NSW Election 2023: Meet the candidates for Canterbury

While Canterbury is considered a safe Labor seat, five candidates are vying for the historically red electorate. See their final pitches here.

Canterbury is considered one of the safest seats in NSW for Labor, which holds it by 15.2 per cent.

Incumbent Labor MP Sophie Cotsis has held the seat since 2016 following the resignation of Labor MP and former deputy leader Linda Burney.

While it might be Labor heartland, five other candidates are vying for the March 25 poll.

The electorate encompasses parts of Roselands, Clemton Park, Kingsgrove Campsie, Earlwood, Canterbury, Belmore and Earlwood.

The candidates putting up their hands to represent the people of Canterbury have revealed their top priorities should they get elected. Here is what they had to say.

Sophie Cotsis: Labor

Labor candidate Sophie Cotsis. Picture: Facebook.

I’m the NSW state member for Canterbury, candidate for Canterbury and the shadow minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety.

I’m a mother of two teenagers, George and Cassandra, and married to my husband Arthur who is a secondary teacher.

Why are you running?

I’m running to continue to be a strong voice for our community. I was born at Canterbury Hospital and grew up in the local area.

The migration in ‘60s and ‘70s saw people like my parents migrate to this great nation for better opportunities.

Despite many sacrifices and hardship, their desire for their kids to get a good education, and work opportunities was akin to Labor’s policies and values.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

Voters have raised cost of living, Canterbury Hospital, jobs and education and open space.

Only Labor has committed to $225m to rebuild Canterbury Hospital. The staff are amazing, but resources and facilities need modernisation to handle population growth.

Preserving our local parks and protecting the Wolli Creek Regional Park is vital for our community.

Labor’s $60 weekly road toll cap and energy relief is critical to assist with cost of living for households and small businesses.

Joe Sinacori: Sustainable Australia Party

Sustainable Australia Party candidate Joe Sinacori.

I am 61-years-old, born in Australia and a lifetime resident of the Canterbury district. My last occupation was an engineering governance officer with the Defence Public Service in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Why are you running?

I am fighting to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption. I believe that the current governing system is broken.

Importantly, I believe in a direct democracy, allowing direct participation of citizens in democratic decision-making in the political system.

My work experience in the automotive, airline and defence industries allows me to offer solutions to create a circular economy, rebuilding Australian-owned local manufacturing that can be both sustainable and environmentally friendly.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

Speaking to residents and reading posts from various group forums in my community the main issues of concern are;

1. Stop overdevelopment of inappropriate high-rise towers.

2. Create more green spaces in our environment and protect the ones we have from being destroyed.

3. Decision makers must serve the public that elected them and must be accountable. I want to see full transparency into all of their actions, to expose and stop corruption.

Kacey King: Animal Justice Party

Animal Justice Party candidate Kacey King. Picture: Supplied.

I am 32-years-old and I have two dogs that I enjoy spending time and exploring the beauty of the Canterbury electorate with.

I have spent the last 10 years working with vulnerable people as a teacher and speech pathologist. I volunteer with Animal Rights Activism Sydney and at the Sydney Vegan markets.

Why are you running?

The major parties aren’t doing enough to support animals, people or our environment. Greyhounds are dying on racetracks, wildlife habitats are being destroyed and hens are kept in horrifying conditions in battery cages.

Residents often have to choose between keeping their companion animals, becoming homeless or going into debt as they can’t afford to pay for emergency veterinary care or find a pet friendly rental. I want to use my voice to advocate for animals, people and the planet.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

Voters have contacted me about preserving and protecting green spaces and wildlife habitats like the Unwin Street Green St project and the Cooks River.

The community have shared their support for Veticare and free desexing programs to support companion animals and stray cats in our area.

Voters have also shared the importance of free and accessible community programs.

Bradley Schott: The Greens

The Greens candidate Bradley Schott. Picture: Supplied.

I’m 49 and I had a 20-year career in interior design, including as NSW chair and policy chair with the Design Institute of Australia.

While corporate clients paid for what they needed, government clients became increasingly obsessed with saving money. It seems obvious, but cheapest does not equal best value.

Now, to explore value, I’m studying a Master of Political Economy at Sydney University.

I’m also teaching at TAFE Enmore Design Centre.

Why are you running?

Canterbury has been taken for granted. So many essential workers live here, yet we copped the harshest lockdowns, while people in the eastern suburbs went to the beach.

Our schools and hospitals are crumbling. Our streets are baking as the climate heats up.

We have such a great community, but we need the government to help us build a better, cleaner, greener future, not just cut budgets and lecture us.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

Something interesting kept coming up in our doorstep conversations – “the system”.

Whether people are talking about overdevelopment, sleaze and corporate mates in government, waiting hours in emergency, waiting hours for a train, paying a massive rent increase, being evicted for no reason, unable to get police to investigate an incident, or just working harder and harder but never getting ahead, people feel that the system is not working for them.

Vanessa Hadchiti: Liberal Democrats Party

Vanessa Hadchiti is the Liberal Democrats Party candidate for Canterbury and did not respond to questions by deadline, but according to an online statement she is “an experienced allied health practitioner” and “has worked as a podiatrist for over 20 years.”

Nemr Boumansour: Liberal

Nemr Boumansour from the Liberal Party. Picture: Supplied.

I migrated to Australia from Lebanon at the age of 12 with my parent’s brothers and sisters.

I am one of eight children that have built their lives here in Sydney.

Following my schooling I completed tertiary studies where I met and married my long-life partner Samira and created a beautiful family with strong morals. We are the parents of six adult children and four grandchildren.

Samira and I built a family-owned business and I am a working director of “N & S Care” that actively services NDIS participants and the greater community.

Why are you running?

I pride myself as being a humble hardworking individual, and who stands up for my beliefs and for those in need. It’s these values that have led to my desire to be a community representative in state parliament.

As part of the Liberal Party I want to voice concerns and fight for the broader community to ensure this electorate is heard and changes are made to improve the livelihood of those within the area.

What are the three main issues that voters have raised concerns about?

1.) Cost of living

2.) Keeping a strong economy

3.) Investment in Education