
Since being elected to Parliament in an historic win in 2022, Dr Sophie’s collaborative and constructive approach has delivered meaningful change for Mackellar.
I’ve worked hard to be an MP who is well-respected by parliamentary colleagues and trusted by our community here on the Northern Beaches. That approach has delivered significant results – the most recent being $250 million in new federal funding to finish the Mona Vale Road upgrade. A key priority during my first term, I worked closely with both the federal and state governments to secure this funding in order for roadworks to restart as soon as possible.
Easing cost of living pressures for families and small businesses has also been a key priority. During my first term, I’ve actively advocated for and supported all government measures to improve housing affordability, provide energy bill relief and reduce healthcare costs.
Another big victory during this term is the decade-long community battle to stop oil and gas drilling off our coastline. I stood up for the Northern Beaches community in Canberra, powerfully advocating to protect our local environment and way of life on the Beaches and end this threat once and for all. At the national level, I also negotiated stronger environment laws to protect our waterways from toxic gas fracking.
As a former emergency doctor and GP, another key focus of my first term has been improving healthcare services in Mackellar. I’ve collaborated with fellow Northern Beaches MPs and Health Ministers at both the federal and state levels and delivered real results, including a free Urgent Care Clinic for Dee Why, a new Northern Beaches Youth Mental Health Hub and expanded drug and alcohol services for our community.
As well as this, as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of GPs, I helped make it cheaper to see your GP by boosting bulk billing rates and reduce the cost of medicines. I’m also calling for a ban on gambling advertising due to the devasting impact it is having on individuals and families.
Critically for our community, I’m leading the charge for Northern Beaches Hospital to be returned to public hands. Our local hospital remains the only privately run public hospital in the state. I’ve worked with independent state MPs to secure an independent performance audit of the hospital and my advocacy on the failure of the public private partnership to deliver for our community has led to the Minns Government legislating to rule out future public private partnerships at the state’s acute hospitals. A NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the safety and quality of services at Northern Beaches Hospital is also currently underway.
I believe in genuine, constructive representation that focuses on real solutions now and for future generations. I’m running for re-election to continue my work to deliver what’s important to the people of Mackellar, including cost of living relief, lower taxes for individuals and small business, cleaner energy to reduce power bills and accessible and affordable healthcare. Mackellar deserves a local voice with local values.
More from Dr Sophie
Head here for more Tawny Frogmouth articles, news and updates from Dr Sophie Scamps, Independent MP for Mackellar
Keep up to date with Dr Sophie Scamps MP’s initiatives at sophiescamps.com.au