Hi Allegra,

It's been an exciting few weeks in Wentworth. Here is an update on how I've been engaging with the community, some upcoming events and resources, and an exciting opportunity for students to deliver a speech at Parliament House!

Join me at the Wentworth Housing Forums

Want to join the discussion on how we can address the housing crisis?

Then come along to one, or both, of my Housing Forums.

Forum #1: What does good housing policy look like?

26th July, 6pm-8pm at Church in the Marketplace, Bondi Junction

Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing people in Wentworth and across the country.

At the first of two dedicated housing forums, we'll hear from the Grattan Institute and Shelter Australia about the current status of housing in Wentworth and Australia. This will be followed by interactive sessions where you can give your feedback and we'll discuss what our goals are as a community for the future of housing policy.

Forum #2: What are Wentworth's priorities to address the housing crisis?

24th August, 6pm-8pm at Church in the Marketplace, Bondi Junction

Please join us for the second of two dedicated forums to share your ideas on the policies and solutions you’d like to see. This will be followed by an expert panel discussion to explore these options.

We'd love it if you can come to both forums, but if you can only make one of them, my team will be on hand to capture as much individual feedback as possible.

Politics in the Pub

A couple of weeks ago it was fantastic to see nearly two hundred of you at Politics in the Pub, where I was joined by Hannah Ferguson, CEO of Cheek Media. It was a great discussion and I loved seeing so many new faces.

If you couldn't make it, click the links below to see what I'm doing on some of the most important issues you raised:

Combatting our Housing Crisis.

Fighting for a Better Climate.

Standing up for Women and Girls.

Securing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament.

Strengthening Environmental Legislation.

Working Towards a Healthier Community.

GPs Forum

The other week I convened a group of local GPs to listen to their concerns about the issues they are facing, recent changes in the federal budget and the delivery of primary healthcare in Wentworth. We discussed complexity in delivering high-quality medical care, managing technology, adapting to changes during COVID-19, cost of living pressures, and frequent changes to Medicare items.

I have written to Minister Mark Butler to share these concerns and plan to hold another health forum later this year that I can continue to listen to the community.

You can find details of health-related measures in the Federal Budget here.

With You We Can - Supporting victims of sexual assault

Recently I met with a constituent who shared with me their organisation, With You We Can. The organisation supports and empowers the victims of sexual assault, by demystifying the police and legal processes for victims of sexual violence, and working to improve them.

Stigma, suspicion and a lack of support are key contributors to explaining why only 10% of sexual assaults are reported. With You We Can is doing amazing work to help change that. To access their valuable resources, visit their website.

If you or anyone you know requires assistance, please reach out to the following helpline numbers:

• 1800 RESPECT: National helpline for individuals experiencing sexual assault, domestic or family violence.
• NSW CRISIS CENTRE: Helpline specifically for crisis situations in New South Wales. Call 1800 424 017.

Apply for the My First Speech Competition

Are you in Years 10-12 and want to have a say in our national parliament (or do you know someone who is)? Then here is an exciting opportunity for you!

The First Speech competition will fly three lucky students, accompanied by a parent or guardian, to Canberra to present their speeches live and undertake a program at Parliament House. It's a chance to make your voice heard on a national stage and be part of shaping our country's future.

Entries for the competition close at 5pm EST on August 11, 2023.

Find out more at www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech

If you have feedback or questions, please get in touch by emailing me on [email protected].

Thanks for your support,

Allegra Spender MP