Fed Election 2019: McMahon candidate profiles
In an attempt to get to know the people who have put their hand up to represent Fairfield City, the Advance has asked the candidates to tell us about themselves.
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In an attempt to get to know the people who have put their hand up to represent our city, the Advance has asked the candidates to tell us about themselves in their own words.
Learn about their backgrounds, interests and hobbies. As the election nears, we’ll be providing coverage on the issues that affect you and where the candidates stand.
In order on the ballot draw, here are the candidates for the seat of McMahon.
ONE NATION: DAMIAN COMMANE
I’m a proud local who migrated to Australia in 1990, and my wife, Charmaine and I, both come from multicultural families in New Zealand.
I love reading, rugby, and enjoying meals with family and friends.
I advocate the adage to “be the change you want to see in the world,” and have successfully intertwined this motto throughout my corporate career.
I intend to carry this approach into politics.
The three primary concerns raised by constituents of my electorate are;
The cost of living, coupled with the lack of a balanced approach to managing a wage increase without introducing more taxes.
The lack of Job security, due to major party policies that lead to an increase in unemployment.
Freedom of Religion.
CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY: ZEESHAN PHILIP FRANCIS
I was born and raised in a Christian family. I’m married and blessed with Daughter who is 5-months-old now. I graduated from Hope School of Evangelism in 2017 and am currently doing an MBA. I migrated to Australia in 2008 and became an Australian citizen and I feel privileged to be a part of this society.
I have worked as an office services executive at Fuji Xerox and currently work as customer experience manager at Liverpool Hospital. My favourite sport is cricket and I support the Australian Cricket team. My hobbies include cooking, gym and bible study.
The three issues and priorities I have for the electorate of McMahon are:
1. I will strive to promote small businesses within McMahon Division which can contribute to create new jobs for the local community.
2. Owning a house is major decision of any person or family in their life, it is the biggest asset and investment of the people. Employment security and better job opportunities will contribute immensely to achieve this important goal for the resident of McMahon.
3. Every young individual has a right to accessible professional vocational training which prepares technicians, trade, and craft professionals.
LABOR: CHRIS BOWEN
I’m a father and husband. My favourite hobbies include keeping fit, reading and watching AFL. I’ve had the privilege to represent our community in Federal Parliament for 15 years, including in Cabinet and as Treasurer.
My three priorities for the electorate of McMahon are:
1. Health. I want to make sure our hospitals are properly funded and provide the best care they can for our community. I also want to lower out of pocket expenses.
2. Education. The quality of education that our kids get shouldn’t be determined by their postcode.
3. Cost of living. Everything is going up except our wages. A Shorten Labor Government will boost investment and create new jobs with the Australian Investment Guarantee — targeted tax relief for businesses that invest in Australia and Australians.
THE GREENS: ASTRID O’NEILL
I’ve been a TAFE teacher and college principal, member of a NSW industrial tribunal, an active unionist. I’ve raised my family in western Sydney. My commitment to social justice stems from my experience as a non English speaking child in migrant camps and social housing. My favourite hobbies and activities include social equity and environmental activism.
My three priorities for McMahon are:
1. Jobs and the environment — Investment in community based, publicly owned clean renewable energy schemes will create many new economy jobs in McMahon, as well as protecting our environment.
2. We will stop privatisation and fully fund McMahon’s public services. Public schools, health services and Wetherill Park TAFE are all underfunded. The Greens will make TAFE and university free so young people in McMahon can afford to gain a qualification, jobs, a future.
3. Lack of affordable housing in McMahon — The Greens will create a universal affordable housing scheme and increase tenant’s rights. We will build community housing and get rid of unfair tax rules which make it easier for investors to buy their 5th house than for you to buy your first home.
LIBERAL: VIVEK SINGHA
I’m a first generation Australian, from India 16 years ago. I live in Western Sydney with my wife and four children.
I have undertaken studies in mechanical manufacturing engineering in India. Professionally, I have worked in manufacturing, consulting, tax and finance roles.
I am passionate about science and technology and the ways it can transform human lives, particularly through medical advancements.
My other passion is motorcycle riding and through this I have become involved in a variety of charity rides, including Black Dog ride raising awareness of mental health, Pink Ribbon ride for breast cancer and the MS Gong ride for Multiple Sclerosis.
As your Liberal candidate, I will:
1. stand up for people who work hard to get ahead and fight to help local families and small businesses get a fair go.
2. protect our local quality of life and support local families reduce their cost of living pressures by supporting tax relief, improving access to childcare and lowering power bills.
UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY: MEG LIBBY WRIGHTSON
Meg Libby Wrightson of the United Australia Party is also contesting for the seat of McMahon. She did not provide a profile before publication.