NSW election 2019: Auburn, Epping, Granville, Parramatta, Ryde candidates
Candidates in the seats of Auburn, Epping, Granville, Parramatta and Ryde reveal what they think the key issues are — and a bit about themselves — ahead of the state poll on Saturday.
Each candidate in the seats of Auburn, Epping, Granville, Parramatta and Ryde were given the opportunity to provide an insight into their background and the issues they think are most important for Sydney’s northwest ahead of the NSW election on Saturday, March 23.
AUBURN
NAME: Lynda Voltz
PARTY: Labor
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’m a former soldier who served in the Australian Regular Army. I attended Birrong Girls High School, played football for Granville Kewpies and Lidcombe Waratahs, and rugby union for Sydney University.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I have been a Member of Parliament in the NSW Legislative Council for twelve years. She is the current Shadow Minister for Sport and Veteran’s Affairs
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Labor will bring back the M4 Cashback to take cars avoiding the tolls off our local streets; review the Liberal’s disastrous train timetables; and protect services at Auburn Hospital
NAME: Christina Kang
PARTY: Liberals
A BIT ABOUT YOU: Growing up in South Korea and migrating to Australia in 1988, I know how hard it is to make a life in a new country. I believe the role of good government is get the basics right and provide strong economic management so you have the tools to get ahead. Families in Auburn want a government to focus on the things that matter, like reducing the cost of living, reducing congestion and building new roads and rail lines, and creating more jobs so there are opportunities for everyone. If elected as part of Gladys Berejiklian’s team, I will be a passionate advocate for the people of Auburn to ensure they receive their fair share of the NSW Liberals & Nationals record-breaking investments in education, health and transport infrastructure.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: I studied radiography at the University of Sydney and went on to work at Westmead Hospital and Strathfield. I am also heavily involved in school, church and community fundraising events.
TOP THREE ISSUES: Families in Auburn want a government to focus on the things that matter, like reducing the cost of living, reducing congestion and building new roads and rail lines, and creating more jobs so there are opportunities for everyone.
NAME: Janet Castle
PARTY: Greens
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’ve worked extensively in the disability sector, with people who are ageing, and for 15 years supporting and advocating for people seeking asylum. I currently head up Bridge for Asylum Seekers which provides living allowances for otherwise destitute people seeking asylum.
I’m running for The Greens NSW because I want action on climate change. I will work to ensure that the Auburn community has well-funded health, education and social services and will advocate for services for refugees.
I will actively work to:
* Provide secure housing and access to free, high-quality services, including health and education, to every resident
* Transition to clean, renewable energy
* Tackle political corruption
* Strengthen environmental protections and invest in recovery plans for threatened habitats
* Give a voice for local people in planning decisions
* Represent our community’s values in parliament and hold the major parties to account.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE:
* 15 years as a Greens’ campaigner
* 35 years as an environmental justice activist
* 15 years as refugee activist.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE:
* Urgent action on overdevelopment and the restoration of a planning system that gives a voice for local people in planning decisions. Calling for a Royal Commission into planning in NSW.
* Urgent action on climate change and the orderly transition to renewable energy, with local communities and councils being equipped to deploy local programs with adequate funding and support from the government.
* Reforming political donations and rooting out corruption.
NAME: Luke Ahern
PARTY: Independent
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I have a background in high voltage power supply in maintenance and am currently working in the Transport sector for the NSW government. I am 55 years of age and have lived on and off in Berala most of that time. Except when I lived in northern Italy where my mother’s family originate from. They moved to Australia in 1933 to the Parramatta area. My father’s family come from Central Queensland from Irish and German stock. I consider myself a strong member of the multicultural community that is the Auburn electorate
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I am running as an Independent with family background in both Labor and Liberal parties.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Health Services (Auburn Hospital) needs to be allocated more money to improve services and staffing to lessen the burden on Westmead and Concord hospitals with take Auburns patients more often now.
2. Affordable public housing which is urgently required with at least 20,000 dwellings to be made available to those in the lowest income range and our elderly in the municipality.
3. An integrated Public Transport system with a timetable that services the needs of Auburn, Lidcombe, Berala, Regents Park, including Newington and Wentworth Point where I lived for about two years. This municipality is growing faster every day and we need to be able to meet all the challenges, Especially moving people via public transport.
