Committee Work – Ensuring trust in home buying

Buying a home is one of the single most important decisions many of us will ever make, and when it comes to conveyancing, people deserve a system they can rely on. That’s why I’m participating in the Legislative Council Select Committee on Competition Reforms in Electronic Conveyancing.

This inquiry is looking closely at how the current monopoly system impacts home buyers, sellers, and small businesses. We are examining issues such as:

• The impact of outages on property settlements.

• Current pricing structures and how greater competition could drive down costs.

• NSW’s commitment to deliver interoperability in the eConveyancing market by December 2025.

• The powers of the Registrar General to enforce compliance.

• The relationship between banks and the existing monopoly network.

For home buyers, these questions are not abstract. A settlement delayed by an outage can mean stress, extra costs, and lost opportunities. For small businesses, like solicitors, conveyancers, and agents, competition and reliability are essential.

My focus in this Committee is clear: making sure that the conveyancing system in NSW delivers reliability, transparency, and fair pricing. Because when you’re making the biggest purchase of your life, you need a system that works for you.

Parliamentary Friends of the Solomon Islands

As Co-Chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of the Solomon Islands, Mr. Stephen Bali MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces, and I had the privilege of hosting a lunch at NSW Parliament.

Together with colleagues and the Solomon Islands Delegation, alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Delegation, we had the opportunity to deepen dialogue and strengthen connections.

The Solomon Islands Delegation Senior Ministers included:
• Hon. Rexon Ramofafia – Minister for National Planning and Development Coordination
• Hon. Ricky Fuo’o – Minister for Infrastructure Development
• Hon. Derrick Manu’ari – Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification
• Hon. John Tuhaika Junior – Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs
• Hon. Daniel Suilea Waneoroa – Minister for Rural Development

We were also pleased to welcome Mr. Andrew Schloeffel, Deputy High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, and Mr. Craig Gillies, Counsellor, Infrastructure and Development Operations, Australian High Commission.

Thank you to Mr. David Ignatius-Holub and Ms. Megan Watson from the DFAT Delegation for joining us in this significant meeting.

NSW parliamentary colleagues who attended included:
• Hon. Ben Franklin MLC, President of the Legislative Council
• Hon. Emily Suvaal MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business
• Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General
• Mr. Mark Hodges MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Western Sydney, Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing
• Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Shadow Assistant Minister for the Arts, Innovation, Digital Government and the 24-Hour Economy
• Mr. Mark Taylor MP, Member for Winston Hills

The discussion highlighted the importance of friendship, cooperation, and shared learning between our Parliaments. These relationships are more than ceremonial; they foster practical partnerships in governance, infrastructure, trade, and community development, ensuring our region grows stronger together.

It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the ties between NSW and the Solomon Islands, and to reaffirm our shared commitment.

Workers’ Compensation, getting it right for injured workers

Workers’ compensation is a system we must get right. It exists to protect people injured at work and ensure they get the medical care and financial support they need.

Instead of improving the system, the Minns Labor Government has chosen to cut support for some of the most seriously psychologically injured workers, those assessed with a whole person impairment between 21% and 30%. These workers often have no capacity to return to employment, yet Labor’s changes would push them off workers’ compensation and onto Centrelink and the already overstretched public mental health system.

Labor’s Bill also creates shocking barriers for victims of workplace sexual assault. Under its approach, a victim would only be able to claim damages against their employer if their psychological injury results in a crippling impairment of 31% or higher.

The Opposition will not support these barbaric measures. We believe reform must focus on fixing the way claims are assessed from the start, filtering out trivial cases while ensuring early intervention and proper return-to-work plans for genuine psychological injuries. This would cut costs without abandoning those who need help most.

At the same time, we continue to push for positive reforms, such as expanding firefighter cancer presumptions to include nine additional cancers, including three of the female reproductive system, recognising the service and sacrifice of women firefighters over the past 40 years.

Workers deserve a system that supports them, not one that abandons them. The Opposition will keep fighting for a fair and sustainable workers’ compensation scheme.

