Preferencing in spotlight ahead of poll

Preferencing has emerged as a key issue in this weekend’s Sydney by-election, with no clear-cut winner tipped ahead of the poll.

With Independent candidate Alex Greenwich, Greens candidate Chris Harris and Liberal candidate Shayne Mallard all predicted by various sources to poll strongly, the winner may be decided by preferences, ensuring candidates’ preference deals are in the spotlight.

Mr Greenwich said as an Independent candidate, he would not be preferencing anyone.

“As a truly Independent candidate, I don’t do preference deals,” he said. “It’s not up to me to tell people how to vote. That’s something for voters to decide for themselves.”

The decision drew strong censure from Mr Harris, who said Mr Greenwich’s decision not to preference could place the state seat of Sydney in Liberal hands.

“The refusal by Greenwich to issue preferences is very disappointing and now raises the prospect of a Liberal win in Sydney as his votes exhaust,” Mr Harris said. “This decision will frustrate the many people in Sydney who are angry that the O’Farrell Government has pushed out their long standing MP Clover Moore.

“The only safe choice left to voters who want to see Sydney with a progressive voice is to vote one for the Greens candidate Chris Harris.”

Mr Harris said he would direct his preferences to Mr Greenwich and fellow Independent candidate Glenn Wall “in a genuine spirit to keep a progressive voice for Sydney.”

Mr Mallard, meanwhile, said he – like Mr Greenwich – had not made any preference deals.

“I will not be directing preferences but will be letting the people of Sydney choose who they want to represent them,” he said.

Mr Wall said he would direct his preferences to Mr Harris.

“I will be directing my preferences to the Greens first and foremost, then Alex Greenwich, then the Liberals, and Christian Democratic Party (CDP) candidate Robyn Peebles last.”

Ms Peebles did not return calls.

While candidates’ preferencing was generally clear ahead of the poll, campaign funding remained less so, with most candidates unable to provide details of their funding arrangements.

Mr Wall said he was “entirely self-funded”, while Mr Greenwich and Mr Harris both committed to posting funding details online in the coming days. Mr Mallard said funding would be revealed “in accordance with the law” and that questions regarding campaign funds should be directed to the NSW Liberal State Director, Mark Neeham.

Mr Neeham did not return calls by deadline.