Pittwater by-election: Candidates clash over who will be the most effective MP

The independent and Liberal rivals for the surprise Pittwater by-election have clashed over who would be the most effective MP if elected to NSW parliament.

About 200 people attended a debate at Mona Vale Memorial Hall on Thursday, between two candidates for the October 19, NSW Pittwater by-election, Independent, Jacqui Scruby and Liberal, Georgia Ryburn. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

The two major candidates for the surprise Pittwater by-election clashed at a public political forum over who would be the most effective MP if elected to NSW parliament.

Independent Jacqui Scruby argued she would be in a stronger bargaining position to win improved funding and infrastructure for the electorate because she would join an influential crossbench in a parliament with a minority Labor government.

But, Liberal Georgia Ryburn told the 200 locals at Mona Vale Memorial Hall on Thursday night that, if elected, she would be part of a strong Opposition that had a track record of delivering for Pittwater.

Hosted by local quarterly magazine Beaches COVERED, the forum was promoted as a “no BS” candid discussion about the future of Pittwater ahead of the October 19 vote.

About 200 people attended a debate at Mona Vale Memorial Hall on Thursday, including independent, Jacqui Scruby (left) and Liberal, Georgia Ryburn (right) with Beaches Covered magazine publisher John Vickery. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

It was triggered by the resignation of former Liberal MP Rory Amon, who quit parliament when he was charged with 10 child sex offences. Amon has vowed to defend the charges.

The two candidates were mostly in agreement on their priorities for Pittwater, including pushing for the government to complete the stalled upgrade of Mona Vale Rd; pushing back on the government’s high density planning law; more school funding; finding ways to ease cost of living burdens on families and small businesses and; protecting local bushland and foreshores.

But, they differed when asked who would be able to get the most done for Pittwater as its MP.

Ms Scruby, who has been working as an adviser for federal MP Zali Steggall, said that due to Labor ruling as a minority government with the support of independents, crossbench MPs had an “influential role” when it came to government policies and decision making.

She said, if elected, she would “have a seat at the table” and be able to deliver more for the residents of Pittwater when it came to state government services and infrastructure.

About 200 people attended a debate at Mona Vale Memorial Hall on Thursday between two candidates for the October 19, NSW Pittwater by-election, independent, Jacqui Scruby and Liberal, Georgia Ryburn. Picture: Jim O’Rourke

Ms Scruby said she could build relationships with ministers and work across political party lines to garner support for policies, issues and funding that benefited Pittwater.

“As an independent on the crossbench in a minority government I’m confident I’ll be able to have those conversations, build alliances and address issues.

“The Liberal Party is in opposition and therefore is limited in terms of what it can deliver in the next two years (before the next state election).”

While acknowledging Liberals would not have a chance of winning government until early 2027, Ms Ryburn said she would be doing “everything I can” in the meantime to advocate for the community.

Independent, Jacqui Scruby (left) and Liberal, Georgia Ryburn (right) at the public forum hosted by Beaches Covered magazine publisher John Vickery.

“I will (be) knocking on every minister’s door to get the funding, that was already delivered by the Liberals, that we need to complete Mona Vale Rd West and a number of other projects.”

“I will be starting on day one, if I have the privilege of being elected … with 36 people (in parliament) voting for you.

“My opponent will be alone.

“She will be advocating from the sidelines.

Former Northern Beaches deputy mayor Georgia Ryburn was preselected as the Liberal Party candidate for the Pittwater by-election. Picture: Supplied

“History has shown us that only the Liberals have stood up and delivered for this community.”

Ms Ryburn said her party was responsible for services and infrastructure including the B-Line express bus route, Northern Beaches Hospital and funding towards floodproofing Wakehurst Parkway.

She said she would be part of a “strong Liberal team” that would win the next full state election.

“Of course we’re in opposition, but when I’m in government, I will deliver for this community,” Ms Ryburn said.

“That is when I will deliver the completion of Mona Vale Rd West.”

She also committed to delivering five more kidney dialysis beds to Mona Vale Hospital.

But, Ms Scruby described the by-election as a “try before you buy” poll because the Liberals were in opposition.

Independent candidate for the state seat of Pittwater at the October 19 by-election at the launch of her campaign on September 5. Picture: Supplied

“It’s been acknowledged that they won’t be able to deliver,” she said.

“I’m saying that ‘I’m the best chance you’ve got’.

“You’ve really got nothing to lose … and everything to gain.”

Ms Scruby also highlighted that Ms Ryburn does not lives in the electorate and was not “embedded” in the community.

The families of both candidates have long histories in the electorate.

Ms Scruby moved back to Pittwater five years ago after, as she described on her website, having “lived in and around Pittwater throughout my life”.

But Ms Ryburn, who lives at Frenchs Forest, just outside the electorate, argued that she had strong ties to Pittwater through her family — she grew up on the northern beaches — and was highly knowledgeable about the needs of the area through her time as a local councillor and deputy mayor.

** The Libertarian Party has entered a candidate for the Pittwater by-election — Avalon Beach local Doug Rennie. Nominations for candidates have now closed.

Mr Rennie secured the top spot on the ballot paper, in the draw conducted by-election officials on Friday. Ms Scruby has the second spot, ahead of Ms Ryburn at number three.