Federal election 2022 Dobell: Meet the candidates

Dobell will be a seat to watch come election night, but how well do you know the candidates? We’re here to help! They’ve shared everything from political ideals to their childhood dreams and more.

Seven candidates have put up their hands to take the seat of Dobell in the upcoming Federal Election.

The seat is currently held by Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride who was re-elected in 2019 despite a three per cent swing against her. The two candidate preferred margin in 2019 was just 1.5 per cent.

Health and cost of living have emerged as major issues in this area.

We asked all candidates the same six questions ranging from their ‘wish list’ for Dobell to childhood aspirations and the last time they stepped out of their comfort zone. Some revealed that running in the upcoming Federal Election was a step out of their comfort zone as they contest one of NSW’s most closely watched seats.

GEOFF BARNES, FUSION: SCIENCE, PIRATE, SECULAR, CLIMATE EMERGENCY

What inspired you to run for the seat of Dobell?

For many years I have been a typical swinging voter. Growing disillusioned with the complete absence of statesmanship displayed by both the major parties over the last decade I have been looking for a viable alternative.

There is a wealth of knowledge and forward thinking in our country, but the opacity of our current system of governance seems to be dedicated to suppressing progress in any direction.

I believe that voters want more nuance than the major parties can deliver.

What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?

1. Almost half our households are made up of low income earners. Universal public health and dental, universal basic income, access to affordable childcare. A roof to live under is one of the most basic needs one has, however adequate housing is becoming further and further out of reach for many in society.

2. Anti-corruption body, compassionate welfare, whistleblower protection, simpler and fairer economics, transparent government and campaign finance reform.

In order to make informed decisions for a vibrant democracy, citizens need to know when the government is acting against their best interests. Public servants are expected to work for the people, and the people should have access to information to oversee their actions.

3. Speech is the cornerstone of the enlightenment and the safeguard for all other liberties, protecting not just the right to speak, but the right to hear, understand, and judge the ideas of others. Free speech underpins our ability to think, create, innovate and progress.

Recognising the inherent dignity and worth of all human beings, a bill of rights would ensure the rights that are fundamental to a fair and ethical society are extended to all within it. A bill of rights can restore balance and provide unambiguous checks on the creeping intrusion of the state into private life.

If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Dobell, what would it include?

1. Climate Emergency. The recent flooding around Tuggerah Lakes, playing “whack-a-mole” with the potholes whilst driving around our streets. Houses collapsing in Wamberal. The erosion of our beaches. Mud slides on my own property tell me that we really need to get fair dinkum about climate. Half-hearted statements about 2050 targets are a joke.

2. We absolutely need to address corruption and institute a federal ICAC with teeth. We are in a time when a handful of marginal seats receive 80 per cent of discretionary dollars, corporations are more important than people, the Federal Government fights any attempts for greater transparency or to be held to account for their corruption.

Here on the Central Coast we have possibly the worst performing council in Australia. The ghost of Craig Thomson is a bitter memory.

3. The long term effects of Covid-19 on our families, education, business, unemployment and underemployment. As a commuter, rising fuel costs are an issue. I would like to encourage more work from home where possible. The pandemic showed me personally that a new standard is not only feasible, but can be a more efficient way to conduct certain businesses. Increased quality of life/family time is an added bonus.

What were your aspirations as a child?

My kindergarten aspirations were to be an artist (I could draw a half-decent horsey and received positive attention for delivering said drawings).

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

I decided to run for a lower house seat in Dobell.

What is your favourite footy team?

My parents were staunch West Tigers fans since the Magpie days. It would be a dishonour to their memory to say anything else.

MICHAEL FENELEY, LIBERAL

Mr Fenekey as a child.

What inspired you to run for the seat of Dobell?

I was born in Newcastle and am one of seven children. My family connection to the Central Coast goes back more than 30 years, with my mum living here for 25 years. I absolutely love Noraville where I live, and I believe the upper Central Coast has so much to offer.

I worked as a cleaner and kitchen hand before becoming a cardiologist and I know that you need job opportunities to thrive. As we emerge from the pandemic, I want the Central Coast to be front and centre of Australia’s recovery. We have a skilled workforce ready to adapt and work hard. The government is already investing heavily in the Central Coast and the people who live here and I want to make sure our region capitalises on that investment. As your local member, I would make sure we have the framework in place to give each and every resident in Dobell an opportunity to thrive.

What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?

People on the Central Coast are concerned with cost-of-living pressures. Rent, groceries and petrol are front of mind and that is why the Morrison government is taking immediate action to help Australians’ hip-pockets.

A strong economy has put us in a position to reduce the cost of petrol by 22 cents a litre for six months, provide a one-off $420 Cost of Living Tax Offset, which will help over 10 million low-and-middle income earners, and provide pensioners and concession card holders with a one-off $250 Cost of Living Payment.

