Profession outside of politics: I am a barrister in private practise and have been a lawyer since 2002. In that time I have been a prosecutor, a public defender, an advisor to an Attorney General and worked on rule of law projects in Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and the West Bank.

Why are you running for the seat of Dubbo? I live a life of engagement with community and striving for social change. Politics is a way to achieve things that I believe in for the community. I announced last week that regardless of whether I am elected or not; a Daley Labor government will complete the Dubbo Hospital Redevelopment that we began in 2010 and spend $10 million on the Dubbo Cancer Centre (in addition to the government’s commitments). That for me confirms why I am running.

Why should people vote for the party you stand for?  We are ready to govern and have great policies. People can see them online atwww.michaeldaley.com.au. We won’t be splurging $2.2billion on Sydney stadiums. We will save TAFE, increase spending on schools and hospitals, fund a renewables surge and bring fairness an equity into water management and much more.

What are the top three issues in the electorate?  Crime and drugs are at three to four times the state average and the need for better funding of schools and hospitals.

Why should people vote for you?  I am a fighter and will represent everyone who needs help regardless of their views or cause. I am good at achieving outcomes rather than just talking and promising. This electorate has a history of making smart choices. I believe there will be a new Labor government elected and the smart choice this time is to choose to have a seat at that table. If the people elect me as the first Country Labor MP for Dubbo I will have a huge amount of political power that I will use to make our community safer, healthier and happier.

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How do you propose to bring more jobs to the electorate? By addressing the skills shortage by saving TAFE, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to meaningfully participate in the work place, by prioritising local companies in government tenders and by being a powerful voice at the political table to make sure we get an increased range of grants, projects and services.

What is your stance on renewable energy? It is the future there is no doubt about that. By 2030 Labor will deliver 6 gigawatts of renewable energy through reverse auctions, 2 gigawatts of renewable energy through roof-top solar panels and 1 gigawatt of renewable energy by creating a new State Owned Corporation.

What do you feel is the biggest issue affecting people in your electorate? Drug related crime, deaths, ill health and misery.

How do you propose to help with this should you be elected? I will ensure a $20 million rehabilitation and detoxification centre is built in the region. I formally committed to this last week when I had the shadow health minister in town.

Where do you stand on the second bridge / ring road for Dubbo?  I am opposed to the River Street bridge. I think it will set back a ring road for decades and provide no answer to traffic congestion. It begins and ends in flood areas and will not achieve its stated purpose.

What is your stance on a drug court for Dubbo? I strongly support it and will achieve it in a first term if I am elected. We need a drug court working in conjunction with a rehabilitation centre and proper policing resources to drive down crime rates.

What is your favourite book/hobby/activity? Listening to podcasts on American politics and scuba diving when I am in the tropics.