I stand before you today with mixed emotions. It is hard for me to believe that I am delivering this speech to you today in this place of great tradition. I do so with gratitude to so many people who have brought me here, wanting so much to do a good job for the people of the Shellharbour electorate.

Shellharbour is the fastest growing electorate on the eastern sea board of NSW. We moved to Shellharbour in 1992 and built a home there with my husband Peter and two children Sophie and Joseph. My children were educated at the local catholic school Stella Maris in Shellharbour village. Then St Josephs Albion Park and my son attended Edmund Rice College which I later learned because the canteen was better there.

I will talk today about the Shellharbour electorate and some of the people who live in it. My electorate starts from Kanahooka, then Dapto, Hayward’s Bay, Yallah, Albion Park Rail, Mt Brown, Oak Flats, Flinders, Blackbutt, Mt Warrigal, Warilla, Lake Illawarra, Shellharbour, Balarang, Avondale Penrose and Barrack Point.

It is made up of young singles, couples, married people with children and retirees. The electorate of Shellharbour is pure coastal bliss framed by the magnificent Illawarra escarpment .It is untouched with no high rise. Its natural beauty is boundless. The people who live in my electorate are salt of the earth working class people.

The day after the election I visited the Surfrider caravan park, which had been devastated in a once- in- a- hundred year flash flood. The owners and management of the Surfrider caravan park were explaining to myself and Narelle Clay from Southern Youth and Family Services, that many of the residents did not have much to lose, however they lost what little they had. We visited many of the caravans which are homes to the residents of the Surfrider.

Many were elderly and lived alone. One couple Jenny Stewart and her husband are quite ill. Mr Stewart suffers from chronic arthritis and gout while Jenny has server breathing difficulties and is battling cancer. The Stewarts caravan was one of 173 caravans that were damaged or destroyed. While talking with the Stewarts about the problems they faced, Jenny sighed and said "oh well there are people a lot worse off than us."

I could not believe how a family who had just lost everything including floors, furniture, computer and fridges could be so humble. As we continued to meet with residents of the caravan park we noticed that they were all out helping each other clean up the mess that the storm had left. They were laughing and working with each other. I realised then that the people at Surfrider were a united strong and resourceful people. It was heartbreaking to see what they had lost however they are very proud of what they do have.

This spirit runs through the veins of people in Shellharbour. I would take this opportunity to thank Kristina Keneally for her visit to Shellharbour and her kind words to the residents. Kristina has always been a good friend to the people of the Illawarra and is warmly thought of in the South. Her compassion, friendship and understanding did not go unnoticed.

I have here today in the gallery my family. My father John Harwood is here and I know he is immensely proud. My mother Maria Harwood cannot be with us today as she has recently suffered a minor stroke and is still in hospital. My parents are and have been the best parents anyone could ask for. They never stop giving advise whether or not you want it. My twin brother Sean and his wife Jenny are also present and their children Sam, Nathan and Alana are here. They are great kids and take pleasure in tormenting their auntie at every opportunity. My sister Kate and husband Lander and her children Calum and Finn could not be here today but again the kids are lovely. I would like to mention my younger brother Tim, who cannot be here today as he lives and works in Dubai with his wife Rhonda and their children Sarah and Xaiver.

My daughter Sophie who is a journalist is in the gallery with her partner Andrew, and my son Joseph is also here with his partner Katie. My grandmother passed away a few years ago; however as a loving grandmother and staunch Labor comrade from long ago, I know she is watching down on me today. I would also like to mention my extended family here today. My mother was one of 12 and my father one of 5. I am lucky enough to have some of them here today and thank them for making the journey.

I was born and raised in an amazing extended family; all staunch Labor and trade union supporters. I have early memories of painting banners for waterside workers marches and demonstrations. My Nan; whom I mentioned earlier, was the live- in caretaker of the union rooms in Sussex Street. I spent a lot of time there as a child, most of my uncles and my father were waterfront workers including both of my grandfathers. My twin brother Sean is a Captain of the pilot boat at Port Kembla, and I am very proud to say that now my son Joseph is carrying on the tradition, securing a job as a linesman also at Port Kembla. Joe is 5th generation MUA member.

I can remember people crowding the hall and singing songs of solidarity accompanied by a woman on the piano. The wharfies had their banner room out the back which was a constant source of amusement for Sean and I.

I come from a working class world. My mother worked at the shop assistants union for Ernie O’Dea. The love and support of my family is what has brought me to this point in my life, along with the education I was given both in and out of school. I can remember sitting at our dining room table talking about industrial matters on the water front and stop work meetings.

The conversation more often than not revolved around politics. My family were outraged after the dismissal of Gough Whitlam. I am a product of my upbringing, and very, very proud to have been born into a family where social justice, fairness, compassion and unity were central to our lives.

My two brothers and sister often discuss politics and I have always wanted to make things better in the community. I could see as I got older the divide between the haves and the have nots. It always seemed unfair to me and even more so given we are such a young country where opportunity should be a result of hard work and determination, not the bank balance of your parents or the school you attended.

