Author Archives: wendytuckerman

The NSW Government has announced a new date for the Local Government elections for Saturday 4 December 2021.
The decision was made after extensive consultation with and advice from the NSW Electoral Commission and NSW Health, and in response to the COVID-19 situation.

Member for Goulburn, Mrs Wendy Tuckerman MP and Member for Wollondilly, Nathanial Smith MP, urge the NSW Government to review the impact of the postponement on Wingecarribee Shire Council and to ensure that the suspended councillors are not returned to their roles.

“The community of Wingecarribee Shire Council do not want to see the suspended councillors return and undo the progress of administrator Viv May. We are working with the Local Government Minister, the Hon Shelley Hancock MP, to ensure that does not happen.” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“In just four short months, Viv May has unshackled the potential of the region with his fresh and professional approach. The longer his administration continues, the more it stands in contrast to the suspended council’s cronyism, dysfunction and ineptitude. It’s no wonder Duncan Gair is eager to urgently bring Mr May’s appointment to an end,” Mr Smith said.

Nominations will open on Monday 25 October 2021 and close on Wednesday 3 November 2021. Prospective candidates can find more information at the Office of Local Government website at http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au.

People across the Goulburn electorate community are urged to make sure they know and follow the COVID-19 rules currently in place to keep regional and rural NSW safe, as the State remains on high alert.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the NSW Government is doing everything it can to keep the community safe and residents need to continue following the rules to protect their loved ones and the community.

“The community has been doing a great job of keeping the region free of COVID-19 and given what is happening in Sydney, it’s more important than ever that we continue to follow the rules and keep each other safe,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“I encourage everyone to visit the NSW Government website for a refresh about what we can and can’t do right now, including the rules around having up to five visitors in your home at any one time, wearing a mask while visiting all non-residential indoor premises and capacity limits for businesses.

“We can still enjoy a meal and a beer at the pub, but it is important to ensure you socially distance and abide by the four square metre rule both indoors and outside.”

People in the regions must not enter Greater Sydney, which includes the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, for any reason unless they are returning to their primary residence, getting the jab or attending a funeral.

Anyone who visits Greater Sydney to receive their COVID-19 vaccination needs to follow strict rules during their trip and, if they cannot, they must follow stay at home rules for 14 days upon their return to regional NSW.

“My plea is for people to be on alert and understand that the restrictions are in place to protect you and your loved ones,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“We’ve had a couple of recent incidents in the regions but fortunately none have resulted in seeding events and I would ask people to keep doing what they’re doing, which includes getting tested if you have any signs or symptoms.

“The restrictions in place across rural and regional NSW are helping keep everyone safe and I ask you to please keep wearing your mask where appropriate, use the QR code check-in and continue following the rules.”

For further information about regional NSW COVID-19 rules, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw. To find your nearest COVID-19 testing clinic visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.

Domestic violence complainants and other vulnerable witnesses will be empowered to give their evidence in court thanks to upgrades of the safe rooms at Goulburn and Moss Vale courthouses.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the projects were being delivered as part of a $9 million Commonwealth COVID-19 stimulus funding package. The upgrades include:
• Goulburn Courthouse – an upgraded safe room, improved lighting, a new television, upgraded kitchenette facilities, acoustic works and secure access doors; and
• Moss Vale Courthouse – an upgraded safe room, acoustic works and secure access doors.

“These facilities will give witnesses improved, private and secure areas to prepare for court which will help our most vulnerable feel very safe in the court environment,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Attorney General and Minister for Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman said witnesses have commonly been through serious trauma and coming to court can be very stressful.

“This is particularly true for victim-survivors of domestic, family, and sexual violence,” Mr Speakman said.

“These investments are part of our ongoing commitment to support victim-survivors if they choose to report to police, and to help them feel confident in coming to court.”

Later this year, self-represented defendants will be banned from personally cross examining complainants in domestic violence criminal proceedings and related apprehended domestic violence order proceedings, under new laws passed last November.

As part of the same reforms, complainants in these proceedings also now have a prima facie entitlement to give evidence remotely via audio visual link and in a closed court. The works will also include upgrades of essential safety features, funded from the NSW Government’s $100 million Sustaining Critical Infrastructure Program, announced in the November 2020 budget.

The contracts for works at Goulburn and Moss Vale courthouses have been awarded to CBC Facilities Maintenance Pty Ltd. Start dates are currently being finalised and the stimulus projects will be completed by the end of the year.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman has welcomed the announcement that the Goulburn electorate will benefit from a retraining and rehoming facility for harness racing horses thanks to a share of $1.3 million in funding.

Mrs Tuckerman said harness racing is a hugely popular sport in the region and the benefits of a rehoming facility will be felt throughout the community.

“This facility will support local jobs, and by the horses being retrained they will make perfect companions for so many,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The Standardbred has a gentle nature and are renowned for being great horses for disabled riders and other special needs groups.

Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation and Minister responsible for racing Kevin Anderson said this significant program will have huge benefits for communities as well as giving the horses a second life after they retire.

“We have worked with Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) to identify locations around the state, including here in the Goulburn electorate, to improve retraining facilities for retired pacers and trotters,” Mr Anderson said.

“Racehorses are intelligent and good natured, making them a perfect companion animal and a great addition to your family. We know that retraining ex racehorses can take a significant amount of time and effort, but it is well worth it and this facility will dramatically enhance HRNSW’s rehoming capabilities.

“The NSW Government is creating a safer and stronger regional NSW by reinvesting in the harness racing and equine industries which are a big part of life for so many regional communities.”

I understand that our community is concerned and I note increased speculation on Facebook about the COVID19 case reported in Goulburn today.

I want to assure the community that our NSW Health contact tracing teams are investigating the matter.

At this stage I have been informed of one venue of concern, that being Marulan Hungry Jacks (15597 Hume Highway) on Saturday 10 July from 5pm – 5.30pm. I ask anyone who has been to the venue during this time to immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.

If there are any further locations of concern identified it will be made known through official channels. I will be keeping the community updated as information is provided to me.

Goulburn Hospital testing available Tuesday – Friday from 7am – 4pm (until all patients have been tested) and 9am – 1pm Saturday and Sunday. Laverty’s drive-through testing is also at Seiffert Oval available between 8am – 5pm weekdays and 8am – 1.30pm Saturday and Sunday.