By Ben McEachenWednesday 7 Sep 2022Hope MorningsNewsReading Time: 2 minutes
The NSW Opposition Leader has ideas about how to help households live more sustainable lives, particularly in Greater Sydney.
Speaking with Hope Mornings, Labor’s Chris Minns responded to hot-button topics linked with thriving communities.
“It’s a really important question and it’s probably the one that has come up most during my time as Labor leader,” Mr Minns said about government easing of cost of living pressures.
According to Mr Minns, Sydney is “the most tolled city on earth” so ahead of next March’s State Election, his party has signalled a commitment to providing toll relief.
Before NSW goes to the polls in 2023, Hope Mornings will speak with NSW’s political leaders about issues which impact you.
Before NSW goes to the polls in 2023, Hope Mornings will speak with NSW’s political leaders about issues which impact you.
Hope Mornings has contacted the NSW Premier’s office and looks forward to being able to interview Dominic Perrottet.
This week, a socially conscious proposal from Minns’ Labor has grabbed headlines.
Replicating the existing restrictions on mobile phone use at primary schools, high school students would also be blocked from using their phones if a Labor Government comes in.
This policy has been something of a response to the outcry about an online chatroom, linked with some students from Sydney’s Knox Grammar School.
The racist, sexist, homophobic and other offensive content in the group chat again raises concerns around social media, role models and toxic influences.
When asked about how a phone ban at high schools would address the causes of offensive online behaviour, Mr Minns focused upon the classroom costs.
“The main thing is we want to give young people a break from technology, mobile phones and social media,” Mr Minns said.
“We want them to concentrate on the school work that is in front of them.
“I think it is hard enough for adults to be disciplined and mature enough to jump off mobile phones and concentrate on work; what hope do kids have?”
In a far-reaching conversation, Hope Mornings also asked Mr Minns about integrity in politics – and about his own Christian faith.
“It’s a big part of our lives. We’re Catholics, my wife and I. Our kids go to Catholic schools; we go to Mass,” he said.
“Part of our reason for being involved in politics is because we are interested in the wider world and a world larger than our own existence,” NSW Labor leader Chris Minns
“Part of our reason for being involved in politics is because we are interested in the wider world and a world larger than our own existence.”
Listen to the full conversation with Chris Minns in the player above.