Greens announce candidate

The Greens have preselected De Brierley Newton as their Sydney candidate for the 2011 state election.

It is unsure who the Glebe resident and communication consultant will officially contest aside from Liberal Adrian Bartels, as other parties have not selected candidates.

Ms Brierley Newton says there are major issues to be tackled for the city, but with a united voice, these issues can be addressed.

“The great thing about The Greens and standing for The Greens is that we can offer true democracy and representation at all levels.

One person can do one thing, the Greens as a group can do a lot of things for you,” she said.

There is currently a 16.6 per cent swing required for Labor to gain power from independent Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Despite figures, Ms Newton is confident people are becoming increasingly engaged with Greens policy after the federal election saw Adam Bandt elected into the House of Representatives.

“We’ve already shown what we can do. At federal level, we’ve now got a carbon price that wasn’t even on the table six months ago. We’re actually starting to get things happening,” she said.

She said, if elected, addressing the issue of public transport, overdevelopment and creating a sustainable environment would be high on her agenda.

“Our public transport is outrageous,” she said.

Ms Newton says that greater transparency and representation in government will result in more being able to be achieved within the community.

“Political donations are certainly at the core of a lot of our problems. We need to have transparency in government. That means disclosure,” she said.

Local resident and consultant Carla Sullivan-Meyers says: “The overdevelopment of Sydney is appalling and ugly. I would love to see the Greens get an opportunity to help create a sustainable future for the city.”

Clover Moore has not officially announced she will run again for the seat, but it is assumed she will.

“Clover Moore has done and is doing a great job for the seat of Sydney. I would love to see her contest the seat again and get re-elected,” said local resident and lawyer, Richard Carr.

But Mrs Brierley Newton says that despite a challenge ahead, being part of the Greens is an honour.

“From where I stand with the Greens, every principle I hold is what I would say to my family. There’s nothing with The Greens that compromises my values. What a gift that is.”

There is already controversy surrounding the election, with a number of Labor MPs retiring, being labelled by the Coalition as “jumping ship”.

The state election will be held on March 26.

by Sophie Cousins