Sloane, Cross commit to service

Surrounded by family, and their political predecessors, newly elected Liberal state MPs Kellie Sloane (Vaucluse) and Matt Cross (Davidson) delivered their respective inaugural speeches in the NSW Parliament last week, expressing their commitment to representing the Jewish, and broader, communities.

Thanking the community for “entrusting me with this great responsibility”, Sloane emphasised in her speech on May 25 that service was part of her upbringing, so “to be in this place [Parliament House] and to be able to make a contribution … is incredibly exciting”.

“I also acknowledge Gabrielle Upton, the former Member for Vaucluse – thank you for your friendship and support.”

Celebrating the diversity within her electorate, Sloane said in Vaucluse you can see everything from barefoot surfers to “Jewish families heading to synagogue”.

“My challenge as a local MP is to represent everyone equitably”.

The married mother-of-three said key priorities for her include ensuring young people’s input “is part of the decision-making in Australia’s oldest Parliament”, removing barriers to individual success, improving the education system, and protecting the environment.

“It is with great pride that I have started my parliamentary career as the Shadow Minister for the Environment.”

In his inaugural speech on May 23, Cross thanked long-serving former Davidson MP Jonathan O’Dea, and said he feels ‘humbled, thankful and grateful” for the support of the people of Davidson.

“I stand here before all of you today with one clear purpose: public service,” Cross said.

“Australia is a richer society for embracing multiculturalism, and our diversity is our strength.

“To our local Jewish and Armenian communities – whose families suffered through the Holocaust and genocide – and to our local Australian Chinese, Korean, Indian, British and South African communities, and to all our faith and cultural communities, I am proud to represent you.”

Describing himself as part of “the next generation of Liberals”, Cross said two public policy areas in particular that he wants to make a long-term contribution to are preventative health – including mental health – and making housing more affordable.