Kieron Lee (Keep Sydney Open)
EPPING
NAME: Dominic Perrottet
PARTY: Liberals
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’m 36, married to Helen and we have five beautiful children. I’ve lived in and around the Epping electorate for most of my life, went to school in the Hills and studied at Sydney Uni. We now live in Beecroft where we love the lifestyle, the opportunities, and the community that make it such a great place to live.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: Before entering Parliament I worked as a solicitor in the Sydney CBD, and since then I have had the great honour to serve the people of NSW as an MP and as a minister, first as Minister for Finance, and now as Treasurer of NSW.
I got involved in politics to make a difference, because I am passionate about making NSW the best place to live, work, run a business and raise a family. NSW is a great state, but I firmly believe we can make it even better.
As Treasurer I have been honoured to continue the Liberals & Nationals’ work of maintaining strong finances so we can fund the services, schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure our communities rely on, and help take the pressure off families.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: I’ll make sure development in Epping meets our community’s expectations, supported by the right infrastructure, so there’s less pressure on our community.
2. I’ll ensure our local schools get the attention they deserve, with new and upgraded facilities, so our children can get the best quality education in world-class facilities.
3. I’ll deliver better transport options to cut travel times and bust congestion, so the people of Epping can spend less time commuting, and more time doing the things they love.
NAME: Alan Mascarenhas
PARTY: Labor
A BIT ABOUT YOU: Energetic, hardworking, down-to-earth, love helping people. Now 39, thinking about the legacy I will leave and how I can give back to the local area where I grew up. My family migrated from England in 1987. I was raised in Carlingford and West Pennant Hills by mum after dad passed away early. Educated at Trinity Grammar on scholarship, followed by a Bachelor of Arts/Law at Sydney University and Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago. I received a great education and want to extend this to others.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I am a professional corporate writer and editor, with clients in business, technology and law. Previously, I was a speechwriter to Labor leaders Luke Foley and John Robertson. I began my career as a Sydney Morning Herald journalist.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Stop overdevelopment: five years ago, the Liberal government declared Epping an “Urban Activation Precinct” and dumped it with shockingly planned high rise. The community has had enough.
2. Fix overcrowded schools: it’s wrong to spend $2.2 billion on stadiums when kids from Epping West to Epping Heights and Beecroft Primary lack playground space.
3. Crippling traffic: Exiting North Epping is diabolical, as is the intersection of Ray, Rawson, Carlingford and Beecroft Roads. You can take your life in your hands just trying to get to Coles. On all of these issues, I will give Epping fresh energy and dynamic representation.
NAME: Simon Margan
PARTY: Greens
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’ve lived in Epping for as long as I can remember. We moved here over 35 years ago, and I’ve long been proud to be part of the Epping community.
As a qualified lawyer, I’ve built up a strong background in human rights advocacy. I’m passionate about supporting multiculturalism, local employment opportunities, accessible, universal public education and equitable aged-care treatment.
I believe in state laws that incorporate a sense of equality for all people, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexuality. I am also on the Oceania board of ILGA, a United Nations Non-Government Organisation advocating against human rights abuses against gay and lesbian people.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: This year l’m campaigning in the state election, as a new face in the political arena, with fresh ideas and new perspectives that will benefit the Epping area.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Climate Action: Prioritise the Parramatta light rail: Put more funding into the Parramatta Light Rail project, to ensure the fast-tracking of its extension to Epping Station.
Fair pay for solar: Residents should be paid for the electricity they produce from their solar panels at the same rate as they are charged for using electricity from the network.
Stop overdevelopment: Overdevelopment is rife, and trust in our planning system is broken. Too many massive ill-thought developments are being approved, which places strain on existing infrastructure, such as the notedly overcrowded Epping West Public School. Give planning back to local councils.
Take guns out of Epping: In the 2121 postcode, there are 146 registered firearms owners with a combined total of 688 guns, including one owner (not a collector) with 56 guns.
