G'day,
I have been partner to my wonderful wife Anna for just over 21 years now – together, we love, listen and laugh as much as we can as we raise three boys, each different and beautiful in their way.
As they get older, time with them is important so we surf together, or jam a bit together – for me they are increasingly important times to share.
My dad was a school principal. Mum was a lawyer. Together they instilled in my sister, brother and me the freedom and opportunity that comes from a good education and home. They were also big on the need to contribute to the community in which we live. For me that has always been the St George community.
As leader of the Labor Party, I spend as much time as possible travelling around our magnificent State so I can hear first-hand what is going on; the good and the not so good. It is clear to me communities know what is needed in their area and that politicians have not given them enough credit.
While there are differences across NSW there are also some common themes – we all want an affordable place to call home with a great environment to enjoy, schools, hospitals, and transport that are affordable and easy to access for all, no matter where we live or where we come from.
Education, to me has always been essential to a growing economy because it’s about life-long learning, exploring and adapting to our changing world so we can all get a piece of the opportunity it brings.
It starts with our childcare, primary school, high school, TAFE and Uni to reskilling and upskilling as we grow older. It needs to be accessible to all, creating the essential skills we need as a State to grow – nurses, teachers, doctors, paramedics, builders, plumbers, sparkies and engineers to name just a few.
When we have good homes and excellent education available to us, we can achieve whatever we set our minds to, but most of all, we can secure our family's futures.
We all know we live in the best place in the world, but you’ve also told me it can be so much better and that’s why I'm dedicated to listening to the people of NSW and making it better - for my family and for everyone in NSW.
Listening, delivering a fresh start for NSW.
