As of this week, legislation is before the Legislative Assembly to crack down on and close down illegal vape and tobacco shops across NSW. This is an issue that has multi-partisan support with Northern Beaches MPs being vocal and unified. The proposed laws introduce some of the strongest penalties in the country, including up to seven years in jail, million dollar fines, and powers to shut dangerous shops down for up to a year. This focus on enforcement is long overdue. We can’t tolerate an illegal trade, operated by organised crime, on our high streets. 

On top of this new NSW legislation, the following measures have also been put in place:

• The Federal Government has appointed Australia’s first Illicit Tobacco and E-Cigarette Commissioner to coordinate a national crackdown on criminal supply chains and imports. Read more

• The NSW Government’s new tobacco licensing scheme — which I supported — is now in effect.

• A new NSW interagency taskforce, which I campaigned for, is finally up and running. Read more

I'd also like to see the following:

• Zoning restrictions to keep vape shops away from kids

• Local enforcement officers and public health education

Let's keep the pressure up: Please Sign my petition to strengthen enforcement in Pittwater.

You can also report an illegal tobacco or vape shop (confidentially) directly to authorities.
Contact:

• NSW Health (for store sales): Visit health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco, ring 1800 357 412 or email [email protected]
• Border Watch (for importation): Visit borderwatch.gov.au or ring 1800 06 1800

I think everyone agrees that the best way to improve safety on our roads is to resurface them and fix potholes. After sustained pressure on TfNSW and the Minister’s office, major resurfacing works are now confirmed for one of our most dangerous stretches of road: Barrenjoey Road at Bilgola Bends. The road will be resurfaced with high friction asphalt to reduce crash risk and improve safety, especially in wet conditions.

Works will take place overnight from 8pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday (to minimise disruption) from 10 to 21 August.

In addition, I’ve secured a two week pause on the Barrenjoey Road speed limit reduction from 60 to 50 km per hour between Newport and Palm Beach, which was scheduled to begin today. In this time a rapid review will be undertaken and I will be briefed on the full justification for each section of road. Newport Hill raises a particular concern as it's a 6 lane road which will become a speed trap.The reduction was requested on multiple occasions by former Member for Pittwater Rory Amon. It's designed to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, and to align this section of road with NSW Speed Zoning Standards.

The pause in implementation was announced after I raised questions in Parliament about the decision yesterday. While the change is still likely to proceed, I’ve requested a full review to ensure each section is justified and reflects how the road is used today. I'll keep you posted.

The NSW Government is ending funding for the Business Connect program – a vital support service that has helped more than 60,000 businesses across the state since 2017. Locally, many business owners have told me how much this program has helped them – from marketing advice and business planning to practical support with digital skills, social media, and goal setting.

On the Northern Beaches, we have about 33,000 registered businesses – many of them small, family-run enterprises. Business Connect has been the only free, accessible service offering this kind of tailored advice.

I'm calling on the NSW Government to reinstate Business Connect or put in place a similar model of practical business support. If you believe small businesses deserve continued access to this kind of help, please sign this petition to show your support.