NAME: Sam Lyndon
PARTY: Keep Sydney Open
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I am a young, passionate musician and the Keep Sydney Open candidate for Epping. Having grown up in Epping, he knows all about the local issues and has been an active member of the community; from organising clothing collections for the homeless to street clean-ups while still finding time to pursue his passion in life: music. He doesn’t treat Epping like it’s just a suburb to commute from, being a member of his local church and gyms to show that he treats his body and his mind with the same respect that he will show to the people of Epping. Growing up he was active in sports, not only as a player for North Epping soccer but Epping YMCA cricket, Eastwood rugby team and the epping district athletics club. Sam lives and breathes Epping.
EXPERIENCE: Legal Studies, Year 11/12
TOP 3 ISSUES: Lockout laws, new anti-festival laws, removal of nature (trees) and building new infrastructure which destroys local businesses.
GRANVILLE
Julia Finn, Labor
Since being elected in 2015, Julia Finn said she has been embraced by the many ethnicities that call Granville and Merrylandshome.
Ms Finn, who was a career politician as a councillor on Parramatta, is no stranger to the communities that give the west itsunique feel, but said her election gave her the rare chance to not just observe but participate.
“It’s been a real pleasure and so lovely to share all these cultures,” Ms Finn said.
“I’ve been able to be involved with the Afghan community, the Lebanese community and the different religions in the area as well.”
Ms Finn won the once Liberal seat of Granville against current opposition Tony Issa, who had held the seat since 2011. Mr Issa took the seat in 2011 for the first time decades after a backlash against Labor saw a massive swing of almost 14 per cent to unseat Labor’s David Borger.
A traditionally safe Labor seat, it was still considered marginal at 3 per cent but a swing back towards Labor of 7.2 per cent saw Ms Finn win comfortably.
At the time of her election victory she had said her focus would be on the privatisation of the poles and wires and cuts to TAFE, the local issues that had come into play in the electorate. Now, the focus is on the M4 and train timetables.
“It’s what we’re in politics for, to serve, and if issues are infuriating people than we should fix it,” Ms Finn said. “The train timetables have impacted Granville, it used to be greatly serviced with multiple train spots for a growing area and now that’s been cut.”
Ms Finn grew up in rural NSW, moved to Sydney for university study, and eventually settled in Parramatta in 1994.
She had served on Parramatta City Council from 1999 to 2015, she was also deputy mayor between 2002 and 2004 and in 2004 at the age of 31 was elected Lord Mayor.
Tony Issa, Liberals
When Tony Issa lost the Granville seat to Julia Finn in 2015, he thought he was done with politics.
Mr Issa, who originally won the seat in 2011 against Labor’s David Borger, said the demand for him to run again came from all angles.
“I left politics but I didn’t leave my community,” Mr Issa said. “I was having people on the street telling me to come back, that the area needed me, it really pushed me back in.”
Mr Issa, who called himself the “mayor of the people” during his 2008-2009 Lord Mayoralty for Parramatta, said he prided himselfon being able to listen.
“I’m always open, I always listen even if I can’t help I will listen and try,” he said. “I liked to hear from people in my area, if it was a state matter or a local matter, they told me I was different from the other politicians.”
Mr Issa, who was born in Lebanon in 1955, arrived in Australia at 17 years old and said those early days of finding his feet helped mould the politician he has become.
“I worked any jobs I could,” he said.
“I don’t forget where I came from, I hold that close and I build on that and hold on to my values.”
Starting his political career in 1988 as an independent on Parramatta Council, Mr Issa moved to the Liberal party 10 years later, after unsuccessfully contesting the state seat of Parramatta in 1994 by-election.
Looking at the last election, which saw a swing back to Labor of 7.2 per cent, Mr Issa said the problem came from inside the political world and not his position in the community.
“In hindsight, I believe it was an internal problem, and it was sorted out a little too late,” he said.
Mr Issa was hesitant to point blame at anyone. It was considered at the time that the Christian Democratic Party member Lara Taouk Sleiman had split the Lebanese Maronite vote in half, leaving Mr Issa with 37.7 per cent of votes, Mrs Taouk Sleiman with 12.4 per cent and Ms Finn with 41 per cent of first preference votes.
