Holding our new or re-elected Federal MPs accountable for their promises
Having made a range of promises throughout the 2019 Federal Election campaign, new and re-elected Members of Parliament have a lot riding on their shoulders in terms of what to deliver over the next three years. Check out NewsLocal’s list to find out what those pledges are.
Now the dust has settled on the 2019 Federal Election, it is time for Members of Parliament to start rolling out, and following through with, the promises and pledges pitched to voters throughout the campaign.
From vowing to improve waterways and the environment to securing and allocating funds towards education, healthcare and even roads, there is a lot riding on the shoulders, and reputations, of NSW MPs over the next three years — particularly if they want to be re-elected next time round.
If you need a refresher on what your local federal member is standing or fighting for, take a look at NewsLocal’s list below.
The team has compiled the promises and pledges each MP pitched while campaigning throughout their communities.
HERE IS WHAT THEY PLEDGED
Minister for Immigration David Coleman has returned to the seat of Banks for a third term.
During the 2019 Federal Election campaign, Mr Coleman pledged the Coalition would spend $1m towards the restoration of Georges River with the funding to be drawn from the new $100m Environment Restoration Fund.
He also vowed $1.3m for a new synthetic football pitch for the Bankstown District Amateur Football Association (BDAFA), $250,000 to upgrade lighting at Marco Reserve, $400,000 to upgrade Bankstown Sports AFL Club and $12,000 towards the installation of CCTV cameras at Chivers Hills shops at Lugarno. READ MORE HERE.
Throughout the election, Federal Labor Barton MP Linda Burney committed $1.085m for the renewal of the St George District Netball Courts if Labor formed government. READ MORE HERE.
Throughout the 2019 Federal Election campaign, Liberal MP John Alexander said he would continue to push for a fast rail to develop regional centres including Newcastle, Gosford and Southern Highlands, if re-elected, as it addressed housing affordability. READ MORE HERE.
Federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser faced eight contenders in the race for re-election for his safe blue ribbon seat of Berowra.
Throughout the campaign, he vowed to focus on delivering promised infrastructure projects, community sport projects and easing the tax burden on Berowra families and the 15,000 small businesses in the electorates. READ MORE HERE.
The infrastructure projects included NorthConnex, the thorough planning of improvements for the New Line Rd upgrade and the construction of new mobile phone towers to address the telecommunications issues.
Community sports projects included Greenway Park, Pennant Hills Park, Headen Park and Dural park.
“I am focused on the future of our country and our community and putting in the building blocks today for the nation my son and his generation will inherit,” Mr Lesser said.
The seat of Blaxland remains an ALP stronghold with Jason Clare being returned during the 2019 Federal Election. READ MORE HERE.
During the campaign, Mr Clare promised Western Sydney University's planned Bankstown CBD vertical campus would be a new world-class Digital Discovery Centre with a funding commitment of $7.2m.
He also vowed to provide $900,000 towards upgrading industrial arts facilities at Reserby’s Sir Josephs Banks High School, $350,000 to upgrade the home of netball at Bankstown’s Deverall Park.
Newly re-elected MP Paul Fletcher has vowed to continue fighting for the community’s fair share of infrastructure improvements and services after claiming an emphatic victory in the 2019 Federal Election.
Mr Fletcher said he “did not take the result for granted” and vowed to see through the pledges he put to voters in the lead-up to polling day.
His commitments included $412 million in Commonwealth funds for the NorthConnex motorway, along with increased funding for government, Catholic and independent schools in the region. READ MORE HERE.
Mr Fletcher’s other pre-election promises included securing funding for churches, service clubs and other community groups through programs including Stronger Communities.
“There are also a range of other programs we announced during the election campaign including support for small scale projects in local schools and a new environmental grants program that will benefit the electorate,” he said.
“We’ve also committed record commonwealth funding for schools around the country — an extra $37 billion through to 2029 — and I’ll be fighting to ensure the fantastic schools in Bradfield receive their fair share.”
In the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election, re-elected Labor MP for Chifley Ed Husic vowed to continue pushing for better access to healthcare, better access to education and better infrastructure to move people around.
