Hornsby state by-election 2024: Full list of candidates revealed
The candidates for the upcoming Hornsby by-election have been revealed, with nominees sharing their concerns for the electorate. See who is vying for your vote here.
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The candidates for the upcoming Hornsby by-election have been revealed, with a number of nominees citing the cost of living as a major concern in the community.
Hornsby is one of three electorates holding a state by-election on October 19, with voters in nearby Epping and Pittwater also heading to the polls on that day.
The by-elections were triggered by the resignations of three former Liberal MPs Matt Kean, including a one-time energy minister and ex-Hornsby MP Matt Kean.
Former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet resigned from his post in Epping to move to the United States, while Rory Amon quit NSW Parliament, triggering a by-election in Pittwater, after being charged with historical child sex offences he denies.
Mr Kean, who was previously the NSW treasurer under Mr Perrottet, had held his seat defeating then-Hornsby mayor Nick Berman in 2011. He announced his resignation from state parliament in June.
Nine candidates are contesting the by-election, but the Labor Party has decided against nominating a candidate with Premier Chris Minns declaring it “would not be the best use of our time and resources”.
Meet the candidates here:
James Wallace – Liberal Party
Hornsby local James Wallace is the Liberal Party nominee who is hoping to succeed Mr Kean.
Mr Wallace, a five-generation local, recently told this masthead the state’s housing reforms were a leading concern for the community, along with cost of living.
He said his other priorities, if elected, include protecting the unique character and lifestyle of the electorate, which spans from the Hawkesbury River to Hornsby and has more than 60,000 voters.
Steve Busch – One Nation
One Nation candidate and former airline captain Steve Busch has come out of retirement and joined the campaign trail.
A biography shared with this publication stated Dr Busch held “deep concern” for planning and development in the local community.
“Having lived in Eastwood for 20 years in the past, Steve postulates a keen personal experience where housing density soared without appropriate supporting facilities, completely changing the character of the area,” the biography read.
“He moved with his family to enjoy the beautiful Hornsby environment only to find now similar plans are in progress.
“These plans relate to federal policies of the incumbent government where reckless immigration is used as a temporary solution to hide poor growth.”
Tania Salitra – Greens
This election will be the second race Greens candidate Tania Salitra has contested this year, after putting her hat in the ring as the Greens mayoral candidate for the Hornsby local election in September.
The former Hornsby councillor also ran for the Greens in last year’s state election.
Announcing Ms Salitra as the Greens candidate on Facebook, the Hornsby Greens said she “fought for (the Hornsby) community” as a councillor.
Her autobiography on the Hornsby Greens website listed multiple issues she wished to address if elected, including more schools in the electorate, particularly a “comprehensive co-ed high school”.
“(Schools) are bursting at the seams and children are in desperate need of specialist teachers to help with learning difficulties, but public schools are underfunded by $2 billion a year, while over-funded private schools build indoor pools, performance theatres and cafes,” she wrote.
“Properly funding our public schools will allow smaller class sizes and the resources our children need for high-quality education.”
She also mentioned, affordable housing, improved state roads, environmental impacts from new planning regulations, native forest logging and healthcare - such as increased funding and resources for Hornsby Hospital and better funding for public dental and mental health.
“With my background in manufacturing management and having run my own business, I know how to achieve results,” she wrote.
“I have the tenacity and experience to make our community voices heard.”
Ms Salitra has been contacted for further comment.
Marc Hendrickx – Libertarian Party
Geologist and author Marc Hendrickx is running as the Libertarian candidate.
His biography on the Libertarian Party website states Mr Hendrickx runs a consultancy, specialising in landslide risk assessments, and has been an active member of the Berowra Rural Fire Service for more than a decade.
Mr Hendrickx told this publication he was running in the election to “provide voters with an option to vote for someone committed to serving the community, rather than their own interests”.
He said the strongest issue he was running for was “public access to public land”, such as Mount Warning, also known as Wollumbin, which was closed in March 2020.
“The closure has caused over $60m in economic damage and prevented over 600,000 people from experiencing the awe and wonder of the summit climb,” he said.