In 1992 I was living in my parent’s garage with my husband Peter and our babies Sophie and Joe. A difficult time but once again, the unconditional support of my parents continued to serve. Land and house prices in Sydney had become far too expensive, so we decided to look farther-a-field. By chance one day I found a block of land on Cygnet Avenue, in Blackbutt Shellharbour, behind what are now Bunnings and Woolworths.

It had beautiful views over Lake Illawarra and the escarpment. We purchased the block, and built our first home, and I can tell you, the best move we ever made was moving to the Illawarra over 20 years ago Shellharbour was a fledging area which offered everything for our young couples starting out, and we soon became part of the community. Our children had all of their schooling in Shellharbour, culminating 2 years ago with our beautiful daughter graduating with a degree in Journalism from the University of Wollongong.

My husband Peter has been a truck driver, and for the last 9 years has owned and operated his own transport business. Myself, I first worked for the Commonwealth Bank, then St. George Bank, followed by several years at a medical fund. It was there I rediscovered my strong belief in worker’s rights, and became the union delegate.

My passion for fighting for the rights of workers was noticed by a union organiser by the name of Rudi Oppitts. He asked me if I would be interested in perusing my passion with the Australian Services Union (ASU) as an organiser. I accepted the offer and it changed my life forever. I had found my true vocation in life, working and fighting for what people like my Nan had established long ago. So I feel it’s a natural progression for me to move from the union to politics.

Having grown up and lived in such an environment, it is no surprise that I endeavoured into a career with the Trade Union movement. I have worked as a Union Organiser with the United Services Union for 12 years. In this role I have advocated and represented workers in the services area including Local Government. I have learnt that local government workers are the backbone of the community. They build and maintain roads, bridges , parks and gardens , water and sewerage , local swimming pools ,they patrol our beaches, educate our pre schoolers, and administer civic centres and offices throughout New South Wales.

The United Services Union is the principle union in Local Government in New South Wales and has delivered a better way of life for its members and employees in Local Government, such as negotiating the award and collective agreements, protecting rates of pay, and conditions of employment, protecting workers from unfair dismissals through conciliation and or arbitration. They are also responsible for campaigning around the health and safety of workers in local government and provide industry reference groups with appropriate information.

The achievements of the United Services Union are many, with 40,000 members across NSW, and I am honoured to say I have been a part of that success.

I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors who are now lifelong friends at the USU in the Wollongong office. Graeme Kelly now general secretary and Jack Klower who is now retired and held the position the Southern Regions industrial officer. I call recall one occasion when the Cudgegong Abattoirs dispute saw approximately 300 employees retrenched without notice leaving them with wages and

entitlements owing to the value of $5.3 million dollars, this was after directors of the company increased their director fees, paid themselves those fees and then announced that they would be closing as the company was broke.

The united services union led by Graeme Kelly, Jack Klower, USU local organiser and rugby league legend TV Ted Ellery, and then general secretary Brian Harris, and all members who fought tirelessly for months organising picket lines, food hampers, and financial assistance to the members assisting them through a very dark period in Mudgees history.

Eventually after nearly 10 months of intense campaigning, the members received all monies owing to them through a collective effort of the United Services Union and the NSW Labor Government, in particular the then minister for Local government the Hon Tony Kelly and the premier Bob Carr, the general Manager of Mudgee Shire Council Mr Garry Styles,

This is only one story of what the USU has done for its members. People such as Graeme Kelly and Jack Klower have had such an impact on me as an official of the union. While at times I was often the target of torment and jest, where it not for Graham Kelly and Jack Klower I would not be standing in this place today delivering this speech. So it is with the greatest of respect, gratitude, admiration and friendship that I thank both Graeme and Jack for their continuous support and assistance they gave me throughout my time at the USU, as well as the USU Executive. I will always treasure my time at the USU, and will remember it warmly.

I take seriously my role as a newly elected Member of Parliament. I take seriously my obligations to represent constituents in the Shellharbour electorate and also across NSW. It is without doubt an honour and a privilege.

I believe I represent the best electorate in NSW with the most down to earth, and lovely people in NSW. I will not take my position as their voice in this place for granted and will work hard for the trust and confidence placed in me.

MADAM SPEAKER

During the election campaign and since I have been elected, I have talked to numerous people along with countless groups, community organisations, and businesses. I look forward to be part of the NSW Parliament because I believe Government has a responsibility to do far more to eliminate or at least progressively reduce poverty, homelessness and unemployment.

We can work towards increasing awareness about the importance of safety for women and children, and we must implement strategies and direct resources to really reduce the incidence of domestic violence and child abuse. The structural causes of these social problems can be addressed with policies, resources, and political will.

I believe that we need to deliver Government in a way that delivers human rights to the Australian people, and in our case, to the people of New South Wales. The human rights of our citizens can be upheld in many ways. One of the ways I believe the essential role of Government to ensure the provision of public, affordable, accessible, quality and appropriate goods and services to all in the community not just those who can afford it.

