Federal election 2022 Robertson: Meet the candidates
Robertson is another seat to watch come election night on May 21, but how well do you know the 11 candidates? We’re here to help! They’ve shared everything from political ideals to their childhood dreams and more.
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Eleven candidates have put up their hands to take the seat of Robertson in the upcoming Federal Election on may 21.
The seat is currently held by Robertson federal Liberal MP Luck Wicks who is looking at securing a fourth term in the seat.
2019 saw a swing in favour of Wicks who was re-elected with a four per cent margin.
We asked all candidates the same six questions ranging from their ‘wish list’ for Robertson to childhood aspirations and the last time they stepped out of their comfort zone. Some even shared personal childhood images.
PATRICK MURPHY, ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
When Barnaby Joyce was reinstated as the Nationals leader, then immediately came out and made climate change denying comments in the media. It literally gave me a nightmare.
I woke up and decided I had to do something about that.
I am an environmentalist, and sitting by whilst he wilfully destroyed this country and the planet was not something I could tolerate. I knew I had to run as a candidate in the seat of Robertson to stand up against a government whose environmental record is atrocious.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
There are so many issues of concern for the country, let alone the Central Coast.
Housing affordability, homelessness, unemployment, environmental impact and the huge levels of debt we are now in, are all serious concerns for both the country and the Central Coast.
We have to look at things from not only a local perspective, but as Australians who want the best for our country.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
My “wish list” is not only centred only the electorate of Robertson, it selflessly includes all of Australia.
Yes, we are part of Australia, but we should not just concentrate solely on local issues, we should make improvements available country wide, such as; improved infrastructure, like fibre to the home with Gigabit ethernet capacity or financial incentives encouraging people to take up renewable energy options, for their home, transport and heating.
Encourage medium density housing in areas that are low or very low density, without the need to destroy swathes of land or animal habitat to do so.
Encourage food security programs by educating people about the benefits of growing their own food with small fruit and vegetable patches on their blocks of land.
Having rules to stop land landlords preventing people growing their own crops.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
Sorry, I don’t have any childhood photos available at the moment. My aspirations as a child were quite simple. I just wanted to get an education, get a job, possibly as a motor mechanic (that didn’t happen), get married and have a family.
As we know, when we get older our priorities change, the world changes and we change our views and goals accordingly.
Never did I think I would be involved in politics, but when the state of the future of this country and this planet has reached an existential crises, we can’t ignore it, we must fight to save our future.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
The last time I stepped out of my comfort zone (before running as a candidate in this election), was when I saw the cruel treatment of animals, in the meat egg and dairy industries. What the industry standard is, and how it is deemed as “humane treatment” of animals is absolutely horrific.
It had been deliberately hidden from me all my life, by those with the power to inform us, but they didn’t; they dare not say a word against their sponsors, for fear of losing income.
Once I knew better, I had to do better. There was no way I could call myself an ethical person, and continue to participate supporting those industries, particularly when there were viable alternatives available.
That eventually led me to the Animal Justice Party and to become a candidate in this election.
What is your favourite footy team?
I used to support the St George Dragons, but have stopped supporting that now. I am more a fan of the cricket and golf.
GORDON REID, AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
As a local Emergency Department doctor, I worked on the frontline during the pandemic. I saw the inequalities in our health system. But even before the pandemic hit, I heard from so many in our community about the quality and accessibility of health care declining, not because of the hard work of our health workers, nurses and doctors, but because of the severe under-resourcing of our health system by the Morrison Liberal Government.
I couldn’t fix the issue clinically so I chose to do it politically.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
We have a severe GP shortage here on the Central Coast and very limited bulk billing options. Where you live or your income should not determine your level of health care and the Central Coast deserves more.
The cost of living is hurting people right across the Central Coast. Wage growth has stagnated, inflation is rising and very little long-term support is being provided by Morrison and his Liberal Government.
Finally, our local roads: the Central Coast has some of the worst roads in the State. We need all levels of Government to work together to address this issue.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
Firstly it would be to address the GP shortage and health issues. By investing in an Urgent Care Centre, we will reduce the waiting times in Emergency Departments, so that people aren’t waiting hours upon hours, and by strengthening Medicare and bringing more doctors to our region, people will spend less time waiting for a doctor and have greater access to bulk billing.
Secondly, it would be to fix our local roads. Investing $30 million in Avoca Drive means being able to upgrade the road to ease congestion, so people are spending less time in the car and more time on the things that matter.