NAME: Keith Piper
PARTY: Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
A BIT ABOUT YOU: 1. High School Science teacher for 8 years. 2. Baptist Pastor for 36 years. 3. Helped over 2000 refugees assimilate into Australia. 4. Financial Planner for 10 years. 5. Overseas Convention speaker. 6. Written and published 10 books. 7. Share market experience 12 years. 8. Corporate director. 9. Counselling and problem solving.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: CDP candidate for federal seat of Parramatta in 2016.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Abolish land tax and improve housing affordability. 2. Set up a quarterly public consultation where members of the public can submit ideas, advice or ask questions to be considered for government implementation. 3. Introduce free public accredited multilingual problem solving counsellors.
NAME: Linda Harris
PARTY: Communist League
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I am standing for the Communist League so that working people in cities, towns and rural areas have a candidate that speaks in their interests. Liberal, Labor and other politicians have no solution to the worldwide economic and social crisis.
The capitalist rulers are deepening their assault on our living conditions and rights. I put forward a course along which working people can organise to fight to take power out of the hands of the ruling rich.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I am a long-time fighter for the rights of working people and their unions. I have worked in the metal and food industries and as a sewing machinist, and am currently employed casually as a pharmaceutical warehouse worker.
For more than three decades I have been involved in the fight for women’s right to choose abortion, in support of families campaigning against black deaths in custody, and in defence of the Cuban Revolution.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Unemployment: I call for the creation of jobs at union-rate wages through a massive government-funded program to build much needed infrastructure and provide affordable housing for all. Health care: I support cleaners and other health care workers taking action at Westmead and other hospitals to oppose the cuts in staffing and funding. Immigration: I demand amnesty for the 60,000 workers living in Australia without visas and for all offshore immigration detention centres to be closed.
NAME: Steven Lopez
PARTY: Independent
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I have lived in the area for 25 years. I went to school here, I worked here and I built my life here. I’ve voted for politicians who promised things will get better but no matter who wins, we always seem to lose. This is why I am standing as an Independent. A true Independent. So I can have the flexibility to say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done, for all of us. Let’s fix Granville and let’s clean up NSW.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I have ZERO political experience. None of my family ever dabbled in politics. In fact, most of my family work as truckies and I work in IT. I love where I’m from and I want to do right by us.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Overdevelopment without supporting infrastructure: I plan to tackle this by placing a focus on planning for the future instead of playing catch-up all the time. Capacity of schools and hospitals: It makes no sense to continue to place high-density buildings in an area with important things like schools and hospitals are crying out from overcapacity for years now. Lack of transparency in politics: There’s no trust in politicians today and rightly so — I plan to be a new kind of politician that helps address this issue.
NAME: Rohan Laxmanalal
PARTY: Animal Justice Party (AJP)
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I have a finance and mathematics teaching background and a strong interest in nutrition, fitness, rugby league, cricket, tennis and animal rights. I enjoy problem solving, collaborating with different personalities and leadership which I have experienced in all my previous roles, most notably as a Manager at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I have no experience in politics but feel a shake-up needs to happen at all levels of Government by people who are conscious of how important our animals, environment and human health/wellbeing are. I learnt and experienced this after taking a year off full-time work, volunteering for various organisations.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Health/wellbeing: Fund more wellbeing programs that focus on areas such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, animals and the environment.
Waste management: Stop blaming other levels of Government and lead recycling initiatives. Incentivise the use of biodegradable plastics.
Urban planning: It appears those approving property development turn a blind eye to local transport infrastructure. It pains me waiting at the bus stop for nearly 30 minutes during peak hour watching full buses go by every few minutes, while plenty of cars drive by only occupied by the driver. Ride sharing and double decker buses should be incentivised.
RYDE
Name: Victor Dominello
Party: Liberals
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I was born and raised in the Ryde area. My family have been here for over 80 years. I attended school at Marist Brothers Eastwood before studying and practising law. My passion for the community and public service inspired me to enter politics.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I was elected to NSW Parliament in 2008 as Member for Ryde and have served as a Minister since 2011. In my portfolios, I have had the opportunity to deliver reforms in a number of critical areas across various portfolios since 2011, including landmark changes to strata laws, strengthening protections for buyers that purchase property off-the-plan, overhauling the CTP Green Slip Scheme, and introducing a range of cost of living incentives to help with household budgets, such as Energy Switch, FuelCheck app, and the $100 Creative Kids voucher.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Fighting Overdevelopment. As a community we have made our voices heard and achieved victories. I secured a two year planning freeze in the Ryde Council area, saved Macquarie Ice Rink, Saved Tennis World, TG Millner Field, Smalls Rd plus others.
