In the House – Wednesday 21 June 2023

It was a diverse day of private members’ business for the Legislative Council on Wednesday, with the introduction of a bill concerning ‘wellbeing’ budget indicators; the establishment of a committee to inquire into birth trauma; and several other motions debated. As has been the case over the last sitting weeks, the night brought the first speech of another of the House’s newest members too. Read on for more…

INTRODUCED: FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AMENDMENT (WELLBEING BUDGET) BILL 2023

The Fiscal Responsibility Amendment (Wellbeing Budget) Bill 2023 was introduced by the Hon Abigail Boyd (The Greens). The bill seeks to amend the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 to redefine the principles of sound financial management in NSW. During her second reading speech, Ms Boyd noted that currently the primary objective of the Act is maintaining the state’s AAA credit rating. The bill seeks to broaden that objective to a more diverse measure of ‘wellbeing’, including intergenerational equity, maintaining essential public assets and services under public ownership and control, and increasing the long-term economic, social, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the state.

After its introduction, debate on the bill was adjourned for five calendar days according to standing order.

INQUIRY INTO BIRTH TRAUMA ESTABLISHED

On the motion of the Hon Emma Hurst (Animal Justice Party), the House agreed to establish a select committee to inquire into the prevention of birth trauma in NSW. Visit Hansard to read the full debate, including amendments moved to the original motion. The inquiry can be followed on the Parliament’s website.

FIRST SPEECH OF THE HON RACHEL MERTON

The Hon Rachel Merton (Liberal) was among those new members elected to the Council at the March state election. On Wednesday evening, she gave her first speech in the presence of colleagues and family, outlining the values and experiences that have led her to the NSW Parliament.

Her first speech can be found in full in the Hansard record. Below are photos from Ms Merton’s speech, as well as her swearing in during Opening of Parliament proceedings back in May.

GENERAL MOTIONS

The following motions were debated in the House over the course of the day:

Topic of motion (click link for details)	Moved by	Agreed to?
Greta bus tragedy	The Hon Emily Suvaal (Labor)	Agreed to
First Lap voucher program	The Hon Natalie Ward on behalf of the Hon Taylor Martin (Liberal)	Negatived on division (Ayes: 16/Noes: 20)
Resources for Regions program	The Hon Sarah Mitchell (Nationals)	Agreed to, as amended
Short-term rental accommodation	Ms Cate Faehrmann (The Greens)	Agreed to on division (Ayes: 19/Noes: 17)
Public sector wage offer	The Hon Damien Tudehope (Liberal)	Negatived on division (Ayes: 13/Noes: 23)
NSW Cannabis Cautioning Scheme	The Hon Jeremy Buckingham (Legalise Cannabis Party)	Agreed to on division (Ayes: 19/Noes: 15)
Falls from heights in workplaces	The Hon Mark Buttigieg (Labor)	Agreed to
Heritage protection in NSW	The Hon Peter Primrose (Labor)	Agreed to
Innovation, industry and science grants	The Hon Jacqui Munro (Liberal)	Negatived

In addition to the above motions debated in the chamber, the following motions were agreed to without debate, during the morning’s formal business:

• Passing of Emeritus Professor David Penington AC, moved by the Hon Jeremy Buckingham (Legalise Cannabis Party)
• Women in sport, moved by Dr Amanda Cohn (The Greens)
• Sette Giugno anniversary commemoration service, moved by the Hon Mark Buttigieg (Labor)
• Labour shortages, moved by the Hon Robert Borsak (Shooters, Fishers and Farmers) on behalf of the Hon Tania Mihailuk (One Nation)

REPORTS TABLED AND REPORTED IN THE HOUSE

Among the reports tabled in the chamber on Wednesday was the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Coercive Control) Act 2022 – Statutory Report (a June 2023 report of the Coercive Control Implementation and Evaluation Taskforce).

A full list of other documents received and tabled can be found in the Tabled Papers Database.