It takes a village: Rethinking Youth Justice

In NSW, too often our youth justice system punishes before it understands. While “law and order” politics may seem easy, the real question is: What kind of justice system do we want for our children?

On a recent study tour, I saw alternatives. In Spain, young people receive trauma-informed care, education, and family reintegration, not just punishment, with reoffending rates as low as 13.6%. In Scotland, the “needs not deeds” model treats children in trouble as children in need, supported by social workers and psychologists, not guards.

By contrast, NSW locks up vulnerable children many from out-of-home care, criminalising trauma and neglect. As the National Children’s Commissioner has warned: “The help they needed never came.”

We need a blueprint that focuses on prevention, diversion, and building strong futures. It’s not about excusing crime, it’s about keeping our communities safe. At the end of the day, it takes a village to raise a child and we are that village.

Taking the front bench to the community

This month, I joined our Liberal Leader, Mark Speakman, and Deputy Leader, Natalie Ward, as we took the NSW Liberal–National frontbench out of Macquarie Street and into the community on the Northern Beaches.

It wasn’t about photo ops; it was about listening. Residents, business owners, and community groups opened up about the real challenges they’re facing:

• The relentless cost-of-living squeeze.

• An urgent need for more affordable housing.

• Access to timely health services.

• Upgrades to local roads and transport.

These conversations matter. They cut through the “bureau speak” of government and ground us in what families, small businesses, and communities actually need right now.

I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to meet with us. Your voices are shaping the way forward, and our team is committed to turning those voices into action.

Empowering Women around Australia!

There are moments in Parliament when the walls themselves seem to hum with energy, and this was one of them. Through the Parliamentary Friends of Empowering Older Women, Tamara Smith MP and I had the privilege of bringing together extraordinary women from across NSW, united by one purpose: to create solutions and drive change.

The room was alive with resilience, vision, and determination. We heard stories of women breaking barriers, leading with courage, and building community. These weren’t just personal journeys; they were blueprints for change.

One story that stood out came from the Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary Club. Recognising the devastating impact of domestic and family violence on women, particularly older women, Rotary decided that “No” had to mean action. Since 2018, their “Rotary Says NO to Domestic Violence” campaign has united police, schools, small businesses, sporting clubs, and community groups to drive a culture of respect and safety. Importantly, this is not just women leading women, many strong men in the Rotary Club have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with women, determined to confront violence, change attitudes, and build a safer future.

Their annual Walk Against Domestic Violence is more than a march it’s a whole community, men and women together, breaking the silence, raising awareness, and backing families in crisis.

This is what empowerment looks like: women and men, side by side, lifting each other up and proving that when a community says “enough,” change is possible.

I left the event energised and hopeful, reminded once again that when we stand together, we don’t just support each other, we reshape the future.

Youth off the Streets legacy

On 1 August 2025, Australia lost one of its most passionate advocates for disadvantaged youth. Father Chris Riley AM, founder of Youth Off the Streets, passed away at home at the age of 70, following a long period of ill health.

Father Riley’s mission began in 1991 with nothing more than a single food van, delivering meals to young people experiencing homelessness on the streets of inner Sydney. From that modest beginning grew a movement that has changed thousands of lives. For almost three decades, Father Riley served as CEO of Youth Off the Streets, later moving to the Board as Founder and Executive Director in 2020. He stepped down in 2022 due to illness, but his vision never wavered.

I was fortunate to visit Father Chris at his home last year and learn firsthand about his unwavering commitment to young people. I remember him saying to me, “No kid is born bad.” Those simple words capture the heart of his life’s work, his belief in the potential of every child, no matter their circumstances.

Today, his legacy lives on in an organisation that employs more than 220 dedicated staff, providing wraparound services and education to vulnerable young people aged 12–24 in NSW and Queensland. Crisis accommodation, schools, drug and alcohol counselling, life skills and employment programs, and youth justice support all stand as testament to his compassion and determination.

