Federal Election 2019: Meet the candidates for Reid
The candidates for the marginal seat of Reid have taken some time out of their hectic campaign schedules to tell you a bit about themselves and what they would do for the area if elected.
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With just over three weeks to go until the federal election, the battle for the seat of Reid is heating up.
There are six candidates vying for the seat which the Liberals hold on a thin margin of 4.7 per cent.
They have taken some time out of their hectic campaign schedules to share some information about themselves and what their priorities would be if elected.
SAM CROSBY: LABOR
A BIT ABOUT YOU:
I went to school at Rosebank College in Five Dock and I’m raising my young family in North Strathfield. I’m a member of the St Mary’s Concord St Vincent de Paul Society and Drummoyne Rowing Club.
POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:
I’ve been lucky to have had a broad spectrum of experiences in my work. I’ve represented truck drivers and transport workers, I’ve been a Manager at Johnson & Johnson, and I’ve advised Ministers, Treasurers and Prime Ministers. For the last five years I’ve led the McKell Institute, where I’ve had the chance to dive deep into some of Australia’s most important policy challenges with academics, business leaders, and community leaders.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN THE ELECTORATE:
The top three would be; health, education and overdevelopment without adequate infrastructure. That is why Labor will invest;
$50 million into Concord Hospital to kickstart Stage 2 of it’s redevelopment, and dramatically slash out-of-pocket costs for cancer patients with a $2.3 billion Medicare Cancer Plan.
Invest $14 million into local schools to make sure every kid has the resources they need to succeed; and
Fast track the Metro West; a fast rail from the Parramatta to the CBD creating more public transport for our area.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PASTIME OR PASSION AND WHY?
These days things have got so busy that my favourite pastime is definitely just mucking around with my kids. If I can sneak in a quick row on the Parramatta River that’s always good for the soul.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM?
Wests Tigers
FIONA MARTIN: LIBERAL
A BIT ABOUT YOU:
I am a mum, psychologist and small businesswoman. I’ve spent my life working to better the lives of people, supporting some of the most vulnerable children in our community. My work has helped to treat a wide range of learning, developmental and behavioural difficulties that children experience. Like many people who live in Reid, I went to school locally, firstly at Santa Sabina College and then Rosebank College, before graduating from the University of Sydney and undertaking specialised training at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:
By running a small business in its thirteenth year of operation, I’ve seen first-hand the difference that a strong economy makes to the lives of everyone in our community. I’ve been a long-time Liberal, dating back to my days at university. There has never been a more consequential time to get involved in electoral politics — I want to continue the great work our local champion Craig Laundy has been doing for the last six years.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE:
I am passionate about ensuring that taxes stay low so that people in Reid keep more of what they earn, backing local small businesses to create more jobs and building the infrastructure our community needs to get ahead. A strong budget surplus doesn’t happen by accident. The risk to our community of Labor’s $387 billion in higher taxes on workers, retirees, and small businesses is significant. That’s why I will work every day to secure our future, guarantee funding for the essential services that our community relies upon and ensure our economy is stronger — not weaker.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PASTIME OR PASSION AND WHY?
I have always loved playing tennis, and used to train at Santa Sabina when I was growing up. I love watching my kids play sport, and encourage them to come running with me when I do my 5kn every day! I love cooking and shopping — when time permits!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM?
I love Sydney FC and I love cheering on the Strathfield Strikers.
CHARLES JAGO: GREEN
A BIT ABOUT YOU:
I am a councillor on Canada Bay Council and currently Deputy Mayor. My background includes business and IT roles, in public and private sectors. I also worked extensively as a community development volunteer both overseas and in Australia.
I have been a Greens member for 25 years, working to promote social justice and progressive policies.
TOP THREE ISSUES:
Climate change impacts everyone. Only the Greens have an effective plan to transition to a 100 per cent renewable economy with lower energy costs, phasing out coal by 2030 — including coal exports.
Economy: The Coalition government is leaving us a shaky economy. Average wages have flatlined since 2012. Without immigration Australia would be in recession. Clean energy can help bring Australia a first-world, knowledge economy with full-time jobs and renewable exports.
Housing is a basic human right — and in crisis. The Greens will build over 30,000 homes annually to more than double social housing in Australia, plus $500 million pa for crisis services and transitional housing.
FAVOURITE PASTIME AND WHY?
In my spare time, I enjoy teaching English to adult migrants and refugees in Western Sydney.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM?
NSW and Australian Women’s cricket teams.
ROHAN LAXMANALAL: ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY
A BIT ABOUT YOU:
I have a Finance and mathematics teaching background and a strong interest in nutrition, yoga, weights, sprinting, rugby league, cricket, tennis and animal rights. I enjoy problem solving, collaborating with different personalities and leadership which I have experienced in all my previous roles, most notably as a Manager at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). I feel a shake up needs to happen at all levels of Government by people who are conscious of how important our animals, environment and human health/wellbeing are. I learnt and experienced this after taking a year off full-time work, volunteering for various organisations. These issues are so important, far beyond dollars and must be tackled now before it is too late.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:
I am heavily involved in the AJP Sydney East and Inner West regional group. In the recent NSW state election, I was the AJP, Lower House candidate for the Granville electorate. I ran as a candidate to show other parties that human health/wellbeing, the environment and animals should not be brushed under the carpet. The ultimate goal was to increase the Upper House vote to help our lead candidate Emma Hurst get elected to the NSW Upper House. This was achieved and she joins Mark Pearson (NSW) and Andy Meddick (VIC)
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE:
Health/wellbeing — Fund more wellbeing programs that focus on areas such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, animals and the environment.
Environment/climate change — animal agriculture alternatives, greener transport options and incentivise the use of biodegradable plastics.
Urban planning — It appears property development approvals turn a blind eye to local transport infrastructure. Ride sharing and double decker buses should be incentivised.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PASTIME OR PASSION AND WHY?
Taking my dog for a walk. Seeing him happy makes me happy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORTS TEAM?
Penrith Panthers (NRL)
The other two candidates are Young Lee from Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party and Christian Democrat Keith Piper.
Neither returned the Courier’s calls.
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