52 people in NSW lost their lives in the past 24 hours. Surely, as a society, we must place more value on human life rather than just accepting the growing number of fatalities as a side effect of ‘living with the virus’. The impact on grieving families and community is enormous.
Missed daughter’s soccer game due to work but when I picked her up, she was deeply hurt and had been crying. Had been constantly harangued for being Muslim, her teammates, refered to as Ching-Chong. Don’t tell me hate speech being normalised doesn’t have an effect on daily life!
“Plant seeds of love and goodness” - an incredible honour to share a stage with the inspiring
@muftimenk
for tonight’s (Humans Unite) Christchurch remembrance. Goodness and ❤️ will always triumph hate.
The NZ election shows us people’s respect for politicians who are genuine, compassionate, empathetic, grounded and open. Not afraid to show emotion or to take people on a shared journey, good leaders have EQ as their first and foremost strength. Congrats
@jacindaardern
While FreeDumb protesters were out today, some were doing stuff that really matters in community. Yes, it’s an awfully tough time but we can still choose the path of goodness through our actions. Thanks to the many unsung heroes, across all fields, at this time.
#Humanity
We are not in this together when there are different rules for people according to where they live. Today’s curfew announcement only reinforces the tale of 2 cities narrative.People will follow health orders but they are well and truly over the inequity & inconsistency in rules.
The Government hated it when we pointed to a Tale of Two Cities. They accused us of being political - evidence we were speaking the truth! When the health advice said one thing, the Government did the other. We were right to feel targeted.
#nswpol
-
Perrottet’s press conference today was an attempt to style himself as a champion of the people…Problem is, he has been at centre of all decisions to privatise, raise tolls, taxes and fines. As hard as he may try, he can’t decouple from his role as Treasurer that easily
#nswpol
700 vaccinations in 3 days!! Outstanding partnership between Lakemba Mosque (LMA) and
@NSWHealth
. This community based pop-up model is perfect to replicate across all community groups. So proud of this type of community leadership and solutions based attitude
#nswpol
Proud to have mentored this young man. Came to Aus in 2014 as Syrian refugee. No English but worked backside off to improve. Finished school, at uni and now earned pilot license. A great example of what can be achieved when we look for best in people rather than prejudging them.
A thread; Graham’s cafe in Lismore was completely flooded. He managed to salvage and rebuild one barbecue and every day, he and friends provide free hot meals. He doubted me when I said I may be able to help with some of my friends; “I’ve heard it all from pollies” he said..
I promise I wasn’t stalking but…I was eavesdropping my son’s lesson. After 8 weeks, his teacher was still incredibly enthusiastic, encouraging, entertaining and engaging. Thank you, teachers everywhere for making the best of a really difficult time for students and parents.
Visited with Lakemba (LMA) pop up vax hub with
@Sophiecotsis1
- close to 500 people in line not long after opening. Stories of people lining up from 7:30am. Community pop ups work- let’s get more and make them semi permanent. Important community partnership with
@NSWHealth
I visited and thanked Amanda from Punchbowl Woolies. When 71yr old Karim visited a few days ago, desperately in need of essentials, none were available. Amanda bought some during a lunch break and delivered to him; refused to take money, it was from her heart. Beautiful
#BeKind
Tomorrow’s strike is not just about pay…it’s not just about conditions…it’s not just about teacher shortage or the conditions they work in…it’s actually about all of that and more. Most importantly, it’s all about our childrens’ future. Teachers deserve
#MoreThanThanks
#nswpol
I was a public school teacher, my wife is a public school teacher, our children, products of public education. Last thing teachers want is to strike but have been forced into this action by a Gov unable to read the multiple challenges teachers face. It’s time for
#MoreThanThanks
Thanks to Fettayleh Foods,
@GWSGIANTS
@HumanAppealAus
,Lighthouse Community Support, Sydney Freezers & PCYC Bankstown, the truck below is on the road right now. Filled with meat, nearly 3000 precooked meals and other essential items, our beautiful community stood true to its word.
Last call in office tonight was so sad. A desperate family struggling to pay rent -now overdue and landlord being very difficult. The advice to ‘sort it out’ is not working in the practical sense. People need an intervention, a guideline of sorts, not just reliance on goodwill.
THIS IS THE GAME CHANGER !
@nswlabor
commits $2.7 billion to achieve 100% (Gonski/Needs based/Fair) funding. This policy means every single student will have the best educational opportunities possible. Our kids are worth it.