2. Education. NSW Government is transforming Ryde into an education powerhouse. We’re building 7 new schools and making major upgrades to 4 others, truly turning Ryde into the ‘colosseum of learning’. Thus far, Ryde Labor have only promised one new school.
3. Health Care. High quality health care is a top priority for locals. The NSW Liberals will deliver a $479 million to rebuild Ryde Hospital, which will allow the community to benefit from first class health facilities.
NAME: Jerome Laxale
PARTY: Labor
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I am a local family man and dad to 3 kids. I am also the Mayor of Ryde and run a small business. My wife Karyn and I live in Denistone East and early on Saturdays you may see me in Lycra (sorry!) on my bike riding or running around the streets of Ryde. Our family attends a local church, our kids go to the local school and preschool, and we enjoy far too many babychinos and banana bread at the various cafes around Ryde.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: Councillor 2012 to current. Mayor 2015-2016 and 2017 to current.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Overdevelopment — everywhere you look you can see huge residential towers that have sprung up in Ryde under the planning laws and unwanted planning controls of this State Liberal Government.
Schools and education — investment in new additional schools, while saving Marsden High and Meadowbank Public from demolition. Restoration of TAFE as a proud public institution, reversing the cuts of the Liberals over the past 8 years.
Open space — with overdevelopment and busy lives, we all need public open space to relax and connect. We need to prioritise open and space and public transport in our community.
NAME: Julie Worsley
PARTY: Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’ve lived in the Ryde electorate most of my life; and worked as a public school Primary teacher here for 25 years. I maintain an active interest in education as a community member on a local School Council, and as a volunteer SRE teacher.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I began my journey into politics in 2010, after being stirred to act in response to a proposed 11 storey development in an area zoned R2. That resulted in a two and half year battle, in which the community incorporated and fought what we considered to be a grossly inappropriate development. The development was initially rejected by planning authorities. Sadly, this initial ruling was overturned on appeal. There are now 3, 4 and 5 storey unit complexes on the site.
I’ve previously been a candidate in several Local, State and Federal elections in Ryde and Benelong.
My political hero is William Wilberforce, who spent his life fighting and eventually abolishing slavery. On a similar theme, I am honoured to support Hon. Paul Green MLC, who delivered the first anti Modern Day Slavery Act in Australia. He seeks to be re-elected in NSW Upper House.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Stop overdevelopment in Ryde; and provide necessary infrastructure to support the needs of families and communities. Classrooms, transport, health facilities, parks and green space will be prioritised to meet the demands of the increased demographic.
2. Greater support for aged care and mental illness services is needed; as is greater support for carers of aged, disabled and vulnerable people.
3. Stand for pro-life laws and initiatives. Fight for freedom of speech, religion and conscience.
NAME: Lindsay Peters
PARTY: Greens
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I am a founder and the Chief Technical Officer for an Australian owned Health-IT company, providing expert systems to hospitals and laboratories around the world. I have a PhD in mathematics from the University of NSW. I am a keen ocean swimmer, gardener and piano player. My family and I have lived in this beautiful Eastwood district for over 20 years.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: As the son of a refugee from war-torn Europe, I have a particular empathy for refugees and joined the Greens in 2001 when both Liberal and Labor shamefully turned away the Tampa asylum seekers.
I have been a candidate for the Greens many times since then for Federal, State and Local Government elections, including the 2007 Federal election when Greens preferences were instrumental in unseating John Howard in Bennelong.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. To stop the massive and inappropriate overdevelopment that we are being subjected to by reversing the state government’s legislation that has taken control of planning approvals away from the councils. To facilitate this, the Greens would also ban any corporate political donations so that all planning decisions are transparent and based on community needs, not developer profits.
2. To promote renewable energy and effective action to combat climate change by transitioning Ryde to be sustainable and “carbon-neutral”. We would also ensure that the beautiful natural heritage provided by our trees, bushlands and other recreational areas is preserved and extended.
3. To fund our public services which have been gutted by successive state governments, in particular, the public education, public transport, public health and social housing which is so badly needed in our Ryde area.
