Is this Australia’s friendliest electorate? The local MP thinks so
There isn’t a negative campaign in sight in this Sydney electorate. Find out why the local MP thinks this is Australia’s friendliest electorate.
Mosman
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Is this Australia’s friendliest electorate?
North Sydney has a strong field of seven candidates with all the major parties on the ballot this year.
But there’s a major difference between this and many other electorates — it’s all very civil between the political rivals.
The majority of the candidates took part in a community organised debate in Greenwich last week and it was a world away from the rough political games played in Canberra.
Instead of firing arrows across the stage at each other they calmly answered questions on a range of local and national issues. And there were handshakes and friendly chats before and after the debate.
“I think we should lay claim to being the friendliest electorate in Australia,” North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman said.
“What has really pleased me is how all the candidates and their volunteers have been so respectful of each other.
“These are long and tiring campaigns and it doesn’t assist anyone to see the type of nastiness we see in other electorates.
“Maybe we can export what we have in North Sydney to other parts of country and our democracy would be better as a result.”
It was Sustainable Australia candidate Greg Graham’s first time to take part in a live political debate. He noticed that everyone respected each other on stage, stuck to their message and that there were no nasty remarks.
“From my perspective this electorate is a very friendly place,” Mr Graham said.
Independent Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans said as a group they are all “civil people”. He strongly disagrees with Liberal party policies but hasn’t gone down the road of negative campaigning against Mr Zimmerman.
“We are trying to get the audience to go with us. Being unpleasant isn’t productive,” Dr Chesterfield-Evans said.
“I think it’s very important we have a civilised relationship if we can. I’ve always tried to keep personality out of politics.”
Greens candidate Daniel Keogh has noticed the civil atmosphere at pre-poll, which has become his favourite part of the campaign trail. He believes the volunteers have a common understanding among themselves that they are all sacrificing their time for democracy and that no one wants to spend that time being hostile to each other.
“We ought to thank the mothers of the North Shore for raising such polite people,” Mr Keogh said.
“The majority maintain their manners even when they know who they will vote for.”
Mr Zimmerman holds the seat on a 13.6 per cent margin and the electorate is a traditional Liberal stronghold.
IN OTHER NEWS
Voters have about 40 places to choose from in the North Sydney electorate this Saturday. The most popular spots are expected to be the public schools at Neutral Bay, Artarmon, Greenwich, Lane Cove and Willoughby. Other voting centres on the list are Cammeray Golf Club, St Peter’s Anglican Church Hall in Cremorne, Lane Cove Bowling Club and St Mark’s War Memorial Parish Hall in Northbridge.
To cast your vote early they are pre-poll booths available in Chatswood, Crows Nest, Willoughby and Mosman.
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