I couldn’t join them today but they left at 5am. Will deliver, cook meals and seek out other ways our community can support in the future. If you see this truck on the road, give them a thumbs up!! Decent people stand with community in the worst of times. ❤️
@ClrBilalelHayek
Taha was a student of mine. A classic square peg in a round hole. Great kid but school was not his passion. Got him into TAFE and a job. Years later, by fluke, he was recommended as a fabricator by a carpenter friend. TAFE helped him build his future
#NationalTAFEDay
Enough! The Gov must stop their attack on TAFE. For goodness’ sake, to sell a TAFE campus in an area with high youth unemployment and in the middle of a pandemic is not just stupid, it’s criminal.
No one is an island - we all have our support crew. Thank you to mine. Blessed, humbled and grateful for tonight’s outstanding personal and
@NSWLabor
result ❤️
Eid being different doesn’t make it less special. We have found new ways to spend the day. Still have the new Eid clothes, the big meals and gifts for children. For the greater good, a small sacrifice like staying at home, keeps us all safer. From my family to yours
#EidMubarak
Just heard the decision to sell Scone TAFE made solely on the advice of TAFENSW - it so happens that the Premier’s choice of MD of TAFE (Mr. Faurby) comes with a track record of privatisation...Gov should know that TAFE is too valuable to walk away from.
Took quite some time but good to see this finally done. Thank you to all those who publicly pushed for it. As I said a few days back, it may seem small, but it means a lot to people in very tough circumstances.
As the teacher in our family heads to school today, I want to acknowledge all teachers, whether you’re in School, TAFE or Early Childhood - You have been given mixed messages and asked to do things others aren’t; yet you don’t give up, you turn up .I See You
#IStandwithteachers
Why would you sell this TAFE campus for less than replacement price and then lease back? Makes absolutely no sense. Liberal/National Party obsession with destroying TAFE must stop.
Whether you’ve walked a mile in their shoes, been a student or related to a teacher, you’d know, they are superheroes without capes. As they go work tomorrow, take a moment to let them know that you believe
#Teachersrock
Without Parliament sitting, 11am presser is one of very few opportunities to put questions to Gov. Cancelling regular presser is not in public interest and implies a lack of transparency. This is the stuff that erodes trust in the political system. Leaders should always front up.
You’d think elements of the media would wake up to the bullshit this person sprouts and stop acting surprised when she says outrageous things. In 25 years, little has changed - she’s still simple, ignorant, narrow minded and divisive.
“I want the world’s best education system” - love this determination from
@billshortenmp
. We shouldn’t settle for world class, let’s aim high; world’s best!
#leadersdebate
Sickened by what happened at St. Kilda - nazi salutes by so called patriots? It’s our collective obligation to condemn and work towards reversing this rising tide of hatred. We cant afford to look back in years to come and wish we had done more to stop it.
English, Arabic, Mandarin and Vietnamese are just a few of the languages spoken locally. Let’s put the challenge out to anyone who speaks a second language to spread the word in their own way. Good on you
@JasonClareMP
When you bump into ex-students and they’re all grown up! After a hug, chit-chat and arguing over who will pay for the other’s coffee he said “Sir, no offence but you’ve aged heaps. My response…”Bilal, you’ve got tall and still a smartarse but thanks for calling me sir” 😂
For me, the most important restriction eased was the ability to visit mum ❤️- I’ve missed her so much. The Lebanese coffee wasn’t a bad bonus either (even if it means I won’t sleep tonight). Hope you all had a beautiful catch up with loved ones after such a long time apart.
An early start at Lakemba Mosque for Eid Al Adha celebration with
@JasonClareMP
. For those who celebrate, wishing you an Eid Mubarak and for our brothers and sisters of different or no faith, thanks for your best wishes on this special day.
There’s a lot the army could assist with - logistics, humanitarian support, testing/vaccination mobile hubs and expertise in management. Hearing from many people concerned that language around going door-to-door, ‘boots on the ground’, etc. implies something very different.
Solidarity between people of all faiths and none at Lakemba Mosque tonight. When hatred rears its head, we must stand together to ensure that humanity always wins out.
With PCR lines way too long and results taking up to a week, RAT kits are the only alternative for many. Given we subsidise things for greater good, It’s time to make RAT kits freely available so people requiring a test wouldn’t feel so frustrated or abandoned by Gov.
#nswpol
I heard of schools relocating students into the shade yesterday because 41 degrees outside was still cooler than the classrooms...yet the Gov spends $2.5b on stadiums
#WrongPriorities
All week, non stop calls from local tradies and people in related industries who have had their vax asking me why they can’t work but others can. They see the tale of two cities while their businesses and lives crumble before their eyes. We need consistency and fairness in rules.