NAME: Steve Busch
PARTY: Australian Conservatives NSW
A BIT ABOUT YOU: Born in 1960 to Estonian parents. Education: Primary: East Lindfield Public, Secondary: North Sydney Boys High Tertiary: University of Technology Sydney UTS: Airline Transport Pilot Licence I am a family man who resides in Eastwood and has been a Ryde resident for 29 years. Employment: Steve worked as a Captain and Pilot for Qantas for 27 years before retiring in 2017.
FAMILY: Married to Kathryn with four children ranging in age from 10 to 24. Kathryn is one of Australia’s leading sonographers and is the director of several Sydney-based local vascular laboratories.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: 2017. Leader, Bennelong Campaign Coalition for Traditional Marriage 2018. Optional candidate for The Australian Conservatives for the Bennelong by election. 2019. Candidate for the Australian Conservatives in the Ryde NSW Electoral district
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Reliable affordable Energy without pointless subsidies achieving nothing in the stewardship of our environment instead, but marginalising the vulnerable in our society and destroying viable businesses.
2. Stopping the sexualisation of young children through trojan Safe Schools-type programs. Fighting the reduction of religious liberty and freedom of speech. Manage the political obsession with minority groups such as the LGBTQ lobby.
3. Pushing for immediate State Investment and intervention in public transport, and road infrastructure projects to ease traffic congestion in the local area caused by development growth without adequate forward planning. State and Federal Governments are taking billions of dollars in fees, charges, taxes and land sales from development in the Ryde community and giving nothing in return.
PARRAMATTA
NAME: Geoff Lee
PARTY: Liberals
A BIT ABOUT YOU: In the 2011 elections, I ran for and successfully contested the seat of Parramatta and it has been an absolute honour and privilege to have served the people of Parramatta for the past eight years.
I am of Chinese and Scottish heritage but was born in Australia. I am also the first person with Chinese ancestry to be elected to the lower house of the NSW Parliament.
I first moved to Parramatta in 1992 when I set up the Hambledon Garden Centre and ran the business for 10 years. I love gardening and hold an undergraduate degree in Applied Science (Horticulture).
After selling my business I became a teacher, first at TAFE from 2003 to 2004 and then a lecturer and Associate Dean at Western Sydney University from 2004 to 2010.
I also hold a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Business Administration from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I have been a member of the Liberal Party for 8 ½ years and the Member for Parramatta for the past eight years.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Tackling congestion. That is why I am committed to delivering the Parramatta Light Rail and more public transport. Light rail will move 9000 people an hour and will help take thousands of cars off our roads.
Liveability. Improving access to good schools and universities, hospitals and public transport, as well as to open green space, sports and recreation facilities. Planting more trees and improving the water quality of our river and tributaries.
Delivery of a record $5 billion in infrastructure in the Parramatta area over the next 4 years. Our strong financial management means we can deliver an unprecedented infrastructure program, including Parramatta Light Rail, Metro, Powerhouse Museum, a major Riverside Theatre upgrade, Westmead and Westmead Children’s hospitals upgrades, Parramatta Pool and new and upgraded schools. You cannot trust Labor to deliver.
NAME: Liz Scu lly
Party: Labor
A BIT ABOUT YOU: My husband Gerard and I are raising our three children in Ermington. I work part-time as a Communications Officer at Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta. My community involvement includes chairing the newly established Board of Parramatta Women’s Shelter; volunteering at a local playgroup and membership of the North Parramatta Residents Action Group.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I’ve been a passionate local activist for almost two decades. I have also had experience working in politics and have chaired the NSW Labor Women’s Forum since 2008.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: Overdevelopment: My family and I love living in Parramatta. Yet our city and suburbs are changing fast. Local residents are concerned about overdevelopment, and what it means for quality of life. A NSW Labor Government will put people first by directing the Greater Sydney Commission to revise unfair housing supply targets that will see more than 21 000 new dwellings built in Parramatta over five years.
Parramatta Pool: I was active in the campaign to save Parramatta War Memorial Pool. Like other community members, I’m still devastated that the Berejiklian Government sent in the bulldozers on this local icon. That’s why NSW Labor will deliver Parramatta Pool.
Cost of living pressures: As a mum with a mortgage, I understand cost of living pressures first hand. Policies like free public transport for kids, a cashback scheme on the pricey M4 toll and tackling rising power prices by re-regulating the electricity market will help household budgets.
