It was a busy private members’ day in the Council on Wednesday with an inaugural speech, several motions debated and a bill related to abortion law introduced. Four orders for papers were also agreed to, including those related to the use of vehicles by Ministers and the development of Moore Park Golf Course. Read on for more…
INAUGURAL SPEECH – THE HON NICHOLE OVERALL
On Wednesday, the Hon Nichole Overall (The Nationals) gave her first speech as a member of the Legislative Council. Mrs Overall was elected to the Council last week to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation last year of the Hon Sam Farraway.
First speeches, also known as inaugural speeches and formerly called ‘maiden’ speeches, are an important part of parliamentary life, a moment of achievement and a platform as new members step onto the parliamentary stage for the first time – or make their comeback in a different House!
In her speech, Mrs Overall paid tribute to the Nationals Party women who have come before her and spoke of her hope to make a real lasting impact for the people of regional, rural and remote New South Wales. The transcript can be found here.
INTRODUCED – Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025
Wednesday also saw the introduction of the Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Health Care Access) Bill 2025 by Dr Amanda Cohn (The Greens). This private members’ bill seeks to amend the Abortion Law Reform Act 2019 to increase access to abortion health care.
In her second reading speech, Dr Cohn outlined four key changes to the Act that the bill would make. It would firstly insert a new provision requiring that the Minister for Health ensure that abortion services are provided throughout the State within a reasonable distance of residents’ homes, and that information about access to abortion services is made publicly available.
Amendments would also expand the class of health practitioners who may perform a termination on a person who is not more than 22 weeks pregnant to include prescribed health practitioners defined as a medical practitioner, an endorsed midwife, a nurse practitioner or another registered health practitioner as prescribed by regulation. Amendments would additionally require practitioners with a conscientious objection to performing abortion to refer to another practitioner who can provide the service. Finally, the bill would remove a current section in the Act requiring a medical practitioner who performs a termination of pregnancy to notify the secretary within 28 days.
Find the full second reading speech here in the Hansard record.
Following the bill’s introduction, debate was adjourned for five days, according to standing order.
GENERAL MOTIONS
The following motions were debated in the House over the course of the day:
| Topic of motion | Moved by | Agreed to? |
| Timber and Hardwood Industry | The Hon Tania Mihailuk (Independent) | Agreed to, as amended, on division (Ayes: 33/Noes: 6) |
| Child Abuse and Working with Children Checks | The Hon Emma Hurst (Animal Justice Party) | Agreed to |
| Teacher Vacancy Rates and Public Education | The Hon Emily Suvaal (Labor) | Agreed to on division (Ayes: 19/Noes: 15) |
| Microplastics and Wastewater Treatment | Ms Cate Faehrmann (The Greens) | Agreed to |
| Unions affiliated to the Australian Labor Party | The Hon Chris Rath (Liberal) | Agreed to, as amended, on division (Ayes: 22/Noes: 15) |
| Population policy in New South Wales | The Hon Jeremy Buckingham (Legalise Cannabis Party) | Agreed to |
| Statement by the United Muslim Community | The Hon Jacqui Munro (Liberal) | Agreed to, as amended |
In addition to the above motions debated in the chamber, the following motions were agreed to without debate, during the morning’s formal business:
- Next25 Transforming Parliament for Women Conference, moved by the Hon Jacqui Munro (Liberal)
- Passing of Dr David Keegan, moved by the Hon Emily Suvaal (Labor)
- Brazil Week 2025, the Hon Mark Buttigieg (Labor)
- Streetwork Report, moved by the Hon Aileen MacDonald (Liberal)
- Opening of Foundry Theatre, moved by the Hon Jacqui Munro (Liberal)
- Lunar New Year and Buddhist Blessing Ceremony 2025, also moved by Ms Munro
- International Library Lovers’ Day 2025, moved by the Hon Bob Nanva, on behalf of the Hon Peter Primrose (Labor)
- Gidget House Armidale and Tresillian Family Care Centre, also moved by Mr Nanva on behalf of Mr Primrose
- Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters – Membership, moved by the Hon Penny Sharpe (Labor)
- Passing of Audrey Koosmen OAM, moved by the Hon Penny Sharpe (Labor)
Orders for papers
| Request | Moved by | Agreed to? | Due date |
| Moore Park Golf Course and Moore Park South | The Hon Scott Farlow (Liberal) | Agreed to | 19/03/2025 |
| Dubbo Sports Hub Project | The Hon Sarah Mitchell (Nationals) | Agreed to, as amended | 12/03/2025 |
| Innovation Blueprint | The Hon Jacqui Munro (Liberal) | Agreed to | 12/03/2025 |
| Office holder vehicle and aviation use | The Hon Mark Latham (Independent) | Agreed to, as amended | 12/03/2025 |