How the NDIS pushed Sandy Bay dad into election tilt

A local father of two, missed out on a seat when he stood for Labor at the state election last year – but this year he has his eyes set on the federal seat of Clark.

THE improvement of his young son’s life under the National Disability Insurance Scheme has prompted union representative Simon Davis to stand for the Labor Party in Clark at this year’s federal election.

Mr Davis, 37, a father of two, missed out on a seat when he stood for Labor at the state election last year, finishing second to sitting MHA Ella Haddad.

He said his seven-year-old son Josh had an intellectual disability and when he started at Waimea Heights Primary last year he was “essentially non-verbal”.

“Josh could only say a single word at a time but now he speaks in full sentences – he’s making up for lost time,” Mr Davis said.

“The NDIS is improving the lives of people with disability and their families – but it could be so much better.

Simon with family Posey 3, partner Alanna Dale and Josh 7. Simon Davis Labor candidate for Clark in the upcoming federal election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“The NDIS, like Medicare, was created by Labor, and only Labor will protect it.”

He knows it will be an uphill battle to win against sitting independent Andrew Wilkie who has one of the safest seats in the House of Representatives.

In 2019, Mr Wilkie, who will run again, received 50 per cent of the vote and that increased to 72 per cent with preferences.

“I know I am the underdog but we need a Labor government and we need a sitting member inside that government,” Mr Davis said.

“There are many challenges facing the people of Clark; housing affordability, long waiting lists for elective surgery, the rising cost of living and failure to deliver infrastructure.

“It is time we had a member who can be a voice for Clark inside government to deliver real outcomes for people. Southern Tasmania has been completely ignored by the Morrison government, it’s just not good enough.”

Mr Davis lives in Sandy Bay and worked in hospitality for nearly 20 years before taking a job with the United Workers Union.

“I believe secure jobs are worth fighting for. I’ve seen the effect that insecure work has on people’s lives,’’ he said.

Simon with family Posey 3, partner Alanna Dale and Josh 7. Simon Davis Labor candidate for Clark in the upcoming federal election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Not knowing whether your income will cover the rent from one week to the next is no way to live. It should not be so hard to get secure jobs – jobs you can raise a family on.”

Climate change is an issue which he describes as “a global emergency”.

“Becoming a dad has put into focus the need to protect our planet for future generations.

“I want to see Australia be a leader on tackling climate change and creating new and well-paid jobs in the clean energy economy.”

Mr Davis said he was “excited and humbled” to be endorsed as the Labor candidate and believed his life experiences had shaped his views and driven him to make positive changes to help others.

The Liberal Party is yet to announce a Clark candidate.