Tributes have flowed from across the community. Anne Fitzgerald, Chairperson of the Board, said:

“He was a tireless advocate for homeless and disadvantaged youth, and he inspired and changed thousands of young lives. Father Riley will be remembered for his compassion, tenacity, and unwavering belief that every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential.”

Current CEO Judy Barraclough reflected:

“Father Riley’s dedication to supporting and empowering young Australians in need has left a powerful legacy. His vision, drive and determination will continue to inspire our organisation as we strive to provide growing numbers of disadvantaged children and young people with safety, support and education for a better future.”

Father Chris Riley’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy of compassion, hope, and belief in young people will continue to guide Youth Off the Streets and all of us who share his vision for generations to come.

 Youth Action – Standing up for young people

I recently met with Lauren Stracey, CEO of Youth Action, to talk about the urgent need for more diversionary programs in Youth Justice. Too many young people are being pushed further into the justice system instead of being given pathways out, and that needs to change.

As the peak body representing young people and youth services in NSW, Youth Action plays a vital role in ensuring young people are supported, engaged, valued, and have their rights realised. Their work is grounded in evidence and shaped by the voices of young people themselves, with a strong focus on those who are often left behind, regional youth, First Nations youth, young people with disability, those doing it tough, LGBTIQA+ youth, and young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Through advocacy and collaboration, Youth Action reminds us that real change is possible when policy is informed by young people and those who work alongside them every day. In Youth Justice, where diversion has been neglected for too long, their leadership is essential.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and small businesses!

The 2025 Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA) Festival was more than just an event; it was a rallying point for a movement. A movement proving that business can do more than chase profit: it can put people and planet first.

Across the festival, social entrepreneurs and innovators showcased ideas that challenge the status quo, from rethinking how we create jobs to reshaping services in health, housing, and justice. I was especially inspired by the enterprises tackling issues in the justice sector, showing that business can be a driver of fairness, opportunity, and lasting community change.

It was also fantastic to connect with Cr Christine Kay, Mayor of Ku-ring-gai Council, and Kylie Flament, CEO of SECNA, as we celebrated the growth of this dynamic sector. Their leadership, alongside the energy of so many participants, highlighted that social enterprise isn’t a fringe idea; it’s the future of inclusive, sustainable business.

Congratulations to SECNA for delivering such a powerful festival. Events like this prove that when innovation and compassion come together, we build not just stronger enterprises, but a fairer, more inclusive society.

Yalari at 20 – Investing in Futures, not failure

I had the privilege of attending the Yalari Foundation Gala Dinner, celebrating an incredible milestone: 20 years of transforming lives through education.

Since 2005, Yalari has provided full boarding school scholarships to Indigenous children from regional and remote communities across Australia. Today, 251 students are on scholarships, and nearly 600 alumni are studying, working, and contributing to a brighter future.

The numbers tell a powerful story. A Yalari scholarship costs around $20,000 a year. Compare that with the staggering $1 million a year it costs to lock up a child in NSW. The choice could not be clearer: investing in opportunity changes lives; incarceration entrenches disadvantage.

It was an honour to celebrate alongside Her Excellency the Hon. Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW, and Mr Dennis Wilson; their presence underscored the significance of Yalari’s work.

The heart of the night belonged to Founder Waverley Stanley AM, whose vision and relentless dedication have opened doors that once seemed closed. Waverley’s leadership is proof that we can, and must, do better.

Yalari shows us what real generational change looks like: not punishment, but education, opportunity, and hope. After 20 years, its impact is undeniable, and its example is one we should follow if we are serious about building a brighter future for young Australians.

In Her Corner success!

I was honoured to host In Her Corner, a luncheon dedicated to pausing, reflecting, and celebrating the extraordinary strength of women, particularly those facing breast cancer, and those who have courageously completed their journey. Their resilience and determination are an inspiration to us all. As my colleague and friend Natalie Ward MLC put it with a smile: “Who doesn’t like talking about boobs?” It was a light-hearted reminder that women’s health should never be a taboo topic. We need open, honest conversations that place women’s voices and women’s experiences at the centre of care.

