NSW election: Meet the candidates for Blacktown, Mt Druitt, and Riverstone in 2023
The state election candidates for Blacktown, including Mt Druitt and Riverstone, reveal their top priorities as campaigning ramps up with just days until NSW decides who the next leader will be.
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In less than a week, residents across Sydney’s northwest – including the electorates of Blacktown, Mt Druitt, and Riverstone, will be returning to the polls to decide who will lead them in the next chapter of the region’s future.
In Blacktown and Mt Druitt, stalwart Labor MPs Stephen Bali and Edmond Atalla will attempt to fend off rivals new and old, including current Liberal councillor Allan Green – who made a run in 2019, and The Greens candidate Asm Morshed.
Meanwhile, in Riverstone police prosecutor Mohit Kumar will try and keep control of one of the state’s fastest growing seats in terms of population, following the resignation of long-time Liberal MP Kevin Connolly.
With March 25 rapidly approaching and pre-polling now open, the candidates putting up their hands to represent the people of Blacktown, Mt Druitt, and Riverstone have revealed their top priorities should they get elected. Here is what they had to say.
Blacktown
Stephen Bali – Labor
Incumbent Labor MP Stephen Bali said residents were fed up with a lack of infrastructure and lagging hospital services in Sydney’s northwest.
Mr Bali, who previously served as mayor on Blacktown Council, said it was time the Liberal government’s “infrastructure rorts” came to an end.
“As a life long resident of Doonside, I am passionate about making positive change and improvements to our local community,” he said.
“Labor will commit to upgrading major roads such as Bandon Rd and Richmond Rd; funding the upgrades of schools; employing more teachers and health professionals; and delivering parks, libraries, community centres and sporting facilities to support community needs.”
A third-generation Doonside resident, Mr Bali counts the Warwick Ln and BARC facilities as his biggest achievements while in local council.
“Together, with the community, we have successfully campaigned for Doonside train station upgrades and delivered a multi-faculty new university to commence in Blacktown, as well as implementing defibrillators in all active sporting reserves and many other achievements,” he said.
“I have the track record of successfully advocating for the area, and unlike the five other candidates who don’t live in the electorate, I will live in – and deliver for the people of – Blacktown.”
Allan Green – Liberal
Long-term Blacktown councillor Alan Green took on politics because he wanted to make a “real change in the community”.
After 40 years on Blacktown Council, he counts the Blacktown Leisure Centre as one of his biggest achievements.
Following a run at state leadership in 2019, Mr Green said only the Perrottet Government would be able to take the pressure off families.
“Pressures on household budgets – from challenges like inflation and global events – are at the front of people’s minds when I’m out in the community,” Mr Green said.
“That is in addition to the need for further improvements to our health and education services, and continued investment in infrastructure and housing.”
Mr Green said the NSW Liberals had the experience and track-record of delivering infrastructure needed to keep NSW moving forward.
“We are investing $116 billion in new infrastructure, to create jobs and deliver the vital infrastructure our state needs,” he said.
“As part of Dominic Perrottet’s Liberal team, I am ready to make Blacktown an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Peter Foster – Legalise Cannabis NSW
Legalise Cannabis NSW candidate for Blacktown Peter Foster said Blacktown residents had “lost faith” in the political system.
The Riverstone horticulturalist said most LGAs faced similar pressures, and the status quo had not provided lasting solutions.
“I honestly believe the electorate is looking for positive change to move away from the ‘old ways’ of keeping resources for the few, while the majority within our community do not see any real positive impact to there daily lives,” he said.
“What I can say is that the legalisation of cannabis as proposed by Legalise Cannabis NSW party will foster in a fresh new industry, estimated to be worth billions of dollars that will create a diverse range of employment opportunities to help grow and support vibrant communities.”
Mr Foster said he joined the party hoping he might one day provide his wife medicinal cannabis that would help with her severe back pain.
Patrick Murphy – Sustainable Australia Party
Sustainable Australia Party candidate for Blacktown Patrick Murphy entered politics to “de-corrupt” the NSW parliament.
Mr Murphy said the party was committed to “stabilising” Australia’s population, which would address infrastructure issues.
“There is a complete absence of vision and lack of will to make a difference by our politicians,” Mr Murphy said.