“Both Liberal and Labor, and the Greens, support a policy that will see all national parks in the state handed over to local Aboriginal Land Councils and, based on what is happening at Mt Warning, we will see many more parks and walking trails closed to the public.
“The Libertarians will fight this policy and ensure public lands belong in public hands.”
He said his goals for Hornsby, if elected, were fixing transport corridors such as widening New Line Rd to ease traffic congestion as population grows and replacing a heritage listed bridge on Galston Rd with a new, wider one for safety.
He also mentioned new schools for the electorate, specifically in an area of council land in Berowra he hoped would be redeveloped into a new high school, and an increase in hazard reduction burns given an increased risk of bushfires in the area.
“Current regulations limit the capacity of local brigades to work with the community to conduct small targeted burns that would help reduce risk,” he said.
“I want to see (Rural Fire Service) brigades work with local residents to help create a buffer behind homes by conducting small targeted burns with more involvement of the community.”
Mr Hendrickx said he wants to see less government time and money spent on “non-core issues” and instead prioritise efficient and effective management of transport, education, health and managing public lands for all residents and “not just activist groups”.
“I want to see regional communities empowered by managing issues locally and not from Macquarie St,” he said.
Sheila Millgate – Animal Justice Party
Mother of two Sheila Millgate is running as the Animal Justice Party candidate.
The former regional group leader for the Sydney North West Animal Justice Party is also a regular therapy dog volunteer, visiting disability and aged care homes with her beloved border collie, Bindi.
Ms Millgate said she chose the Animal Justice Party because “urgent action” was needed on multiple animal issues, including wildlife, pets and agriculture.
“The only way we can make a meaningful difference is through a voice in parliament – to fight for a voice for animals but also to fight for a better planet for people too,” she said.
“Voting (number) one on election day for the Animal Justice Party sends a powerful message to the major parties that you care about animals and the environment.
“Preferential voting ensures that even if I don’t win your vote, it will go to your second preference at full value.
“I hope all readers will give Animal Justice Party their (number) one vote.”
Justin Thomas – Sustainable Australia Party
Sustainable Australia Party candidate Justin Thomas is no stranger to politics, having put his hat in the ring for the 2019 federal election in Berowra.
Mr Thomas’ biography on the party website states the Berowra local and father of two has a “strong desire for better focused public policy”.
“He believes that our environment underpins our wellbeing, so putting our environment first means putting our economy, family, future generations and basic needs first,” the biography states.
“He believes that the big four parties’ focus on rapid population growth – and associated overdevelopment – is detracting from public services, and other economic opportunities and imperatives.”
The biography also states Mr Thomas, if elected, would strongly advocate to moderate the cost of living and housing crisis, as well as push for more public housing.
Brendan Clarke - Independent
Brendan Clarke is an independent candidate and a Hornsby Heights local.
He is number one on the ticket after Friday’s ballot draw.
Mr Clarke has been contacted for further comment.
Benjamin Caswell - Independent
Benjamin Caswell is also running as an independent in the by-election.
Mr Caswell, a Hornsby local, also ran as an independent for Ward C in the Hornsby local election in September, and has previously run as an independent in the 2022 federal election for Berowra.
The childcare coordinator previously told this publication he had worked in the Hornsby Shire his whole life, with his family roots starting in the area more than 90 years ago.
“I serve in various community organisations with my roles varying from treasurer to humble volunteer member,” he said at the time.
Mr Caswell has been contacted for further comment.
Roger Woodward - Independent
Roger Woodward is another independent candidate.
He ran in last month’s local government election in Hornsby and was an independent candidate in the 2022 federal election for Berowra.
The Hornsby accountant’s website, which has not been updated since he ran in the federal election, describes him as someone who is “independent, fearless and acts with integrity”, while also a strong believer in the principles of “democracy, financially accountability and a strong economy”.
“Financial accountability is a critical element of public trust and ensures confidence in our political system,” the website states.
“The funds are provided by taxpayers for the benefit of everyone in the community.”
His website also states he and his campaign are guided by simple values including “equal pay and a fair go for all families” and “bringing financial responsibility to politics”, which includes a goal of closing the gender pay gap.
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