Man of action

Asked to describe himself, Jamie Parker says: “Someone who gets things done.” Taking a snapshot of his 12 years on Leichhardt Council, the last three as mayor, it’s certainly a claim that weathers scrutiny.

Cr Parker was elected to Leichhardt Council in 1999 and has served as the chair of the Environment Committee, Deputy Mayor and, most recently, Mayor. With his sights set firmly on a seat in NSW Parliament, he told the Independent he believes the skills he has picked up will serve the people of Balmain well, should they elect him on March 26.

“One of the steepest learning curves in local government is how to deal with other levels of government and members of the community, and how to lobby and co-ordinate and get things done,” he said. “ I’ve got over 12 years experience working with the local community, reflecting the values of the local community, and working with different levels of government and organisations to deliver results.”

Certainly, Parker cites an impressive list of achievements since gaining the mayoral chair in 2008.

“Starting out as mayor, there were lots of problems with the Council, not the least of which was that there were a whole range of projects that hadn’t been started,” he said. “So in the last 18 months we’ve spent almost two times more on infrastructure – things like upgrades to our aquatic centre, upgrades to our seniors centre, nine new and upgraded playgrounds in the municipality, the first new sporting field in 26 years, abolishing fees for Freedom of Information requests, and dealing with applications that come in for solar panels.

“We really want to open Council up, get the infrastructure built and make sure that we’re more responsible to the community. And I should say there is still a long way to go to finish that job.”

Should Parker claim victory on election eve, the task of reforming Council is one which will need to carry on without him, as he confirmed he would finish his term as mayor and then step down as a local councillor at the 2012 local elections.

“I know that Clover [Moore] has taken on both roles and I don’t criticise her for that,” he said. “In my situation, however, I know the amount of work that’s involved with being the mayor of Leichhardt, and to do that and be the local member, I think is too much – it doesn’t allow for the amount of focus that will be needed, especially if there is a new government after 16 years of Labor.”

Win or lose, the seat of Balmain will be one to watch, with all signs indicating it will go right to the wire.