Here are the candidates for the seat of Banks
Ahead of our public forum on May 14 where residents can ask questions of the candidates for the seat of Banks, the Canterbury Bankstown Express has compiled profiles of the six contenders.
Ahead of our public forum on May 14 where residents can ask questions of the candidates for the seat of Banks, the Canterbury Bankstown Express has compiled profiles of the six contenders.
The key marginal Liberal seat, held by Minister for Immigration David Colman on 1.4 per cent, will play a crucial part in the Coalition’s chances of retaining government.
Mr Coleman won the previously safe Labor seat back in 2013. In 2016, union official Chris Gambian contested the seat for Labor, gaining a 1.36 per cent swing, with Mr Coleman winning by 2588 votes.
Mr Gambian is back again for another shot and will be pushing hard for a win in a seat which has a high proportion of immigrants and blue collar workers.
The Express will hold a candidates forum at Padstow RSL on Tuesday, May 14, starting at 7pm, and all are welcome to attend.
The audience will be able to ask questions of Mr Coleman, Mr Gambian, The Greens candidate Gianluca Dragone, Animal Justice Party candidate Anjali Thakur and United Australia Party candidate Reginald Wright.
Christian Democratic Party candidate Ki Man Ho has also been invited but has not responded.
MEET YOUR CANDIDATES
LIBERAL: DAVID COLEMAN
A bit about you: Married to Dotte. They have two children, Caroline, 12 and Joseph, 9. Previously worked in technology and media.
Your political background: Elected to Banks in 2013 and 2016. In August 2018, David became Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.
Top three priorities in the electorate:
1. Improving infrastructure, especially roads.
2. The local environment: the Georges River.
3. Standing up for residents to stop overdevelopment
What is your favourite pastime and why? I spend as much time as possible with my family.
What is your favourite sports team and why? My son’s soccer team and the Australian cricket team.
GREENS: GIANLUCA DRAGONE
A bit about you: I’m a retail worker, union activist, environmentalist, and university student. I’m the grandson of Italian and Croatian immigrants.
Your political background: I have been an active member of the Greens since high school and a member of the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union.
Top three priorities in the electorate:
1. Worker’s rights.
2. Climate change.
3. Affordable housing.
What is your favourite pastime and why? I enjoy photography, jogging, and I’m an avid reader. I like to photograph natural landscapes and streetscapes.
What is your favourite sports team and why? I’m not really into sport, I think I’ve only ever seen half an NRL game.
LABOR: CHRIS GAMBIAN
A bit about you: I grew up in the area after my parents migrated from India in the 70s. I have two young daughters with my wife Kate. After getting a degree at Sydney Uni, I started working for the Finance Sector Union.
Your political background:
I was the Labor candidate for Banks in the 2016 election. I have been involved in politics since I first joined Labor at 15.
Top three priorities in the electorate:
1. Good, secure, jobs that pay a living wage.
2. Properly fund hospitals, schools and aged care.
3. Rebuild TAFE that has been destroyed by the Liberals.
What is your favourite pastime and why? I love to cook, and I love the outdoors.
What is your favourite sports team and why? I love the two great red and whites: St. George-Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Swans.
IN OTHER NEWS
UNITED AUSTRALIA PARTY: REGINALD WRIGHT
A bit about you: My working life has been varied, however, I spent many years in the telco industry then moving on to run my Mobile phone repair shop. I have been part-time acting for 30 years, my most recent acting job was as Robert Redford’s stand-in at the end of 2015 for the movie Truth.
Your political background: My political background is as a commentator to my TV for many years, i.e. none.
Top three priorities in the electorate:
I’m not concerned about the local issues and neither are the good people of the Banks electorate, they always talk to me on a national level, not once (oh, apart from TAFE numbers) has a local talked about the kinds of things Mr Coleman needs to address.
What is your favourite pastime and why? Getting my track car (which I built from a Mercedes Coupe) on the track … which happens about once a year … otherwise I enjoy getting out to see friends and family and helping my brother once a week who is the sole carer for our dad whom has had a stroke a couple of years back now, the same day mum, his wife of 60 years passed.
What is your favourite sports team and why? I’m only a fan of motor sports, F1, maybe occasionally basketball.
ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY: ANJALI THAKUR
A bit about you: I have lived in Australia for 17 years and work in information technology.
Your political background: This is the first time running as a candidate. Animal Justice Party was an easy choice because I align closely with their values and policies.
Top three priorities in the electorate:
1. Ban all live animal exports.
2. Combat the climate emergency.
3. Safeguard our national emblem. Kangaroos should be protected and not seen as resources for commercial killing.
What is your favourite pastime and why? I love reading and travelling. It helps me to learn and finetune my understanding of the world.
What is your favourite sports team and why? The Matildas.
CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY: KI MAN HO
Mr Ho did not respond to the Canterbury Bankstown Express’s request for a candidate profile.
No photo or information about Mr Ho was provided to our newspaper.
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