EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Federal Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid says he remains a strong advocate for the Central Coast as he enters his second term in Canberra.
Following Labor’s landslide win in May, the Party now holds its largest majority since World War II.
The result has also reshaped life for backbenchers such as Reid.
One sign of change is the seating in the House of Representatives.
Television cameras now pick up a fresh row of new Labor MPs seated directly behind the frontbench, while longer-serving members like Reid have been moved further around the chamber’s horseshoe.
“Roles have changed somewhat,” Reid told Coast Community News and the Community Radio Network.
He now serves on the Intelligence and Security Committee, as well as the Health, Aged Care and Disability Committee.
Outside parliament, he continues to volunteer as an honorary medical officer in Wyong Hospital’s emergency department.
“Nothing bursts the Canberra bubble quite like a NSW emergency department,” he said.
“You really see what’s happening on the frontline, which helps inform policy at the highest level of government.”
At 31, Reid is one of the younger MPs in the Labor caucus and believes that is shifting the conversation.
“Housing, healthcare, access to secure work — these issues are getting more traction because young people are bringing them to the table,” he said.
Labor’s strong majority has given backbenchers greater freedom to speak out.
Western Sydney MP Ed Husic, for instance, has publicly called for stronger recognition of Palestine, a stance later adopted by the Prime Minister.
Whether Reid uses his position to push more firmly on Central Coast issues, healthcare, or Indigenous affairs remains to be seen.
But with a safe seat and growing experience, he now has more room to step forward.
Noah Secomb – Canberra Correspondent
Here’s to hoping he pushes for Central Coast issues. We may be the 10th largest city in Australia, but I think the government normally stops paying attention after #5….
And good on the ALP for putting a doctor in the medical committee. Kinda scary how often we have front-bench MPs holding portfolios for things they know nothing about
Whilst I appreciate that there are more important issues to be concerned with
The recent news highlights the difference between Central Coast and Sydney metro. In today’s (16 September) news the headlines include ‘paradigm shift .. -2 million homes speed boost’, ‘huge upgrade’ etc.etc and includes facts like ‘FREE’ speed upgrades from 100 to 500, 250 to 750Mbps. In my area my speedtest is 39.56Mbps down and 14.98Mbps up… on a good day.
Where are the promises of our local members which state that ‘ Australians owning NBN Co is the best means of ensuring prices for high speed internet remain affordable for all Australians.’ From the range of NBN plans the 100/17 price is around $70 – which I pay the same and more for my pitiful speed.
More quotes (18 October 2024) “This is in addition to what we have already done:
Invested $2.4 billion to expand full fibre NBN access to an additional 1.5 million premises – including 660,000 rural and regional communities;
From September next year, boosting download speeds by up to 5 times current speeds – at no extra wholesale cost. A household or small business with a 100 Mbps plan in 2024 will benefit from 500 Mbps connectivity in 2025;
Rolling out more fibre in the fixed line network, upgrading the fixed-wireless network and planning for future needs.”
I work from home, most of the week. Great.., lucky I can – saves me fuel etc, but also benefits the community – I don’t add to the climate woes, don’t add traffic to the freeway, buy local for lunch etc. many more. However, my work involves being online all the time and I need the speed etc. as I work in IT. Been waiting for faster Internet for years and looks like the local member promises faster NBN by 2030 while other areas etc. have it right now!!!!