Dobell and Robertson Labor MPs Emma McBride and Gordon Reid’s first 100 days in office

After three terms in the political wilderness federal Labor holds sway in Canberra. But what has it meant for the Central Coast? We run the ruler over the two local MPs’ first 100 days in office.

New kid on the block Dr Gordon Reid, who dethroned former Liberal MP Lucy Wicks for the seat of Robertson, said the Labor Government had “wasted no time getting on with the job” for the coast and Australia.

The Robertson federal Labor MP said he had enjoyed getting out, meeting with residents and listening to local issues during his first 100 days in the job.

“I have enjoyed each and everyday since being elected,” he said.

“It was during the Parliament’s first sitting fortnight where I delivered my maiden speech, asked my first question to the Prime Minister. I am also very proud to be sitting on the Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee.

“I am committed to delivering on all my election promises and will not take this role for granted.”

Dr Reid attending the Labor Caucus meeting at Parliament House. Picture: Andrew Taylor

Some of the local promises Labor made during the lead up to the election included $40 million on local roads, $2.5 million to upgrade the Kariong Sporting Precinct, $750,000 for Frost Reserve in Kincumber and the coast’s first community battery in Narara.

“In relation to infrastructure promises that were made, more information will be provided following the October Budget,” Dr Reid said.

The former emergency doctor highlighted his work, and the work of fellow Labor colleagues, to get the coast region reclassified as a distribution priority area in order to improve healthcare and attract more doctors to the area.

Dr Reid and Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride also announced $825,000 to upgrade to two dangerous coast roads under the Black Spot Program 2022-23.

Dr Gordon Reid claimed victory over former Liberal MP Lucy Wicks on election night in May.

These include $620,000 for a 3.8-kilometre stretch of Fagan’s Road, Lisarow between Tuggerah Street and The Ridgeway and $205,000 to the upgrade of Showground Rd at Narara between Manns Rd and Racecourse Rd.

“There’s more to do and I would like to again encourage any resident on the Central Coast to reach out to our office if you ever require assistance with any level of government,” Dr Reid said.

Dr Reid said healthcare was still “front and centre in my day-to-day work” and he was chasing up progress on the election promise of two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics for the coast.

He also praised the Government’s work on delivering election promises including establishing a new emissions reduction target, passing legislation for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave, increasing the minimum wage and beginning to fix issues affecting aged care.

His colleague in Dobell Ms McBride is enjoying her third consecutive term representing her electorate but the first since Labor took office.

Robertson federal Labor MP Dr Gordon Reid and Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride on Fagans Road in Lisarow.

Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride was voted in for her third term.

Ms McBride said the new government’s first bill, the Aged Care and Other Legislation (Royal Commission Response) Bill was a crucial first step to fixing the aged care crisis on the coast.

The third term MP said in the 100 days since taking office Labor had delivered a key election promise to recognise the coast as a “Distribution Priority Area” so local practices could recruit GPs from further afield.

Ms McBride said Labor had also invested $44 million into 57 headspace services across the country along with $13.1 million for targeted mental health for flood-affected communities.

“As the assistant Minister Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I know demand for mental health support has surged to record levels across the country which is why we are investing in services and support measures like this, so Australians can get the care they need when they need it,” she said.