Meet the Rockdale candidates for the NSW 2023 state election
The state election candidates for Rockdale reveal their top priorities as campaigning ramps up with only days left until NSW decides the next leader.
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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 four politically diverse candidates are vying for the seat currently held by Labor MP Steve Kamper 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.
Muhammad Rana: Liberal
Muhammad Rana said he had put his hand up to be a candidate because he was passionate about the community and wanted to advocate for them.
He said he lives in the Bankstown area now but used to live in the Rockdale area when he was a student.
Mr Rana said the biggest concern from residents being raised with him was the cost of living.
“This is an issue not unique to Rockdale, or across NSW,” he said
“Families and small business feel this pressure that’s why I’m proud to be part of the Perrottet Liberal Team which has in place a long term plan for the future to keep NSW moving forward and I ask for the community to support us on March 25.
“Only the Perrottet Liberal Team will deliver the Kids Future Fund, so young people will have up to $49,000 for education or housing when they turn 18.
“The Perrottet Liberal Team is also providing cost of living vouchers like Back To School, Active Kids, Creative Kids, First Lap, Energy Saver and also the Toll Relief, which are really important to families right now, who are especially benefiting from these programs.”
James Morris: Sustainable Australia Party
James Morris has lived in the area for decades, and now resides in a neighbouring electorate.
He said he was running as a candidate to de-corrupt politics in NSW and implement sustainable solutions for our future.
Mr Morris works as a bush regenerator and his priority is environmental sustainable ability.
“The biggest issue is protecting our environment, which includes stopping overdevelopment and stopping corruption,” he said.
“In particular, I would return real planning power to local communities through the local council, and ensure that this cannot be overruled by NSW Government-appointed planning panels.”
Mr Morris said the Sustainable Australia Party was an independent community movement with a science and evidence-based policy platform.
“We are fighting to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption,” he said.
“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.”
Steve Kamper: Labor
Steve Kamper is the incumbent Labor MP and has held that position since 2015 and was contacted for comment, however did not respond.
His website said he grew up locally in the St George area and went to Sans Souci Public and James Cook Boys High. He ran a successful accounting firm in Rockdale for 30 years and raised a family of five with his wife Magda.
“Steve is a successful businessman trusted by many local families and businesses, with both public and private sector experience, including as a former President of Sydney Olympic Football Club,” the website said.
“The Perrottet Government has taken St George and NSW for granted,” his website said.
“After privatising everything they could, and hollowing out our schools and hospitals, they have left NSW with a record debt and crumbling services.
“Steve Kamper knows St George and NSW deserve better, and he will stand up for us and our state.”
Peter Strong: The Greens
The Greens candidate Peter Strong said he was running in Rockdale because he loved to live in the area with vibrant multicultural communities and culture along with amazing green and coastal spaces.
“I want to make sure that it remains community based, that our green spaces are protected and expanded,” he said.
“I’d like to see more events that are bringing communities together with art, music and food.
“We need to make sure housing remains affordable and pokies don’t ruin public spaces and problem gamblers lives and take space from potential live music and art events.
“We need to make sure tree canopy is expanded to keep our suburbs cooler in this climate uncertain time.”
Mr Strong said he moved to Turella in 2004 when he became involved with an arts collective.
“I moved away to the inner west around 2007 and met my partner, we had two kids and then the WestConnex motorway construction evicted us from our house with one months notice,” he said.
“ I was drawn back to the area settling in Arncliffe in 2015. Since then we have enjoyed bringing up the kids in our leafy street, during the pandemic we explored many a local bush walk and we’ve made many local friends.
“I make solar powered wheelie bin sound systems and have enjoyed bringing them out to play music on my Greens on Council and State campaigns, they are a great way to show solar power in action and bring music and good vibes to the streets, polling booths and parks.”
Mr Strong said the main issue affecting voters were the cost of housing/rent/living crisis.
“People are caught in a rut and for some the only possible way to imagine a better financial situation is the play the pokies,” he said.
“Live music should replace poker machine VIP dens.
“My final pitch is vote for positive change and policies that will create a sustainable and harmonious society, vote for a transparent state government that is not directed by vested interests and looks out for the needs of the many not the few.”
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