Sydney candidates round up: read and decide

Christopher Owen (Secular Party)

30 year-old Owen was raised in Newcastle, the son of an Australian father and Greek mother. He holds a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Newcastle and relocated to Sydney in 2004 to pursue a career as a professional software engineer, working for government science agencies and Australian software technology startups. At 19 he was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a neurological syndrome affecting the peripheral nervous system and is an advocate for research into the medical possibilities of embryonic stem cell research. Owen believes the only way to fairly represent a society as diverse as Australia’s is via the principles of secularism; that only through reason and evidence can we make decisions to the benefit of all Australians, and for the common good of all humanity. He is increasingly concerned by the unchecked promotion of religious agendas in government and the education system.
Website: http://christopherowen.id.au/

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Tanya Plibersek (Labor, Incumbent)

Since being elected as the Member for Sydney in 1998, I have worked hard to get results for my constituents. Locally, Labor has invested in major projects like the $150 million Chris O’Brien Cancer Centre at RPA, $2 million for extra beds at RPA, $57 million for schools, $1.8 million for bike paths, over $8 million to upgrade public housing in places like Glebe, Redfern and Waterloo and the Indigenous Land Corporation has invested $50 million of Australian Government funding to build the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence at Redfern. We’ve also funded more than 1,200 new computers for Sydney schools and contributed $2 million for the rebuilding of South Sydney Youth Services.

I’ve also worked hard as Housing Minister in a Labor government to deliver more affordable housing around Australia, with 250,000 Australians supported through the First Home Owners Boost; 80,000 more affordable rental homes built or coming; and 14,000 Australian households saving an average of $18,000 each through our Housing Affordability Fund. I’m overseeing the investment of around $4.9 billion to reduce homelessness, and as Minister for Women, supporting the introduction of Australia’s first Paid Parental Leave scheme and fairer workplace laws for women and men.

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Tony Hickey (Greens)

Tony is an experienced teacher, having taught English to students locally and internationally. He has lived in Sydney for the last 13 years, currently residing in Chippendale. He is the NSW Greens’
Secretary.

Tony is a strong advocate for social justice, and has been involved in campaigns for peace, sustainable transport, workers’ rights and LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex) rights.

Tony wants to see every Australian have access to well-funded public services including health, education, housing and transport, and the right to marry the one they love. He is committed to effective action on climate change and fair treatment of asylum seekers.

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Jane Ward (Independent)

Jane Ward is the Co-ordinator of Lone Parent Family Support Service, the President of the Balmain Association and the longest serving honorary Director of KU Children’s Services. She has two tertiary degrees and is the mother of three children.

Jane stands for human rights, child protection, social justice, multiculturalism, gender-equality, gay marriage NOW, Aboriginal self-determination, urgent, effective global and local solutions to human- induced global warming, and sustainable communities, population, economy and environment.

She  advocates a Bill of Rights, nuclear disarmament, renewable energy, preservation of  old growth forests, plantation timber for building construction, streamlined, transparent, cost-effective government, proper planning, electoral reform,  humane treatment of refugees and support for seniors, self-funded retirees, sole parent families, students, the disabled, the mentally ill, the homeless and the unpaid workforce.

Jane wants high quality, affordable housing, education, health services, roads, cycleways and public transport, tax- deductible childcare, fast National Broadband and intercity fast trains.

She says NO to whaling, over-development, mining on farmland, the proposed internet filter and talkfests not action.

For further policies and updates visit  www.janeward.info email   jane@janeward.info Talk to Jane on 98181454  0432975596

Denis Doherty (Communist)

Denis Doherty, 25 year Glebe resident, married with no children, is the Communist Alliance candidate for Sydney. He is a teacher by profession and an activist in peace and social justice issues both locally and nationally. The Communist Alliance offers a real alternative to the Liberal-Labor merry go round. We campaign for the rights of working men and women and an end to welfare for the rich corporations. Our policies promote investment in public services, providing high standard accessible public health, education and housing. In the inner city we would protect public housing and reject current plans to demolish these houses and replace them with so called public-private partnerships. We would tax the polluters not subsidise them. We oppose privatisation. We would cut the $30 billion military budget and bring our troops home from Afghanistan.  www.communist-alliance.org.au

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Gordon Weiss (Liberal)

Between “pink batts” and school halls rip-offs, we’ve seen massive waste in the last three years. Labor makes grandiose announcements only to break promises.

Sydney is the financial capital of Australia, and we need a member who will make government work as efficiently as the private sector.

As a local Councillor and advisor to companies on reducing energy consumption, I believe I’m that person. That’s why I’m standing for Sydney.

The Liberal Party has comprehensive plans to ease costs of living, support families, and empower small businesses. We’ll introduce 26 weeks of paid parental leave while cutting the company tax rate to 28.5 per cent. We’ll ease the burden on families by extending the Education Tax Rebate and increasing the Child Care Rebate.

And we’ll pay back the debt, end the waste, and stop higher taxes. Many are disaffected by Labor, and I hope that on August 21, I can earn the trust of voters to take real action.

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Brett Paterson (Australian Democrats)

The Australian Democrats will be giving the people of Sydney the opportunity to vote for a party committed to addressing the appalling rate of homelessness in the electorate. The current Government have not addressed this issue instead leaving it to church and charity groups to do their work. The Australian Democrats are calling on the government to address these social issues.  The ALP and Liberal party are all about increasing coal mining, increasing the green house gas effect with the Australian Greens preferencing the ALP therefore trafficing in green house gases. For the only truly independant voice vote for one Australian Democrats in Sydney.