NSW Opposition Leader, Mark Speakman brought his shadow ministry to the Northern Beaches (specifically Cromer Golf Club) this afternoon, Monday, 4 August 2025, as part of a self-described “statewide listening tour” for the NSW Liberal Party.
“We are here to learn and to listen and to connect with community representatives, small business owners, local non-government organisations and the local community here on the Northern Beaches,” Mr Speakman said on the lawn of the private golf club.
The NSW Liberals lost the safe seat of Wakehurst to Independent MP and former Mayor, Michael Regan in 2023.
“This is part of a listening tour right across New South Wales,” he explained.
“We’re here without knowing all the answers. And in fact, if we thought we knew all the answers to the state’s problems, we would be the biggest problem. We know there are huge problems on the Northern Beaches, like there are right across New South Wales.”
He explained issues like the rising cost of living, hospital waiting lists, education, public transport and access to affordable housing are being felt by all across the state.
“Northern Beaches’ also has its own unique issues like making sure the Mona Vale Road upgrade happens, addressing issues with the Wakehurst Parkway that is constantly flooding,” he added.
The audience at the early afternoon tea consisted of his shadow ministry, Member for Davidson, Matt Cross, Member for Manly, James Griffin, local non-government representatives, small business owners and community members, many of whom were older Australians.
There were unexpected mixed vocal reactions from some in the audience – boos – during Mr Speakman’s Acknowledgement of Country, however, he persevered to recognise the Traditional Owners.
What was said
Later, during his address to the audience, that the Opposition’s role is to keep the Minns government accountable.
“The Minns government needs to come clean with what they’re doing to flood proof the Wakehurst Parkway,” he said.
“Northern Beaches residents don’t enjoy the same level of public transport as the rest of Sydney does, so these roads are vital.”
He added that the Minns government needed to articulate timelines for the Mona Vale Road project.
As for who the Liberals will nominate for Wakehurst… we won’t hear that “this side of Christmas”.
Shadow Minister for Health backs government’s new initiative
Kellie Sloane, Shadow Minister for Health, took the opportunity to show her support for the government’s new initiative: Worried they are getting worse?
Designed as a tool to be rolled out for paediatric and neonatal patients, with the aim for it to be in all NSW Health hospitals by October 2025, it recognises that parents, families and carers are an important part of the healthcare team.
“This is a really important initiative,” Ms Sloane said.
“It’s so important that our medical professionals and emergency teams are listening to parents.
“As a mum, I know all parents, all mums, know if something is going wrong with their child. It’s about empowering them to speak up, to say something, which could save a life.”
She added that she stood side-by-side with the Northern Beaches community regarding the Northern Beaches Hospital.
“We are here to be proactive, to work with the government, to find solutions,” she explained.
“We’ve been consistent whether that’s supporting enquiries, supporting victims and supporting recommendations that have come out of the Auditor General’s report.”
The State Election will be held in March 2027.
