News briefs

HOENIG WINS HEFFRON

Labor Party stalwart Ron Hoenig has declared the ALP “back” after winning the inner-city seat of Heffron for the party on Saturday. The Mayor of Botany Bay Council convincingly won the seat, taking over 60 per cent of the vote in the Heffron by-election, which was sparked by former Member Kristina Keneally’s sudden resignation in June. Greens candidate Dr Mehreen Faruqi came second, taking approximately one quarter of the vote. Mr Hoenig has resigned his postion as Botany Bay Mayor, effective next month, to focus on his new role.

1AM LOCKOUTS PROPOSED

The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) has urged NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell to adopt 1am ‘lockouts’ for licensed premises and 3am closing times. A ten-point plan presented by FARE to the Premier outlined a 12-month trial of the measures, as well as a moratorium on new liquor licenses, and restrictions on the sale of some kinds of alcohol. Premier O’Farrell has yet to respond to the recommendations. A City of Sydney Council spokesperson said the proposal was “unrealistic”.

ABBOTT’S LETTER TO SYDNEY

Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has released an “open letter to the voters of the City of Sydney” calling on them to support his sister Christine Forster in the upcoming local government elections. Mr Abbott said his sister – who is running on the Liberal Party ticket against Lord Mayor Clover Moore – was brave and inspirational. “It takes real guts for a basically conservative person to admit she’s gay and to build a new life based on who she really is,” he said.