Meet the Miranda candidates for the NSW 2023 state election
The state election candidates for Miranda reveal their top priorities as campaigning ramps up with only days left until NSW decides the next leader.
St George Shire Standard
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In less than a week, NSW residents will flock to the polling booths and decide who will lead the next chapter of the region’s future in politics.
With March 25 rapidly approaching and pre polling now open, campaigns are in full swing and five politically diverse candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Liberal MP Eleni Petinos in the state election.
The candidates putting up their hands to represent the people of Rockdale have revealed their top priorities should they get elected. Here is what they had to say.
Nicholas Hughes: Sustainable Australia Party
Nicholas Hughes has lived in Miranda for more than a decade and is am running in the election to de-corrupt politics in NSW and implement sustainable solutions for our future.
“I believe in a diverse and contemporary Australia characterised by tolerance and equality,” he said.
“I am concerned by the failure of the main political parties to rise to the challenges of manageable population growth, investment in infrastructure and affordable housing.
“I also have a strong desire to promote open, rationale debate within politics in order to meet the challenges facing current and future generations of Australians.
Mr Hughes said the biggest issue affecting voters in the electorate was protecting our environment.
“This includes stopping overdevelopment and corruption,” he said.
“We will address this issue through protecting endangered species habitats, native forests and local tree canopies; reducing Australia’s waste production; acting on climate change; stopping inappropriate high-rise and sprawl; delivering new community infrastructure before more housing; stabilising Australia’s population size; transparent reporting of political donations and lobbying; and banning political donations from big business and unions.
Mr Hughes said the Sustainable Australia Party was an independent community movement with a science and evidence-based policy platform.
“After you Vote 1 for Sustainable Australia Party, we ask that you decide where to direct your own preferences. Don’t waste your number 1 vote on a major party for more of the same.”
Eleni Petinos: Liberal
Eleni Petinos is the incumbent MP after being elected in 2015 but did not respond to questions when asked.
Her Liberal Party website said prior to entering parliament, Ms Petinos worked in taxation. She holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws from UNSW, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
In April 2019, Ms Petinos was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Roads. She previously served as Chair of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, along with being a member of several other committees.
As a lifelong Sutherland Shire resident, Ms Ms Petinos is passionate about continuing to deliver improved local infrastructure and services to make Miranda an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
Martin Moore: The Greens
The Greens candidate for Miranda Martin Moore did not respond to questions but his website said he was motivated to address the climate emergency.
He said he brought “kilometres of experience to the task, essentially, community experience”.
“I built on my Fine Arts Degree with a Masters in Social Ecology, out of my extensive work as a community artist, social housing advocate, peace, social justice and environmental activism have forged my choices in life.
“I empathise with the current challenges local businesses face. Having been a sole trader and struggled in business in the past I’m keen to support the economy of Miranda and our hard working enterprising population.
Mr Moore said on his website the environment and shelter were priorities.
“I despair at times with the housing crisis we find ourselves in and the shrinking options and challenges the next generations face.
“I bring my own lived experience and a pride in the excellent Greens policies for housing going forward.”
Simon Earle: Labor
Labor candidate Simon Earle said after he ran as a candidate in the federal election against the former Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, people across the shire asked me to stand for Miranda in this election.
“I was honoured, and I saw it as my responsibility to the people of Miranda to put my hand up to represent them,” he said.
Mr Earle who has lived in the shire for more than 30 years said the biggest single issue affecting voters in the electorate was the current MP, Eleni Petinos.
“People are asking why she’s still the local MP and running for Miranda again after she was sacked as a Minster by Mr Perrottet for allegedly bullying office staff and public servants.
“The locals are sick and tired of the scandals; they say she is not accessible and they can’t even get a meeting; they say she doesn’t listen to their concerns; and she doesn’t stand up for them.
“I will address this, and I have already proven that I am willing and able to do so, by turning up, by listening and standing up for the people of Miranda.
Mr Earle said he has invested a lot in his community, and was ready to give more, so that everyone can enjoy all the good things our shire has to offer.
“The people of Miranda want and need a fresh start with a new MP,” he said.
“They deserve a local member who understands them, who listens, and who is willing to work hard to deliver for them, their families and their businesses.
“If elected on March 25th, that’s my commitment to you, the people of Miranda.”
Gaye Cameron: independent
Independent candidate Gaye Cameron said she loves her electorate and the Sutherland Shire for its natural beauty and wants to be a representative for the people, families, businesses and the environment.
“Improving education standards, increasing health facilities, preserving our green space and waterways from overdevelopment, and increasing public transport to reduce road congestion,” she said.
“People of Miranda deserve so much better – now and our future.
Ms Cameron said she has lived in Sylvania for more than 10 years and 37 years all together Sutherland/St George area.
Ms Cameron said after speaking with people on the street and door knocking, the ever-increasing energy costs, and cost of living were key concerns.
“I believe we must abandon Matt Kean’s NetZero Policy on energy; stop his $10b spending on Green Projects – costs are rising not decreasing as made out; put a stop to the transition to a ‘clean energy economy’ and return to the government’s $8b expenditure to households and businesses; immediately lower cost of electricity; put pressure the new government to reign in spending on unnecessary projects and reduce government spending.
“I ask the voters to really think long and hard, ask the question – what has Eleni Petinos really done for you?
“ Our electorate deserves protection from overdevelopment, the people need to know their homes are not going to be bought up for carparks or roadways, our existing green space and water ways deserve protection, our education standards are nose dived and our children deserve so much better.
“I am Christian and like so many, we need to insure that our religious freedoms are protected.
“Our elderly, and people living with disability also deserve improved services locally.”
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