Hi Vicky,

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two months since the election and the first sitting week of Parliament is just around the corner. Our office is already hard at work responding to constituents, and I’ve had lots of discussions with our community on a range of issues.

One story that I know has been deeply felt by many of us over the past week is the alleged child sexual abuse that occurred in Melbourne childcare centres.

Like so many parents, I was absolutely horrified by the news – and my heart goes out to all families affected.

While it’s a relief that the alleged offender has been arrested, this is a devastating reminder that we need systemic reform in our childcare system, because unfortunately this is not the first time we’ve heard of serious abuse and neglect in our childcare centres.

I know this is so important to many of our young families here in Wentworth, and I’ll be continuing to advocate for reform.

In the meantime, I wanted to share some useful resources for parents who might be feeling anxious about what they can do to protect our children:

• Bravehearts – visit their website for lots of free resources for parents on how to recognise and respond to abuse
• Check your provider’s rating – Go to startingblocks.gov.au to find your childcare provider and see their national standards rating
• Report any concerns – If your child is in immediate danger, please call 000. Otherwise, you can ring the NSW regulatory body on 1800 619 113.

As always, my office is here to support you in any way we can so please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Back to Parliament

As Parliament returns, I’ll be sending out an email later this week outlining my core priorities for the term ahead – but in the meantime I wanted to share some other important updates, including some good news on energy bills, community events, and how to connect in person.

I had an eye-opening chat to parents Myfanwy and Ben about their experience as parents of multiple births. How gorgeous are their little ones: Ophelia, Violet and Ivy - and yes, they're triplets!

July 1 Changes: Cheaper home batteries!

Starting last week on July 1st, a range of government changes officially kicked in – including a new scheme that will make household batteries around 30% cheaper for eligible households and small businesses.

This is fantastic news for both our wallets and our climate, and something I’ve pushed hard for since the last term, when I was proud to second Helen Haines’ Cheaper Home Batteries Bill. It demonstrates what a strong crossbench can deliver, and how climate action can mean real savings for Australians. If you’d like to learn more about your eligibility, please click here for more info.

I am delighted to see other changes such as expanded paid parental leave which I have campaigned hard for. Below is a full list of what you need to know:

Bullying Survey Results

Recently, the government announced an Anti-Bullying Rapid Review following the heartbreaking suicide of a Year 7 Sydney student.

I wanted to make a submission on behalf of Wentworth as I know bullying is a huge issue in our community. To understand your concerns, I recently ran an online bullying survey and conducted some workshops with primary and high school students.

You can read the submission we made here and see the key findings below. I want to thank everyone who participated in the survey and workshops, as your voice shaped my submission.

What’s on in the community

NAIDOC Week wraps up today, but there's still time to head to:

• Wayside Chapel for a special Sunday service at 11am or
• Centennial Park for NAIDOC at the Park, starting at 3pm.

Save the date for our first Politics in the Pub this term, happening on Thursday August 14^th at Potts Point Hotel.

Come say hello! Hearing from the community is one of the most important parts of this job – so we’re back to running weekly pop-up offices.

The next one will be at Bondi Markets on Saturday July 26th, andI’d love to have a chat. If you can’t make this one, we’ll be publishing other dates on our website so you can stay up to date there.

In the media

🎙️ 2GB - on the importance of tax reform and what I’m hearing from the community.

📺 Afternoon Briefing – discussing childcare, Abundance, tax reform and why women sometimes need to invite themselves to meetings!

📺 Sky News - on the RBA's decision to hold interest rates, tariffs, tax reform and antisemitism

Thank you so much for reading - and as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts so please reach out with what’s on your mind.

Warm regards,

Allegra