Sydney Alliance Assembly

February 28th, Morley Centre, Westmead

So, what happened?

Exactly 937 people gathered at the Morley Centre in Westmead for the Sydney Alliance pre-election Assembly.

 After being briefed, leaders representing over 45 Alliance partner organisations processed in behind local Vietnamese lion dancer. They were followed by the three political speakers for the night, Jenny Leong MP (GRN), Shadow Treasurer Daniel Mookhey (ALP) and NSW Government Treasurer Matt Kean.

 The agenda and ground rules were endorsed, then there was a roll call of organisations attending, finishing with everyone on their feet standing with the Tenants Union, united to see improvement for renters’ rights in this election.

 Following this, we were moved when hearing seven diverse Western Sydneysiders told their stories of climate, energy and housing stress. After a short interlude by the Auburn Uniting Choir, it was time for negotiations.

First up was Jenny Leong MP (GRN). Following her speech, she committed to continue to work with the Sydney Alliance from the crossbench, advocating and supporting our issues.

 Earlier in the night was a coin-toss between Daniel and Matt, meaning Daniel Mookhey was up first. Daniel shared his story and the ALP’s vision for NSW. Matt Kean would reciprocate with the LNP vision a little later.

Thanks to the team at Signalbox for filming last night, you can catch the ‘straight off the press’ vox pops and speeches with the three political reps here.

In a Nutshell:

After the assembly both major parties have committed to:

  • End ‘no grounds’ evictions during periodic tenancies; those renters in a periodic agreement won’t fear an eviction for asking repairs. 

  • Start consultation on introducing minimum mandatory energy efficiency standards in rental homes: so, we can start the process of having energy efficient homes, reducing our energy consumption and therefore our energy bills.

  • Radically boost the supply of social and affordable housing so that key workers and the growing number of people experiencing homelessness have a place to call home.

  • Any new social and affordable housing homes delivered through development partnerships remain so in perpetuity, meaning without a time-bound unless there is an opportunity to develop more social homes.

  • Meet with Sydney Alliance partner organisations in the first 100 days after forming government to discuss the issues facing temporary migrants and once a year during the next term, in a public assembly, both said they would be honored to do so.

    Well done to the hundreds of leaders who contributed in so many different ways, big and small