This week we congratulate Jamie Parker MP, who gave his farewell speech to parliament on Wednesday after almost 12 years as the Greens member for Balmain.
As a true local, Jamie has been an unwavering advocate for his local community since he was elected Leichhardt Councillor in 1999.
When the Liberal government sought to privatise Callan Park with 50-year commercial leases, Jamie spared no time at all in building a grassroots campaign of objection in his community. Today, Callan Park remains in public hands.
Thanks to Jamie, residents near White Bay will soon no longer have to deal with ship pollution as shore-to-ship power finally gets installed at White Bay Cruise Terminal after years of community campaigning.
Beyond his local community, Jamie was also a steadfast advocate of accountability and anti-corruption in parliament, and in supporting the struggles for justice of the Kurdish community, the Saharawi people of Western Sahara, and the people of Myanmar who he has always stood by.
As the first Greens MP to win a state seat in NSW, Jamie stands as a model to future community representatives. In his parting words to Parliament he said:
“Rarely in history has Parliament led progressive social change, most often the Parliament has followed the will of the people reluctantly. While Parliament has great powers, I recognise that genuine leadership happens most often in our local communities. Nowhere is that culture of community activism and leadership stronger than in the seat of Balmain. My constituents put me in this place, but they keep me here by being active and engaged and encouraging me to do more and be better. As my friend Hall Greenland says, “There’s nothing like the hot breath of the masses on your neck to keep you focused.” ”
Congratulations, Jamie, and thank you for all your service. You will be sorely missed.
