Meet the Oatley candidates for the NSW 2023 state election
The state election candidates for Oatley reveal their top priorities as campaigning ramps up with only days left until NSW decides the next leader.
St George Shire Standard
Don't miss out on the headlines from St George Shire Standard. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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 Mark Coure 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.
Glenn Hunt: Sustainable Party Australia
Glenn Hunt is running as a Sustainable Australia candidate and wants to de-corrupt politics in the NSW parliament and implement sustainable solutions.
He said he has lived in Oatley for a few years and believes the Sustainable Australia Party can make a difference here.
“I think the biggest issue affecting voters in Oatley is the environment,” he said.
“This includes stopping overdevelopment and stopping corruption.
“Sustainable Australia Party is an independent community movement with a science and evidence-based policy platform.
“We are fighting to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption. This includes 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.”
Natalie Mort: Independent
Natalie Mort is running as an independent candidate however did not provide contact details.
Ashvini Ambihaipahar: Labor
Labor candidate Ashvini Ambihaipahar said she was “not the typical person” who puts their hand up to be an MP, and running for parliament wasn’t part of her plan.
She said she was a lifelong St George local, raised by her uncle in Hurstville.
For schooling, she went to Hurstville Public School and then Danebank and throughout her life said she was immersed in diversity and was lucky to experience different cultures and religions.
“But after 12 years of the Liberals cuts to our essential services and rampant privatisation, sitting back and doing nothing was not an option,” she said.
“That's why I decided to run for the seat of Oatley.
“To be a strong voice for our community. To be part of a Chris Minns Labor team that have the energy and fresh ideas that our state and community needs.
“We need to stop the sale of Sydney Water, fix the crisis in our hospitals and in our schools.”
Ms Ambihaipahar said privatisation and its impact on cost of living such as electricity and tolls was the biggest issue affecting Oatley residents.
“Further, concerns around the teacher shortages and health care workers in our hospitals. Labor will legislate to stop privatisation, create the NSW Energy Security Corporation to accelerate investment in renewable energy assets,” she said.
“Cap the tolls and do an overhaul on toll network and explore long term toll reform. Lifting the wage cap for teachers and health care workers in the public sector and introducing ratios for our nurses and midwives.”
Mark Coure: Liberal
Incumbent Liberal MP Mark Coure said serving the community is what he loved doing most.
“Growing up in our local area my entire life, I have seen first-hand how important good government is to our local community who have seen record investment under the NSW Liberals and Nationals,” he said.
“Since 2011, we have worked tirelessly to secure the infrastructure, amenities and essential services that our community deserves, including over $740 million to redevelop St George Hospital; new commuter car parks and train station upgrades, widening of King Georges Road and major upgrades at Penshurst Public School and Hurstville Grove Infants.
“I love our community and I am running again in Oatley to ensure that a NSW Liberal and Nationals Government can continue to deliver on our positive local plan and keep NSW moving forward.”
Mr Coure said he was raised in Hurstville Grove, attended St Joseph’s Oatley and Marist College Penshurst before going on to study at Macquarie University.
He ran a small business and served on Kogarah City Council for 8 years.
He now lives in Penshurst with his wife Adla who is a schoolteacher and two boys James and Sammy.
Mr Coure said one of the biggest issues facing many local families was reducing the pressure on household budgets.
“Our plan eases financial pressures on the little things and the big things, from learning to swim, kids’ sport and creative activities, to before and after school care, rebates for toll road users, and even a $2,000 rebate for IVF, giving more hope to families,” he said.
“I am committed to delivering on my positive plan for our community, fighting every day to ensure our local area receives its fair share of funding.
“We are keeping our local area moving forward with commitments to upgrade the Oatley-Como Walkway/Cycleway, a multimillion-dollar upgrade of Narwee Public School, the revitalisation of Salt Pan Creek and the upgrade of Peakhurst West Swimming Pool. “
Taylor Vandijk: The Greens
Taylor Vandijk said she was running as The Greens candidate because as a frontline health worker she believes workers are “overlooked and undervalued”.
“We need more, then thanks. I do not feel represented by the current government, and as a community member, I am tired of watching successive governments at all levels putting developers and vested interests above the community.”
Ms Vandijk said she moved to the Oatley area in the 2019/2020 bushfire season.
“After extensive doorknocking, I know that it is not just one single problem that is an issue in Oatley,” she said.
“But the core value problem that it boils down to is that the community is being overlooked, undervalued and taken for granted.
“We can address this issue by listening to the community and consulting directly with them. We know we need to save Glenlee and get nurse to patient ratios, so let’s get on with it.
“As an aged care worker who has retrained from working in the drowning health to a land manager, I know we need to revise our unsustainable systems, and I have the energy and the skills to get it done.
“We know what the science tells us and we know that the community is behind us.”
Final $7.3m twist in Roxy Jacenko scandal
Roxy Jacenko’s recent “giveaway” scandal has finally come to a conclusion - one to the tune of $7.3 million.
‘Med inspired’: $10m facelift to turn Botany Bay club into oasis
The multimillion makeover of a southern Sydney waterfront venue is drawing closer as it gets ready to become a “Mediterranean-inspired oasis” in time to celebrate its centenary.