QANDA with candidates to take on Clover

We have decided to start a QANDA with the state election imminent so the community can learn more about their candidates for the seat of Sydney and can gauge their opinions on various issues. If you have a question for the candidates, email: citynews@alternativemediagroup.com

Question: If elected, what will you do to ensure voices in the local community are heard on a range of issues that matter to them?

Australian Energy Market Commission advisor Sacha Blumen is the Labor candidate for Sydney.

This issue is about engaging the community in open and transparent government decision making that is both meaningful and relevant to individuals.

Community consultation for large and small projects needs to be managed so that people can be properly informed about all the issues and engaged in meaningful consultation processes. This includes managing expectations regarding the outcomes of decisions taken. This is equally important for large projects such as Barangaroo and small local issues and projects such as pedestrian crossings.

I would listen to and interact with people using a range of communication and consultation media so that all people can be included in the conversation.

I would be an active participant in decision making, representing the people of my electorate and their views.

I would provide feedback to the community on the reasons for decisions, recognising there are always competing interests to take into account.

– Dr Sacha Blumen

The Greens have chosen Glebe communications consultant De Brierley Newton as their Sydney candidate.

If elected as the member for Sydney I will dedicate one day a week when parliament is not sitting to meet with residents and or community groups in my office. This would be in addition to residents being able to make an appointment to meet with me.

I will ask questions in parliament on behalf of the community and work with Greens at all levels of government to continue to pressure the state government to ensure that  there is proper community consultation and a positive result is achieved for the people of Sydney.

Examples of this are the Greens Upper House led Inquiry into the state electricity selloff, our support for residents against the over-development of Barangaroo and working to stop coal seam mining in Sydney.  At a local level the Greens worked with the residents of Ruschutters Bay for Rory Miles to remain as coach of the tennis courts and for Fitzroy Gardens to remain a garden not become a pathway.

As the elected member, for Sydney, I will always put the community ahead of the corporations.

–   De Brierley Newton

Clover Moore is the current siting Sydney representative and Lord Mayor of Sydney.

I meet regularly with constituents and groups representing residents, hold and attend community meetings, and use my weekly Clover’s eNews and regular print newsletter to inform constituents about opportunities to have a say and influence legislation and policy.

In the Parliament, I speak regularly, submit petitions for constituents, and ask Questions on community concerns. As an Independent, I don’t toe a party line, and am free to represent community concerns not vested interests.

– MP Clover Moore

Businessman and Chairman of the Potts Point Partnership Adrian Bartels is the Liberal candidate for Sydney.

It is the local member’s job to listen to his/her constituents, openly and unfiltered, and then to set about advocating on the issues that matter to the electorate. I’m a big fan of “conversation cafes”, which started in Seattle and are gaining popularity around the world, including in cities like London and Toronto. They allow neighbours and strangers to meet in a neutral and friendly environment and talk openly and inclusively about things which matter to them. This is entirely what my political philosophy is about: inclusiveness and dialogue.

On 2 March I will have a “conversation café” where anybody can come and tell me what matters to them. If elected as the Member for Sydney, I will commit to having a “conversation café” every month in a different part of the electorate. The difference I can offer the community is that, as a member of the next Liberal Government, I can advocate directly to my colleagues, and actually get things done.

– Adrian Bartels

The state election will be held on 26 March.