“I’ve been involved in the Labor Party since my late teen years and have been supporting the party for quite some time,” he said. READ MORE HERE.
“Some campaigns I’ve lost and others I’ve been grateful to win.
“I’ve always been involved in the local idea and have always been attracted to the idea that Labor would stand up for people that wanted a voice, particularly in the local area.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been the member for Cook for more than 11 years.
He served in the Coalition Government as the immigration minister, social services minister and treasurer before he became the Prime Minister in August 2018. READ MORE HERE.
In the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election, Mr Morrison listed his achievements as record jobs growth, tax relief for families and small businesses, reducing the deficit, getting debt under control and ensuring multinationals pay their fair share of tax.
Labor MP Sharon Bird has held the seat of Cunningham since 2004 and was re-election to represent the region at this year’s Federal Election.
Throughout the campaign, Ms Bird stood alongside Witlam MP Stephen Jones and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips to unveil a $1.2 billion “Fair Go for the Illawarra and South Coast” spending plan, which would be delivered if Labor won government. READ MORE HERE.
During this time Ms Bird said her priorities were infrastructure — both transport and community, quality and affordable education and health and easing the cost of living pressures and stagnant wages.
Pollution traps, erosion control and restoration of the foreshore of Tuggerah Lake.
Those were the focuses of a $4.7m funding pledge announced by re-elected Labor MP Emma McBride if Labor won the 2019 Federal Election. READ MORE HERE.
Re-elected Labor MP Chris Hayes, who was first elected to the seat of Werriwa in 2005 and transferred to the seat of Fowler in 2010, said housing affordability, schools and education, and settlement services were his top three priorities ahead of the 2019 Federal Election.
“Like many areas in Sydney, housing remains a significant issue. While my community is very vibrant and colourful, it is not a rich community, with the average household income being a little over $60,000. Parents and grandparents are very concerned about their children having reasonable access into the housing market of Western Sydney,” he said. READ MORE HERE.
“Under a Labor Government, public schools in Fowler will receive $27,690,000 in funding … (and) of the 12,000 Syrian refugees under the Government’s Special Humanitarian Intake, almost 7,000 of them have settled in the Fairfield community.
“We need to ensure that appropriate resourcing is provided to meet the demands of this level of intake so that these people are able to fully participate in our society, now and into the future.”
Fiona Phillips took victory in historically Liberal-dominated seat of Gilmore on the South Coast.
In the lead up to the election, she, Cunningham MP Sharon Bird and Whitlam MP Stephen Jones unveiled a $1.2 billion “Fair Go for the Illawarra and South Coast” spending plan if Labor won. READ MORE HERE.
While it is going to be tougher to deliver on now, Ms Phillips said she would fight to reduce the pressure on household budgets, and address high power prices.
She also promised to invest in local healthcare and education services.
Funding promises may be compromised following Labor’s defeat at the polls this year.
These include $200 million to rejuvenate the Cooks River, $5 million to upgrade Henson Park, $70,000 for a new gym and storage shed for the Leichhardt Wanderers at Blackmore Oval, a $350,000 upgrade for Marrickville Golf Club and $500,000 for new classrooms at Marrickville’s Globe Wilkins Preschool.
Despite Labor’s recent defeat, re-elected MP Anthony Albanese said he would continue a fight to oversee the delivery of important community infrastructure projects in his electorate. READ MORE HERE
Labor MP Michelle Rowland has held the seat of Greenway since 2010.
In the lead up to the 2019 Federal Election, Ms Rowland vowed to continue pushing for her top three priorities.
These included stopping the Liberals’ cuts to hospitals and reversing their Medicare freeze, properly investing in the electorate’s schools, and fighting for jobs and reversing the cuts to penalty rates. READ MORE HERE.
Re-elected Craig Kelly has been the Hughes federal MP since 2010.
Mr Kelly has 30 years’ experience in small business in wholesale, retail, importing and exporting, and manufacturing.
He believes small business is the economy’s engine room and advocates for small business across the nation.
Mr Kelly is a vocal climate change opponent who has also frequently criticised socialism and renewable energy.