“They will sell their heart to the highest bidder, for personal gain. This must change now.
“(Sustainable Australia) is working for the de-corruption of the planning system by returning real planning powers to local communities through local councils and proper engagement, and ensuring proportionate new local infrastructure and services are delivered.”
Emma Kerin – Animal Justice Party
After 14 years in Blacktown, Animal Justice Party candidate Emma Kerin said she knew how compassionate the community can be.
“Therefore, I am driven to give them the opportunity to be able to vote in line with their values,” Mr Kerin said. “I am committed to make a real difference for the residents and animals of our Blacktown electorate.
“I will do this by providing a voice for policies and practices that promote respect, kindness, compassion and understanding.”
Ms Kerin said it was becoming increasingly difficult for pet owners to care for their animals with cost of living on the rise.
“I will advocate for Veticare – like Medicare for animals, because being on a low income shouldn’t mean your animal suffers,” she said. “I will also advocate to have renters’ rights to have pets protected and for pets to be allowed on public transport.
“Free and low cost desexing and microchipping is also urgently required to counter the crisis of homeless cats and dogs.”
Leonard Hobbs – The Greens
Speaking to this publication earlier this year, The Greens’ Blacktown candidate Lenoard Hobbs said the party was “building” bigger.
After losing out on a tilt to council, the English teacher and campaigner said The Greens hoped to put pressure on the next government.
“We have a struggle convincing people that The Green’s policies are actually going to help them,” Mr Hobbs said in February. “We can have a lot of influence on government. A vote for the The Greens is not a wasted one.”
Mr Hobbs said the main issues heading into the election included a pokies bans and climate change and its effect on western Sydney.
Alexander Mishalow – NSW Liberal Democrats
NSW Liberal Democrats candidate for Blacktown Alexander Mishalow said he wants three things: “Liberty, liberty, and liberty”.
“When my parents migrated from Eastern Europe, they loved Australia and its freedoms,” he said.
“I was born and raised in Sydney and can see that political correctness is turning our country into what my parents fled.
“I have been a community activist since 2007, and will bring real benefits to the local community.”
Mt Druitt
Edmond Atalla – Labor
Incumbent Labor MP Edmond Atalla said cost of living, tolls, and health and school stresses were high on voter’s agenda.
The long-time MP and former Blacktown councillor said the northwestern electorate lacked transport and an employment precinct.
Other issues included the metro extension from Tallawong to St Marys, Mt Druitt Hospital expansions, and the Richmond Rd intersection.
As local member, Mr Atalla counted upgrades to Mt Druitt Hospital, Rooty Hill train station, and a new police station as major achievements.
Prior to politics, Mr Atalla worked as a qualified engineer for more than 35 years.
Kandathil Sunil Jayadeva – Liberal
Liberal candidate for Mt Druitt Kandathil Sunil Jayadeva said he was passionate about community representation.
Mr Jayadeva, who emigrated to Australia in 2000, has more than 23 years experience in hospitality, and is a qualified English teacher.
“My passions include training people from multicultural backgrounds to teach them a skill they can use for the rest of their lives,” he said. “I feel its vital young people find their passion and pursue it to create the future chefs to serve the Australian public.
“I’m asking the people of Mt Druitt to vote for me on March 25 to keep NSW moving forward.”
Asm Morshed – The Greens
The Greens party candidate for Mt Druitt Asm Morshed said he was aware of the issues multicultural communities face.
The Bangledesh-born former banker is running for the Mt Druitt electorate, following a bid for Parramatta Council.
“For migrant communities, a lot of issues that we face can only be solved by politics or the government,” he said. “There is a lot of misunderstanding in the area about The Greens party — I don’t understand it.
“People from disadvantaged areas like Mt Druitt and Blacktown would benefit from The Greens’ policies, including free education.”
Andrew Dudas – Animal Justice Party
Animal Justice Party candidate for Mt Druitt Andrew Dudas said he was active in the movement for the liberation of “non-human animals”.
After watching the agricultural documentary Dominon, Mr Dundas said he became involved in animal activism.
“To grow my skills as a liberationist, I am determined to try my hand at as many different types of animal rights advocacy as I can,” he said.
