Your age and experience in politics: I am 43 years of age, and other than talking to other farmers and community members about issues affecting our community, I have had no direct involvement in politics until I was pre-selected by my party for the seat of Dubbo last year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Profession outside of politics? I have worked in agriculture since the age of 16 years, primarily in beef and grain production.
Why are you running for the seat of Dubbo? I feel it is about time that someone stepped up and truly represented this electorate. I have been on the receiving end of this Liberal-National government for the past seven years and have had enough of them playing politics with us in the bush.
Why should people vote for the party you stand for? The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party represents freedom. People should have the right to farm as they choose and raise their children without interference and indoctrination by the State. We are strong voice and truly represent rural and regional NSW because it has been forgotten by this Liberal/National Governments city-centric based decision making over the past seven years. Our advocacy for the bush and achievements in parliament regarding the bush are testimony to this fact.
What are the top three issues in the electorate? The drought is the most pressing issue facing this electorate. We are still in drought with no end in sight, and in fact, the latest prognosis is for a very dry autumn as well. A multi-level car park at Dubbo hospital, plus security parking for the staff is another pressing issue, as is the River Street Bridge and the proposed Inland Rail line. No-body seems to be able to answer a simple question - why this rail line is not be built along-side the existing rail line.
Why should people vote for you? I have lived and worked here all my life and I believe I can make a difference. I don’t owe anybody anything, I can’t be bought and I can’t be silenced. I put my hand up because I truly believe I can be a strong voice and advocate for this electorate.
READ ABOUT THE OTHER CANDIDATES
- Rod Pryor (Greens)
- Matthew Dickerson (Independent)
- Dugald Saunders (Nationals)
- Stephen Lawrence (Country Labor)
- Joanne Coterill (Flux)
- April Salter (Australian Conservatives (NSW))
How do you propose to bring more jobs to the electorate? Small business is the driving force for most rural and regional areas and that is the case for the electorate of Dubbo. Our party is pushing for payroll tax exemption for current small business operators and for those wishing to start up is a great start to higher employment. The Trangie Research Centre should be receiving greater funding for research and innovation, and Dubbo is the ideal location for creating a world class facility. More investment in local infrastructure in our health care and our schools
What is your stance on renewable energy? The SFF believe that renewable energy should be off-set by reliable base-load power. Two new HELE (High Energy Low Emission) stations should be built in the Upper Hunter electorate to ensure affordable base load power. Renewable energy is great, but it is not reliable or affordable for many people across the State.
What do you feel is the biggest issue affecting people in your electorate? The drought poses the biggest threat to this electorate, not just for farmers, but for all the surrounding small businesses that rely on their trade. Ineffective policy and a disconnect with the Government in dealing with the drought has impacted rural and regional areas. For example; the mismanagement of the LLS has resulted in many agricultural businesses selling out.
How do you propose to help with this should you be elected? A payroll tax exemption would help be a good starting point. It would help small businesses in rural and regional areas to open or to stay open. Drought should also be listed as a natural disaster so that the relevant funds can be accessed and released quickly.
Where do you stand on the second bridge / ring road for Dubbo? I am fully supportive for a ring road in the Dubbo electorate and believe that a second bridge should be built at the current Troy Bridge site.
What is your stance on a drug court for Dubbo? A drug court should go hand-in-hand with a rehabilitation centre in Dubbo. The two should not be exclusive. A rehabilitation centre is essential to recovery.
