NSW Election 2023: Manly, Pittwater and Wakehurst candidates — and their policies

To reduce the stress of election day, The Manly Daily has a polling booth searchable tool and all the candidate information below.

Four of the six candidates who nominated for the seat of Wakehurst were at the NSW Electoral Commission's election office at Brookvale on Thursday to decide the order of candidates on the ballot paper for the March 25 state election. Pictured (left to right) are: Independent candidate Michael Regan, Liberal candidate Toby Williams, Labor candidate Sue Wright and Greens candidate Ethan Hrnjak. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

It’s shaping up to be a series of interesting — and potentially close — contests in northern beaches electorates at the upcoming state election.

The seats, Manly, Pittwater and Wakehurst, are all currently held by Liberal MPs and considered safe seats for the conservatives.

But the retirements of two current government veterans, Brad Hazzard in Wakehurst and Rob Stokes in Pittwater, and a concerted push by independent candidates in all three seats, has thrown the door open to possible upsets when votes are tallied on March 25.

Climate 200-backed community independent ‘teals’ are campaigning hard in Manly (Joeline Hackman) and Pittwater (Jacqui Scruby), taking advantage of the popularity of the local federal teals, Zali Steggall and Sophie Scamps.

In Wakehurst, high-profile Northern Beaches mayor Michael Regan is running as an independent, hoping to grad the seat away from the Liberal’s Toby Williams, a first time election candidate.

We asked all 18 candidates to tell us a little about themselves and what they stand for.

When is the NSW state election and other key dates?

Early voting closes on Friday — the day before election day.

Polling booths open on Saturday at 8am and close at 6pm.

Who are the candidates in the Manly electorate?

(Candidates listed as they appear on the ballot papers)

Dr Phillip Altman, an independent candidate for Manly at the March 2023 state election. Picture: Supplied

Phillip Altman — Independent

I am running for office because I was approached by Manly voters and asked to run. I agreed because I want to save lives.

Our current politicians are doing an abysmal job and failing us spectacularly across all aspects of society, but in particular people of all ages are being adversely affected by the COVID-19 vaccine policies including vaccine mandates.

I have a PhD with decades of experience in the scientific and drug regulatory fields. I am a husband, father and grandfather who was retired and leading a pleasant life when the Covid pandemic arose in early 2020.

I am concerned about the lack of information concerning COVID-19 “vaccines”.

If I am elected, I will also be the voice of those people who have lost jobs due to vaccine mandates and who want to more information about Covid vaccinations. I will also pursue local issues such as improving the Manly ferry service, the walkway to Shelly Beach, the health impacts of 5G and the alarming push for 15 minute cities.

Joeline Hackman, an independent candidate for Manly at the March 2023 state election. Picture: Supplied

Joeline Hackman — Independent

I’m your independent candidate for Manly, standing for cost of living relief, integrity in politics and urgent climate action.

I am a successful community leader, experienced in identifying where local support is needed and leading a targeted response (Ms Hackman founded the Northern Beaches War on Waste and co-founded Feed our Medics during the height of the pandemic).

Over the last few months, locals have been telling me what is important to them.

I am not a politician and as an Independent, will not be beholden to a political party or

vested interest.

The major parties have lost touch with everyday people. The pork-barrelling, ‘jobs for mates’ culture and cost blow outs on major projects have to stop.

I want to ensure there is no new gas exploration off our coastline and we must protect our

koala habitat, by bringing an end to native logging. I have spoken on record about holding

the major parties to account for a sensible transition to a clean energy future.

And this community must get the services it needs. Our bus service struggles every day to

get commuters to work. We were promised four essential adolescent mental health beds

at our Northern Beaches Hospital – we are still waiting.

We need to see return to honesty in government. A strong cross bench can actually hold

the major parties to account to deliver a better future.

Terry le Roux, The Greens candidate for Manly. Picture: Supplied

Terrance le Roux — The Greens

I have lived on the northern beaches for more than 20 years, and have a proven track record of driving outcomes for the community including being actively involved in the North Harbour Community Group and Balgowlah Residents Group, ensuring that Manly retains its

community and environmental values.

I have been active in campaigns to protect local bushland, Save the Manly Ferries, opposing a poorly designed car park under Manly Oval and the community campaign opposing the Beaches Link tunnel.

