Greenwich hits the ground running
Image: Clover Moore and Alex Greenwich celebrate victory in the Sydney by-election / Photo: Szilvasi Attila
Newly minted Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich has knuckled down to business, outlining his immediate priorities on the back of his by-election triumph.
Speaking to City News in the wake of his win, the state’s newest MP highlighted the key issues he would be focusing on over the coming days: a public high school for the Sydney electorate, the revitalisation of Oxford St, fostering the growth of the digital economy, and opposing the O’Farrell Government-backed second casino for Sydney.
“My initial reaction to winning the byelection is an overwhelming desire to get straight to work and start delivering results,” said Mr Greenwich.
“My first question in Parliament will be on opening a public high school in Sydney,” he said. “I will be meeting with parents’ groups in the coming days and working out how best to frame that question and kick off a strong campaign.
“I also want to start a plan to revive Oxford St and will be meeting with local business leaders to formulate that plan,” he said. “This week, I will be speaking with digital business leaders and developing a plan on how best to exploit the digital economy,” he added.
“And I will commence a campaign to strongly oppose the planned second Sydney casino at Barangaroo. I’m very concerned about the impact on problem gamblers and families.”
Mr Greenwich paid tribute to former Member for Sydney, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who he said provided invaluable advice and support – but was keen to stress his own individuality.
“Clover Moore is my political hero so we share a lot in common. But we also have some differences,” he said. “If you look at the priority I’m putting on small business and really wanting small business to have a voice in our Parliament, that’s maybe one area where there’s some difference between me and Clover.”
Ms Moore was enthusiastic about Mr Greenwich’s win, and thanked the people of Sydney for once again rejecting party politics.
“I want to thank the people of Sydney for voting for an Independent City [of Sydney] Council just last month and for making sure we keep an Independent member in the state seat of Sydney,” she said.
The Premier did not reply to requests for comment.
Liberal candidate Shayne Mallard – who came second, taking 31 per cent of the vote to Mr Greenwich’s 47 per cent – also declined to comment but has confirmed this week he will retire from politics.
