Oatley Electorate Achievements

Hansard ID: HANSARD-1323879322-105007

Hansard session: Fifty-Sixth Parliament, First Session (56-1)

Oatley Electorate Achievements

Mr MARK COURE (Oatley) (21:30:32):

In probably my last private member's statement for this term of government I speak regarding Christmas felicitations. In the last sitting week of Parliament I think it is important to reflect on this Government's achievements and to recognise the hardworking individuals who have made this year the year that it was. I congratulate all members on an interesting, challenging but rewarding year in the New South Wales Parliament. I wish all members and their families a restful and enjoyable Christmas period before we gear up into full campaign mode for the 2019 election—some would say that I have been in that campaign mode since 2011.

There are so many individuals, officers and groups that I acknowledge and thank today. I thank the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker, the Assistant Speaker, and all Temporary Speakers for their services and for ensuring that our work in Parliament is done productively and fairly. This is not a role that I envy. We know firsthand just how challenging this position can be when the House does not come to order—I think I am on three calls. I thank them for their immeasurable patience. I also thank the Government and Opposition whips, and Deputy whips for their service, and wish them a merry Christmas.

Out of all my parliamentary colleagues, my appreciation goes first and foremost to a great friend of mine, the Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian, the leader of our State. Gladys has been a huge support in 2018. I thank her for her leadership and vision for our local communities and, more broadly, for our State. Having the Premier as the special guest at my eighth annual St George Community Awards night was a highlight this year. Welcomed by a room of more than 600, people in my electorate highly regard the Premier as a friend of the local area and as a leader who delivers for our community.

Under this Government we have received a lot locally. I could be here all night and tomorrow if I went through every one of our achievements. I will begin with one of my signature achievements—that is, the upgrade of St George Hospital. More than $350 million has been spent at St George Hospital. We have put money into the cancer care centre, we have reopened the hydrotherapy pool—closed by Labor—and more recently we upgraded the birthing unit at a cost of $11.5 million. In addition, there have been train station upgrades and commuter car parks at Oatley and Narwee, and Beverly Hills has started. There has been record investment into school upgrades, including a brand new Penshurst Public School, upgrades to Penshurst West Public School and much more. There have been long-awaited road upgrades such as the widening of King Georges Road, and money for a new police station at Hurstville.

I could go on about the many projects that this Government has delivered for my local area but I simply want to highlight how instrumental the Premier has been in this process. She has actively listened to my petitioning and regular nagging, and for that I am extremely grateful. I also thank the Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, for ensuring that our State is number one for jobs and economic growth after recording the lowest unemployment rate in more than a decade. The Treasurer has done nothing but add to my electorate through record funding investments in areas such as schools and hospitals, unlike the Labor Government, which saw the closure of Narwee High School, and cuts to schools and hospitals.

Working with Minister Andrew Constance since January 2017 in this portfolio has been a rewarding experience, and I thank the Minister and his staff for their assistance this year.I thank all Ministers and their offices across a variety of portfolios for their attention to the needs of my local community, whether it be attending multicultural festivals with Minister Williams, holding seniors' forums with Minister Davies or announcing the latest funding for a sporting group in my electorate with Minister Ayres. I appreciate the time they take to visit my electorate. It has been a pleasure working with Ministers and their staff.

Being Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Infrastructure is a role for which I am incredibly grateful. It has been a great privilege to announce the completion of many infrastructure projects across New South Wales, as well as projects such as station upgrades and commuter car parks.

I extend a special thankyou to Ian, Danny, April, Peter and the rest of the Legislative Assembly team, whose smiles and spirited conversation I always enjoy. I also thank the Hansard team, who do an impeccable job making me sound coherent and polished at all times. Like every other member of this House, my job is one of enormous responsibility and I do not take for granted the privilege of representing the people of Oatley. I thank them for entrusting me to represent and to serve them.

I cannot conclude this speech without acknowledging my electorate office staff—Team Coure: Shane, Diandra, Astrid, and Chris Ashton, who just left. They have been instrumental in keeping my office running when I am out and about. I am extremely grateful for their hard work. Finally, I thank my family. I look forward to giving them my undivided attention over the brief Christmas holiday period. In just a few short months, James will be starting big school at Mortdale Public School, which is a huge milestone for my family. I thank my wife, Adla, for being my greatest motivation and support. I thank James for bringing joy and adventure into every area of my life. From my family to yours, we wish everyone a very merry Christmas.