NSW Election 2019: Meet the candidates for Balmain
The candidates for Balmain have explained in their own words what they think the three most important issues are in the electorate and what they would do if elected
The countdown is on to the NSW Election on Saturday so here’s your chance to get to know the six candidates for Balmain before heading to the ballot box.
Political analyst Antony Green has predicted incumbent Greens MP Jamie Parker will retain the seat which he holds on a 4.7 per cent margin over Labor.
Another political expert, Stewart Jackson, has said Mr Parker is the most likely candidate to win but he believes it could go “down to the wire” as Labor’s Elly Howse is expected to put up a good fight.
The Greens, Liberal and Labor candidates all secured about 30 per cent of the vote in the 2011 election.
The six candidates vying for the seat have taken some time out of their hectic campaigning schedules to tell you a bit about themselves, what they believe are the top three issues in the electorate and what they would do if they were elected.
GREENS (incumbent): Jamie Parker
A bit about you
I’ve served this community for almost 20 years, first as a councillor, then mayor and now as your representative in NSW parliament. Together with the community we’ve had some great successes, from a new local public school to restoring funding to local women’s refuges and stopping the sell-off of Callan Park. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I’m absolutely committed to standing up for our community.
Three most important issues in the electorate:
Successive Labor and Liberal governments have waved through too many inappropriate developments in our local area. I believe locals are now concerned about the lack of investment in public transport, shrinking greenspace and community services. People are also talking to me about WestConnex and the need for real action on climate change.
What you will do for the local area if elected
If re-elected, I will continue to stand up for our community and represent the values that make our local area special. While I don’t believe the Liberals deserve another four years, I will work with a Labor government. But our parliament needs more than just two parties, we need an effective and experienced independent representative who can deliver results for our local area and ensure we keep any potential Labor government on track.
Mr Parker and Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong have announced a plan to install air quality monitors at air pollution “hot spots” and local schools including Rozelle, St Peters, Haberfield, Bridge Rd and Camdenville Primary schools, which all sit in close proximity to the WestConnex route, construction or exhaust stacks.
LABOR: Elly Howse
About me
I’m a 30 year old public health researcher at the University of Sydney and I’ve lived locally my whole life. I’m also a feminist and unionist who has been fighting for social change and equality in our community on issues including drug law reform, workers’ rights, fair education funding, and reproductive rights for women.
Three most important issues in the electorate
The top issues people have spoken to me about: real action on climate change and environmental protection; fair funding for our local schools; and investment in high quality public transport like the Sydney Metro West. People have also been very positive about having a young woman represent them in parliament - if I am elected, I will be the youngest woman MP in the new parliament!
What you will do for the local area if elected
I believe that communities like Balmain deserve more than just words — we deserve action. As the Labor MP for Balmain, I will be part of a progressive Labor government in NSW delivering for our community on the issues that matter most to us, including: establishing a public trust for Callan Park; addressing the maintenance backlogs and overcapacity issues in our schools; protecting heritage icons like the Dawn Fraser Baths; and putting in shore power at White Bay Cruise Terminal to address air and noise pollution.
KEEP SYDNEY OPEN: Emilia Leonetti
I am a 25 year old woman currently living in Sydney’s inner west. Growing up here, I have seen the importance of arts and culture to our wonderful electorate. As a member of Keep Sydney Open, I want to help our electorate thrive in the face of government opposition.
I am running for the seat of Balmain because I understand how important it is to residents of the Inner West that they are cared for with warmth, empathy and gusto. I am not a professional politician, I am a regular young woman who is very passionate about the health of life, culture and local business in the seat of Balmain and will make that a priority in this coming election.
The three most important issues in this electorate:
Youth unemployment, the closing of major establishments and the high cost of living. It is important that young people like myself have access to stable, secure work in the electorate and are compensated well for it. The closing of major establishments in the Inner West has seen a great lack of creative venues where people can enjoy themselves through the early hours of the morning. Important venues such as Annandale Hotel have only just narrowly avoided closure through the power of people, and as your State member I will ensure those venues are protected so people can enjoy the Inner West can enjoy themselves and see their creative careers flourish. The high cost of living is also an important election issue that has seen many people nosedive into poverty, and as your State member for Balmain I will fight to see that the Balmain electorate be a fair, just and affordable place for all people young and old.
What you will do if elected:
As you State Member for Balmain, I will ensure that I will fight to roll back police powers, fight to end corruption, end the government’s Draconian lockout laws and invest heavily in the community centres and small businesses that make the Inner West great.
ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY: Anita Finlayson
I have been an Inner West local for more than 12 years — living in Summer Hill, Rozelle, Lilyfield and Annandale — and for the last three years my family has been part of the Balmain community. A true ‘Inner westie’, I was attracted to the area because of its sense of community and animal-friendly attitude. I live here with my partner Pete, my son Angus, my stepson Alex, Dougal the Dog and Agatha Christie the Cat.
I started my working life as a Registered Nurse and then, after volunteering at the RSPCA QLD for some years, I joined as their campaign and fundraising assistant, while studying for a Bachelor of Business.
Three most important issues for Balmain and what I’ll do:
Ending Greyhound racing in NSW - I will work to finally end this cruel industry and ensure that all suitable dogs are rehomed into caring families. The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party Upper House candidate has indicated that he will push for millions more in racing prize money if elected. We need to stand up and ensure this never happens and it is banned altogether.
Banning live animal export - this is a major issue for anyone who cares about animals. Any industry that continually ignores and hides the mistreatment, abuse and suffering of sentient creatures cannot be allowed to continue. I will work to bring an end to live export.
Banning puppy farms - there are already too many dogs needing new homes without allowing the uncontrolled intensive puppy farming industry to profit from the misery of these animals. I will work to end this industry and encourage the rehoming of rescue dogs.
Environmental issues and climate change - current demand for animal products in Australia needs to shift to lessen the impacts on individual animals, human health and the planet; education and promotional action needs to occur to bring about a higher uptake of a plant based diet. We also need to support energy and resource choices that have little impact on animals, people and the planet. I will support solar, wind and water energy initiatives. I will work to find better ways to recycle more of our waste in our community. I will also support shore to ship power for cruise vessels in White Bay.
SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA: Angela Dunnett
Angele Dunnett comes from a strong background for the protection of environment and heritage and has lived in the Balmain area her whole life. Angela has extensive experience working as an environmental educator and her father fought alongside the likes of Jack Mundey to save heritage in Sydney.
The Sustainable Australia Party believes overdevelopment, affordable housing and a diverse economy are the three most important issues to the electorate.
SAP believes that planning for community infrastructure such schools, hospitals, environment, recreation space, and management of waste, should take place before more development. Investment in small to medium size businesses, affordable housing, and industry which tackles the current recycling crisis a priority for the Sustainable Australia Party. Angela believes that Stage 3 WestConnex should not proceed and that ventilation stacks must be filtered if it does.
LIBERAL: Wenjie (Ben) Zhang
Wenjie Zhang is the Liberal candidate for the seat of Balmain at the 2019 NSW State Election.
Wenjie was born in China and migrated to Australia in April 1992. Having worked in small business locally in Balmain for over 26 years, Wenjie has seen the real difference our strong NSW economy has made in creating jobs and opportunities for people in our area.
As part of Gladys Berejiklian’s NSW Liberal Team, Wenjie will use his local passion and experience to be a strong voice for Balmain and give our area the representation it deserves.
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