NSW electricity prices went up 25.3% last quarter -the biggest increase in 30 years and major contributor to cost-of-living pressure (more than double other states). The state gov has to stop blaming everyone else and accept their privatisation agenda has failed the people of NSW
This incredibly generous farmer, with the help of a volunteer driver, donated over 100kg of the freshest mandarins for us to distribute to families receiving food hampers this weekend. No matter how difficult it may get, the best of humanity will always shine through
#BeKind
I was born in Lebanon. Fiona and Lisa are Aboriginal. Their great grandmother was Afghani - after our Mid Eastern dinner, we sipped Indian tea with Bangladeshi friends. This is our beautiful Modern Multicultural Australia.
Just got played by teenage daughter who offered her car when I needed to go to the shops…Thought it was very kind of her but realised ulterior motive when fuel light came on as soon as I turned the ignition.….Yep, child -1 dad- 0. Let the games begin!
Thank you
@ChrisMinnsMP
- I hope this serves to show all those who have thought “I can’t” to say “I can”. I hope it encourages people to appreciate that everything is possible in this great state of ours and the limits placed on achievement are ones you place on yourself.
Anyone who's met
@jihaddibmp
knows that he's an incredible person - he also just made history.
Becoming the first Minister in NSW to be sworn in on the Qur'an.
Jihad, has always been a trailblazer.
As a teacher and principal he changed lives in his community.
Some of the most inspiring and incredible people I have ever met. Their response since this unimaginable tragedy is a lesson to all of us to live our lives with grace, dignity and dreams of making the world a better place. This is a beautiful story of beautiful families ❤️
Our friends from
@MenindeeCSchool
sent a most touching package and message tonight. After a physically and mentally exhausting week, this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you Fiona & Daniel, this kindness meant so much...also thanks for making it donuts, not flowers 😉
At a local IWD event last night, I met law student Maha. Told me that because she sees me in Parliament, she knows she can dream it for herself. I asked her keep dream alive and I’d love to listen to her inaugural speech to Parliament one day…….If you can see it, you can be it.
Industrial action by teachers at Gov and non Gov schools highlights depth of problems in education. It’s not just about money; it’s also about workload, understaffing, exhaustion, lack of direction and a workforce tired of being taken for granted. In solidarity with you.
#nswpol
Hey Anning, thanks but I’ll ignore your advice. I’ll be voting
@AustralianLabor
because I want fairness, opportunity and a better Australia. Unlike you, I believe in an Australia defined by quality policies around egalitarianism, education, health and compassion.
No longer the Shadow Minister for Education, an area I am incredibly passionate about but grateful for opportunity to stay in Shadow Cab. Will redirect my skills to continue making a difference for a whole new range of people. Thanks to everyone who supported me along the journey
Thank you
@NSWHealth
Contact Tracing Team. Called to see how my isolation (Parl close contact) is going, answer any questions and give me updates. They’ve got a difficult and important job & my ‘Tracer’ was lovely. Her courtesy and professionalism, much appreciated
#nswpol
Not one single Liberal or National Member would vote in support of air conditioning for public schools. I suppose they’re more interested building stadiums instead.
#WrongPriorities
Says the person with an agenda to run down and privatise TAFE. Lots of tinkering around the edges but the big kicker here is the HECS style fees! Why not fund TAFE properly? Loading students with massive debts isn’t going to help at all.
Students and workers who want to pursue skills and trades should have the same opportunities as those who want to undertake university courses. For more information, go to:
Massive commitment by
@NSWLabor
and
@michaeldaleyMP
- 100 000 students learning in nearly 5000 demountables is simply unacceptable. We have our priorities right; putting schools before stadiums
A most beautiful image - Uncle Les welcoming recently arrived Afghan refugees. Our oldest welcoming our newest. Thank you
@addi_road
, Marrickville Legal Centre and everyone who has opened their heart to the latest members of our big and beautiful Australian family. ❤️
“Every child deserves the best education, regardless of who they are and whatever their circumstances may be” - I can’t wait for
@tanya_plibersek
to become the Minister for Education - Tanya completely gets it.
Bumped into great mate and local Fed MP
@Tony_Burke
at Punchbowl Woolies after work tonight.. Checked out each others’ shopping and I think I’d prefer his dinner choice; mine is going to be an air fryer special.
It’s a bittersweet morning. So humbled by the incredible local support but reflecting on what could have been across the state, of the things we could have done. So grateful to my community for putting their faith in me again, I promise to continue to do my very best; always.
We’re all set at home. To those observing, I wish you and your families, all the very best for the month ahead. May it be easy on you and full of rewards. To my non-Muslims friends, thank you for the kind messages of support and unity.
#ramadankareem
After announcing the sale of Scone TAFE one day before a community Roundtable and Forum, the Gov didn’t even have the decency to look locals in the eye to explain why. This Gov does not care...it’s time to make a change. Bring on the Upper Hunter by-election
#rebuildTAFE
There’s been a real transformation of
@JacquiLambie
over the years and many times I have disagreed with her; the things she has said and done but this....this is a very powerful 2 mins. Absolutely spot on!
