Councillor Chris Harris

In an extraordinary move at council on Monday night, Lord Mayor Clover Moore and her team of ‘independents’ voted against a lower pool entry fee for children at the new Ian Thorpe pool at Ultimo, soon to be open.

Using her casting vote against the children of Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore rejected Greens Deputy Lord Mayor Chris Harris’ amendment to reduce the entry fee for children from $4.40 to $3.00.

‘The only reason that council gave to reject a $3 entry fee for children was that it would cost the council $64,000,’ said Cr Harris.

‘I am appalled that our Lord Mayor and her team would put a $64,000 price tag on our children. All we’re talking about is a $1.40 reduction. Let’s not forget that Council made a net surplus this year of $61.7 million.’ Read the rest of this entry »

Media Release

Greens Cr. Chris Harris celebrated 10 years of Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) at the graduation of their class of 2006.

Cr. Chris Harris, “The Greens know that human beings have always valued dogs for their friendship and protection. This bond is particularly strong for people with disabilities. You only have to look in the faces of the new owners of the four graduating ADA dogs to see it. These dogs are amazing, they pick up keys, open doors, turn lights on and off and push the button at the pedestrian crossings. The city is pleased to make Martin Place available for the graduation ceremony.

“The City of Sydney’s support for Assistance Dogs Australia is consistent with the council’s increased investment into disability access for locals and visitors alike, making it easier for people with disabilities to get around the city.” Cr. Harris said

Cr. Harris again, “What’s more, these cute, cuddly puppies not only change the lives of people with physical disabilities, they also change the lives of the people who foster them. Some of the puppies are given to prisoners to rear. This makes a huge difference to the inmates who take on a pup, which in turn then makes an enormous difference to a person with a physical disability. It’s a program where the whole community benefits - a very Greens way of solving a problem.

“As Greens Councillor and Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, I am honoured to have been part of the celebration of an organistation that, for 10 years has helped so many Australians.” Cr. Harris said.