Last week in Parliament I supported moves to cap politicians’ wages for the next two years.

I went into politics to serve our local community – not to feather my own nest!

Given the cost-of-living challenges everyone is facing, it’s my strong view that proposed increases in politicians’ wages could be better spent on our frontline public servants such as ambulance offices and nurses - as well as bolstering our frontline homelessness services.

Last week, I introduced a Private Members Bill to provide greater transparency and accountability on government grants. Governments do not have money – its taxpayers money and I want to ensure your hard-earned dollars are spent appropriately.

The bill will ensure that breaches of transparency measures have serious consequences for a Minister who inappropriately handles government funds. The Bill will be debated in Parliament in coming weeks.

I love using the Parliament to recognise local people doing great things and this week was no exception.

I was delighted to deliver a Community Recognition Statement on the floor of the House to congratulate Sophie Yates and Hallie Richmond of Kiama High School, who have been selected to attend the International Youth Science Forum in London this coming July.

Both Sophie and Hallie are extremely passionate science students who have been provided with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with global innovators throughout the scientific community. The International Youth Science Forum is a 14-day program held at various prestigious establishments.

They include the Royal Geographic Society, Imperial College London, Oxford and Cambridge universities, as well as a multitude of other recognised institutions.

Sophie and Hallie have advised me that they will have access to a range of specialist lectures, demonstrations and keynote addresses from Nobel Prize winners and other scientific trailblazers, as well as scientific visits to world-class laboratories.

Sophie and Hallie will be connecting with around 500 young people from across 70 countries, allowing for the global expansion of scientific outreach and the inspiration of the next generation. I was delighted to make a small contribution to their fundraising efforts and I congratulate both of them on their success.

Over the weekend I attended a National Tree Planting Day and attended the 20th annual Gerringong Rotary Change-Over. Tonight it is the Rotary Club of Bomaderry’s turn who are celebrating 53 years of service.

This week in Parliament I’ll have some special visitors to Parliament with my mum and some close friends joining me in the House for lunch to celebrate my birthday. Looking forward to seeing them!

Have a great week.

Gareth.