John Singleton warns Labor, Liberals The Central Coast will make them pay if they don’t offer more for the region

Millionaire adman John Singleton has warned that major political parties will not be safe if they continue to ignore one region that could decide the election, pointing to a “wake up call” delivered by a grassroots movement.

We’re heading to the polls on Saturday but don’t expect anything to change for The Central Coast.

Voters like me will be dragged to the booth to decide between major party candidates who are all nice enough — but can you remember one thing they’ve done?

The Central Coast has eight state and federal seats, some with margins as tight as 2.2 per cent, including the prized bellwether seat of Robertson.

We’re a region both major parties want and need to win yet neither seems to care much for it.

The Central Coast can decide who forms government, so let’s take a look at our options.

John Singleton says The Central Coast is being neglected by the major parties, even though it could decide the election. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

In Robertson, it’s Gordon Reid who is the sitting member.

Yes, we see you with your stethoscope. We get it — you’re a doctor, but what are you prepared to do for the coast?
For us Coasties, voting to retain the Albanese government is pointless because The Central Coast doesn’t matter much to them, unless of course you’re buying a $4.3m mansion in Copacabana.
The Central Coast is a much-loved paradise worldwide, but let’s face it, the Albanese government’s contribution has been zero.

Lucy Wicks is the Liberal candidate. A three-term former MP and the Liberals’ perennial candidate, wheeled out yet again. She was voted in, voted out, and now she’s back for more. What did she achieve last time? Nothing anyone can remember.

Now, let’s look at Dobell, where Emma McBride is the sitting member. The ALP candidate and we get the Albanese government back. Your call.

As for the Greens, the original environment-focused party once did some good.

But now, in chasing relevance across the whole political spectrum, they’ve revealed themselves as immature, illiterate and dangerous to the prosperity of our region and country. They must be avoided at all costs.

Ettalong Wharf, one of many scenic spots on The Central Coast.

The recent local government election sent a clear message — voters are hungry for a new brand of politics.
In a remarkable result, nearly 20 per cent of Central Coast residents backed Team Central Coast — the underdog movement that defied expectations.

With leader Lawrie McKinna now mayor and the group holding the balance of power on council, they’ve gone from outsiders to kingmakers.

This wasn’t just a win, it was a wake-up call.

Voters turned away from traditional parties in favour of a team that offered commonsense policies, focused on real, local issues and, above all, genuinely cared.

It’s proof that people are tired of political gamesmanship. They want leaders who show up, listen and act.

Labor candidate for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid. Picture: Rohan Kelly

McKinna has made it clear that Team Central Coast won’t be fielding candidates in Robertson or Dobell this time, despite their strong showing in the recent council elections.

Instead, the team have said they’ll turn their attention to the next NSW state election — unless the Minns government, like the Albanese Government, starts taking voter warnings seriously and proves it’s committed to the coast.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton, Senator Bridget McKenzie and Lucy Wicks (centre), the Liberal candidate for Robertson. Picture: NewsWire

Despite all its strengths, the coast is being left behind.

Nearly 95 per cent of renters in Robertson are in financial stress, with 4900 households on the social housing waitlist. And another 5700 in Dobell.

The average wait? Over 10 years.

Mortgage stress affects 28.5 per cent of households in Robertson and 42.7 per cent in Dobell.

Homelessness is up 60 per cent in a year, and with a rental vacancy rate of just 1.8 per cent, the coast is one of the tightest markets in NSW.
We need more schools, more housing, proper funding for infrastructure, a real plan for Gosford CBD, and a council that gets things moving.

Above all, we need a clear vision and investment in local industry, so people can work where they live.

So, with voters turning away from both Labor and the Liberals — and serious, community-minded independents ready to step up — the question is simple: what are the major parties actually prepared to offer?

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Originally published as John Singleton warns Labor, Liberals The Central Coast will make them pay if they don’t offer more for the region