In government, Craig has served on the House Economics Committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, as well as chairing the Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement. READ MORE HERE.
Re-elected MP and current Minister for Energy, father of four Angus Taylor, 52, is an avid cyclist and runner, often taking on the Razorback challenge. Representing Hume for the past six years, Mr Taylor points to unprecedented infrastructure investment and employment growth and says there is more to be done. READ MORE HERE.
Kingsford Smith Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite comfortably retained his seat for another three years during the 2019 Federal Election, securing 58.75 per cent of the two-candidate preferred vote.
While he was confident in how he would do, Mr Thistlethwaite vocalised his top three priorities he would be fighting for during this coming term if he won.
These included standing for “quality health services by opposing the Liberals’ cuts to Medicare and our Prince of Wales Hospital”, more funding for electorate schools and Randwick TAFE, and “fighting to save Yarra Bay from the Liberals’ plan for a cruise ship terminal”. READ MORE HERE.
She may have only been elected into the role two weeks ago, but new member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh already has big ambitions.
Leading into last month’s Federal Election there was a focus from both parties on the marginal seat of Lindsay, with big dollar promises made.
Since defeating Labor candidate Diane Beamer by more than 10,000 votes and winning the seat with a six per cent swing, Ms McIntosh is determined to deliver quickly on her campaign promises.
“I made a commitment when elected that I would listen to the people and that I would have a plan for Lindsay, and I can’t wait to start delivering,” she said.
The total value of the promises made to Lindsay during the campaign by the Liberal Party is more than $396 million.
The biggest of those was a major upgrade to Dunheved Rd and a community safety package for the area. READ MORE HERE.
Improving local health care services is a key priority for Macarthur MP Dr Mike Freelander, who returned to parliament with a slight increase of 0.1 per cent of the vote.
Labor pledged $10 millions to create a paediatric intensive care unit at Campbelltown Hospital and $2.5 million to help the Shepherd Centre establish a facility in Campbelltown during the election campaign.
Dr Freelander is hopeful of working with the state and federal Liberal governments to still deliver on these commitments.
He said the government should come on board to help bring the Shepherd Centre to Campbelltown.
The centre, which helps deaf children learn to communicate, unveiled plans late last year to establish a $6.8 million facility on Moore St but was in need of government support to get the project off the ground.
“I’m willing to work with any side of politics to get these things done and my job will be to continue advocating for our community, I don’t care who I have to work with,” Dr Freelander said. READ MORE HERE.
Since being re-elected as the Mackellar MP, Jason Falinski has vowed to lower taxes, secure retirement and improve the lifestyle of northern beaches residents, such as protecting the future of the ocean and planet.
“I will fight for improved public transport on the northern beaches so that after work you can spend less time travelling and more time at home with your family,” he said.
“In addition to the B-Line to Wynyard we must push ahead in getting the same sort of rapid transport system to Chatswood and Macquarie Park.
“I will continue to advocate for the Beaches Link tunnel to be built cutting out 40 sets of traffic lights and reducing travelling time.”
NBN is another priority on his list, he said, as well as advocating against any seismic testing off the coast of the northern beaches.
“I will also advocate for strong action on climate change, both here and abroad,” he said.
“There are always unforeseen challenges in government and as they arise I will face them head on.
“I promised that if you were my voice on the May 18 election, I would be yours for the next three years.” READ MORE HERE.
Labor MP Susan Templeman claimed victory in the seat of Macquarie.
Heading into the May 18 election, Ms Templeman was heavily favoured to reclaim her seat with little challenge. Instead, the seat became the closest contest in the country thanks to a 2.02 per cent swing towards Liberal.
At the end of counting on Election Day Liberal challenger Sarah Richards held the lead and at one point during the count had a 60 vote lead, before Ms Templeman regained the lead after the counting of pre poll and postal votes.
This is the first time since 1975 that Labor has won the seat at consecutive elections. Ms Templeman will now enter her second term in opposition and says she will be doing everything she can to represent her community. READ MORE HERE.