And thirdly, easing the cost of living for families here on the Coast. By making childcare cheaper, doctor visits cheaper and lowering power prices, creating more affordable housing as well as increasing the number of well-paid secure jobs in our region, this will help ease the cost of living burden that so many of us are facing.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
I have always wanted to be a doctor.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
Well, running for political office is pretty out of my comfort zone. Door knocking and phoning local residents is pretty daunting, but after my first knock and phone call, I knew it was the best way to hear what people right across our community are concerned about.
PAUL BORTHWICK, AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS PARTY
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
The reason I am running for the seat of Robertson, is because I was asked to by the Australian Citizens Party. I believe that we need a change in the way the country is run at a Federal level. It needs to be run for the benefit of the citizens of Australia, not the Finical, Corporate & Foreign interest that seem to control our Government.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
The three biggest issue I see at this election is the cost of housing and the shortage, the cost of living due to the increase in inflation & health (hospital & aged care).
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
My wish list for Robertson, would be the increase of better public transport for the whole Central Coast (we all rely on cars to much). Better aged care that is affordable as the area has a lot of people near retirement age. More doctors GP’s as we all know there is a shortage of GP’s in the area.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
As a young person I always wanted to be an Architect, but in the 70s there was not many jobs around for Architects so I become a draftsman of commercial building services.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
The last time I stepped out of my comfort zone was running for the seat of Robertson. Before that was living and working in Singapore & Thailand.
What is your favourite footy team?
My favourite football team is the ‘Mariners’, Rugby league the ‘Roosters’.
LUCY WICKS, LIBERAL
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
We have great access to education and schools; we live in a wonderful community and in what I think is the best region to live, but this has not always been the case. When I was growing up in Point Clare as a teenager, the challenge so many of us faced was that there was limited local access to many of the educational and vocational opportunities that my peers and I needed for the careers that we wanted to pursue.
Like many others, I had to travel to Sydney or Newcastle for my further education and I also worked in Sydney like too many of our hardworking commuters. So, the reason I ran for the seat of Robertson was (and still is) to create a stronger future for people who live, work and want to raise a family here. My ultimate aspiration is that our region one day becomes a reverse commuting region, where people travel from Sydney and Newcastle to work here on the Central Coast because of the opportunities that could one day be offered locally in abundance.
I think we have come a long way already in the last nine years with projects like NorthConnex, the world-class Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute, and with the expansion of the university campus in Gosford now underway. We have more educational opportunities and apprentices than ever before, more local jobs including at the ATO, better local roads, improved mobile coverage and world class health care, including at the Cancer Clinic in Gosford.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
Jobs, which we have been able to deliver through the ATO in Gosford and the Central Coast Clinical School and Research Institute.
Cost of living is also important to locals. The Federal government is assisting with a $250 cost of living payment to around 21,000 pensioners in our community. We have also cut fuel excise in half and are providing up to $1,500 in tax relief to around 58,000 low- and middle-income earners in our region.
Access to infrastructure and the essential services that people on the Central Coast rely on is a key issue. We’re upgrading sports facilities like the Peninsula Recreation Precinct and Frost Reserve, we’ve delivered upgrades to 29 of the worst roads across the Coast. We’ve also doubled funding at Gosford Hospital since 2013 and are investing record funding for schools, hospitals, Medicare, mental health, aged care, women’s safety and disability support.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
More local jobs are needed for residents on the Central Coast. My dream is to see less people leaving our region for work or education because they can find those opportunities close to home. There is a huge amount of potential for our region in industries like Med-Tech and advanced manufacturing through the $2.2 billion Research to Commercialisation Fund and the Central Coast Research Institute.
Second would be fixing our local roads! Whilst this is generally a Council responsibility, the Federal Government has been able to provide over $100 million in funding for road projects across Robertson. I really would like to see all levels of Government work on this issue.
I want to see the Central Coast classified by all levels of Government as a stand-alone region. We had some wins during the Greater Sydney lockdowns, but the work doesn’t stop there. Regardless of whether we are classified as metro or regional, we need a consistent classification by all government departments to fix the challenge we have in accessing to grants, infrastructure funding, attracting more GPs and other incentive programs.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
When this photo was taken, I was around seven or eight years old. At that time one of my aspirations was to win my school’s ‘best dressed’ competition for St Patrick’s Day. I had entered each and every year to no avail, but finally in year 6, aged 11, it was the last year possible I could win, so I went all out and decided to dress up as a giant green shamrock.
