9 April - General community update - Allegra Spender

Hi Vicky,

It’s been an anxious month with the war in the Middle East.

I know that conflict and its implications weigh heavily on many of us. Yesterday, a tentative two-week ceasefire was announced, and I hope that’s the first step towards a lasting peace.

Of course, there are many things in the world we can’t control, but that makes good policy which places Australia in a position of strength even more important.

To that end, I’ve continued to push for greater government transparency on fuel, a windfall tax on spiking gas profits, and tax reform. Earlier this month at the National Press Club, I launched my Personal Tax White Paper and my Tax Reform Now campaign, which has seen over 8,000 Australians email their MPs from around the country.

Update from Parliament

The Middle East conflict was a major focus in Question Time but with the opposition parties in disarray, it’s been up to the independents to take the lead in the push for good policy.

We’re seeing the impact of the conflict here. Many people were already doing it tough and now rising fuel prices are putting even more pressure on households and businesses. These are the issues I remain focused on.

Australians are understandably anxious about the implications for supply of fuel, fertilizers, building products and other commodities that flow through the Strait of Hormuz. I’ve been pushing for greater transparency and clearer information from government. Without that, public doubt and anxiety is inevitable, and I’m pleased to say which we’ve started to see greater transparency alongside legislative changes.

Since the start of the war, I’ve also been calling for the government to introduce a windfall war tax to ensure that the excess profits that would otherwise flow to gas exporters are better shared with Australian taxpayers. I was pleased to hear that after persistent pressure, the government has requested modelling on such a windfall war tax, as well as further changes to the PRRT and company income tax.

Australians deserve a fairer return on our resources and that will require reform of our resources tax, an issue I’ll have more to say on soon.

These are promising steps forward which reflect the sustained pressure from the community and crossbench. As we hear more, I'll keep you updated.

We also saw some important wins, including the passage of the High Seas Bill, a significant step forward in protecting our oceans and something that really matters to our coastal community. We also covered a wide range of issues, from veterans’ support to tax reform, and improving access to health and aged care.

Outside the chamber, it was just as busy, from visiting ANZAC Hall at the War Memorial, to meeting with the Jobs and Skills Commissioner and engaging with groups like Talent Beyond Boundaries, the Australian Union of Jewish Students and Screen Producers Australia. One of the highlights was speaking with students from St Catherine’s visiting Parliament House and hearing their perspectives.

I was also proud to stand alongside frontline organisations like OzHarvest, Foodbank and Homelessness Australia to call for greater support for the most vulnerable in the forthcoming budget.

Wins for Wentworth

Progress on national tax reform

Since launching my Personal Tax White Paper, we've had such a great community response - thank you so much to everyone who's shared their thoughts.

We've had so many emails, calls and messages from people right across Wentworth, and over 8,000 Australians have used our dedicated site to email their MPs directly, demanding action on a fairer tax system for working people. We've also had brilliant turnouts at community events - including a tax breakfast in North Bondi with economists Chris Richardson and Ken Henry, and a packed Politics in the Pub with Punters Politics.

I've heard from so many people who are frustrated by a system that isn't letting them get ahead despite doing everything right, as well as people who know they'd personally be worse off under my proposal but support it anyway because they think it's the right thing for this country.

The core idea of my proposal is to reduce the tax on income earned through work and pay for it by reducing some of the tax concessions on income from assets. This is budget neutral - meaning every dollar raised goes back to Australians through income tax cuts. Not a cent added to the budget deficit.

Thanks to the response from the community, the government is paying attention. I've met with the Treasurer and the Prime Minister to share the feedback I've had so far and will continue to put the pressure on as the May budget approaches. This is a genuine chance for reform and your voices are really helping me make the case, so please keep the feedback coming.

If you haven't already, you can download a digital copy of the White Paper at allegraspender.com.au/tax.

Flawed FOI Bill dumped

After sustained pressure from the crossbench, the government has dumped its proposed Freedom of Information Amendment Bill.

The bill would have weakened one of the public's most important accountability tools - broadening exemptions, introducing fees for applications, and discouraging whistle blowers.

I'm glad to see it's gone. There's still a lot more work to do on transparency and accountability in politics, but this is a good outcome for Australians.

Social cohesion in our schools

One of the issues I continue to hear most about from our community is social cohesion, and how we support young people to build respect and understanding across difference. This has taken on renewed urgency following the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.

It’s something I’ve been continuing to work on closely with school leaders across Wentworth. In February, we brought together 55 students and school leaders from public, independent and faith-based schools for a second student-led roundtable, to ensure young people’s experiences continue to shape this work.

It was again powerful to hear directly from students. What came through clearly is that young people want more opportunities to connect across schools, build relationships, and develop the skills to navigate difference and disagreement.

We followed the students roundtable with one for principals in March, and are now working with schools and students to develop a Wentworth Schools Social Cohesion Program. We will bring students together again next term, with strong support from school leaders, to begin turning these ideas into practical, cross-school activities over the coming year.

Community News

Another wonderful Ocean Lovers Festival!

It was lovely to be at this year's Ocean Lovers Festival at Bondi Beach - a brilliant celebration of our connection to the ocean and the importance of protecting it. There were so many great events and I was delighted to see so many of our vollies at the beach clean event! A huge congratulations and thank you to Anita, Carolyn and the team who run this festival every single year for the community.

School holiday activities

The school holidays are here! Here are some family-friendly things happening around Wentworth over the next few weeks:

Rising Makers Market is back again, featuring local rising artistic talent! Come along to the Boot Factory on Spring Street in Bondi Junction on Saturday 18 April to discover original art, handmade fashion, ceramics, jewellery, crafts and homewares created by young designers, makers and entrepreneurs aged 24 and under.
The Ingenia Parks Sydney Family Easter Show is returning and is bigger than ever. From the 8th of April to the 19th of April, families can enjoy Sydney's biggest Easter celebration at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, featuring a packed program of live entertainment, hands-on activities and classic show favourites.
To welcome the cooler months, Waverley Council is bringing back the hugely popular Bondi Firelight on 9th of April where you can gather by the shore for a cosy beach bonfire. Come down to Bondi Beach South, bring a picnic blanket and some marshmallows. This is an alcohol free event.

Nominate for NSW Volunteer of the Year

Nominations are now open for NSW Volunteer of the Year. If you know someone who would be perfect - you can nominate them here.

Join the Woolloomooloo Action Group

The 2026 Woolloomooloo Parade on Friday May 15th is coming up and this year's theme is Bush Turkeys! Our Woolloomooloo Action Group is looking for community members to help make costumes for the parade. It's a wonderful community tradition and a great way to get involved and meet your neighbours - all welcome, no experience needed.

To get involved, please email our office at [email protected]