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Save Graythwaite Bill defeated: Jillian Skinner, the member for (North) Shore
Saturday 27 February 2010
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has criticised the member for North Shore and Opposition health spokesperson Jillian Skinner for abandoning her local community and for failing to move the Save the Graythwaite Estate Bill in the NSW Lower House, which was voted down late yesterday.
Mr Peter Besseling, Independent MP for Port Macquarie, had carriage of the bill in the NSW Legislative Assembly. The bill was defeated by 46 to 35 votes. The Greens were successful in gaining support for the bill in the NSW Upper House in November last year.
"In her speech to the bill Ms Skinner said that it's now time to 'move on', but she can be assured that the community will not forget her behaviour during this time," Ms Rhiannon said.
"It comes as no surprise to me to hear that Jillian Skinner was booed by residents from the public gallery in NSW Parliament as she delivered her speech.
"Ms Skinner long ago dropped the Save Graythwaite cause, abandoning the local community's fight and siding with the Shore community. She did everything possible in her speech to smooth over any ill-feelings about the school's involvement in the sale.
"Perhaps Ms Skinner needs to be reminded that she is the member for North Shore, not just Shore.
"During the debate Ms Skinner was disrespectful of the Dibbs family. She was also dismissive of all the hard work done by Friends of Graythwaite's to achieve a positive outcome for the community.
"After news of the sale of this estate by the NSW government to a wealthy private school Ms Skinner quickly waived the white flag and lost interest in the campaign.
"It was logical for the Shadow Health Minister and member for North Shore to bring this bill into the lower house. By refusing to do so, the Friends of Graythwaite were forced to find an independent MP to do the job.
"This Estate, with its six acres of parkland representing one of the last remaining large green public havens for the people of North Sydney, is now on the verge of being lost to the public forever," Ms Rhiannon said.
For more information: Lee Rhiannon 0427 861 568.
Read the debate on the Save Graythwaite Bill.