I made the costume myself with a mishmash of bright green crepe paper, held together with a few hundred staples, and proudly wore it around school for the whole day. My determination won me a block of Cadbury mint chocolate – a prize I had desperately wanted to win ever since that photo of me was taken.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
Each and every day since the beginning of 2016 when I had to lean in and acknowledge some things that had happened to me in my personal life.
Standing up and acknowledging things that you would prefer you didn’t have to face or remember has not been an easy thing to do. But I have been able to use those experiences to empathise with others who have been through difficult trauma and grief.
I believe it gives me a better understanding of some of the real challenges that people have that they don’t often speak about in the 30 seconds we have to connect at a train station or during a street stall. Many times the issues that are important to people aren’t political, they are the things that impact them personally.
By leaning in a dealing with some difficult challenges, I’ve learnt that hearing other people’s heart is the best way of serving and representing them and capturing the aspirations of our community to deliver the outcomes that we need on the Central Coast.
What is your favourite footy team?
While I grew up in a cricket family watching the likes of Shane Warne and Mark Taylor, my favourite football team would have to be the Central Coast Mariners.
My son used to play football and I really enjoyed getting to know the game. However, he has started rugby for the first time this season and I love watching him on the weekends.
BARBARA-JANE MURRAY, UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
I am sick of the mandates that have affected people by loosing their jobs because they choose not to have a medical intervention. I think it is wrong that Medical professionals have been gaged from speaking about side effects of the MRNA injection.
Medical professionals are not allowed to speak against the Vaccine rollout and the current narrative and if they do they risk disciplinary action and deregistration. This is wrong and discriminatory. We are not allowed to discriminate against minorities in Australia, but the govt policy is discriminatory to a whole class of citizens
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
Paying off the debt is the most important issue for Australia to stop inflation and the rising cost of living. Home ownership is another problem on the Central Coast, freezing the home loan’s at 3 per cent will save a lot of homes that might be at risk when the interest rates rise
UAP will also be making the first 30,000 of a home loan tax deductible, this will put extra money in the pockets of Australian families
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
I would support funding for more social housing so we could have no homelessness for Robertson. I would support and fund more services for families that are affected by Domestic Violence. I would support and fund more services and clinicians for Mental Health in Robertson, so that we could lower the waiting lists and get people help for MH issues.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
At age 7 I wanted to be a nurse like my mum. I went into nursing as soon as I left school after year 12. I don't have a photo of this age.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
Being a candidate for UAP has been out of my comfort zone and I am learning a lot every day and I hope I get to continue to work for the people of Robertson.
What is your favourite footy team?
I am not a follower of mainstream sport, but I love to spend time at the beach.
JEFFREY WAYNE LAWSON - INDIGENOUS – ABORIGINAL PARTY OF AUSTRALIA
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
It all started when a relative of mine who was originally the candidate for the seat of Robertson, Auntie Tracey Howie, pulled out. Auntie Tracey and I are descendants of Bungaree, who was a well known Aboriginal from Broken Bay. Bungaree circumnavigated Australia with Matthew Flinders. He was a go-between with Flinders and local Aboriginal tribes as they travelled around Australia and became a good friend of Flinders. Bungaree was a natural communicator and mediator. I would like to think I have some of those qualities.
When Tracey had to pull out of the election as a result of some unfortunate bullying due to her stance on some Indigenous issues, I was motivated to step in.
I am very passionate about speaking up for those who cannot speak up for themselves. I am very passionate about doing the right thing by people and I am so proud to have the opportunity to stand up for the people of Robertson.
I want to help unite, and be an advocate for ALL people regardless of how they identify.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
I have been out and about and I really listen when people are telling me what is important to them as Central Coast residents.
I believe that it is not about what I see as being the biggest issues; it is more important that I speak for the people of Robertson, not myself as an individual, or as an Indigenous person, but as a representative of the people who live in the Division of Robertson.
1. Climate and environmental issues – without a liveable world, nothing else matters. Everything comes second to getting it right in terms of a sustainable future. I include in this looking after the environment and natural habitat. On the Central Coast we have experienced what I would say (and scientist would confirm) are the results of our climate changing. Whether this be caused by people and emissions or by the natural cycle of this planet, we are being affected. The terrible fires of 2019/20, the loss of beach at Wamberal. The heating up of the Peninsular due to loss of green spaces.
2. Cost of living – the people Robertson are feeling the pinch. Cost of rent, the cost of buying a house, groceries and petrol have gone up as we are all very aware, but our wages have not. Our pensions have not.
