2023 State Election candidates for Newcastle, Wallsend, Charlestown, Maitland, Swansea, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock
To reduce the stress of election day, The Newcastle News has a polling booth searchable tool and all the candidate information you need. Take a look.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
For the 2023 State Election, a lot of people are still not sure who they are voting for, or have any idea who they need to vote for.
We’ve done the work so you can get the know most of the candidates from across Hunter electorates.
What they stand for and why they’re running.
Take a look.
NEWCASTLE
Tim Crakanthorp - Current member for Newcastle (Lab)
He’s represented Newcastle in the NSW Parliament since 2014 and is currently the Shadow Minister for TAFE, Skills and Tertiary Education.
The well-known Novocastrian is seeking re-election and a change in government to tackle the hospital crisis, reduce the burden on teachers and end the current government’s privatisation disaster that has “driven up prices across the board”.
A Moruya boy, he first came to Newcastle for university before meeting his wife Lara and having four children together.
He’s worked in a range of industries, including adult and community education, disability care, and as a Newcastle City councillor.
Thomas Triebsees - Liberals
Mr Triebsees grew up in a working-class family in a small town in East Germany.
His career started as a commissioned Army Officer, including serving in Afghanistan and Kosovo, before coming to Australia in 2008 and later joining the public service as a Senior Executive at Service NSW.
If elected, he promises to work hard in keeping Newcastle moving forward through economic growth, investing in frontline services and building a future.
“Giving Port of Newcastle the investment certainty to build a container terminal so we can create secure and well-paying jobs,” he said.
“Hiring more doctors and nurses at John Hunter and Mater Hospitals and teachers at local schools, and continuing to reduce the pressure on household budgets to recover from the strain of the pandemic.
“Investing in roads like the next stage of the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, rail, schools such as the Newcastle Education Campus and the John Hunter Health and Innovation Precinct to keep ahead of future growth.”
Niko Leka - Socialist Alliance
The former nurse is running, fed up with “economic mismanagement” of the state.
“The cost of living has gone through the roof at the same time that large corporations are making mega-profits,” he said.
“So many people on low wages trying to get by in the gig economy or in casual jobs and just can‘t find anywhere affordable to rent, and any dream they have of owning a home is beyond reach.
“We need to have education, health, transport and banking put back into our hands. We need to restore wages and conditions across the wage spectrum. We need to freeze rents and take bold steps to end the housing crisis.”
Mr Leka supports the Hunter Jobs Alliance which calls for the formation of a Hunter Valley Authority to foster collaborative ways to ensure the people of the region are prepared for climate change and the uptake of manufacturing for renewables.
Freya Taylor - Sustainable Australia Party
A background in health science, Ms Taylor would like to see public policy and legislation written in an evidence-based way.
She is passionate about preserving and passing on the famous Newcastle and Hunter region lifestyle for current and future generations, including her two children.
She also enjoys spending time growing and working on her biodynamic garden.
“The party is fighting to protect our environment, stop overdevelopment and stop corruption.”
John Mackenzie - Greens
He’s been a councillor at the City of Newcastle since 2017, and has become known for his work on urban planning, affordable housing, environmental protection and supporting Newcastle‘s transition to a safe climate future.
Mr Mackenzie believes that Newcastle is changing rapidly, but lacking the investment in infrastructure and services to match the pace of our city’s transformation.
“Newcastle will be the green industry powerhouse of the NSW economy, but we need the transition to a clean energy economy to be managed by the state government to make sure that workers, their families and our communities are not left behind,” he said.
CHARLESTOWN
Jodie Harrison - Current Member for Charlestown (Lab)
Since being elected in 2014, Ms Harrison has been passionate about seeing the area move forward.
“I have been honoured to represent the people of the Charlestown area,” she said.
“I live here, have raised my children here, and I am proud of the strength of community here.”
A busy MP, she’s regularly contacted by locals who have been impacted by a number of issues.
“Lack of affordable and safe housing, long wait times in our hospitals and cancelled public transport services,” she explained.
“Although most times I have been able to provide assistance, what we really need is systemic change and put simply, that needs a change of government.”
Greg Watkinson - Greens
He’s a father of three who lives with his wife in Charlestown.
Mr Watkinson is pushing for innovative and serious solutions to climate change and a plan for energy transition that prioritises workers, the environment and the community.