NAME: Phil Bradley
PARTY: Greens
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’m a City of Parramatta councillor and civil engineer. I have been a TAFE teacher and senior officer of the Teachers Federation. I am the recipient of a National Volunteer Award and have lived with my spouse Annie Nielsen in the Parramatta area for 23 years and have two daughters
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I have been The Greens candidate for Parramatta in previous local, NSW and federal elections.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. Creating a jobs-rich, clean energy future — thousands more jobs by addressing extreme heat by supporting solar energy, more trees, water parks, green spaces, energy efficiency and early intervention systems to prevent dangerous heat stress health impacts.
2. More Quality Public Services Not Privatisation — affordable housing; free, quality public education including preschool, school and TAFE; increased staff at Westmead hospital; more trains, buses and cycleways, not the exorbitant WestConnex toll road nor a 24 x 7 noisy, polluting Western Sydney Airport; and improved community services.
3. Better Planning, Heritage, Culture and Arts — opposing unsustainable overdevelopment and supporting better planning, with priority on genuine community consultation to deliver on feedback and more public infrastructure such as fully funding our new Aquatic Centre; and promoting Parramatta’s outstanding Aboriginal, multicultural, natural and built heritage, including World Heritage Listing for our iconic Parramatta Female Factory Precinct.
NAME: Susan Price
PARTY: Socialist Alliance
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I live in Parramatta and have been an active unionist and feminist for more than 20 years. I have held a number of elected roles in the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). I grew up in Brisbane, moved to Sydney in 1999 and have lived in Parramatta since 2017.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I was NTEU branch president at the University of New South Wales between 2006 and 2010, where I led a number of campaigns, including strike actions to defend workplace rights and conditions.
I am a committed campaigner for women’s rights and have been involved in many struggles over the years — for women’s reproductive rights, against violence and for workplace equality, including paid domestic violence leave.
I am a campaigner for refugee rights (I am a member of the Refugee Action Coalition — RAC), against racism and in solidarity with First Nations peoples.
I have run as a socialist candidate in elections at local, state and federal level, in both NSW and Queensland.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: 1. HOUSING: The lack of secure housing and homelessness is a big issue in Western Sydney. There is a 10 year waiting list for housing in Western Sydney and existing public housing is being demolished or sold off. We are campaigning to building 60,000 new public housing units in four years to address the crisis.
2. TRANSPORT: We are campaigning to stop WestConnex, scrap the M4 tolls and for immediate public investment in a world-class public transport system for a growing population, not more toll roads. We are campaigning to keep public transport in public hands and for free, fast and frequent public transport.
3. COMMUNITY VS DEVELOPER GREED: Parramatta is rapidly becoming a city of overdevelopment, resulting in the loss of local heritage, community facilities and public space. We are campaigning to restore planning decisions to local communities and local government.
NAME: Michelle Garrard
PARTY: Independent
A BIT ABOUT YOU: I’m a mum with three beautiful children, twin girls, 17, and my son, 24. I am from Granville and went to Macarthur Girls High School. I have been involved in our community my whole life, via the role of my father Paul Garrard (former Lord Mayor). His commitment has given me the passion and drive to genuinely represent my community. I recognise the need for residents having an independent voice beyond what the two major parties can deliver. There needs to be a Voice which puts aside political ideologies of the Major Parties.
YOUR POLITICAL BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE: I am a federal employee with 16 years’ experience, an elected member of Our Local Community and currently serving a second term as Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta. I am a member and previous Board member of Parramatta Chamber of Commerce. I sit on many Council committees and have been involved in many community campaigns.
I don’t have political degrees, I have 20 years in the arena, community loyalty and a commonsense approach.
TOP THREE PRIORITIES/ISSUES IN YOUR ELECTORATE: The community have advised me the major issues at the hand of the Liberal State Government in Parramatta are: Overdevelopment, Private Certifiers, loss of our pool, the MAAS (formally Powerhouse Museum) being relocated to Parramatta, the proposed demolition of Willow Grove and St George Terraces, the proposed light rail route impacting on local business, loss of parking, the proposed demolition of the Heritage site Royal Oak Hotel, overcrowding in our schools, loss of open space and the increase in energy prices.
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