What motivated you to run for the seat of Newcastle?
I’m a fifth generation Novocastrian with 15 years experience working in the local community and I am passionate about Newcastle’s future. I’m proud of Federal Labor’s record investment into Newcastle and will use my experience
to build on this investment to deliver ongoing opportunity for our city.
What do you think are the major issues in the electorate?
When I’ve been talking to people in our community, the major issues that Novocastrians raise with me are better resources for our local schools, access to fast and affordable broadband and secure jobs for Newcastle’s future.
Labor is the only party to have ever held the seat – how do you rate your chances of continuing that trend?
I don’t take anything for granted. I have been speaking with thousands of locals about Labor’s positive plans for Newcastle’s future and listening to the issues they’ve been raising with me. At the end of the day, the voters
will decide.
What would you say to people who might be traditionally Labor voters but are feeling disillusioned with the party following the events of the past few years?
The choice at this election is clear – Labor’s focus on better schools,high-speed broadband and jobs, building for the future of Newcastle and indeed the nation, and Tony Abbott’s cuts to jobs and services, which will ultimately hurt local families and hurt the economy.
What would you say to voters who might still be undecided or tempted to do a donkey vote?
The right to vote is a privilege of living in a democracy, a right that many people around the world don’t enjoy. I encourage all enrolled voters in Newcastle to carefully consider the options before them and take this
opportunity to make their voices heard. This opportunity only comes around once every 3 years!
If elected what will be your first priority?
Securing jobs for Newcastle’s future is incredibly important to me and is certainly a key priority for Labor governments. Assisting the diversification of Newcastle’s economy through clean technology and energy innovation will assist our local manufacturing sector and unlock new jobs for the future.
What skills do you think you can bring to the job?
Having worked in the community for fifteen years and having served as a Newcastle City Councillor, I have a strong track record working at a grass roots level with the local community to secure positive outcomes.
What do you think is your biggest challenge in winning this election?
My key challenge is finding the time to speak to every Novocastrian about Labor’s positive plans for Newcastle’s future. I really appreciate the time that so many Novocastrians have taken to share their ideas and passion for
our City with me.
Why should Newcastle residents vote for you?
Federal Labor has a strong record of investing in Newcastle and remains committed to investing in the priority areas of education, high speed broadband and jobs. Tony Abbott’s Coalition has a plan that will cut jobs and services that people in Newcastle rely on. The choice couldn’t be starker.
You’re taking over from Sharon Grierson – how are you feeling about possibly passing on her legacy?
I’m proud of Labor’s historic investment into Newcastle since forming government in 2007 – investing into our local schools, TAFE, University, infrastructure and services. I look forward to this continued investment
under a Labor government should I be elected.