“The Greens commitment to grass roots democracy, our refusal to accept corporate donations or influence, our respect and sincerity towards first nations and other marginalised groups means we are the party who can deliver the change we need,” he said.
Jack Antcliff - Liberals
A Lake Macquarie Councillor, Mr Antcliff is a small business owner and has a passion for youth engagement and future-focused decision making.
“I’ve worked across an array of sectors, including media and communications, events and marketing, and operations,” he said.
“I also spent time as a Board Director at Lake Macquarie Business, and The Place; Charlestown Youth & Community Centre.”
He is also a former Chairperson of the Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council and a founding member of mental health awareness initiative, The Bright Minds Project.
“I will be a strong voice for Charlestown, while ensuring the people of Charlestown have the schools, hospitals, and important amenities we need to continue to be a growing, thriving and pristine region.” he added.
LAKE MACQUARIE
Greg Piper - Current Member for Lake Macquarie (Ind)
He believes his record speaks for itself.
In the past year, the only Independent MP in the Hunter/Newcastle region has steered voluntary assisted dying laws for the terminally ill through Parliament, as well as new laws to unshackle Newcastle Port from its privatisation deal.
He’s also concentrated on new laws to tackle dodgy government grant schemes and helped deliver millions for local road projects, new schools, police stations, sporting and cultural facilities.
“It’s more important than ever to keep party politics out of Lake Macquarie,” he said.
“We already have an effective seat at the table, regardless of who is in Government, and we must keep it that way to bring down the cost of living, improve the housing crisis and redirect some of the billions which the major parties are throwing at Western Sydney.”
Stephen Ryan - Labor
The Teralba resident and barrister is running because he believes the people of Lake Macquarie need a voice in a Minns Labor Government.
The 41-year-old former journalist of 16 years said there’s been a population boom on “this side of the lake”, and crucial infrastructure has been missed out on.
“Traffic congestion is worsening, our schools are overflowing and there are critical healthcare shortages,” he said.
“Only Labor is committed to re-building TAFE and building the next generation of Tangara trains in NSW.”
Kim Grierson - Greens
Passionate about social justice and the environment, Ms Grierson believes the only party to take climate change serious is The Greens.
“I want to see the coal ash waste from our power stations recycled and reused to provide jobs and to stop the pollution from those toxic ash dams,” she said.
“Working in education for over 27 years has convinced me of the value of free education.”
She’s also taken up various volunteer and community roles throughout her years including at Amnesty International, Save our Coast, the Coal Ash Community Alliance, Coal Ash Research and the Community Consultative Committee for Eraring Power Station.
Josh Beer - Liberals
Mr Beer is passionate about ensuring Lake Macquarie is well represented in NSW Parliament.
The former NDIS social worker and current primary school teacher has also worked in regional communities across NSW and also volunteers and supports many charities and organisations including UNICEF, Cancer Council Australia, Rotaract and Camp Jono.
“As part of Dominic Perrottet‘s Liberal Team, I will deliver our plan to keep NSW moving forward,” he said.
WALLSEND
Sonia Hornery - Current Member of Wallsend (Lab)
The popular local member and former teacher said she’s looking forward to continuing to represent Labor if re-elected and raising the important issues.
“It’s been an honour representing the Wallsend Electorate since 2007,” she said.
“The Wallsend electorate is home to two large public hospitals so ensuring our frontline health workers are looked after and working in a safe environment is paramount to me.
“I’m so pleased to support Labor’s Safe Staffing Levels policy to get extra nurses in hospitals.”
She’s also committed to looking after educators and fixing the staffing crisis in schools, as well as the challenges of fixing the housing crisis to addressing cost of living.
“Locally I’m committed to seeing the completion of the Inner City Bypass, Wallsend flood mitigation and expansion of the John Hunter Hospital,” she added.
Callum Pull - Liberals
The City of Newcastle councillor believes Wallsend needs a representative “who works for us”.
Since being elected to council in 2021, Mr Pull has supported Wallsend Flood Mitigation works and critical infrastructure which will take pressure off families and local businesses.
“I will be a voice for the community, supporting the Perrottet Government’s investments in the Wallsend electorate including the investments in and redevelopment of the John Hunter Hospital and the soon-to-commence M1 Black Hill to Raymond Terrace Bypass,” he said.
Pietro Di Girolamo - One Nation
The long-time Fletcher resident, widely known as ‘Didge’, is a family man with two teenage daughters, and fur baby Sooshi.
