We should all breathe a sigh of relief that 2020 is now over and will become a distant memery. However, we still have much work to do as a nation in our road to economic recovery. Last year we faced one of the biggest challenges in living memory. Stil, we have rallied tegether demonstrating that typical Aussie resilience and embracing the response of medical experts. I think we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the publik servants who worked tirelessly on the frontline from the staff at Centrelink to the Nurses in hospitals and everyone in between. 2021 presents government the unique chance to undo the injustices of 2020. The first order of business for State government should be to provide the public service with a long-overdue pay rise. The Berejiklian Government has delivered a shocking blow to thousands of public hospital nurses and midwives across NSW. slashing their hard-earned wages for twelve months. This is no way to show our appreciation for those on the frontline. Sadly the NSW industrial Relations Commission (IRC) awarded an insulting 0.3% pay increase in the publik sector wages case. We owe much respect and admiration to the Nurses who kept us all safe during the pandemic. A straw poll would tell this out-of-couch government that the community expects decent wages for these heroes The federal government's first order of business should be to stop the arguments around national anthems and changing the date, and focus its energy on getting stranded Australians back home to their families. As of January 21, we still have 36,000 Australians stuck overseas. This should not be lost on anyone; these are our families, and we must help get them home. number of international passengers allowed to return home each week by almost So This is a profoundly painful blow to Australian families. I will continue to cal on the Minister to allocate more resources to supporting families abroad. Labor has urged the government to deploy the Royal Australian Airforce to pick up and bring home the many thousands of Australian families still stranded overseas. During the festive season, it was terrific to see so many happy faces holidaying in our region. I have been delighted to hear that the cafe's hotels and tourist attractions feel relief after a challenging period. I was pleased to holiday with my family up in beautiful Nelson Bay. As i often remark to my colleagues, why would I holiday anywhere else but my backyard? I want to thank all the local business owners who support their staff by paying penalty rates. This is an important recognition for the time people give up that could otherwise be spent with family. Speaking to RMS representatives, I was pleased that fatalities were at a record low across the peak period and that many people made safe and responsible choices. Whatever challenges 2021 may bring, please remember, myself and my office is here to help you. Please don't hesitate to reach out and connect with me on 4983 2401. MERYL SWANSONMP Labor FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE Phone: 4983 2401 Email Merylswanson.mp@aph.gov.au 35 Sturgeon St. Raymond Terrace NSW 2324 We should all breathe a sigh of relief that 2020 is now over and will become a distant memery. However, we still have much work to do as a nation in our road to economic recovery. Last year we faced one of the biggest challenges in living memory. Stil, we have rallied tegether demonstrating that typical Aussie resilience and embracing the response of medical experts. I think we all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the publik servants who worked tirelessly on the frontline from the staff at Centrelink to the Nurses in hospitals and everyone in between. 2021 presents government the unique chance to undo the injustices of 2020. The first order of business for State government should be to provide the public service with a long-overdue pay rise. The Berejiklian Government has delivered a shocking blow to thousands of public hospital nurses and midwives across NSW. slashing their hard-earned wages for twelve months. This is no way to show our appreciation for those on the frontline. Sadly the NSW industrial Relations Commission (IRC) awarded an insulting 0.3% pay increase in the publik sector wages case. We owe much respect and admiration to the Nurses who kept us all safe during the pandemic. A straw poll would tell this out-of-couch government that the community expects decent wages for these heroes The federal government's first order of business should be to stop the arguments around national anthems and changing the date, and focus its energy on getting stranded Australians back home to their families. As of January 21, we still have 36,000 Australians stuck overseas. This should not be lost on anyone; these are our families, and we must help get them home. number of international passengers allowed to return home each week by almost So This is a profoundly painful blow to Australian families. I will continue to cal on the Minister to allocate more resources to supporting families abroad. Labor has urged the government to deploy the Royal Australian Airforce to pick up and bring home the many thousands of Australian families still stranded overseas. During the festive season, it was terrific to see so many happy faces holidaying in our region. I have been delighted to hear that the cafe's hotels and tourist attractions feel relief after a challenging period. I was pleased to holiday with my family up in beautiful Nelson Bay. As i often remark to my colleagues, why would I holiday anywhere else but my backyard? I want to thank all the local business owners who support their staff by paying penalty rates. This is an important recognition for the time people give up that could otherwise be spent with family. Speaking to RMS representatives, I was pleased that fatalities were at a record low across the peak period and that many people made safe and responsible choices. Whatever challenges 2021 may bring, please remember, myself and my office is here to help you. Please don't hesitate to reach out and connect with me on 4983 2401. MERYL SWANSONMP Labor FEDERAL MEMBER FOR PATERSON SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE Phone: 4983 2401 Email Merylswanson.mp@aph.gov.au 35 Sturgeon St. Raymond Terrace NSW 2324