POLITICS
We need to back parents and lift student outcomes
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with Julian Leeser MP Federal Member for Berowra
We’ re fortunate in Berowra to have exceptional schools across the government, Catholic and Independent systems. I see firsthand the dedication of our principals, teachers and parents.
One of things I’ ve enjoyed most as local member is building relationships with our local schools – the principals, teachers, student and parents- across my
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time in parliament.
That’ s why I am delighted to be the Coalition’ s new Shadow Minister for Education and Early Learning.
My view is simple: it’ s not my job to tell parents what’ s best for their children. Parents know what’ s best. It’ s my job to make sure parents have a range of options so that they can choose what’ s right for their family. The education system should be set up to allow parents to make that choice.
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Nationally, despite increases in school funding, student performance in literacy and numeracy has gone backwards. Australians are concerned that there is not enough of a focus on foundational skills.
As Shadow Minister, I want to champion the importance of foundational learning and see genuine transparency about the correlation with federal funding to our education system and student outcomes. I’ ll also continue to fight for stronger protections in early learning to
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keep our youngest Australians safe. Education is nation-building. The choices we make today determine the Australia of tomorrow. We owe it to every child to give them the tools to thrive. Whether you are a teacher who would like to provide feedback on the curriculum, or a parent juggling work with the school run – I want the voices of teachers and families in our community to help shape the policy we will take to the next election. |
Mark Hodges MP
MEMBER FOR CASTLE HILL
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02 9686 3110 castlehill @ parliament. nsw. gov. au Suite 1A, 19-21 Terminus Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Authorised by Mark Hodges MP, Suite 1A, 19-21 Terminus Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154. Funded using Parliamentary Entitlements.
Say no to Government’ s proposed rate rise
by Mark Hodges MP Member for Castle Hill
Box Hill has experienced rapid development in recent years, creating a massive shortfall in essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and parks. The funding gap is estimated at $ 207 million, resulting from capped developer contributions and the state government failing to provide promised gap funding.
I am dismayed to see that the NSW Labor Government is asking the council to make local residents cover these costs. In January, Labor Planning Minister Paul Scully sent a letter to the Hills Shire Council suggesting that this shortfall be covered by raising council rates. If funding were to be drawn from a council-wide rate rise, it would see require an increase of around 31 per cent and would see residents of places like Castle Hill, Pennant Hills and Kellyville funding the neglected infrastructure in the new builds in Box Hill.
It is simply outrageous that hardworking families, already facing mortgages and cost-of-living pressures, would be asked to pay for infrastructure the state government is responsible for delivering. Last week in Parliament, I moved a motion condemning the Government for suggesting ratepayers fund this shortfall and calling on it to provide the necessary funding to the council.
The Hills Shire Council is rightly refusing to raise rates, instead seeking grant funding, ensuring accurate council rates, and calling on the state government to fulfill its obligations. Families in our established suburbs should not bear the cost of rapid development in Box Hill, and the government must step up to provide the funding required to deliver essential services.
I will continue to oppose any such unfair rate raises and keep you updated on any further developments.
Authorised by Mark Hodges MP. Funded using parliamentary entitlements.
24 ISSUE 125 // NOVEMBER 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT