NSW Election 2019: Climate change, homelessness main issues in Sydney
Voting has wrapped up in Sydney’s CBD and the results are trickling in. Supporters of independent MP Alex Greenwich are already celebrating at his results function at Paddington RSL.
Central Sydney
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Sydney. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Every candidate on the ballot and what they stand for
- Who should you vote for in the seat of Sydney?
Voting has wrapped up in Sydney’s CBD and the results are trickling in.
Supporters of independent MP Alex Greenwich are already celebrating at his results function at Paddington RSL.
With roars of excitement, Alex Greenwich welcomed his supporters just after 8pm on Saturday night and announced early indications show he has won the seat of Sydney.
“Early indications are that we have a swing of five to 10 per cent,” Mr Greenwich said.
“I didn’t sleep much last night.
“We sent a strong message on the need to end NSW homelessness crisis, on the need for proper affordable housing targets.”
Climate change, homelessness, Sydney’s night-life and the knockdown of the sports stadium were some of the key issues for people voting in the Sydney electorate.
Alex Greenwich, who has held the seat of Sydney since the 2012 by-election, is up against Labor’s Jo Holder, the Liberal Party’s Lyndon Gannon, Fiona Douskou of The Small Business Party, Sustainable Australia’s Christopher Thomas and the Greens’ Jonathan Harms.
Mr Greenwich kicked-off the day at St John’s Church polling booth in Darlinghurst where he voted alongside his husband Victor Hoeld and City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
“NSW is voting today for a future government and we face some major crisis in NSW, we have a crisis for the environment because of continued inaction of climate change,” Mr Greenwich said.
“We have a crisis when it comes to homelessness.
“We have no affordable housing targets in NSW.”
Mr Greenwich said whoever forms government tonight need to move NSW forward.
“We need to be building NSW for the future, not knocking down and rebuilding stadiums, and not building expensive toll roads which will increase congestion,” he said.
“This election is a chance for people to have their say and I believe we will see this election, young voters really making a massive difference.
“We know that during the marriage equality campaign, which I was proud to help lead, tens of thousands of people got on the roll for the very first time.”
He said this is the first time many of these young people will be voting.
He said they will send a strong message that “they don’t want to be told when to go to bed”.
“Tonight I hope the voters of NSW will be sending a strong message,” he said.
“I know in Sydney they will be.
“In polling booths today we have had such a positive response.”
Mr Greenwich said he has made it clear throughout this election that his priority is action on climate change.
He said picking a side is difficult as he has ‘problems with both parties,” he said.
“But I will be working with my colleagues on the cross bench, if we are put in that situation.
“I have concerns with both parties, I will work with and hold accountable who ever is in government.
Brenton Blair, 33 said he will be voting for Keep Sydney Open.
“I don’t think we have much of a say in what really goes on in politics, but I do feel that we are getting a lot of traction with Keep Sydney Open,” he said.
“Its important that Sydney keeps its night-life and its reputation as a desirable destination for people to come
“I’ve been following their party for a couple of years now.
“I think they will do well.”
The knockdown of the stadium was a major concern for Janette Write, who also said she had concerns over Sydney’s transport, education and healthcare.
Ms Write believes there will be a change of government this election.
“That's my gut feeling,” she said
Martin Coombs said he was ‘sick to death of what’s been going on in the country’ and said for the first time, he has not voted for either Labor or Liberal.
“It’s a major step for me,” he said.
“I have voted for the independent.”
Neil Obbotson said he was looking for policies which took a stand on climate change.
Mr Obbotson commended Mr Greenwich for taking a strong stand on climate change.
“At least he standing up for climate change, which is brilliant,” Mr Obbotson said.
Sydney’s skinniest waterfront has eyewatering price
Sydney’s skinniest waterfront is about to hit the market to kick off the year in real estate and it has a jawdropping price tag, despite its size.
‘Massive mistake’: Waterhouse’s plans for $100m home spark outrage
A plan by the former daughter-in-law of a late bookmaking legend to subdivide one of Sydney’s most expensive trophy homes has sparked a planning row among neighbours in the harbourside suburb.