3. Jobs – the rate of unemployment on the Central Coast adds to the terrible mental health issues that we are facing as a nation and as a local community. I would like to see free education and more local jobs. We really need to support our local manufactures and small businesses who have done it tough over the last few years.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
1. The entire ridge line along Woy Woy Road to Somersby would be included in Brisbane National Park and declared a National Treasure as we have so many important historical, cultural sites in that area.
2. Planting trees, tees and more trees and adding to and maintaining our green spaces and community areas, halls etc – work for dole projects to clean up our streets and tidy and maintain our community areas. Have training with Indigenous people on traditional ways of maintaining and managing our land.
3. Setting up community areas where people can come and share stories, clothing, food and their hearts. Sharing childcare and elderly care. I believe we need to get back to community and connection. I would love to see us as a community break down the barriers between Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Share our skills and knowledge with each other. Places where everyone feels included and people feel empowered to speak their story and lend a helping hand or an ear. There is too much loneliness in our communities, too many mental health issues that could be helped by connection.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
I wanted to be a truckie like my dad. I looked up to my dad, who was a very good father and husband. My dad was such a good husband to my mum, he was a fantastic role model.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
I spoke at an event at Tuggerah on May 1. The event was arranged by several local groups and all the local candidates were invited. The event was held in a small theatre and there were about 100 attendees.
I have had no experience as a public speaker so I was extremely nervous and it showed. This was very hard for me to do, but as I am so committed to being an advocate for the people of Robertson, I will step outside my comfort zone to speak up for them. The feedback I received was that when I relaxed and spoke from my heart; my message was received loud and clear; I care about the people of Robertson.
What is your favourite football (football, rugby league or union) team?
Being a Burramattagal man I follow Parramatta and Penrith in the NRL.
KATE MASON, INFORMED MEDICAL OPTIONS PARTY
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
I have watched with disbelief and great disturbance at the acceleration of government overreach into our lives in the past few years. Under the Covid narrative we have had an erosion of choice, lack of transparent governance, silencing of anyone raising concerns and considerations, and dangerous government sanctioned societal division, exclusion, and violence.
I am concerned regarding global bodies and corporations- who profit from decisions being made- increasingly ruling every aspect of our lives. I am a community development consultant who believes in grassroots community led initiatives- I stand for communities right to have access to unbiased and transparent information and can influence the decisions that affect them, and this is why I am entering the political arena.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
1. Impacts on our environment and health through involvement in the UN 2030 17 Sustainable Goals. For e.g. I am concerned that ‘Zero Hunger’ equates to GMOs and we are ushering in a “new era of corporate led multistakeholderism” a concern raised by the International Panel on Sustainable Food Systems.
2. Expansion of the WHO Pandemic Treaty (currently in process) and amendments to the International Health Regulations in May 2022 and what this will look like for our families and our community.
3. That our government is not transparent and many Australians are unaware of the global treaties and what they will mean for us.
4. The overturning of vaccine mandates, removal of any legislation regarding Digital ID, and creation of a Bill of Rights to ensure that our communities and families are never again subjected to the heavy handed tactics as displayed by our government over the last few years; with absolutely no risk assessment of how this would damage many sections of our community.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
1. Community gardens created with regenerative farming, organic principles, where we can feed our families and eat non toxic food.
2. Small business to be able to rebuild and thrive and to be confident that they will not be locked down again.
3. Assistance for young people that is broader then the current mental health model. The government pandemic measures have had a detrimental effect on young people’s sense of purpose and confidence in the future and they are now suffering at greater numbers. This needs to be acknowledged and we have a responsibility to listen to the young peoples voices and ensure that the “fix” is not an overuse of pharmaceuticals.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
When I was a child I lived in Sri Lanka and I used to see animals that were not cared for and I wanted to have a farm where I looked after all the unloved animals. I also wanted to be a hairdresser and own a lolly shop.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
Right now. I am not a career politician and up to recently left politics to the major parties to sort out, as I trusted them enough to do this. The last few years have eroded my trust in the government so I am running to raise awareness on the erosion of human rights, health and choice and get other voices into parliament. I’m well and truly out of my comfort zone- learning very much as I go and making my way through a mountain of information as well as endeavouring to engage in a heartfelt and intelligent manner. I am striving to not fall into black and white thinking and easy yes/no, black/white dichotomies.
What is your favourite footy team?