I also know the creation of local jobs and opportunities is important. The Government is transforming Australia’s manufacturing sector through its $2.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy, and $500m of that will drive growth and innovation in regional areas.

Healthcare is also a top priority and as an experienced doctor myself I have a range of practical ideas of how we can improve the system and have already met with local GPs to discuss these.

If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Dobell, what would it include?

Investment in road and rail will improve the quality of life for people on the Central Coast. The Morrison Government recognises this and that’s why it has committed $1.4 billion to road and rail in this area, including major upgrades to four lanes on the Pacific Highway through Wyong, duplication of the rail lines through Wyong and Tuggerah, and upgrades to the Central Coast Highway. Importantly, these major infrastructure projects will drive more than 5,000 jobs.

We want young, ambitious Australians with a good work ethic to be able to create a life they want. That’s why the Prime Minister and Minister for Employment, Stuart Robert, have visited the area and focused on youth training, apprenticeships and employment for young people on the Central Coast. As announced in the Budget, the Government will invest a further $2.8 billion to support Australian apprenticeships.

A Morrison Government is also in a strong financial position to pay attention to the things that matter at a local level. The Government has provided the Central Coast Council with a prepayment of more than $21 million to allow the Council to address the local community’s key priorities, things like; the Tuggerah Lakes, fixing local roads, upgrading local playgrounds and funding essential services.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?

As a person who has been afraid of heights, abseiling has always been a no-go zone for me. But recently my teenage son and I went on adventure camp and I thought, ‘it’s now or never!’ I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed abseiling – and how secure I felt dangling from the cliff face!

What is your favourite footy team?

I played a lot of rugby league growing up and it taught me many lifelong skills like teamwork, resilience and tenacity, which have all been invaluable throughout my career working under intense pressure in hospitals.

CATH CONNOR, THE GREENS NSW

Dobell candidate Cath Connor, The Greens NSW

What inspired you to run for the seat of Dobell?

I am motivated by a long-held belief in the need to protect our environment because that is what sustains us – clean air, unpolluted water, healthy oceans and forests are essential. Not only to each of us now and will be essential to each child born in the foreseeable future.

And secondly, I am motivated by a desire to address the alarming gulf growing between our community’s well-off and those struggling. It is unacceptable that older people, young people, and families with children are locked out of stable, affordable housing and struggling to decide between paying bills and eating. Children should not be growing up in poverty in Australia. Allowing poverty to exist is a political choice, and I am standing in this election for the Greens because, with the political will, we can fix this.

What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election, and how do they apply to the Central Coast?

Climate change will not spare the Dobell electorate. We live in a vulnerable region – from flooding and coastal erosion as we see most recently to drought – remember the water restrictions of the millennial drought? And who can forget being blanketed in smoke for months on end as the massive Gospers Mountain fire threatened our community from the west two years ago?

The cost of living is making life hard for many people in Dobell. Fixing housing affordability, raising the basic income for all government payments to $88 per day and putting dental care and mental health services into Medicare would make a big difference to many in our community. Our community’s wellbeing depends on robust, well-resourced and properly staffed Public services. And transitioning to renewable energy offers many new job opportunities here on the coast. Check out how we can transform our economy here: Powering past Gas & Coal.

If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Dobell, what would it include?

1. Reinvestment in public schools, public health and aged care.

2. Infrastructure projects which assist/reduce the impacts of our reliance on cars, including the introduction of EV infrastructure.

3. Building affordable, sustainable new public and shared ownership housing to address the crisis.

Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?

Cath Connor grew up in Broken Hill.

I grew up in Broken Hill at a time when married women were not allowed to work, and as they say, ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. How glad I am to have discovered, as I grew to adulthood, that, with activism, change is possible!

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?

Getting my candidate photo blown up to gigantic proportions and put on posters is well outside my comfort zone!

What is your favourite footy team?

The Matildas! It’s wonderful to see our women’s teams doing so well on the international stage and getting the coverage they deserve in our media. Isn’t Sam Kerr brilliant!

MARTIN STEVENSON, PAULINE HANSON’S ONE NATION

Dobell candidate Martin Stevenson, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation.

What inspired you to run for the seat of Dobell?

Australia is in a mess thanks to 50 years of selling us out by Labor/Liberal and more recently The Greens. They can’t blame anyone else as they are the only ones that have been in power.

Between them they have turned Australia from a self sufficient country with people united who loved the country and everything it stood for into a country reliant on overseas for nearly everything, with people who are divided & some who even hate the country. Pretty sad isn’t it?

Career politicians are the problem, they let un elected bureaucrats dictate everything and we end up where we are today. There are very few politicians who have held a real job or employed staff and understand the pressures of life when you are not on the government gravy train.

Pauline Hanson has never strayed from her love of this country and people, this has inspired average Australians to stand in this election and give us the ability to have real representation not just more career politicians with empty promises who don’t stand for anything themselves and just do what they are told.

