Federal election, Reid: Meet the candidates in vital Sydney marginal

Meet the candidates contesting the marginal federal seat of Reid at the federal election and why they think you should put them as first preference vote tomorrow.

The marginal federal seat of Reid in Sydney’s inner west could have a big say tomorrow on which leader ascends the steps to Kirribilli House after May 21.

The electorate has been held by Liberal incumbent Fiona Martin since 2019, but before that was held by Labor stalwarts Tom Uren and Laurie Ferguson, making it an important NSW swing seat.

The result of Reid – whether it be Dr Martin retaining it or Labor candidate Sally Sitou reclaiming it for her party – could be an indicator of the larger national picture tomorrow night.

It’s a division both of the main two parties have to win if they want a path to power.

Eight candidates are contesting the seat this election, and the Inner West Courier has compiled the full list of candidates (in the order they appear on the ballot) and talked to some of them (those who responded to comment) to hear more about what they stand for.

Meet the Candidates – Reid

Sally Sitou – Labor Party

Labor’s candidate for Reid, Sally Sitou. Picture: Richard Dobson

Sally Sitou is Labor’s candidate for Reid, and the former communications adviser at the University Sydney was a doctoral researcher before running for election. Ms Sitou said it’s time for change both in Reid and across Australia.

“I’m running for Reid because like so many our community, I feel like the current government is letting us down and that it’s time for a change,” she said.

“I want to be part of a government with a vision for a better future for our community and a country – and we just aren’t seeing that under Scott Morrison and the Liberals.”

Ms Sitou lives in the area with her husband and young son, and she said she wanted to work for the community.

“My commitment to the people of Reid is that I will be a representative that works as hard as they do, because I love this community,” she said.

“It’s where my husband and I chose to raise our family, my son goes to the local public school, I’m on the P&C and he plays in the local football team.”

Ms Sitou cited the cost of living as the biggest issue facing voters, and something her party would look to tackle.

“Without a doubt, cost of living is the issue people are raising with me the most when I am out and about in the community,” she said.

“People are seeing the cost of everything go up and up, while their wages remain stagnant.

“Labor has a plan to address the cost of living crisis by reducing the cost of child care, medicines and seeing a doctor, and by finally getting wage growth moving again.”

Sahar Khalili-Naghadeh – FUSION: Science, Pirate, Secular, Climate Emergency

Sahar Khalili, the candidate for the FUSION party.

Sahar Khalili-Naghadeh is running for the FUSION party in Reid. The Drummoyne local was a pharmacist before moving into digital transformation projects as a business analyst in NSW Health with the Covid response.

Having lived in Drummoyne for five years, and around the inner west before that, Ms Khalili said a healthy community benefited all.

“I believe the key to a healthy future starts with healthy people,” she said. “Healthy people form healthy relationships, are able to participate and create healthy communities, which go on to create healthy cultures. And what underpins all of this, is nurturing and sustaining a healthy environment.”

Ms Khalili said we need to address a basic unmet need to ensure better outcomes for all Australians.

“In a country as wealthy as Australia, it’s a shame that there are still people who are unable to take basic safety and security for granted,” she said.

“They have to fight for it, and even harder through the hurdles of shame and societal stigma, which further separates them from being able to access the help they need.

“This fundamental need has to be met across the board, to be able to raise all Australians towards a better future”.

Edward Walters – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

Edward Walters is running in Reid for One Nation, but is what the ABC has described as a ‘ghost candidate’. It is believed Mr Walters resides in QLD and he hasn’t been seen in Reid while no campaign material exists.

Mr Walters told the ABC he wanted to run in QLD, but there wasn’t a seat free.

The candidate admitted to the national broadcaster Reid voters wouldn’t know him “from a bar of soap”, but said he was happy to be running in Reid.

“If they want to vote for One Nation, they can vote for me,” Mr Walters said.

Natalie Baini – Independent

Natalie Baini is an independent candidate running in Reid.

The only independent candidate running in Reid, Natalie Baini has lived in the area for more than 40 years. She wants to give back to the area, standing up for the division’s interests in Canberra.

“I attended the same schools in Reid as my mother and my children,” she said.