I’m sorry to say I’m not much of a sport watcher. I do like to go to live games though, I love the atmosphere. Otherwise I prefer to garden, be in nature and enjoy our beautiful environment.
SHELLY MCGRATH, THE GREENS NSW
What inspired you to run for the seat of Robertson?
Like many other people, I have become increasingly disillusioned with this government over successive years. I am just sick of the crap- the broken promises, the empty rhetoric, and the outright lies. I want transparency, integrity and action on the real issues facing us as a society- as a party, the Greens represent all this, so the chance to be part of a movement that puts the Greens into the balance of power where we can make real change motivated me to step up.
What do you see as the biggest issues of the federal election, and how do they apply to the Central Coast?
It’s time politicians listened to the real concerns of residents and followed through on election promises. Voters want transparency and tangible outcomes, not more empty rhetoric- a federal ICAC holding politicians to account would help restore trust in our political systems. We need to be taking real action on climate change to address the causes of coastal erosion and poor water quality and invest in basic infrastructure like improving roads and guttering. Adequately funding public education at all levels would considerably impact the area, removing financial barriers and creating more opportunities for young people. Investment in health services is also critical- with a large elderly population and a growing number of young families, improving accessibility and affordability is key to a healthier society, which is why the Greens are fighting to have dental and mental health free under Medicare.
If you had a top 3 ‘wish list’ for Robertson, what would it include?
More affordable and accessible housing for locals rather than overpriced apartments designed for investors.
Better public transport and investment in sustainable infrastructure, like more bike lanes and car-free public spaces.
A bigger investment in services for young people, including free TAFE and Uni, creating more jobs and opportunities here on the Coast.
Can you please supply a kindergarten or childhood image of yourself? What were your aspirations at that age?
I was always an energetic but thoughtful child, trying to understand the world and make things better for others – I’ve never been your typical ‘settle down, have a family, work 9-5’ person. However, I knew I wanted to work with people and make things better for others; I haven’t changed much.
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What did you do?
Run as a Federal Greens Candidate!
While I am a politically engaged person, I didn’t plan on entering politics. Putting myself, my values, and my life in the public realm has opened me up to everyday scrutiny, with people who’ve never met me making judgments on who you are. Public exposure is not a comfortable place, but it has been a positive experience that has forced me to remember who I am and what I’m fighting for.
What is your favourite footy team?
I don’t follow football, but as one of four girls in a family who play lots of different sports. It’s great to see female sportspeople getting more of the support and recognition they deserve – Ash Barty is a favourite, both within the sport and as an all-round awesome human.
Candidates Billy O’Grady, Bentley Logan and Alexandra Hafner did not respond to the Express before deadline however a snapshot of their profiles are below.
ALEXANDRA HAFNER, AUSTRALIAN FEDERATION PARTY
According to her profile, Ms Hafner has a background in environmental science and town planning.
“My experience both within local and State government sectors has afforded me the unique understanding of the tensions between the community and organisations which govern it.
I live in Narara and am a mother to one and stepmother to five. Watching and being subject to the failings of the current government over the last two years has driven me to find an alternative. I want more for theirs and their friend’s futures. I love this community and I am passionate about ensuring that it is not only protected but governed in a sustainable manner with youth/education, health care and jobs/employment the focus for this government.”
BENTLEY LOGAN, LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY
Dr Bentley Logan grew up in Townsville, North Queensland with his family managing a property with cattle.
He has worked in specialty areas of ophthalmology, medical administration, emergency medicine and is currently training within general practice.
“Bentley has interests in promoting preventive health care, innovative utilisation of available healthcare systems, optimisation of environments and patient advocacy,” his profile states.
“Bentley recognises the importance of maintaining strong virtues in the face of adversity. He supports patient centred healthcare, limited interference from non-elected health officials within the personal lives of individuals and has demonstrated integrity with supporting access to early sequential multidrug therapy.”
BILLY O’GRADY, PAULINE HANSON’S ONE NATION
Mr O’Grady is a former Royal Australian Navy (RAN) member who grew up in Kurri Kurri.
According to his profile, he enlisted into the RAN as a Marine Technician at age 17 and served for over 10 years.
“Billy O’Grady had previously never considered a career in politics; however, he has an insatiable appetite for knowledge, retains what he has learned, and is never satisfied with the simplest of explanations,” his profile states.
“These qualities make him an outstanding leader and the perfect candidate to bring our country back on track. He has an avid interest in boosting more opportunities for education in both the industrial and health sector in the future. Billy has always got the people’s concerns at heart.”
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