That is why one nation has 149 candidates in this election. Proudly I am one of them.

What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?

1. Skyrocketing cost of living

2. Housing affordability (both rental and ownership)

3. Ending all mandates

If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Dobell, what would it include?

1. More support for small business. This has been lacking in comparison to that of large corporations and has seen the loss of so many unique businesses to our area.

2. Support small community groups that are also being lost due to over the top red tape requirements, many of these community groups cant survive the onerous requirements and are disappearing which is detrimental to the identity of our area.

3. Some forward planning of required upgrading required to infrastructure to meet the needs of the rapid population growth in the area, seems everything is always done reactively not proactively.

Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?

Childhood image of Martin Stevenson.

I was lucky that we were able to be children and not have to worry about having aspirations until our teenage years as we approached adulthood. Children of today should be so lucky.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?

Entering politics as a candidate for a minor party is a very big move and out of my comfort zone.

What is your favourite footy team?

I have followed Newcastle Knights since moving up here but Western Suburbs Magpies at Lidcombe Oval are the best memories of rugby league.

EMMA MCBRIDE, AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

Federal Election 2022 – Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride

What inspired you to run for the seat of Dobell?

“I had the best start in life growing up on the Coast and I believe this is what every local kid deserves.

As a pharmacist at Wyong Hospital, I also worked side-by-side with dedicated, capable staff who were under strain and needed much more support. That’s why I decided to run for parliament, so I could fight for better care for our community. Health is a deeply personal issue for me. I helped my mum lovingly care for my dad, Grant while he was living with Younger Onset Dementia. As a carer myself, I know how tough it is and I want people on the Coast to have access to the care they need when they need it.

What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?

Cost of living is a big issue for Australians right now, especially housing affordability. House prices have jumped by a staggering 31 per cent on the Central Coast in the last 12 months, which is well above the national average of 21 per cent. That’s why Labor has announced plans for more social and affordable housing, our Regional First Home Buyer Support Scheme, and our Help to Buy plan.

Healthcare is a concern in our community as well. We have a GP crisis on the Coast. Locals are waiting weeks for routine appointments, practices have been forced to close their books, and emergency departments are struggling to keep up with demand. Labor has a plan to tackle the GP crisis by recognising the Coast as a priority, which will help local practices recruit more GPs. We have also committed to a Medicare-funded MRI Licence at Wyong Hospital, and we will establish two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics on the Coast so locals can get the care they need when they need it.

If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Dobell, what would it include?

Better healthcare for the Coast, including access to GP’s, affordable medicines, and more support for our hospitals.

Improved infrastructure, so we can clear the backlog and make it safer and easier for people to get around the Coast.

Local jobs, so everyone has a shot at a steady career and a secure future.

Can you please supply a childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?

I grew up at Baker Park in Wyong, and as a young athlete, I dreamt of playing netball for Australia.

Emma McBride (wearing blue) playing netball at Baker Park as a child.

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?

Earlier this year, I completed my Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) crew certificate at Toowoon Bay. It was tough, and I’m grateful to my trainers for their help. I now have a much deeper appreciation of the ocean and the skill of crew and drivers.

What is your favourite footy team?

I follow the Eels (but I’m not a footy tragic) and we last took out the Premiership in 1986.

Some answers have been shortened due to space requirements. Dean Mackin, from the United Australia Party, and Eliot Metherell, from the Liberal Democratic Party, did not respond before the deadline however here’s a rundown of both candidate profiles.

DEAN MACKIN, UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY

Dobell candidate Dean Mackin from the United Australia Party.

Dean Mackin, a broadcaster, says he looks forward to challenges ahead.

Mr Mackin’s profile says worked in the IT Industry since the mid-1980s before starting his second career in broadcasting.

“It did not take Dean long to score himself a prime daytime gig on a 48 station national commercial radio network,” his profile states.

“Dean soon moved to the Central Coast and would broadcast his highly popular and unashamedly conservative brand of talk show from their Newcastle studio 2HD instead of opting to do it from their 2SM Pyrmont studio.

“Radio afforded Dean the opportunity to give himself and like-minded Australians a voice on Australian Radio. Speaking the truth on radio is no longer possible and so Dean is now focusing his efforts on Politics with the United Australia Party.”

ELIOT METHERELL, LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Dobell candidate Eliot Metherell from the Liberal Democratic Party.

Eliot Metherell has previously worked for the Australian Taxpayer’s Alliance, spending years “trying to make politicians see things from our side of the fence, from the ordinary Australian’s side”.

“Having also worked as a builder’s labourer, he knows a bit about sweating for your pay too,” his profile states.

“White collar or blue, he’s never stopped demanding a fair go for Australians. He’s never stopped arguing for your right to keep what you earn and live how you like. Eliot became a candidate for the LDP so he could keep battling for Australians to have a fair go and a free life.”