Jacqui Scruby: Hit the ground running

Thank you to the voters of Pittwater for giving me the privilege to represent you in the NSW Parliament. It is a great honour. Now I’m in office I am acutely aware of my responsibilities to deliver on my campaign promises. One of those was to hit the ground running, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.

In the few weeks since I was sworn in, I have met with community and advocacy groups, striking nurses, hospital staff, Ministers and the NSW Premier and Deputy Premier. The two weeks when Parliament was sitting – my first two weeks in office – proved more productive for Pittwater than I could have hoped. Being an independent has opened doors. Ministers have worked with me to resolve issues.

I’ve had some wins, like getting Premier Minns to visit the unfinished Mona Vale Road, for him to see first-hand the mess we’ve been left with. The road is unsafe. It’s only a matter of time before there’s a fatality. Showing this to the Premier was just one important part of building our case for urgent action. Another is the “Finish Mona Vale Road Petition” that I urge you to sign. 

Visit:  jacquiscruby.com.au/finish_mona_vale_rd_petition

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Education has now confirmed upgrades for Pittwater High School and the Minister for Health has responded to strong representations against allied health worker cuts at Mona Vale Hospital by committing to consultation.

We are also facing some big council rates rises. State and federal governments have a lot to answer for when it comes to cost shifting to local councils. Yes, our councils need to manage budgets efficiently and deliver services – and cuts have been made – but as your state MP I’ll be advocating for greater government funding, particularly to manage the increasing costs associated with extreme weather and rates reform. 

I’m supporting nurses’ claims for a 15% pay rise, so we don’t keep losing them to Queensland where the pay is better. I’m pushing Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH) to implement the same nurse ratios and pay as in our public hospitals. And I’m working with Wakehurst MP Michael Regan to get the NSW Government to fund a rebuild of Narrabeen Athletics Track and find a better short-term solution than the inadequate grass track.

2025 will be jam-packed. I’ll hold town hall meetings on different topics: eBike Regulation; Home Insurance Cost Increases; Planning Changes and Drug Reform. But I also like to meet people where they are at, supporting initiatives like the recent Surfers for Climate Trade Up Cup, which was a chance to talk to our local tradies about how to capitalise on home electrification.

Solar not only helps households save money and be energy-independent, but it redirects money into the hands of local tradies rather than into offshore fossil fuel companies. Sitting in the surf, you contemplate and chat about life a little differently – so surfing and policy together isn’t such a crazy idea. I’m also personally stoked that Ain’t That Swell was my first podcast as an MP.

I wish you all a wonderful break and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025, and a special thank you to all those people who keep our essential services going over the holidays and keep us all safe.