2019 Federal Election: Candidates for Hughes
The political dinosaurs might be on his tail but Hughes federal Liberal MP Craig Kelly looks likely to hang onto his southern Sydney seat at the Federal Election on May 18. From Heathcote to Hammondville, here are your Hughes candidates.
St George Shire Standard
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The political dinosaurs might be on his tail but Hughes federal Liberal MP Craig Kelly looks likely to hang onto his southern Sydney seat at the Federal Election on May 18. Mr Kelly will take on six candidates, including local councillor Dierdree Steinwall. From Heathcote to Hammondville, here are your Hughes candidates.
LIBERAL: CRAIG KELLY
Craig Kelly has been the Hughes federal MP since 2010.
He and his wife Vicki care for their son Trent, who was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with autism.
Mr Kelly has 30 years’ experience in small business in wholesale, retail, importing and exporting, and manufacturing.
He believes small business is the economy’s engine room and advocates for small business across the nation.
Mr Kelly is a vocal climate change opponent who has also frequently criticised socialism and renewable energy.
In government, Craig has served on the House Economics Committee and the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, as well as chairing the Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement.
LABOR: DIERDREE STEINWALL
Labor candidate Dierdree Steinwall is a local high school teacher and Sutherland Shire Council representative.
She has lived in Hughes with her husband and two children for more than 30 years.
Ms Steinwall has fought against overdevelopment and advocated for infrastructure improvement, including roads and bridges to limit congestion and traffic issues in the region.
Ms Steinwall said she was passionate about public education and vowed to reverse cuts to TAFE.
She also supports Labor’s sustainable energy policy and believes in real action on climate change, in addition to supporting Medicare and penalty rates.
GREENS: MITCHELL SHAKESPEARE
Greens candidate Mitchell Shakespeare is a lifelong resident of the Shire. He attended Kareela Public School and Caringbah High School, then gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Wollongong.
Mr Shakespeare currently works in insurance and commutes from Kareela to the University of Sydney where he studies economics.
Mr Shakespeare volunteers at a men’s shelter in Sydney and has prioritised sustainable industries, ending corporate influence, taking action on climate change and improving public transport.
MINOR PARTY CANDIDATES
Matt Bryan — Independent
Gae Constable — Animal Justice Party
Terrance Keep — United Australia Party
Leo-Ning Liu — Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)