Meet the North Sydney Federal Election candidates for 2019
Liberal Trent Zimmerman MP is going to the polls for the third time in what has been the historically safe Liberal seat of North Sydney. Meet the candidates running against him.
The Liberal blue ribbon has been firmly knotted around the North Sydney electorate for decades.
Trent Zimmerman MP won the federal seat in a by-election in 2015 and this is his third time to go to the polls.
Historically the seat has been held by the Liberals except for high profile independent Ted Mack’s run in the ‘90s.
This year Mr Zimmerman faces competition from six diverse candidates including major and minor parties, and one independent.
Trent Zimmerman, Liberal
Since being elected Mr Zimmerman has worked on securing funding for major projects such as Sub Base Platypus and upgrades to sporting facilities. He recently announced a $10 million election promise for the North Sydney Olympic Pool upgrades.
“There is more to do to maintain the character of our area and improve the services important
to residents,” Mr Zimmerman said.
“I will be working hard to support projects like the completion of Sub Base Platypus as a great community asset, delivering more support for local environment and renewable projects and improving local facilities.”
Mr Zimmerman views himself as a “sensible voice” for progressive and practical Liberal values. He was the first openly gay member of the house of representatives and was a key figure in the drive for marriage equality. He lives in McMahons Point with his partner Carlos Toledo.
He spends his downtime walking their puppy Simba in local parks, reading, theatre, travel and watching SBS On Demand or Netflix drama.
Brett Stone, Labor
Brett Stone lives in North Sydney and runs a small business in the digital sector. He has degree in economics and finance, and previously worked as a management consultant for Accenture. Mr Stone is fluent in Mandarin and spent time living in China. Outside work he enjoys running and writes a technology blog.
He wants to stop cuts to Royal North Shore Hospital and local schools, and says Labor has a comprehensive plan that will deliver the change that North Sydney needs.
This is his first time to run a campaign and he started on the ground mid-last year.
“We’ve been able to talk to plenty of residents and get out there nice and early to tell them about our plan,” Mr Stone said.
“Local schools will get extra funding and Royal North Shore will get extra funding.”
The three biggest issues he has identified are overdevelopment, climate change and the cost of childcare.
Many residents have expressed their dissatisfaction with proposed new developments particularly around the Crows Nest area. He also found people are telling him they are sick of seeing no action or leadership on climate change.
“Young parents often highlight to me the significant cost of childcare in the community,” he said.
Daniel Keogh, Greens
Daniel Keogh has lived and worked in North Sydney for almost a decade and is part of the CBD’s technology industry boom.
He is a testicular cancer survivor and was treated at Royal North Shore Hospital. Mr Keogh also has depression and attributes it to pushing him to run for the recent state election in Willoughby and now the federal election.
“It has affected my life in many ways but I am proud to manage the ups and downs it brings in life,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have run in either of these elections if it weren’t for some low moments last year.”
Mr Keogh is a self-confessed geek and is a big gamer. He loves games like Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Grim Fandango and The Last of Us. These immersive experiences have changed his life. He also spends a lot of time playing competitive e-sports online.
“I tend to play the characters that support and heal the rest of the team which really says a lot about me as a person,” he said.
At the core of his agenda is climate change. He believes there is plenty of opportunities for the intelligent and hardworking people in North Sydney to push for renewable energy.
Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, Independent
GP Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans previously lined out with the Greens but this time he is going solo. He made a name for himself in the fight against big tobacco and worked towards smoke-free air in pubs and no cigarette adverts. He served in the NSW upper house for almost nine years until 2007. He would like to see a federal grant to fix the North Sydney Olympic Pool, good public transport and a certain amount of recreational public land for every high-rise apartment built.
“Everyone needs housing and either a job or a role that gives then an income to live on and some human dignity,” he said.
“We will not have a harmonious society until this is achieved, so the least we can do is state it as a goal.”
Dr Chesterfield-Evans lives in Woolwich and enjoys tennis, long-distance running and travel. He currently specialises in the management of motor vehicle accident injuries and workers compensation.
Peter Vagg, United Australian Party
Peter Vagg brings a wealth of business experience to the election as he has been a major chain story buyer for 40 years. He keeps fit with swimming and walking and loves the local parks and harbour foreshore. A key issue he has identified in North Sydney is transport.
Mr Vagg pointed out the problem of traffic congestion and believes public transport does not meet the locals’ expectations. Retirees will like his promise to increase their pension by $150 a week and he also wants to improve the situation for homeowners.
“Mortgages for owner occupied homes will become tax deductible. There is no better way to improve the wealth of a nation than by building equity in their biggest asset.”
Greg Graham, Sustainable Australia
Business owner Greg Graham has run several times before for Sustainable Australia. His main policies are focused on lower immigration levels and stopping over development.
He pointed out the plans for high rise developments in suburbs such as St Leonards.
“You have to constantly play catch-up with roads, infrastructure to cope with it all,” he said.
“It’s ridiculous. The only people benefiting are the builders, developers and all the big retailers.”
Since the ‘80s he’s noticed the North Sydney area become busier and says it has been affected by immigration. He believes increased population is a major issue.
“Where we are now would be a good place to stop. Just have natural increase contribute to the population levels,” he said.
Mr Graham lives in Artarmon with his wife and has two cats: Tilly and Terry. He enjoys bushwalking and sailing.
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