“As a volunteer, I assisted with the rescue of Australian orphans from a Syrian concentration camp in 2019. I have been underwhelmed by the performance of our current representative and, as a lawyer, I know I have the qualifications and experience to return a voice to our community in Reid.”

As an independent, Ms Baini said she’d answer only ever to citizens, not the top brass of a political party.

“I am, and will remain, an approachable person for anyone who requires assistance,” she said.

“Importantly, as a self-funded independent, I am the only candidate who does not have to put a party ahead of the people of Reid.”

Ms Baini also cited the cost of living as one of the biggest issues facing the country.

“I see the compliance cost around small businesses as not only a cost to business operators, but in Reid, a burden for families.

“There are major infrastructure projects that need to be urgently prioritised and our cultural and faith groups need to have the opportunity to be heard.”

Andrew Cameron – Liberal Democrats

Andrew Cameron, Liberal Democrat candidate for Reid.

Andrew Cameron is flying the Liberal Democrats flag in Reid and a personal statement on the party’s website said he had followed politics his entire life.

“Andrew believes society works best when individuals have bigger roles and governments have smaller ones,” the statement said.

“He believes in free speech and the power of open conversations to solve problems.

“Andrew joined the LDP to help bring positive change to the community, to help end the 2-party monopoly on power and bring genuine discussions of liberty back to the table. He knows he is the right person to uphold and advocate for your voice, your concerns, and your rights.”

Fiona Martin – Liberal Party

Fiona Martin, incumbent MP and Liberal candidate for Reid.

Incumbent MP Fiona Martin is hoping the electorate she’s served since 2019 will return her to Canberra for another three-year stint.

Dr Martin attended school locally before graduating from the University of Sydney and undertaking specialised training at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

“After 20 years as a psychologist and 13 years running my own small business, I was motivated to run for parliament because I wanted to use my professional experience to help deliver better outcomes for our community,” Dr Martin said.

Dr Martin said it had been an honour to represent Reid and she wanted to continue working for the area.

“Reid is a diverse and aspirational community and it has been a privilege to be work for and be a strong voice for the people of Reid,” she said.

“I want to continue working hard for our community. I want to work for our small and family businesses, ensuring they have less red tape and lower taxes so they can grow their business and create more jobs. I want to work for the many families in our community who rely on a strong economy to fund the essential services they rely on.”

Dr Reid also cited the cost of living as an issue that need tackling.

“When I speak to voters across Reid, people tell me their biggest concern is cost of living, that is why the Liberal Government is delivering real cost of living relief right now,” she said.

“It is why we have halved the fuel excise and lowered taxes.”

Jamal Daoud – United Australia Party (UAP)

Jamal Daoud is running for the United Australia Party.

UAP’s candidate in Reid Jamal Daoud immigrated to Australia from Jordan in 1996, becoming a citizen in 2004.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Medicine, Graduate Diploma in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law.

A statement on the candidate’s website said Mr Daoud is a media commentator, political campaigner and community leader. He also describes himself as an expert on extremism and refugees, and worked as a senior Arabic journalist (with Australian Al Hayat newspaper) in addition to writing articles for different Arabic newspapers and websites.

Charles Jago – The Greens

Charles Jago is running for The Greens.

Charles Jago is running again for The Greens in Reid having stood for election three years ago in 2019. The former deputy mayor of the City of Canada Bay Council, and a councillor since 2017, believes only his party will put the climate first.

“I first joined the Greens while working in the energy industry because I was concerned about climate change – not enough was being done. Many years later, the key changes remain undone,” a statement on the candidate’s website said.

“The major parties aren’t responding effectively to extreme climate events like bushfires and floods, but we need results within a decade.

“Only by ensuring that any successful party must negotiate on legislation will we enable real change in policies.”

The candidate has also worked in information technology, community development, the electricity industry and as an adult educator.

He’s encouraging a vote for The Greens tomorrow.

“Greens policies will develop renewable energy, lower electricity prices, create employment and transition our economy to zero carbon,” Mr Jago said.

“Our fully costed policies include housing for all; an inclusive Medicare system that includes dental and mental health; and free education for all Australians.

“Finally, justice for First Nations, women and refugees will lay the foundation for an Australia we will all be proud of.”