Which Sydney state candidate should you vote for?
Find out what important issues the candidates for Sydney are prioritising ahead of the election tomorrow.
Central Sydney
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SYDNEY
Jonathan Harms — The Greens NSW
Alex Greenwich — Independent
Christopher Thomas — Sustainable Australia
Lyndon Gannon — The Liberal Party of Australia New South Wales Division
Fiona Douskou — The Small Business Party
Jo Holder — Australian Labor Party (NSW Branch)
Christopher Thomas — Sustainable Australia Party
Central Sydney has compiled profiles for all the candidates vying for the seat of Sydney. Check them out below.
JONATHAN HARMS
THE GREENS
I am a lawyer originally from WA Moving to Sydney in 2003 and living and working in the city for the last 15 years, being a member of the Greens since 2013.
Political background:
I have worked in government, private enterprise and the community sector and I understand the unique each sector has to make to the wellbeing of our community. I have had a long term interest in politics and strongly believe that our future is best secured by a focus on environmental sustainability and social justice for all. We are stronger when we care and richer when we share.
Top three priorities:
It is hard to pick just three issues, when things like adequate support for domestic violence victims covers so many different areas, from housing to mental health, or working with residents, venues and authorities to end the lock out is important for Sydney, but perhaps not the most vital for all NSW. I would suggest:
1. Action on climate change, from power generation to urban planning;
2. Pill testing and Drug law reform; and
3. Housing affordability and renter’s rights.
ALEX GREENWICH
INDEPENDENT
Alex Greenwich MP lives in Darlinghurst with his husband Victor and rescue dog max. Prior to entering politics he ran a successful small recruitment business. Alex is a published author and appeared in the series Filthy, Rich, and Homeless. Alex is committed to a liveable, sustainable and progressive Sydney for all.
Political background:
Alex was elected as the Member for Sydney in 2012 with the endorsement of Lord Mayor Clover Moore. He led Australia’s successful marriage equality campaign, and is a principal member of parliamentary groups on drug law reform, voluntary euthanasia, and LGBTI equality. His campaigning helped save the National Art School, get a new inner city high school, protect Kippax Lake from a Stadium development, and strengthen short-term letting regulations.
Top three priorities:
Affordable housing and ending homelessness: building more supported social housing (not building stadiums!), including in the inner city and setting strong affordable housing targets in redevelopments.
Climate change: transitioning to 100 per cent renewable energy, setting emission reduction targets and protecting our biodiversity.
Social justice reform: protecting our vulnerable including ending discrimination of LGBTI students and teachers.
LYNDON GANNON
THE LIBERAL PARTY
I am passionate about my local community, and a strong believer in the value of public service.
From a policy perspective, I have a particular interest in issues affecting young people. I volunteer as a boxing coach at Woolloomooloo PCYC, working with at-risk youths to get the most out of them. Reflecting on the challenges I experienced as a young person with dyslexia, education — especially for disadvantaged young people — is a major area of focus for me.
Political background:
I’ve worked in roles that span all levels of government — but started out my career as a council street sweeper. This experience showed me first-hand the importance of effective government services and the direct impact these amenities can have on the liveability of a community.
As an aspiring rooftop bar owner and interacting daily with the small business people of our community, I am fully aware of the hurdles that inefficient government regulation creates for our local economy. I will be a committed advocate in parliament for entrepreneurs and other people who are ‘having a go’.
Top three priorities:
1. I want to transform the Darlinghurst Courthouse into a visionary arts and cultural precinct, ideally in partnership with the National Art School.
2. Three harbour baths at Elizabeth Bay, Barangaroo, and Pyrmont. I want to see Sydneysiders engaging more with our beautiful harbour.
3. New and improved public amenities in our local area — like advocating for the proposed skate park in Rushcutters Bay. I think we need to improve how our levels of government interact to deliver better facilities and spaces for our growing and diverse population.
FIONA DOUSKOU
THE SMALL BUSINESS PARTY
Fiona is a proud resident of Potts Point and absolutely loves the vibrancy and sense of community she feels around the area each and every day.
Fiona is a firm believer that small businesses are so much more than just shop fronts, and outlets — they’re the families and the local communities.
A thriving small business community maintains the energy that Sydney is known for.
Fiona grew up in a small business family and has run small businesses of her own. She understands first-hand how tough it can be.
When she is not working or walking around her local area, Fiona enjoys practising yoga, running and generally exploring all the city has to offer.
Political background:
Fiona has been an active and enthusiastic politically campaigner. She brings a wealth of real life business experience to the role, from running her own business and also resolving complex business issues whilst in her role as business advocate in the Telecommunication industry. It is this, can do attitude and experience, that she will bring to make this role a success. She will passionately represent small business, their families and the community and ‘get things done’ within state parliament.
Top three priorities:
Fiona will fight to Remove Payroll and Land Tax, Cut Stamp Duty, Cut Red Tape, and Slash Energy prices, as well as for The Seat of Sydney:
1. Fight Overdevelopment and return suitable parking to the area
2. Repeal the lockout laws safely, to return business but keep our people safe, and support Live Music coming back!
3. Standing up to ensure the light rail fail never happens again
JO HOLDER
LABOR
Jo Holder is an art curator and art historian, working every day to promote contemporary art, urban planning and architecture and protect our heritage.
Political background:
Darlinghurst Resident Action Group and campaigner to save the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences in Ultimo, one of the world’s great museums.
Top three priorities:
Our city is suffering from a lack of schools, crowded hospitals, and some of the most unaffordable housing in the world. A NSW Labor government will prioritise schools and hospitals before stadiums, and save the Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences. To achieve real change, we must change the government.
CHRISTOPHER THOMAS
SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA
Christopher will work tenaciously to protect nature and our finite natural resource base. Christopher believes mankind is in dire straits and now is not the time for growth, war and other distractions.
Political background:
Christopher has experience in volunteer work and political campaigning. His formal education includes natural resources, economics and politics.
Top three priorities:
1. Return planning power to local communities.
2. Deliver community infrastructure before housing.
3. Reduce population pressures by lowering immigration from a record 200,000+ per annum, back to the long-term average of 70,000.
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