Making sure hospitals are funded properly and provide the best they can for the community, as well as lowering out-of-pocket expenses, is the first priority on Labor McMahon MP Chris Bowen’s list.
Providing quality education to the community’s next generation of teachers, doctors, homemakers and politicians is next on the list, followed by boosting investment and creating new jobs with the Australian Investment Guarantee — targeted tax relief for businesses that invest in Australia and Australians.
“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,” Mr Bowen said. READ MORE HERE.
Mitchell federal Liberal MP Alex Hawke faced four contenders in the race to retain his seat in the 2019 Federal Election.
Throughout the campaign, he vowed to fight for stage two of the federally-funded North South Rail Line to Western Sydney Airport to be extended from St Marys to Rouse Hills, install $270,000 worth of federal funding to install 124 CCTV cameras across Mitchell, and announced two new MRI machine licences at Rouce Hill Medical Imaging and PRP Diagnostic Imaging at Norwest Hospital.
“Continuing to lower taxes for hardworking families and small business is my first priority,” Mr Hawke said.
“Delivering services like more heath services, more social infrastructure and better transport is what I will continue to do for your growing community.” READ MORE HERE.
The North Sydney Olympic Pool is in need of a major upgrade, and Trent Zimmerman is making sure it will be delivered.
As part of his 2019 Federal Election campaign, the re-elected MP pledged his allegiance to improving the facility, securing a $10m promise for the works.
He also committed to the completion of the transformation of former Navy base Sub Base Playtpus at North Sydney.
This is under the management of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and it is finalising plans for the next stage of works.
“I will continue to work hard for our local community and was buoyed by the positive feedback I received from voters,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“There are obviously some issues of concern to voters like climate change and I have argued we need to do more to explain to the community what we are doing to achieve our Paris Agreement targets.
“This is an important issue for me as I know it is for our community.” READ MORE HERE.
Throughout the 2019 Federal Election campaign, Parramatta Labor MP Julie Owens pledged to fight for a greater focus on tackling climate change if Labor were elected.
She noted Labor planned to cut Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, and ensure 50 per cent of the nation’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030. It was also aiming for half of all new car sales to be electric vehicles by 2030.
While it is unclear whether she will continue to push for the goals above after the Liberals’ win, Ms Owens, 60, previously said:
“Education and health are the absolute centre of people’s lives, but climate change is now another big issue. But more people are talking to me now about climate change and renewable energies. They want more details on Labor’s policies, because they have been concerned Australia wasn’t moving in this direction fast enough.” READ MORE HERE.
Concord Oval, Drummoyne Pool and Homebush Bay Drive can expect an estimated $59 million overhaul if pre-election funding commitments are upheld by the new Coalition government.
Newly elected Liberal MP for Reid, Fiona Martin, who is yet to be sworn in to her parliamentary seat, said she would continue her fight to secure funds promised by the Liberal Party.
These include a $5 million upgrade of Concord Oval with an extra $1 million to form a new junior club for disadvantaged children and teens.
The upgrades are expected to include high-performance training and rehabilitation spaces including medical facilities, hydrotherapy pools, classrooms and lecture rooms.
Reid voters can also expect half a million dollars for improved access for seniors and people with a disability at Drummoyne Pool, and up to $8 million in facilities upgrades at Cintra Park netball courts, Strathfield Park and Goddard Park along with a high-performance cricket training facility at Wilson Park. READ MORE HERE.
Liberal Robertson MP Lucy Wicks’ vision for the region’s future involves Gosford becoming a world-class educational and medical precinct.
“The Morrison Government has invested $525 million into increased skills funding creating up to 80,000 new apprentices and $50 million to create 10 new industry training hubs,” she said.
“I am pleased to say the Gosford region has been chosen as one of those 10.”
Providing top palliative care on the Central Coast was another important issue on her and the Morrison Government’s agenda, as well as addressing youth unemployment and investing in domestic violence services. READ MORE HERE.
In the lead-up to the 2019 Federal Election, Labor Sydney MP Tanya Plibersek vowed to take action on climate change and invest in services people rely on their day-to-day if she secured her seat for another three years.