The heart of the day was a powerful reminder: care is at its best when the person is truly at the centre. Few embody this better than Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier, who has dedicated his life to listening first so he can heal better. A leading breast cancer surgeon and researcher, Dr Warrier is transforming women’s health through both innovation and compassion.

From pioneering oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery, to co-founding the world’s first postgraduate degree in breast surgery at the University of Sydney, to harnessing technologies like SPY fluorescence imaging and 3D printing, his work is setting global standards. But what struck me most was his commitment to holistic recovery: introducing 3D nipple and areola tattooing services that support not just physical healing, but emotional and psychological well-being too.

This was more than a luncheon; it was a conversation about how we can redefine care around the voices and needs of women themselves. I am deeply grateful for the support of my colleague and friend Natalie Ward MLC, as well as Mark Coure MP and Cr Vincent de Luca OAM, who joined in strengthening this message.

Together, we can keep these vital conversations alive, ensuring women’s health isn’t an afterthought, but a priority shaped by those it most affects.

Armenian Committee

I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the Armenian Committee and be briefed on the serious human rights concerns in Armenia and the South Caucasus.

In September 2020, Azerbaijan launched a 44-day conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh (also known as Artsakh). Reports indicate that approximately 5,000 ethnic Armenians were killed, and around 70% of the region came under Azerbaijani control. Civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and churches, was damaged. Human Rights Watch and other organisations have documented allegations of war crimes, including mistreatment of prisoners of war.

In 2022, a blockade restricted the movement of food, medicine, and other supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, affecting an estimated 120,000 residents. Following this, in September 2023, Azerbaijani forces undertook a 24-hour military operation which resulted in the mass displacement of the Armenian population from the region. Independent observers, including the United Nations, have described this as a humanitarian crisis.

Since then, the region has been largely depopulated of its ethnic Armenian residents. Concerns have been raised about the preservation of cultural heritage, including thousands of churches and monuments. Reports also indicate that a number of Armenian political and community leaders, including Ruben Vardanyan, remain in detention in Azerbaijan.

The Australian Parliament has unanimously expressed concern for these developments and affirmed support for the rights of displaced people, including the principle of return. International observers continue to call for accountability and for measures to ensure cultural and human rights protections.

Honouring Geoff Quinn – A lifetime of service

It was a privilege to present an award to Geoff Quinn in recognition of his 65 years of continuous membership in the Liberal Party and his outstanding contribution to agriculture. Few people can claim such a legacy of dedication, both to their community and to an industry that remains at the heart of our nation’s prosperity.

Geoff has devoted his life to agriculture, always caring deeply about the future of the industry and those who work within it. His commitment has left a lasting mark, not just on farming communities but on the broader regional landscape.

The presentation took place at the UNE Smart Region Incubator (SRI) in Tamworth, surrounded by founders and staff who are driving the next wave of regional innovation and growth. It was the perfect setting to celebrate both Geoff’s lifelong service and the exciting future being built for regional NSW.

Geoff’s story is a reminder of what true service looks like: steady commitment, vision for the future, and a deep care for community. His example will continue to inspire the next generation of Liberals and agricultural leaders alike.

Planting life in our environment!

Thank you & stay connected!

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this update. Whether it’s through Parliament, Committee work, or community visits, I remain committed to being your voice and advocate for regional NSW.

If you are hosting a local event, running a small business, part of a community group, or just want to chat about an issue that matters to you, please reach out. I love getting out and about across the Country North Province and would be delighted to attend or assist where I can.

Let’s keep working together to build stronger, fairer, and more connected communities across our great state.

Aileen MacDonald MLC  

Shadow Minister for Youth Justice  

Province Representative for Country North, NSW.

Copyright © 2025  Aileen MacDonald, All rights reserved.
Our e-mail address is:
[email protected]
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can unsubscribe from this list.