Federal election 2016: Tony Abbott looks safe in Warringah

DESPITE some youthful competition, former prime minister Tony Abbott looks set to hold the blue ribbon Liberal seat of Warringah.

Favourite: Warringah MP Tony Abbott. Picture: Annika Enderborg

Here are the candidates lining up for the seat of Warringah:

TONY ABBOTT

Liberal Party

The Member for Warringah and former prime minister outlined the major election issues for Mosman.

“Residents have consistently raised with me the need to keep our economy strong nationally and to improve transport infrastructure locally,” he said.

Mr Abbott said he would take action on these issues if he was re-elected.

“I will be a strong voice for Warringah in a Turnbull Government and work with Premier Mike Baird to ­address the transport infrastructure deficit on the northern beaches which includes the Northern Beaches Link tunnel,” he said.

Mr Abbott was first elected in 1994. Last election he won 65 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.

ALP candidate Andrew Woodward. Picture: Adam Ward

ANDREW WOODWARD

Australian Labor Party

The climate change communications consultant said the Liberals had taken Mosman for granted for decades.

“The key issue is ending local neglect and then ensuring that we protect Medicare, get full Gonski funding, improve broadband quickly and do something real on climate change,” he said.

Mr Woodward said a fresh approach was needed in Warringah.

“We need someone with passion, integrity and courage to fight for our fair share. That’s what I will do.”

Mr Woodward grew up on the northern beaches and has lived in the area for most of his life. He trained with Al Gore, who inspired him to dedicate his life to tackling climate change.

Greens candidate Clara Williams Roldan. Picture: Annika Enderborg

CLARA WILLIAMS ROLDAN

Greens

THE law student said there were a range of key issues facing Mosman.

“Uncertainty for businesses and families over the critical transition from Australia’s fossil fuel-based economy, and the serious impacts of climate change, both locally — given Mosman’s unique and invaluable harbour foreshore reserves — as well as nationally and internationally,” she said.

Miss Williams Roldan said she would address these issues if elected.

“Transition to 90 per cent renewable energy by 2030, using the many technologies already available, including Australian inventions, and so kickstart the clean, knowledge-based economy,” she said.

Nick Xenophon Team candidate Marie Rowland. Picture: Braden Fastier

MARIE ROWLAND

Nick Xenophon Team

The registered psychotherapist said she had talked to many Mosman people about election issues.

“After extensive consultations with people from Mosman their biggest issues are forced amalgamations, the lack of transparency with the tunnel and perennial transport issue, and overdevelopment,” she said.

Ms Rowland said she would address these issues if elected. “I will fight for the tunnel feasibility study commissioned by Mike Baird in 2014 to be released. I will support Mosman Council with its fight for autonomy so that it can self-legislate to protect its environs and community,” she said.

Ms Rowland works in private practice and lives on the northern beaches.

Independent candidate James Mathison. Picture: Braden Fastier

JAMES MATHISON

Independent

The media personality said he was a genuine independent who would finally make Warringah matter.

“Traffic and transport is a massive issue for Mosman,” he said.

“Because Warringah is such a safe seat, we have been neglected for decades by both major parties. I know how to bring attention to issues and force change, ensuring our concerns at all levels are no longer ignored.

“Having been involved in different social and environmental causes over the past 10 years, I have learnt that if you don’t stand up for what you believe in, big business and the political elites will simply do as they please.”

Mr Mathison has worked in the media industry for more than 16 years.

THE OTHERS

The remaining five candidates for Warringah are:

●Tony Backhouse, Independent.

●David Barrow, Independent.

●Shea Caplice, The Arts Party.

●Marc Giordano, Science Party.

●June Scifo, Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group).

Warringah covers an area from Neutral Bay, Mosman and Manly in the south to Curl Curl and Frenchs Forest (part) in the north.