Meet the Goulburn candidates for the state election

Candidates running in the seat of Goulburn share their priorities and give their pitches to voters

Meet the candidates vying for your vote in Goulburn. Picture: Supplied

With the state election less than a week away, it’s more important than ever to know the priorities of candidates.

We spoke to the people vying for your vote on March 25 about what issues matter to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Michael Pilbrow — Labor

Labor Candidate Michael Pilbrow has lived in Yass for 12 years where he has raised a family with his wife Lynne.

He has previously been involved as a volunteer at a local P & C, and was previously the president of the Yass Valley Business Chamber.

Labor Candidate Michael Pilbrow. Picture: Supplied

In regards to local issues, Mr Pilbrow said would work with the community to re-open Wakefield Park.

He said he would prioritise fixing local roads, achieving safe nurse staff levels in local hospitals, and support education in the region with more teaching and counsellor positions.

Mr Pilbrow said he’d support moves to increase permanent firefighters and improve fire station facilities.

“As someone who has come from the community and small business, I’m running to be your local voice in the NSW parliament,” he said.

“As I doorknock across our electorate, I keep hearing how surprised people are to have a political candidate turning up and asking for views on local issues.

“People deserve to hear from their local Member and know they are accessible.

“If I have the honour of being elected my commitment to you is that I will keep turning up, listening to the community, and responding to the needs of the Goulburn electorate.”

Margaret Logan — Sustainable Australia Party

Sustainable Australia Party candidate for Goulburn Margaret Logan says she is running to “de-corrupt” politics in NSW and “implement sustainable solutions for our future”.

“The current political system is dysfunctional because it depends upon donations,” she said.

“This results in the major parties making decisions which primarily support the corporations.”

She said protecting the environment, stopping overdevelopment and stopping corruption were the biggest issues facing Goulburn.

Sustainable Australia Party candidate Margaret Logan. Picture: Supplied

“I will achieve this through protecting endangered species habitats, native forests and local tree canopies, reducing Australia’s waste production and acting on climate change,” she said.

“(On overdevelopment I’d achieved this by) stopping inappropriate high-rise and sprawl, delivering new community infrastructure before more housing and stabilising Australia’s population size.

“(Regarding stopping corruption I would advocate for) transparent reporting of political donations and lobbying and banning political donations from big business and unions.”

Ms Logan said the SAP is an “independent community movement with a science and evidence-based policy platform”.

“We are fighting to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption,” she said.

Wendy Tuckerman — Liberal Party

Incumbent Liberal MP Wendy Tuckerman has been the member for Goulburn since 2019.

Prior to this she was elected to the Boorowa Council in 2004 where she served as mayor for 10 years.

Before her political career she worked as a Detective at the Australian Federal Police.

“I am running to continue my work tirelessly to secure new and improved infrastructure, enhanced services, and shape regional policy to make our communities the best place to live, work, and raise families,” she said.

Liberal incumbent Wendy Tuckerman. Picture: supplied

“Serving my community was a source of immense pride, and I worked hard to bring about positive change during my tenure.”

She said rising cost of living, investment in roads and infrastructure, and planning for regional communities are the most pressing issues in the region.

“However, I also hear the appreciation of the NSW Liberal Governments measures such as Service NSW vouchers and rebates that are offering immediate relief,” she said.

“Better planning for communities is necessary to make investments meaningful and beneficial for our communities.

“The re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will continue to invest in the Stronger Country Communities Fund, the record investment in our regional Roads, Education and Health Services.”

Ms Tuckerman said she had a reputation for being “a representative who truly listens and gets results”.

“I will continue to work tirelessly to secure new and improved infrastructure, enhanced services, and shape regional policy to make our communities the best place to live, work, and raise families,” she said

“As your local Member, I am a passionate and powerful advocate, dedicated to representing you in parliament and amplifying your voice at the Cabinet table.”

Andrew Wood — Shooters, fishers and farmers party.

Andrew Wood is running in the seat of Goulburn for the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers’ Party. He was contacted for comment.

Gregory Olsen — The Greens

Gregory Olsen has lived in Bundanoon since 2019.

He says he’s running with The Greens because he “passionately believes in social, environmental and economic justice and equity”.

Greens candidate Gregory Olson. Picture: Supplied

If elected he said would act upon a myriad of policies.

This includes opposing the Tarago waste-to-energy incinerator, opening the Wakefield Park raceway, supporting a mandatory cashless gambling card, and pushing to prohibit gambling donations to political parties.

Mr Olsen also detailed a number of broader causes he Supports including abolishing the public sector wage cap, improving nurse to patient ratios, universal preschool in the region by 2030.

He also said he supports a target for 100 per cent renewable energy in the state by 2030.