My working for the community, and collaborative and constructive approach to engaging with

residents and local government, has been recognised by the Northern Beaches Council when I was was awarded Senior Citizen of the Year in 2022.

I have a professional background as a techno-economist and self-employed consultant, and

have advised on major infrastructure projects around the world.

Emanuele Paletto, the Sustainable Australia – Stop Overdevelopment/Corruption candidate for Manly. Picture: Supplied

Emanuele Paletto — Sustainable Australia – Stop Overdevelopment/Corruption

I work in the not for profit sector and have a commercial background in financial services. I created enterprises in sustainable technologies and investment, in financial services recruitment and most recently in property maintenance.

I am passionate about the party’s values and see population as the “mother of all our problems”. I see a myriad of opportunities for improving life quality from better planning and a diverse, future-oriented economy.

I have lived on the northern beaches for most of his life, as well as in more densely populated Asian countries including China, Indonesia, Japan and Taiwan. I have an MBA as well as an Economics degree.

Bailey Mason, the Animal Justice Party candidate for Manly. Picture: Supplied

Bailey Mason — Animal Justice Party

I will replace whale strangling shark nets with modern technologies that protect both humans and animals, prevent our pets from dying of the painful 1080 poison by banning it.

I will also push for stopping the capture of northern beaches’ marine life for captivity; greater protections for Cabbage Tree Bay; and end to the exploitation of all animals in circuses.

And a shut down of the cruel greyhound racing industry must come before the pokie reforms. I’m a determined animal rights activist who is passionate about stopping animal cruelty, protecting our natural environment and supporting a kinder world for everyone.

Jasper Thatcher, the Labor candidate for Manly. Picture: Supplied

Jasper Thatcher — Labor

I was born in Mona Vale Hospital and lived my whole life in Manly. I identify as First Nations with my heritage being from the Kamilaroi Nation from northwestern NSW.

After finishing school I started working on the Manly ferries including the famous Freshwater class from Manly to Circular Quay. Having spent five years across numerous classes of vessels in both public and private operators, on the Manly run I have a great understanding of what it takes to run a reliable and efficient ferry service.

Between shifts on our wharves I am studying a Bachelor of laws at the University of New England and volunteer supporting indigenous and workers’ rights.

One of my proudest achievements was introducing the Aboriginal flag to be flown permanently on all Sydney ferries and, with the support of other committee members and the ferry operator this became a reality in November last year.

Having worked for several local businesses, I understand that small businesses and tourism are some of the most critical parts of the local economy and that they need support.

As the MP for Manly some of his key focuses will be fixing public transport for the beaches, stopping the sell off and privatisation of government assets and improving health and education services.

James Griffin MP, Liberal candidate for Manly. Picture: Supplied

James Griffin — Liberal

I have been the Member for Manly since 2017 and the NSW Minister Environment and Heritage since December 2021.

During my time as MP, I have secured $118 million in funding for local public schools, over $76 million invested in local health services, including over $15 million for Australia’s first Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, and millions invested into our local environment, community organisations and sports clubs.

As part of a re-elected NSW Liberal Government, I will deliver a modern local economy to attract the best jobs to our community, upgrade Balgowlah Boys High School and continue investment into local schools.

We will also improve local bus services, including a new On Demand bus service to connect you to Manly Wharf and major bus stops; an Opal card cap and additional services during peak hour for the Manly Fast Ferry.

There will be a thriving local environment including restoring Manly Lagoon to its former glory; cheaper preschool and universal pre-kindergarten to give families the best start possible, and gambling reform including the introduction of a cashless gaming card.

I have a proven track record in delivering results for the Manly community. That’s why you can trust my plan to keep Manly moving forward to create a better community, not only for today, but for future generations.

Who are the candidates in the Pittwater electorate?

Rory Amon, Liberal candidate for Pittwater. Picture: Supplied

Rory Amon — Liberal

I am a lifelong northern beaches local, volunteer firefighter, Northern Beaches Councillor and family lawyer who is passionate about our community and way of life.

I have a proven track record of delivering for Pittwater during my five years on the council, including securing $2.5 million to fast-track the Mona Vale Surf Club upgrade and $4.6 million to protect Newport Littoral Rainforest from development.

I am running to continue Rob Stokes’ legacy of improving our local area like Rob did by restoring Currawong Beach, completing the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, delivering the Mona Vale Public School upgrade, widening Mona Vale Road (East) and introducing B-Line and Keoride services.

