Labor Candidates Andrew Zbik and David Roenfeldt today welcomed the backflip announced yesterday by the NSW Premier that Lane Cove Council will not be forced to merge with Hunters Hill and Ryde Councils. 

Running as a Labor candidate in a traditionally blue ribbon area like Lane Cove has its challenges. 

This will be my third campaign as a candidate in Lane Cove having previously contested the Council Election in 2012 and the State Election in 2015.

Six candidates who are members of Lane Cove Labor today announced that they shall contest two Wards for the upcoming Lane Cove Council Election to be held on Saturday 9^th  September.

The idea by Anthony Roberts – State Member for Lane Cove saying that he wants first home owners to be able to access their superannuation to purchase their first homes (North Shore Times – Thursday 23^rd February) is yet another example of the Liberals undermining the superannuation system in Australia. Once again they are not tackling the real problems contribution to making housing unaffordable for many Australians. 

North Sydney Labor is organising a public forum with NSW Senator Sam Dastyari on Tuesday 7th March to discuss the proposed changes to the Racial Discrimination Act.

NSW has its seventh Premier in a decade! As Gladys Berejiklian takes office and a new cabinet is sworn in today, below are some issues I think that need to be focused on. However, I am not holding my breath.

Housing affordability is going to continue to be a big issue. I believe Labor still has the best policy to address this issue. 

There is no question that negative gearing on investment properties has distorted our housing market. A $600,000 home for a couple who wish to live in it will cost them $700 a week in principle and interest repayments. That same home if purchased by an investor will cost $100 week after tax deductions and depreciation. 

The Sydney Metro Strategy for new dwellings in Lane Cove has increased demand for student places at local State Public Schools and State High Schools.

Bill Shorten's announcement yesterday about Labor's new policy on the treatment of negative gearing is an example of how rank-and-file members can contribute to the creation of Labor Policy.