Federal Election 2019: Whitlam, meet your local candidates

The candidates for Whitlam have been announced ahead of the May 18 federal election, and each one of them have taken the time to tell you a little bit more about themselves.

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The candidates for Whitlam have been announced ahead of the May 18 federal election, and each one of them have taken the time to tell you a little bit more about themselves.

Incumbent Labor MP Stephen Jones has held the seat since 2010, though it was known as Throsby prior to the 2016 election.

Whitlam/Throsby has been a safe Labor seat since its creation back in 1984.

Its three members have been Colin Hollis from 1984 to 2001, former ACTU President Jennie George from 2001 until retiring in 2010, and current MP Stephen Jones.

Mr Jones has previously aired his disappointment that the Liberal Party have not decided to run a candidate for the seat of Whitlam.

The candidates running for the seat of Whitlam in the 2019 federal election are: Angelo Cuda for the United Australia Party, Frank Nero for the Christian Democratic Party, Stephen Wentworth for the Nationals, Stephen Jones for Labor, Jamie Dixon for The Greens and Ken Davis for Sustainable Australia.

STEPHEN JONES: LABOR

A BIT ABOUT ME: Stephen was first elected to the federal parliament in 2010 representing the Southern Illawarra seat of Throsby. He was re-elected at the 2013 election and elected to the renamed seat of Whitlam in the 2016 election.

Stephen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wollongong and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Macquarie University.

Prior to entering the federal parliament he worked as a community worker for various front line disability services, youth and health services and as a lawyer with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and as the Secretary of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU).

Stephen Jones, Labor member for Whitlam. Pic: Simon Bullard

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: In 1987 I took a gap year from my studies at UOW to set off on my bike for a journey across Australia, it was a great way to

see our country.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: It’s been an honour to be the local MP since 2010. I’ve worked hard to represent people from all parts of the electorate. I draw heavily upon my experience as a community worker and a lawyer before I entered parliament.

STEPHEN WENTWORTH: NATIONALS

A BIT ABOUT ME: From the age of nine, I grew up in the electorate at Sutton Forest, attending Tudor House and Oxley College before going to Sydney to further my education — Masters of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Regional Development from The University of Western Australia. I returned to the Highlands with my wife and children as it is a great place to raise a family. I have run my own boutique agri-consulting business for the last 12 years with a focus on market research in the ag sector and corporate consulting — I offer agronomic services in the Highlands and Illawarra.

Nationals candidate for Whitlam Stephen Wentworth

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: My family were one of the first to cross the Blue Mountains — and also held the licence to import rum into the Colony of NSW!

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: I have been a Member of the National Party of Australia for over eight years. I had previously been a member of the Liberal Party having served as both the Secretary and President of the Southern Highlands Young Liberals.

JAMIE DIXON: THE GREENS

A BIT ABOUT ME: Having been a shearer for over 15 years, I’ve now gone back to school, and am doing a Bachelor of Psychology.

I got my love of native animals and plants from my father, a veterinarian, who also instilled in me a strong sense of social justice, an appreciation for scientific methods, and evidence based solutions. It was this grounding that put me on a path which has lead me to stand for the Greens.

Greens candidate for Whitlam Jamie Dixon.

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME: I’ve swam 100m in Loch Ness twice, without a wetsuit.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: I have stood for Wollongong Council twice before, as well as standing at the last State Election.

KEN DAVIS: SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA

A BIT ABOUT ME: I’ve lived in the Illawarra since 1985 and seen the impact of population pressures on our local environment, housing costs, utility prices and quality of life.

I work as a counsellor in Warrawong and live in Koonawarra so I see the impact of economic neglect on the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, particularly the disadvantaged.

Ken Davis, Sustainable Australia Party candidate for Whitlam.

As a musician I want to see the arts valued and supported.

As a surfer I want my grandchildren to enjoy unspoilt waters and scenic vistas. I have previously been active in the community through Concerned Residents of East Dapto, Community Voice, Illawarra News and currently through Dapto Anglican Church.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: The Illawarra region has been neglected for decades by the major parties. The only way to get the attention of government is for us to send a message that we will not be ignored or taken for granted.

Sustainable Australia offers a centrist alternative with a suite of sensible policies which address the problems of water and food security, foreign investment and ownership and lazy dependence on population growth as a substitute for sound economic development.

We need to shift investment from financial speculation and property based capital gains to real investment in the productive economy, particularly local businesses. Government and business need to take responsibility for training and developing the skills our workers need for the jobs of the future. We need to urgently address the need for safe, affordable housing and access to meaningful work and a living wage. That’s true sustainability.

ANGELO CUDA- UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY

A BIT ABOUT ME: A shift fitter at the Manildra Bomaderry plant where he has worked since 1980, Angelo immigrated to Australia from southern Italy in 1956 when he was 11 years old.

MY POLITICAL BACKGROUND: He has worked in multiple roles including small business and company director.

FRANK NERO- CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Frank Nero is the CDP’s candidate for Gilmore. The CDP was founded by a group of caring Australian ministers with high ethical values based on the Christian values and ethics. The aim of its members is to promote the common good by endorsing responsible, long-term goals, and not short-term gain.