NSW Election 2023: Meet the candidates for Badgerys Creek

With the state election less than a week away, the candidates for Badgerys Creek are making their final pitches. Here’s what you need to know.

Liberal candidate Tanya Davis.

The Badgerys Creek seat is a replacement for the seat of Mulgoa, which Liberal holds by 9.7 per cent.

MP Tanya Davis, who has held the seat since 2011, will contest the seat again which covers parts of Liverpool, Camden and Fairfield council areas including Bringelly and Oran Park.

The candidates putting up their hands to represent the people of Badgerys Creek have revealed their top priorities should they get elected. Here is what they had to say.

Tanya Davis: Liberal

Liberal candidate Tanya Davis.

I have been to my husband, Mark for 27 years and we have two beautiful children, Laura and Harry.

It is an incredible privilege to be a representative of my community in the NSW Parliament and I don’t take this for granted. As a full-time working mum with a teenager and primary schooler I understand the challenges most women face juggling family and work.

I am grateful for the support of my husband and family who enable me to serve my community.

Why are you running?

This election is critical for the future security and prosperity of our community. The Liberal Government has a plan to keep a strong economy and support jobs, build a brighter future for our children with the Kids Future Fund and Universal-Preschool. We have a $119bn infrastructure pipeline that will keep people in jobs.

Labor have announced infrastructure projects that will be cancelled. Western Sydney cannot afford Labor.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

Many people are feeling the strain of cost of living pressures. The Liberals are delivering more than 70 cost of living programs that must continue beyond this election. From supporting families, children, pensioners, apprentices, we are committed to building for the future and supporting for the now.

The Liberals have transformed education and healthcare facilities across our region and we have plans to continue this well into the future.

Benjamin Green: One Nation

Benjamin Green is the One Nation candidate for Badgerys Creek and did not respond to questions by deadline.

Nicholas Best: The Greens

The Greens candidate Nicholas Best. Picture: Supplied.

I’m a 42-year-old academic and I teach science at Western Sydney University. I have a degree in chemistry and a PhD in philosophy of science. I am a workplace representative for the National Tertiary Education Union.

Why are you running?

The people of western Sydney deserve an option who doesn’t take money from developers.

I’ve been a member of The Greens since 2003. The major parties/the world keep getting worse.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

The Western Sydney airport – The Greens have always opposed it. If we can’t stop it, we should at least fight for a curfew and caps on the number of flights. Urban heat and raising the dam wall – our policies against overdevelopment address these two issues together.

Garion Thain: Labor

Labor candidate, Garion Thain. Picture: Supplied.

I’m 27-years-old and have lived in greater western Sydney my whole life. I studied in the area, and have a background in transport/forklift driving in Wetherill Park. I currently work in account service and project management in a digital agency.

I currently live with my partner of eight years, Bianca. I’m very close with my brother Henry, who has special needs.

Why are you running?

After 12 years of the current Liberal government, I put my hand up because I think our region deserves better. When I say “better,” I mean that in the form of:

1. A local member who is a strong advocate for the people of our seat.

2. Better policy contributions from the State government, which I believe we’re offering with our policies for this election.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

The main voter concerns I hear overlap with the rapid growth our region is experiencing and anxiety about how our infrastructure will cope. That’s why we’ve promised to create a new hospital at the Aerotropolis to take pressure off of Liverpool, invest in our education, and our public transport services, including manufacturing buses in western Sydney.

Peter Cooper: Sustainable Australia Party

Peter Cooper is the Sustainable Australia Party candidate for Badgerys Creek and did not respond to questions by deadline.