STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms SWANSON (Paterson) (13:58): Last night marked the end of an era for the Hunter. Since 1962, NBN television has been telling our stories, connecting our community and shining a light on local issues. Last night, NBN'S final Sunday night bulletin went to air.

For many people across the Hunter, Port Stephens and the Mid North Coast, NBN wasn't just a television station; it was part of the family. It was where we turned to see our local stories, our local faces and the issues that mattered to our community. Big Dog even helped put the kids to bed!

This is personal for me. Back in 1990, NBN gave me my first job in the media. It taught me the value of local news, the importance of asking the right questions and the responsibility that comes with telling people's stories.

It is still important today. The truth matters. Today I want to thank the journalists, camera operators, producers, editors, presenters, production teams and all of those who've worked tirelessly over the years to keep us informed.

While the change comes as a result of decisions made by the WIN network, we still need our stories to be told and we still know that local news matters. In a world where we are competing for eyeballs and attention, storytelling really matters. We have to have good journalism.

I want to thank those good journalists who keep doing the job. The truth matters more than ever in our democracy today. The SPEAKER: Order!

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.