These services include cheaper childcare, pensioner dental in Medicare, better cancer care, hospital emergency department services and elective surgery, $7.6 million extra for our schools, free TAFE places, and more uni places.
“With the support of local residents I have delivered better services for our area including new affordable housing and homelessness projects, upgrades at every single Sydney school, and extra funding for health services such as building the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, the Charles Perkins Centre, and the Kinghorn Cancer Centre,” Ms Plibersek said. READ MORE HERE.
Claiming the hearts of those voting for the future of Warringah, MP Zali Steggall was quick to remind residents of her plans over the next three years — in an exclusive interview with the Manly Daily.
“I pledge to be a climate leader and work hard for you and find solutions to our climate and energy wars,” she said.
“I am committed to ushering in a new more positive era for our local community.
“A new era that supports a progressive economy that rewards local businesses and families, supports innovation and jobs, and creates more equal career opportunities for all.
“A new era where I will push for real long-term action on climate change that focuses on renewable energy, clean transport, job transition plans and an orderly retirement of coal.
“A new era where I will pursue honesty and respect in government, truth in political advertising and fight against corruption and vested interests in politics.”
Ms Steggall said she would work for increased and improvements for community-based mental health services, aged care promoting independence and wellbeing, and continued improvements to the NDIS.
She also vowed to protect and enhance the environment, support nationally significant industry hubs — for example in the creative industries and clean energy technologies — and put arts and culture back on the policy agenda. READ MORE HERE.
Now that Watson MP Tony Burke has been retained, despite his primary vote falling 3.7 per cent and a two-candidate preferred swing to the Liberal Party of 4.10 per cent, let’s take a look at what he promised voters.
During the 2019 Federal Election campaign, Mr Burke said his number one priority was bringing the Cooks River back to health, followed by fixing schools and hospitals, helping people with cost of living by improving wages and penalty rates.
Mr Burke has been appointed to Labor’s shadow cabinet under Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese as the Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations and the Arts.
He said he was honoured the community had re-elected him in Watson.
“What it means is that for another three years my role will be to try and stand in the way of the cuts and the chaos that we know a Morrison Government will try to deliver,” he said. READ MORE HERE.
While the issues which struck a chord with voters included the need for a second public high school, restoring cardiac services at Sydney Children’s Hospital and addressing overdevelopment at Bondi Junction, Dave Sharma paved his way to the 46th parliament with very few costed commitments.
The centrepiece of his election platform came early in the campaign on April 23, with a promise a reinstated coalition government would contribute $15 million to the construction of the Sydney Swans’ new headquarters and community centre.
Mr Sharma, who returned the seat to the Liberals about three weeks ago, ran primarily on promises to deliver on local issues though offered no direct funds towards them.
The only other direct funding commitment was $143,000 for more CCTV along the Bondi Beach promenade after a spate of anti-Semitic graffiti. READ MORE HERE.
Werriwa federal Labor MP Anne Stanley has vowed to continue fighting for the community’s fair share of infrastructure improvements and services.
The longtime Liverpool resident and former Liverpool councillor was returned to the seat of Werriwa at the federal election and will serve another three years in Opposition.
Ms Stanley’s pitch to voters included an injection of $2 million towards the extension of Middleton Dr, $500,000 towards the restoration and expansion of parts of the Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and $75,000 for upgrades to Jardine Park Netball Courts in Casula.
Other investments flagged by Labor included $25,000 for a new deck and shade cloth at Liverpool Women’s Resource Centre, $50,000 for upgrades to facilities at Greenway Park and $75,000 for upgrades to the lighting and amenities block at Whitlam Park 2. READ MORE HERE.
MP Stephen Jones claimed a comfortable win in his long-held seat of Whitlam.
In the lead up toe the election, he, Cunningham MP Sharon Bird and Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips unveiled a $1.2 billion “Fair Go for the Illawarra and South Coast” spending plan if Labor won.
While it is going to be tougher to deliver on now, Mr Jones said his top priorities for Whitlam were education, transport and health, and in particular investment in public schools, hospitals and key commuter roads. READ MORE HERE.
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