To keep delivering for local people and businesses, we need to protect our economy from challenges like inflation and the rising cost of living.

The Perrottet Liberal Government has a long-term plan to keep Pittwater and NSW moving forward.

Whether it’s reducing the pressure on household budgets through the Energy Bill Saver Program, investing in our frontline services such as the $6 million investment to establish renal dialysis services at Mona Vale Hospital, building for the future such as completing the $350 million widening of Mona Vale Road, or empowering communities by accelerating delivery of the new preschool at Terrey Hills Public School to provide a full year of free preschool for children, only a re-elected NSW Liberal Government can keep delivering for Pittwater

Jacqui Scruby, an independent candidate for Pittwater. Picture: Supplied

Jacqui Scruby — Independent

I’m a mum, a former small business owner, environmental lawyer and most recently was advisor to our wonderful independent federal MP Dr Sophie Scamps.

This election is historic. We have a chance to elect a strong independent who will hold the major parties to account. Too often, the parties put themselves before the people they’re meant to represent.

I’m standing to protect beautiful Pittwater from PEP-11 and overdevelopment, address the cost of living by lowering power prices with cheaper renewable energy, and clean up state politics by advocating for integrity and more ambitious pokies reform.

This election you have a real choice — you can vote for a community-backed independent who may hold the balance of power. It could be the most important state election of our lifetimes.

Feel free to pop into my office or send me a message via my website and this election let’s protect beautiful Pittwater.

Hilary Green, The Greens candidate for Pittwater. Picture: Supplied

Hilary Green — The Greens

This election we have a golden opportunity to affect System Change by electing more Greens to both Houses of Parliament.

The Greens will demand grassroots democracy and a transparent, accountable and ethical government which will work for the greater good for people and the planet.

After years of activism on so many fronts, I have a great opportunity to step up, speak up and push for change. I am passionate about a range of Greens policies, in particular tackling the climate crisis; stopping state government-sanctioned destruction of our environment; fixing our broken public education and health systems; demanding that public transport is electrified, abundant and in public hands and; purging our clubs and pubs of thieving poker machines.

I worked as a teacher for 42 years – 12 as a high school teacher and three decades in universities. I have a PhD in Statistics. Statistics is based on common sense – so are the Greens policies. An adept listener, investigator and problem solver, I know how to work with those from all walks of life.

Craig Law — Sustainable Australia – Stop Overdevelopment/Corruption

I am campaigning to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption.

I am a volunteer firefighter in the Northern Beaches Rural Fire Service.

Jeffrey Quinn, the Labor candidate for Pittwater. Picture: Supplied

Jeffrey Quinn — Labor

I am a lifelong local who lives in Church Point with my family.

I own a local small business specialising in education consulting, working closely with families across our community.

I know that after 12 years of the Perrottet Liberal Government taking our community for granted, we deserve a local who will advocate for us.

I will be part of a Minns Labor Government fighting for improved public transport services, real climate action, and maintaining our crucial public services.

Who are the candidates in the Wakehurst electorate?

Sue Wright, the Labor Party candidate for Wakehurst. Picture; NSW Labor

Sue Wright — Labor

My name is Sue Wright and I’m running in the 2023 election because the Liberals have taken Wakehurst for granted for too long.

Another career politician isn’t what this community needs.

My family has lived on the northern beaches since 1915 and I have been an active grassroots member of our community, involved in organisations including Save the Mona Vale Hospital Committee, Save the Manly Ferries Alliance, Don’t Privatise Our Buses, as well as LEAN – Labor Environment Action Network, Mothers Against Nuclear Testing, and Greenpeace.

I have also been involved with the Narrabeen Sports High School P & C for the last eight years as the co-ordinator of their much-loved Car Boot Sale.

I will bring to state parliament, and the Wakehurst electorate, a dedication to anti-privatisation and restoring public services; advocating for first-class public education, transport and health services, the environment and fixing the ongoing problem of flooding on the Wakehurst Parkway.

Greg Mawson, Sustainable Australia candidate for Wakehurst at the 2023 state election. Picture: Supplied

Greg Mawson — Sustainable Australia

Greg has lived on the Northern Beaches of Sydney for the last 35 years. Passionate about political integrity and democratic values he believes that politicians should listen more to the local community.

