Labor launches early bid to dethrone Tony Abbott in Warringah
Labor has come out of the gates quickly ahead of the yet-to-be announced federal election, unveiling its candidate to take on Warringah MP Tony Abbott.
Manly
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LABOR has come out of the gates quickly ahead of the yet-to-be announced federal election, launching its candidate to take on Warringah MP Tony Abbott at Balgowlah RSL on Wednesday.
Flanked by Senator and former premier Kristina Keneally, Dean Harris declared the battle for Warringah officially on.
The 50-year-old director of a marketing and consultancy firm hosted about 150 people at the club.
“It was a wonderful demonstration of the desire for change in Warringah at the next federal election,” Mr Harris said.
“People from across the political spectrum have come here tonight because they want to be represented by a local member who listens to them and is prepared to represent their views in the Australian parliament.”
Mr Harris said recent polling of 756 voters in the electorate showed that only 40 per cent of voters agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that former prime minister Mr Abbott, “represents my views and what’s important to me”.
“Surely we can do better,” he said. “It’s why I’m standing for election in Warringah — to give this community a genuine choice and a chance to have their voice heard.”
Senator Keneally addressed the crowd, stressed how important listening was for people who stood for public office —– and endorsing Mr Harris as a candidate. “We have a duty as elected representatives and as candidates to engage with and carefully listen to people in the communities we represent,” she said.
“A healthy, functioning democracy requires that of us.
“In Dean Harris you have a candidate who listens for a living and is passionate about bringing an understanding of people’s needs, hopes and desires as part of informed decision-making.”