Groundbreaking ceremony for new $5.9 million refuge in Lake Macquarie

Last year there were 1008 recorded domestic violence related assaults in the Lake Macquarie Local Government Area, while knowing many incidents go unreported.

Today, I joined Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison MP, Dawn Walker CEO Jenny's Place Domestic Violence & Homelessness Support and James Adrichrem from Housing Plus to turn the sod on a new $5.9 million refuge in Lake Macquarie.

Homelessness

Homelessness is rising. Local street counts record only a few dozen rough sleepers, however the number rises to over 700 when including hidden forms of homelessness. Many people are transient or couch surfing to avoid unwanted attention because they have no stable accommodation.

Medicinal Cannabis Driving Laws

I support the use of cannabis in medically supervised situations where it can bring relief to people suffering from serious illness, such as late-stage cancer. It is important patients accessing legal medications are not unfairly penalised with outdated legislation.