The 57-year-old has held business and community development roles across the Hunter, and in 2001 helped start a community church to assist the ‘forgotten’ people in the north western corridor.
He has also helped to establish Blue Gum Hills Neighbourhood Watch, Hunter Homeless Connect, and more recently a homeless program called Our Backyard assisting homeless people, particularly mature women, sleeping in cars.
“I am passionate about advocating for people who fall through the gaps in our society,” he said.
“As the son of Italian migrants, I can relate easily to ‘battlers’, and I know firsthand the hard work needed to make a quid.
“I enjoy meeting people, my Christian journey and when time allows, photography and golf.”
Rebecca Watkins - Greens
The third year university student and disability support worker said her experiences with poverty, homelessness, and mental health struggles led her to become involved in politics and the driving force behind her campaign.
After moving around a lot, Ms Watkins settled in Newcastle in 2018, and believes The Greens will fight to ensure the region gets its fair share of investment.
“As a disability support worker I do a lot of driving around the region and see how many communities have been neglected or ignored as a safe Labor seat despite being a major contributor to the NSW economy,” she said.
*Another candidate includes Joshua Starrett.
SWANSEA
Yasmin Catley - Current Member for Swansea (Labor)
She’s the incumbent member for Swansea and the current Shadow Minister for Customer Service and Digital, and the Shadow Minister for the Hunter.
Elected as the member in 2015 - after a long stint in local council - Ms Catley has been a lifelong campaigner for social justice, better public services and workers’ rights.
She’s also passionate about ensuring schools and hospitals get a fair deal, and the local economy is strong for better job opportunities
In 2020, Ms Catley introduced into the NSW Jobs First Bill into parliament, and strongly believes we should be increasing employment by boosting manufacturing and social and professional services, incentivising locally manufactured materials and locally delivered services. She has consistently opposed privatisation.
Heather Foord - Greens
With a Communications degree, Ms Foord has worked in the media for more than a decade, concentrating on health journalism, and has also completed a Diploma of Pilates, while completing a Bachelor in Health Science.
Ms Foord has a focus on the creative arts industry, and the struggle of talented artists and performers over the last few years, and said she is tired of seeing too many people in the community fall through the cracks.
“For too long I’ve seen people struggle to find work, access mental health care, or receive an adequate living allowance,” she said.
“It’s time for our politicians to put its people first, particularly our most vulnerable.”
Megan Anderson - Liberals
The local mum is “incredibly passionate” about the Swansea community.
She wants to represent the community in the NSW Parliament to “be their voice and fight for them”.
“The Swansea community means so much to me. I cares about local issues and will work hard to represent this area,” she said.
“This is an important election and I understand the pressures families are facing with their budgets, that’s why this community needs strong advocacy.”
Alan Ellis - Sustainable Australia Party (SAP)
Mr Ellis is against high-rise overdevelopment and if elected would seek community infrastructure investment into Swansea to stop it being the poor relation of Lake Macquarie.
He would widen and improve the footpaths in Swansea to encourage safer walking, and also encourage outdoor dining, identify a site for an outdoor music bowl, complete a walking track from Nord’s Wharf to Swansea, build a jetty at Cams Wharf Rd boat ramp and improve Swansea Bridge.
Mr Ellis is also concerned about the proliferation of gambling and would implement stricter controls on gambling advertising.
CESSNOCK
Clayton Barr - Current Member for Cessnock (Lab)
Cessnock born and bred, the father-of-four has been the incumbent member since 2011.
The former teacher said he’s had many different jobs and life experiences that has put him in good stead to understand the issues facing people in their daily lives, and a good sense of what it takes to build a brighter future.
“I continue to say, and have always said, our road to our own future is through education,” he said.
“In addition, Government services at every level, in every agency, can create opportunities for families, the environment and business and the balance is important.
“I have been, and will continue to be, fighting for our community to get a balanced and fair go.”
Quintin King - One Nation
The coal miner from Cessnock stepped into politics because he believes the ‘blue collar’ worker isn’t being represented anymore.
The father-of-two said the Hunter region is fighting for its survival and that One Nation will fight for each and every job, also helping to foster new industries, better schools and other essential community services.
“I believe Cessnock is not getting our fair share even though a lot of money flows out of our region,” he said.
“It is unacceptable that that we have outdated hospitals that are understaffed and have a lack of infrastructure in areas like Huntlee where they don‘t even have a local school.