Beyond belief- at a time of massive skills shortages, high youth unemployment, closure of TAFE campuses, reduction in courses and the sacking of 200 employees, this Government is perfectly happy to spend $6.4milliom on consultants. Out of touch!!
Unlike my brothers, I’m not a fan of boxing but always supported them as they pursued their dreams to become the best.
@BillyDib
became a 2X world champ and I’m proud of my youngest, Youssef, who fights for Australian title tonight.
Today, my family and I celebrated Eid Ul Fitr to end Ramadan. To all those celebrating, I wish you and your loved ones, an Eid Mubarak. To everyone who offered acts of kindness, compassion and the sharing of meals, thank you. Our Australia is better when we are together.
In lieu of a visit, dad and I had a FaceTime chat. It’s not easy being away from family but we have to do it to keep everyone safe...He did tell me my beard makes me look older than him though 😂😂. Take care everyone and remember to stay connected to loved ones.
Government will spend $2.2billion on stadiums but not $100K for students with disabilities to get to school. If there was ever a case of wrong priorities, this has to be right up there. They know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.
Parents of children with disabilities are accusing the government of penny pinching, after they were rejected from accessing free transport to and from their specialist school.
@florezcata
Ms. Northey was the teacher who encouraged me to join the student representative council (SRC). 35 years later, she’s still teaching and inspiring students to believe in their ability….Great teachers always see something in students before they see it in themselves
#education
My dear friend, Dr. Jamal Rifi AM, has been running a ‘drive thru’ CovidTesting Clinic in Belmore on a daily basis. He’s typical of the entire medical fraternity; won’t stop, no matter what day of the week. Thank you to all our medical staff who put others before themselves.
Symbolism is important...With the unfolding catastrophe in Lebanon, illuminating the Opera House in an act of solidarity with the people of Lebanon, would mean so much. It may be a small gesture but in these times, even the smallest things can have a positive effect.
In Budget Estimates, we also learned that a valuation of the Scone TAFE wasn’t sought until well AFTER it had been placed on the market. Why would you do that?? Could it be because it was a done deal and the Gov needed to make it look like there was a genuine process? Dodgy as...
Fantastic:
6 000 000+ Vax!! On a grey and wet day, this is a sunshine moment. Well done to community for magnificent response and thank you to health professionals for the care and non stop effort !!
Eid is usually a joyous time but this year, it’s more subdued. I hope that for Muslims, the fasting, prayers, charity and good deeds are accepted . Thank you to our non-Muslim friends for your support over Ramadan. May the blessings of these days bring harmony and peace to world.
Politics is brutal; enormous toll on yourself and loved ones. Big respect to
@JodiMcKayMP
that she would put Labor Party ahead of herself. Jodi’s good humour, work ethic, genuine love of people and sense of social justice is something to admire. Thank you Jodi, I wish you well.
HSC results out today. Whatever the individual result, there’s no denying the resilience of this Class of 2021. Congratulations to all students and an extra loud shout-out to the incredible teachers and families who got them through it under the most difficult of circumstances.
Really looking forward to watching Aus Story tonight. Dr Jamal and Lana Rifi are wonderful human beings….Dr J is a champion and does not stop helping others; lives the motto ‘the good doctor’ every day - also not a bad personal GP 😉.
As kids and teachers head off to last teaching day, reflect on what a year it has been. Schools were incredible and faced every new challenge with the dedication, creativity, compassion and grit. Thank you to all who make a school community, enjoy the break!
Living with teenage boys:
Mr. 16 selected as a peer leader for yr7s at school…
“How do you feel about that”? Ok
“How’s your classes this year”? Ok
“You all set”? Yeah
“Excited”? Yeah
“Got all your books”? Yeah
“Going to give it your best shot”? Yeah
“Great conversation”Yeah
😂
First night of changes to COVID family restrictions saw us at mum’s for dinner. She made our favourite, vine leaves. Slow cooked and perfectly wrapped, it took all day. As always, delicious and full of ❤️ - No matter how old you get, nothing can beat mum’s food.
To say funding of public schools is primarily a responsibility of states underplays the national responsibility to ensure every single child, regardless of their economic status, has the opportunity to receive the best education possible.
Thanks to God and to everyone who treated
@BillyDib
- those who stood beside him, prayed for him, encouraged him & ensured he didn’t travel this journey alone. Our family is forever indebted for your kindness and love ❤️
AlhamdAllah (thanks to God), I received the most beautiful news today. My scan came back clear of cancer. I am so grateful, blessed, happy and relieved. Thank you God, my health team, my family and all of you, for your prayers, encouragement and support to help me get here