Top Sydney surgeon Dr Stephen Ruff is having another crack at the Federal seat of North Sydney
TOP Sydney orthopedic surgeon Dr Stephen Ruff is having another crack at the federal seat of North Sydney.
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TOP orthopedic surgeon Dr Stephen Ruff is having another crack at the seat of North Sydney aiming to become only the second independent to win the seat.
The Independent candidate believes people are disillusioned with the current political process and parties who were wasting an extraordinary amount of money defence spending.
“I am appalled at the amount of money being spent on defence,” Dr Ruff told the North Shore Times.
“We are spending billions on joint-strike fighters and submarines but we are being told our biggest threat to national security is from terrorists. I would like to know how these submarines and fighter planes are going to help us combat terrorism?”
Former North Sydney federal independent Ted Mack has again thrown his support behind the surgeon and believes less candidates running and a better voter turnout will give Dr Ruff a better chance on July 2.
“The big difference at this election will be a huge increase in the vote,” Mr Mack said. “I believe he will have a better chance this time.”
Only 78 per cent of voters turned out for the by-election in December last year.
“There was an added distortion at the by-election with Labor not fielding a candidate as well,” he added.
Mr Mack famously held the seat from 1990 to1996 and said the orthopedic surgeon would make a fantastic member for North Sydney.
Dr Ruff said he would not be running unless he thought he could win.
In December’s by-election, he finished second, picking up 18.79 per cent of the primary vote and 39.77 per cent after preferences.
Apart from defence spending Dr Ruff has also previously said he held strong views on the delivery of a fairer income tax system.
“The cost of civilisation is paying tax and I have paid my fair share because I earn more and I believe that is how it should be,” he said.
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