Hi Allegra,

The weather is heating up and so are our efforts to secure Wentworth a new public high school.

Read on for updates on our high school petition, a recent roundtable with local start-ups and some exciting updates from last week.

Catch my Press Club Address

It was such a privilege to speak at the National Press Club last week and make the case for the economic reform that “politics as usual” has failed to deliver.

Australia is truly an incredible country - but the cracks are showing. We need to address serious problems relating to housing, productivity and industrial relations,

I spoke about the need for bolder, more courageous, and more systemic economic reform in Australia - and presented an offer that I would work with anyone in the Parliament willing to commit to it.

You can read more about my speech in the SMH here and watch it in full on ABC iView here.

Bringing together local innovators and start-ups

Our area is blessed with incredible innovation and dynamism.

But when I talk to local start-ups, they tell me how hard it is right now to start and grow a successful company.

The other week I convened a roundtable with local entrepreneurs and people from VCs and startups. We discussed the challenges facing young firms, particularly around accessing early-stage capital and we brainstormed the role of government in addressing common pain points.

Some things I am pushing for right now is a review of superannuation rules to better back early-stage startups and VCs and I am also looking at ways public sector procurement can be more open to innovative, young companies.

I walked away with an enormous appreciation for the people and companies that make up Wentworth’s growing innovation community. I am even more convinced that we have all the drawcards to be a real innovation hub if we can get the federal support right. Thanks to everyone who joined me!

An incredible evening with Suzie Miller and Jess Hill

Our event last week with Suzie and Jess was one of our best yet!

Over 300 of you came along to listen to an incredible conversation around consent, coercive control and domestic violence.

We heard some fascinating perspectives of the two women, both very well-respected voices in their domains.

They spoke about their journeys in advocacy in this space, the gaps in our system, and the need for legislative reform.

They both also touched on the importance of language - how we write and speak about women in the media or around the dinner table.

Thank you to everyone who joined us - and keep an eye on my socials and these updates for future exciting events like this one.

Unfortunately due to venue capacity, this event was sold out. So in case you missed it you can view a recording below.

Momentum is building for a new public school!

Over 2000 of you are already calling for better public education choices in the East.

This incredible result shows there is so much community support for a new public school in our area.

But we still have a long way to go.

I need your help sharing this petition with your friends and family so we can make the state government listen to our community.

There are already positive signs...

I have been working with a local architect to design a blueprint for a school in the Edgecliff Centre – which is currently up for redevelopment. The site is central, has great access to green spaces and public transport and would still retain some retail space.

It looks very special, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

But time is running out.

This opportunity may not be around for long. The owners have already lodged a different development application for the site.

With increased development planned for our local area, the need for more public education has never been greater. We need the state government to use its power and push through our plan for a new public high school in the east.

Sign my petition and help me make them listen.

Politics on Zoom with Doctors for the Environment

Rising temperatures, environmental degradation and increasingly catastrophic natural disasters are all terrifying outcomes of the climate crisis we face. But what impact are these events having on our physical and mental health?

I will be joined by Professor Nicholas Talley, Chair of Doctors for the Environment and Dr Cybele Dey, psychiatrist and paediatrician for a discussion on Zoom on November 25th at 7pm.

Submit your questions for via the RSVP form below.

If it matters to you it matters to me.

Allegra Spender MP

Your Independent Federal Member for Wentworth