Peter Debnam represents the electorate of Vaucluse in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.

The electorate includes the suburbs of Bellevue Hill, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Darling Point, Double Bay, Dover Heights, North Bondi, Point Piper, Rose Bay, Vaucluse, Watsons Bay, and parts of Bondi Junction and Woollahra.

To find out more about receiving a beautifully illustrated walking map of the electorate click here.

To read the demographic factsheet on Vaucluse published by the New South Wales Electoral Commission click here.

Below is an extract of Peter's inaugural speech to Parliament laying out the geography, heritage and unique character of Vaucluse electorate, along with the issues that the community faces. 

Vaucluse is unique in that it is surrounded 75 per cent by water. The electorate extends from Watsons Bay in the north to within a stone's throw of Tamarama Beach in the south. The coastline and the harbour foreshore are important aspects of the lifestyle of the residents. Water quality and protection of the environment are fundamental considerations in my electorate. The Vaucluse electorate is also one of the most important tourist destinations for visitors to our city of Sydney. The electorate is home to many of Sydney's earliest landmarks which, combined with the natural beauty of the coastline, beaches and the harbour foreshore, attract visitors by the tens of thousands each week.

Tourism is the primary concern of businesses and employment in the electorate. But we need to ensure a healthy balance between tourism development and the interests of local residents, especially in an electorate which is so physically constrained. There is simply no more room for urban expansion in Vaucluse and the services infrastructure is under considerable load already. I know this Government believes in extensive consultation with careful planning and implementation. These factors have been taken into account in relation to the further development of Bondi and other areas of the electorate. Extensive community consultation is fundamental to good government and will remain a cornerstone of my personal philosophy. Bondi is not just another suburb - it is a national treasure. It is as identifiably Australian as are the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Waverley Council is currently preparing a plan of management for Bondi Park and the Bondi Pavilion for presentation to the State Government. It is important that the balance between tourism priorities and community use of the Bondi Pavilion be resolved sensitively.

The Bondi area is bounded on the west by Campbell Parade, which is the main thoroughfare for traffic through Bondi Beach. It is a matter of considerable concern for residents and visitors. Campbell Parade is known locally as Shambles Parade, and it is not a credit to any level of government. Campbell Parade is in urgent need of upgrading and discussions between the council and the Government have been under way for some time. I look forward to early resolution of this long overdue project to upgrade the major road for Australia's best-known beach. I will be pursuing the upgrading of Campbell Parade with vigour.

In addition to the need for balanced development and the protection of the interests of local residents, we must remain mindful of our heritage. Vaucluse is steeped in local history, whether it be in the form of historic buildings or longstanding institutions such as local clubs. The clubs have an important place in local history and continue as integral elements of the social fabric of the electorate. Whether they be golf, bowling, sailing, surfing, swimming, Returned Services League or Diggers clubs, they each have a role in the community. Beyond the mere bricks and mortar, they have a value which must be protected. The surf life saving clubs, as an example, are symbols of the Australian way of life and they provide an invaluable service. The Bondi Icebergs Club is another institution that deserves our respect and encouragement. I believe that club's current difficulties with the local council are best resolved through negotiation. In the interest of the club and the community, I encourage Waverley Council to pursue consultation, not confrontation.

The chains came off the gates of historic Strickland House on 30 March 1994 and the grounds are now open to the public seven days a week. The Premier has confirmed that the buildings and grounds will stay in public ownership for ever. I am consulting community groups and interested parties in relation to the appropriate use and level of restoration of the buildings, and I confirm that I will not support any option which excludes the public from the buildings. Another issue in the Vaucluse electorate, as in other electorates, is the question of public transport. Public transport is so important to many of our residents, particularly the senior citizens. I commend the Minister for Transport for the manner in which he has improved public transport in recent years.

Customer service has been an issue of interest to me during my business career, and extension of this concept to the public sector will enhance the delivery of public transport services. The progress already made by the Minister for Transport in this regard is to be applauded. I look forward to working with my electorate, the Minister and his department to further refine the delivery of public transport in the Vaucluse electorate. Effective community consultation will promote a good match between available resources and the priorities of the local community.

Extracts from the Inaugural Speech to Parliament of Peter Debnam MP on 12th May 1994.