Schools, hospitals, health services, emergency services including short supported accommodation, support services, legal services, social housing and public transport must be available and accessible to all and this will contribute to an improved quality of life for all, and a strengthened and responsive community. I want, we all want, a socially just society.

As I mentioned earlier, at the time of the election some parts of my Shellharbour electorate were flooded. The speed at which this happened was a frightening feature and many people were quite unprepared. The flood resulted in the sad death of one man and any people faced damage to their property. On the Sunday after I was elected I spent some time with the residents of the Caravan Park at Barrack Point. Some still had no hot water; some had not yet been able to return. Some of the residents were confused, some had serious health problems and many had no financial resources in savings. Many were on social housing waiting lists. Many were unemployed. Many were elderly. Many needed practical assistance. Yet their courage was obvious and their resilience clear. Their optimism was high and their warmth and genuine appreciation for any help they received was heart warming.

I saw generous people bring cooked meals for them, Staff from Southern Youth and Family Services and showed up with crates of baked vegetables and chickens, a home cooked baked dinner, neighbours and community workers rallied with support, a church group just arrived with a barbeque to cheer the Residents and the SES volunteers did a sterling job. This was a strong, well linked, kind, and generous community and one that I am proud to support as well as represent.

Governments should direct resources to overcome disadvantage. I was reminded recently when listening to a speech given by a long term community worker from my area, Shellharbour, at the recent May Day celebrations Narelle Clay, of the importance of holding firm to our values about what sort of people are we and what sort of community do we want.

Narelle commented that her family had drummed into her that she was fortunate, had a loving family, secure housing, education leading to employment, and as a child and young person she was constantly reminded of the responsibility that went with that fortunate up bringing. Responsibility to “Contribute and give back to the community” and “Not to whinge but do something about that’s wrong” leading to the responsibility to advocate and speak up for those in the community who are doing it tough.

As a Member of the NSW Parliament, and as someone who has also had a fortunate upbringing, I commit to work towards improving the standard and quality of life for all those in NSW. I commit to upholding the responsibility bestowed on me to represent and advocate for those who need our support and our assistance.

A strong community is one that has strong infrastructure and strong and productive industries. The Shellharbour area is part of the broader Illawarra area and the steel industry, the port and the mines are proud and essential industries to the prosperity of the area. The public service, the retail, the hospitality, the tourism, the community services industry, and the health and education sectors are also important and essential to the economy in the area. I am committed to supporting the growth of the Port Kembla Port.

I would like to thank the people of the Shellharbour electorate for their support and I will not let you down. I have been inspired and supported by some good people and I would like to mention a few special people, Garry Keane of the MUA, Andy Gillespie of the AWU, Narelle Clay, Tye McMahon, Jenny Kazman, Lou Stefonovski, Tome Dimovski, David Hamilton, Dana Nelse, Young Labor members such as Sara Howson and Peter Hughes and Dom Wilcox, the Macedonian community. I would like to sincerely and respectfully thank ALP head office in particular Sam Dastyari, Courntney Roach, George Houssos and Chris Minz and all those who volunteered on Election Day.

I would like to take this opportunity to also thank Noreen Hay, who gave freely her advice, encouragement, her knowledge, her support and her friendship. Noreen, I will not forget your contribution and your kindness, I appreciate your assistance more than you may ever know. I will continue to seek your council, and look forward to working with you. The people of Wollongong are fortunate to have you represent them.

These people I have mentioned give of themselves every day to the community. They fight, they advocate, they support, they stick out their necks, win or lose, they come back time and time again to work for their community. I am fortunate to call these people my friends. I’d like to mention the support of my family. My parents, brothers, my sister, my sister in law, nieces and nephews, all who have loved me and encouraged me, they tell me honestly when I get it wrong, and they supported me unconditionally.

The state of NSW wants an honest and open government. So I charge the new O’Farrell Liberal leadership to be on their game, because I can promise you, Labor will be back!

The wonderful thing about having a vote is that we have the right to change our government. We have just witnessed such change in this past election. While the loss did hurt, I have faith in the party and in it’s leadership. My blood is truly red, and I am a Labor lady to my boot- straps.

I love the Illawarra region. I do have a vision for the area, one of my many concerns being youth unemployment. I want to attract business big and small to the Illawarra. I have strong views and beliefs on the environment, advances in technology, the energy crisis, teenage binge drinking, the economy, health and hospitals, the ageing generation, infrastructure and improvement, education, and a whole laundry list of issues. More than anything, I want prosperity for the Illawarra, the state, and the country.

I intend to always honour my family and hope they will be proud of the way I represent my electorate. I also intend to honour the people I represent in the electorate and across NSW, bust most of all; I intend to honour what is not only right, but what is fair.

So I do pledge to the people of Shellharbour that I will spend my time tirelessly working to make our small corner of heaven a better place than it already is.

Before I conclude here today, I will leave you with the following story.

When my husband Peter was a boy, his primary school, like any other, had a motto. “Nothing Without Labour” was the phrase. Well, my fellow parliamentarians, I can say unequivocally that my family, myself, this state, and this great country of ours, would indeed, be nothing…. without Labor.

Thank you.

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