He is particularly concerned about the impact excessive population growth has had on the local area and Australia in general. Overdevelopment causing overcrowding and excessive strain on public services and infrastructure needs urgent attention and political change.

Running as a candidate in Wakehurst gives local constituents the opportunity to send a clear message to government, “We want to be heard and we want our political representatives to act in our best interest”.

Susan Sorensen, the Animal Justice Party candidate for Wakehurst. Picture: Supplied

Susan Sorensen — Animal Justice Party

I am a lifelong environmentalist and teacher who made the connection between how animals and their habitats are treated and the deterioration of human health, escalating violence and environmental destruction.

I am compelled to stand for a political party who places kindness, equality, rationality and nonviolence front and centre of all decision making.

Empathy, integrity and transparency must be brought back into politics where Animal Justice Party policies and position statements serve to guide political legislation to positively impact animals, people and the planet.

Having lived on the Northern Beaches for about 22 years, I have committed to lobbying for reducing the number of animals killed on our roads, banning the use of the horrific indiscriminate killer 1080 and halting the devastating extinction rates by protecting remaining native bushland.

There is a great need for political representation of all animals to keep their voices amplified and their needs considered through legislated system change. I believe that when we can care for our most vulnerable and when we can work together to solve problems, we will then be able to care for our own species to ensure younger generations have a happy, healthy and sustainable future ahead of them.

Ethan Hrnjak, The Greens candidate for Wakehurst. Picture: Supplied

Ethan Hrnjak — The Greens

I’ve lived on the northern beaches for all of my 19 years and I understand our unique way of life. Unfortunately, this way of life is threatened by internal and external challenges.

As we move deeper into the climate crisis, the importance of our beautiful environment — from tree canopy to natural bushland and coastal lagoons — cannot be understated.

Inappropriate development is happening all around us, with proposals for Lizard Rock and the Frenchs Forest Town Centre shining a light on the unbridled power and influence developers have over our Governments.

The privatisation of essential services hinders our access to healthcare and institutes insufficient pay and conditions for our hardworking nurses.

As our roads become more congested, the state government favours destructive megaprojects that enrich their mates, rather than sustainable and publicly-owned public transport.

As a law student, I’ve seen how governments have the power to create meaningful, lasting change for all of us, yet this power is often used against us.

Whether it’s the crackdowns on protest and freedom of expression, accepting shady donations from the gambling industry, mining magnates and greedy developers, this government has shown that it cares more about filling the pockets of its wealthy donors than representing the people of NSW.

Toby Williams, Liberal candidate for Wakehurst. Picture: Supplied

Toby Williams — Liberal

I’ve lived on the northern beaches my entire life, and attended local public schools before completing a Bachelor of Commerce at Macquarie University.

The instinct I have to give back to my community developed at an early age. As a result, I’ve been involved in many local organisations, including The Salvation Army, Warringah Amateur Swimming Association and Dee Why RSL.

Now, I want to represent you in the NSW Parliament.

If elected, I will continue Brad Hazzard’s incredible legacy and bring the same passion and work ethic that he has put into looking after our wonderful Wakehurst community.

As a Liberal MP in a Liberal Government, my voice at the heart of government will ensure we continue to get our fair share in funding for local schools, health facilities, roads and transport, and protections for our beautiful local environment.

Thanks to our Perrottet Liberal Government, we’ve seen life-changing new infrastructure, such as Northern Beaches Hospital, Warringah Road underpass and the iconic B-Line bus service.

Now is not the time to jeopardise the future of our electorate by changing government or local representation.

Michael Regan, an independent candidate for Wakehurst. Picture: Supplied

Michael Regan — Independent

Wakehurst is a stunning place to live — beautiful bushland and beaches and an amazing community spirit.

But we’re facing some big challenges that will impact all our futures and those challenges require state government input, funding and approvals.

I want to provide a strong independent voice for Wakehurst as those decisions are made.

Our public transport is struggling, our roads are congested, housing is increasingly unaffordable and our bushland in Belrose and Oxford Falls is under threat from over development.

But there are smart solutions too and I have the experience to deliver them — lower our power bills by offering interest free loans to install solar panels; ease congestion by building a bypass at the Officeworks intersection; create robust state planning laws to ensure the rezoning of Frenchs Forest and Brookvale creates vibrant urban centres with first class public facilities.

I’ve worked with all parties at every level of Government and my track record speaks for itself.