NSW Election 2019: East Hills marginal seat poised to be a close battle

East Hills — one of the most marginal seats in the state — saw both major party leaders visit the electorate this morning. But even as they head to the polling boths, some voters were still unsure who to vote for.

Lawrence Machado

@LawrenceMachado

2 min read

March 23, 2019 - 10:19PM

Canterbury-Bankstown Express

Even as she headed to vote, Padstow’s Sirrine Demachkie said she had no clue who was the better choice to lead the next government, despite knowing that East Hills is the most marginal seat in NSW.

With Liberal MP Glenn Brookes stepping down after two terms, the East Hills seat — won by a matter of 372 votes in 2011 — is seen as a close battle between Labor’s Cameron Murphy and Liberal newcomer Wendy Lindsay.

Labor candidate Cameron Murphy. Picture: AAP Image / Robert Pozo).

Liberal candidate Wendy Lindsay.

Both major parties have targeted East Hills in recent weeks, Premier Gladys Berejiklian visiting the area several times, including today where she enjoyed a sausage sizzle at Revesby. Labor leader Michael Daley greeted voters at Padstow Park Public Park in the morning.

Undecided voter Sirrine Demachkie and daughter Elyssa Kari enjoying a sausage sizzle a Padstow Park Public School sausage sizzle: Picture: Lawrence Machado

Ms Demarchkie, who was accompanied by her young daughter Elyssa Kari at the voting booth at Padstow Park Public School, said she is concerned by overdevelopment.

“The main issues are overdevelopment where single houses are knocked down to make way for duplexes etc,” Ms Demarchkie, told the Express.

“It is a problem not only for Padstow but the surrounding areas.

Diem Ovinton, Kate Taulanga, Moona Taouk and Lind Richards serving at the popular sausage sizzle at Padstow Park Public School. Picture: Lawrence Machado

“Regarding whom I am going to vote for, I really have no idea still.”

Rick Retegno, whose daughters Amelia and Carla, enjoyed checking out the cake stalls and sausage sizzle, said it does not matter which party takes over because they ignore people like him.

“(Whomever is elected) will do nothing for us because they will do what they want,’ Mr Retegno said.

Padstow Park Public School cake stall volunteer Alison Perabo with Rick Retagao and daughters Amelia and Cara. All items were made by the parents committee. Picture: Lawrence Machado

“However, I like the Liberals because I am in the building game.”

Small business owner Ian Hockings hopes local issues, including high density and high-rises, will be addressed by the new government.

Local residents Ian and Clare Hockings and their two children running their Light Scribe, laser engraving and cutting stall at Padstow Park Public School. Picture: Lawrence Machado

He and his wife Clare, who ran their stall at the school today to raise funds for the school’s P and C, started Light Sabre, a laser engraving and cutting firm after losing his job last November.

Former journalist Katherine Love, who cast her vote with husband John, said they are fed up with the terrible parking issues in Padstow.

“Rezoning and parking are our biggest issues,” Mrs Love said.

“We need more parking because throughout the week we cannot have visitors because they cannot find street parking as it’s always full.

“Padstow has been neglected for years and needs more attention.”

Premier Gladys Berejiklian enjoying a sausage sizzle at Revesby Public School, accompanied by Liberal candidate Wendy Lindsay. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Labor leader Michael Daley handing out how to vote cards at Padstow Park Public School. Picture Getty Images

Mr Murphy, who only cast his vote at 2pm as he said he was busy handing out leaflets to voters at Padstow Park Public School, said this year’s election “was by and large a clean one” compared to 2015.

“I am very positive because there is a lot of support from the people,” Mr Murphy told the Express.