Bennelong by-election: Greens’ Justin Alick, Progressives’ Chris Golding and Affordable Housing’s Anthony Ziebell join fray
THREE more candidates have joined the Bennelong by-election contest, including two who will appeal to voters here for the first time.
Northern District Times
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GREENS leader Richard Di Natale visited Meadowbank on Tuesday and announced the party’s candidate for the Bennelong by-election, as more contenders join the contest.
Dr Di Natale was at Meadowbank TAFE and announced Justin Alick of North Epping as the Greens candidate for the December 16 by-election.
Mr Alick, 32, contested the electorate at the federal election last year and gained 9.13 per cent of the first preference vote (0.71 per cent swing).
He also contested the North Shore state by-election this year and Ryde at the 2015 state election.
Mr Alick said his priorities included affordable housing and the environment.
“I will oppose the federal funding of the Adani coal mine and call for renewed and credible renewable energy targets,” he said.
“I will also call for the introduction of a federal anti-corruption agency.”
Two minor parties who did not contest Bennelong last year have also registered candidates.
The Australian Progressives announced its candidate, Chris Golding.
The 30-year-old attended Holy Cross College at Ryde and played soccer for Putney this year. He lives at Drummoyne.
Mr Golding has worked for the State Government in policy.
He said key issues were climate change, renewables and the impact of robotics and artificial intelligence on the workforce.
“I think we need new voices and innovative policy rather than the tit-for-tat between the major parties,” he said.
“It demonstrates the complacency they have for our democracy.”
Another candidate keen on cheaper homes is Anthony Ziebell of the Affordable Housing Party.
“Renters and first-home buyers’ right to a fair go are being completely ignored,” the Pitt Town resident said.
He criticised negative gearing and the capital gains discount on sales, which he said allowed wealthy Australians to minimise their tax.