Tribunals report?

The judges of this state have been subjected to an unprecedented personal attack. The Attorney General instead of protecting the institution of the judiciary has been publishing his opinion that judges are out of touch.

There has been much said and written about the very sad and tragic death of Thomas Kelly and the sentence received by the offender. No words can ever restore to his family the loss of an innocent young man who had his whole life in front of him. The Attorney General requested the Director of Public Prosecutions consider an appeal against the sentence, and that is proper.

Even before the DPP considered the matter the Attorney General in a thought bubble announced yesterday a new law to provided for a 10 year sentence for a “one punch law” should someone be killed as a result of an assault. When 2GB’s Ray Hadley said that would have caused the offender responsible for Thomas Kelly’s death to get a lesser sentence than the offender received, the Attorney General today told parliament he is going to introduce his "one punch law" that will provide for a 20 year sentence. One might ask who is running this state?

The government and its members have been launching personal and unprecedented attacks against judges. The government have no respect for the independence of the judiciary, as they have no respect for the institution of parliament. To Premier O’Farrell the doctrine of separation of powers that is vital to our democracy is a political hindrance. 

To punish judges, or attempt to intimidate them, by rejecting the Remuneration Tribunal’s report, and not allowing even debate on the question is one of the must unfortunate things I have witnessed as a member of parliament.

I told parliament on the 1 May that we as MP’s are trustees of the Westminster Sydney. We are only here temporarily and we have an obligation to pass on the traditions and conventions to those who come after us.

I am afraid Premier O’Farrell just demonstrated to me today he is not fit to be the leader of a government.

Australian Maccabiah Athletes welcomed at Australian Ambassador's Residence Israel

Australian Embassy

Israel

Embassy address: Discount Bank Tower, Level 28, 23 Yehuda Halevi Street, Tel Aviv - Telephone: 03 693 5000 - Fax: 03 693 5002

News

2013

The dominating colours at the Australian Ambassador’s Residence on Wednesday afternoon, a day before the official Opening Ceremony of the Maccabiah, were the proud colours of the Australian Maccabiah delegation’s green and gold. Among the bottle brush trees the golf, tennis, swimming, basketball, soccer, netball, track and field, ten-pin bowling and triathlon athletes enjoyed a respite from their hectic schedule, to attend the welcome reception hosted by Ambassador, Dave Sharma.

The event was also attended by David Southwick, MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Police & Emergency Services, Ron Hoenig, MP, Member of NSW Parliament and by the executive of Maccabi Australia including Lisa Borowick, President, Barry Smorgon, Chairman, Maccabi Australia, Harry Procel, Head of Delegation, Sam Parasol and Jeff Houseman.

Ms Borowick decided to initiate the Embassy staff as professional supporters of the 416 Aussie athletes and provided them with hats and T-Shirts to fortify their commitment.

In his speech to the guests Ambassador Sharma noted the quirky tales that are unique to the delegation such as the rugby team, with five sets of brothers, in a 26-player side, the women’s hockey teams which are also a sibling affair, and of course the romantic story of Bec and Adam Joseph, soccer players who met at the 2005 Games, got engaged at the 2009 Games and returned to 2013 games with their new baby.

Sharma, an avid sportsman himself, who has had no luck in passing on his sports genes to his next of kin, concluded his words with a personal plea to his guests that they use their powers of persuasion to convince his daughters to show some interest in sport.