“I want to push for change with the largely atrocious policies concerning non-human animals currently in place in this great country.”
Mr Dudas said his priority was to abolish factory farming, followed by objectives such as establishing an independent commissioner for wildlife.
Riverstone
Mohit Kumar – Liberal
Liberal Riverstone candidate Mohit Kumar is confident he can fill the large shoes left behind by long-time member Kevin Connolly.
Picked to take on the role after Mr Connolly’s shock resignation, Mr Kumar said he was ready to “fight for all the issues”.
“Riverstone statistically is the fastest growing electorate in population in NSW and number one with children between 5-14,” Mr Kumar said. “It would come as no surprise that, if elected, boosting support for the local family budget to ease the cost of living will be a top priority for me.
“Therefore, cost of living is the most important issue for me, with locals conveying to me this is one of their biggest pressures.”
Mr Kumar emigrated to Australia at 17 to study a career in hospitality.
After a successful business career, he pivoted into the NSW Police force before becoming a police prosecutor.
Mr Kumar sat down with this publication earlier this year, and spoke about his decision to take on a role in politics.
He cited the metro extensions from Tallawong to St Marys and Rouse Hill Hospital as being some of the biggest projects moving forward.
Warren Kirby – Labor
Riverstone small business owner Warren Kirby is Labor’s candidate for the northwest in 2023 NSW election.
The North West Business Chamber vice president said he stood side-by-side with the community in advocating for better infrastructure.
“I got into politics because I’ve seen first-hand the failures of successive Liberal governments to deliver the infrastructure and services our community deserves,” Mr Kirby said.
“Labor has listened to the community and is prioritising the delivery of the roads, public transport, schools, hospitals, and other essential services the community needs and deserves.”
Mr Kirby said Labor would begin work on the Rouse Hill Hospital, and build new public schools in Nirimba Fields, Tallawong and Schofields.
Hundreds of millions of dollars would also be spent on roads throughout the region, as well as connections to Western Sydney Airport.
Tabitha Ponnambalam – Independent
Independent candidate for Riverstone Tabitha Ponnambalam studied law as a way of “achieving justice and fairness”.
The Sri Lankan-born solicitor has practised law in NSW for more than two decades, having previously been an attorney in Connecticut, USA.
“Like a lot of the people in the electorate of Riverstone, I am a migrant and have had the lived experience of a migrant,” Ms Ponnambalam said. “As an independent, I do not need to follow the party line and be restrained in what I can say and do. Independents can do some horse trading to get the needs of their constituents met, especially in a hung parliament.”
Ms Ponnambalam said the key issues for voters were a lack of infrastructure in new suburbs, childcare, and affordable housing.
She believed a hung parliament would be “good for voters”, taking “unfettered” power away from Labor and the Liberals.
Rob Vail – The Greens
The Greens candidate for Riverstone Rob Vail said cost of living was the “number one” issue for voters this year.
The primary school teacher said his work in public schools made him aware of the “real world”, including poverty in the area.
Other issues included climate action, overdevelopment, and issues associated with the region’s booming population.
“Lots of people are going to be moving into the western suburbs but the council and state government haven’t planned for it,” Mr Vail said.
“New people who’ve just moved into the Riverstone area are sending their children – most of them small children – to the local school, but it’s got more than 2000 students and it’s going to be picking up hundreds more.
“It’s just ridiculous. The state government hasn’t produced the public schools that were necessary, as well as lots of other infrastructure.”
Tim Horan – Sustainable Australia Party
Tim Horan is the Sustainable Australia Party candidate for Riverstone in the 2023 NSW Election.
As a communication professional for an Australian social media technology company, Mr Horan said he believed in the “power of sensible ideas” to improve our quality of life and preserve our unique environment.
“I am confident Australia is ready to adopt better ideas than ‘endless growth at all costs’,” he said. “I think an intelligent approach to policy will secure a better life for our families and ensure Australia becomes a fair and equitable place.”
Anthony Belcastro – Riverstone
The Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party candidate for Riverstone is Anthony Belcastro.
Mr Belcastro said he was fighting for a “fair go” for Riverstone, and was committed to protecting “freedoms, rights, and our culture”.
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