“It is very frustrating considering we are in the heartland of the coal industry in NSW that not one elected member anywhere in the Hunter region on any level of government is willing to stand up against net zero policies and the push towards a 100% renewables that will have devastating consequences on thousands of families and businesses.”
Llynda Nairn - Greens
An experienced performer, and a small business operator presenting educational shows in schools throughout Australia, Ms Nairn has also worked with the Arts Health Institute as a Humour Therapist, for people living with dementia.
She said ‘being the Greens’ candidate for Cessnock is a wonderful opportunity to talk with as many people as possible about how to help the region thrive.
“The thing I enjoy most about Cessnock is its sense of community,” she said.
“My focus for Cessnock in this election is to campaign for local health services including higher ratio of nurses to patients.
“I’m campaigning to increase wages of healthcare workers by 15% which will help retain nurses, midwives and paramedics, and attract those who have left health, back into the health system.”
And importantly, campaigning to increase the role in the renewable energy industry.
“The Greens support a Hunter Valley Transition Authority to coordinate the diversification of the Hunter economy, and to ensure that training and support is provided to coal workers and communities,” she added.
“The Greens want to see Cessnock play an active role in renewable energy zones as they become a reality in the Hunter Valley.”
Andrew Fenwick - Legalise Cannabis
The Hunter Valley coal train driver is passionate about being an advocate for every person in the region.
Mr Fenwick said the Cessnock electorate is calling out for a number of issues to be addressed.
“(It) has some of the worst roads in the state, a rail passenger service begging to happen on an existing rail corridor, some of the worst health and crime statistics and nothing has been done to address any of it,” he said.
“With new Cannabis laws comes new hemp industries, cannabis crops for medical and personal use products, creating new jobs in building technologies, textiles and foods will be attracted with the right regulatory framework in place.”
MAITLAND
Jenny Aitchison - Current Member for Maitland (Lab)
The incumbent member has lived in Maitland for more than two decades, raising a family, volunteering and running a local business.
Elected as the MP in 2015, Ms Aitchison said she is proud of what she has achieved together with the community and is confident if re-elected she can achieve much more.
“The top issues heading into the election are the same ones I fight for each and every day, more staff in our hospitals, more paramedics, more teachers and other education staff, reducing homelessness, better funding for our roads and better public transport services, and better disaster preparedness and management,” she said.
“The people of Maitland can trust me to continue to fight for us, stand up for our shared values, get results and put people first!”
Michael Cooper - Liberals
The local teacher has been living and working in Maitland for almost 30 years.
The former Maitland Young Citizen of the year runs a number of community events and manages a drop-in youth centre, and has mentored hundreds of young people.
“I have a track record of community service,” he said.
“With proven experience in financial management and team building, I believe I have an aptitude for strategic thinking and problem solving.
“The Liberal Party in Government has built and opened the new Maitland Hospital, supported investment in the Thornton Road Network and built new classrooms at Ashtonfield and Rutherford Public Schools.
“We will continue to invest in Maitland and our region with major upgrades at Gillieston Public School, support for new and upgraded community spaces and parks at Walka Water Works and Harold Gregson Reserve, as well as the M1 Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace which will reduce traffic on local roads and reduce travel times to Newcastle.”
Campbell Knox - Greens
Born and bred in Maitland, Mr Know believes it’s a city that wants to grow and progress, but doesn’t have the infrastructure, affordable housing or green space it needs in order to do so safely.
He believes the region is unrepresented.
“Maitland is what you call a safe seat, one that the major parties trade back and forth every few years in order to fill their backbench,”. he said
“I believe that in a truly accessible and equal democracy, there should be no such thing as a safe seat.
“We’re proposing that every new development in Maitland needs to account for a threshold of 10% affordable housing, 10% dedicated green space, dedicated cycleways and 100% Free and Accessible Public Transport Routes.
“Our City and It’s people shouldn’t be left behind.”
*The other candidate includes Neil Turner from One Nation.
Harold Matthews Cup: Every club previewed ahead of 2025 season
The race to hoist this year’s Harold Matthews Cup once again promises to be unpredictable. Loaded with under-17s talent, we preview all 17 teams in the running for the prestigious competition.
Police operation after ‘shots fired’ in Newcastle
Police are investigating reports of shots fired in the early hours of Wednesday morning at Elermore Vale.