New Independent MP for Wakehurst Michael Regan delivered his inaugural address to State Parliament on 10 May in front of more than 130 supporters.
Mr Regan made history by becoming the first independent candidate to win the seat of Wakehurst in the State Election. The former mayor of Northern Beaches Council used his inaugural speech to challenge the parliament to do politics ‘differently’.
“The community desperately wants politics done differently, to be more respectful, more productive, more compassionate,” Mr Regan said. “Let’s be the parliament that passes the most legislation, that works across party lines and is prepared to compromise to achieve great outcomes.”
In his speech, Mr Regan emphasised the need to prioritise local issues such as public transport services, the controversial Lizard Rock housing development in Belrose, and the PEP-11 offshore oil and gas drilling license.
“The Lizard Rock development is outside any good planning principles and not part of our agreed housing targets. I will work hard to ensure that any approval is overturned.
As for PEP-11, which would allow drilling off the coast of Manly and up the coast of the Beaches, Mr Regan said he would continue to fight it to protect the coastline.
The Dee Why local also listed climate change, environmental protection, the cost-of-living crisis, and a lack of affordable housing options as critical policy issues he intended to tackle during his term.
“I’m looking forward to this parliament being a contest of ideas. I want this parliament to be one where all members of parliament work with each other, not against each other, to deliver for our communities.”