What motivated you to run for the seat of Hunter?
I have always been very interested in politics. I grew up in a strong Labor household – my parents were strong Labor voters, but they would be very disappointed at the Labor Party of today that doesn’t seem to stand for anything.
I was sick of Hunter being taken for granted and have always believed that if you want to make things better, you should put yourself forward to do the heavy lifting.
I don’t believe in sitting back when you want to change things for the better. I believe that The Nationals, with our focus on regional areas, regional development, jobs and services and lower taxes can deliver a better future for Hunter and I want to drive that change.
It’s a safe Labor seat , how do you rate your chances of winning this election?
This election is going to come down to a couple of hundred votes. I think that we have a very real chance of making history in Hunter at this election. For the first time in 103 years, Hunter could have a strong Nationals voice to fight for our interests in a new Coalition Government.
What do you think are the major issues in the electorate?
The major issues in Hunter come down to Labor’s Carbon and Mining taxes and their impact on our major Industry, Jobs, Cost of Living and a number of significant regional infrastructure projects. Most recently too, Labor’s secret plans to house asylum seekers at Singleton and ICAC’s corruption findings against NSW Labor MPs here in the Bylong Valley have brought the issue of trust sharply into focus.
Our communities want to know they can trust their local representative to stand up against bad policy decisions like the Singleton detention centre and Carbon Tax and fight for their interests. I will always put Hunter’s interests first.
If elected what will be your first priority?
I will deliver a strong voice for the people of Hunter on all issues. I will be vocal on our behalf and fight to rebuild confidence in our resources and energy industries, small business, jobs and fight to deliver major infrastructure projects including the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses as part of a new Coalition Government after September 7.
Have you run for federal government before?
I first ran for the seat of Hunter in 1996 and gained a 7% swing. I then stood aside and focused on my young family and growing my small business, before standing once more in 2010, where I again achieved a 4% swing.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what skills do you think you can bring to the job?
I began working life as a dairy hand and studied and worked hard and moved into financial services and in 2001 I opened my own financial planning business.
I was elected to Upper Hunter Shire Council in 2008, served as Mayor in 2009 and also am currently Mayor. I maintain an active involvement in the community, and have held positions in many local sporting clubs and volunteer organisations, including as president of the Scone Rugby League and Apex clubs.
My wife Zenda and I have have two children, Ben, who is now 24 and a self-employed bricklayer and Lucy, who is 21 and is studying early childhood learning at university. We are also now grandparents to Willow Annie born in 2012. Having brought up my family in the Hunter, I have first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities the Hunter presents and I am passionate about rebuilding hope, reward and opportunity for families and small business.
What do you think is your biggest challenge in this election?
Convincing people to care enough to change their vote and to make it count. People are becoming increasingly disillusioned with politics and with the Labor Party, but I also know that many people have voted Labor all their lives. This isn’t the Labor Party my parents voted for, but it is often very hard to change the voting habits of a lifetime. I found my own path and I hope Hunter voters can do the same.
Why should people vote for you?
Because I will always be a strong advocate for the people of Hunter. I will always put our communities’ interests first and never put my own job before the jobs of people in Hunter.
