MEET THE CANDIDATES – SHORTLAND

PAT CONROY – LABOR

I grew up on the Central Coast and now live in Speers Point, where my wife and I are raising our two young children.
I was elected to Parliament in 2013 as the Member for Charlton, and following the Electoral Commission’s boundary changes am seeking re-election in the seat of Shortland, where I now live.

Labor and I have fought to protect Medicare. Making it easier to see a GP and get blood tests will actually reduce the pressure on local hospitals like Belmont, Wyong and the John Hunter and that’s why we’ve committed $12 billion to boost Medicare bulk billing rates.

Having worked as an economist in the mining and manufacturing sectors I know how important it is to build local jobs and that’s why I have secured a $13 million commitment to help finish the Glendale Interchange. This project will lead to 10,000 local jobs.

I understand how important it is for families to have great schools, affordable and accessible childcare and great public recreation spaces. Labor’s commitment to fully fund the ‘Gonski’ education reforms will deliver an extra $33 million for schools in the electorate of Shortland over the next two years alone.

JENNY BARRIE – LIBERAL

I’m Jenny Barrie and I’m your Liberal Candidate for Shortland. Having lived locally and run my own small business for over 25 years, my experience has taught me that a strong economy means more jobs, growth and investment, something that has been a driving force for me. I also know the importance of giving back to the community that has supported me.

That’s why I’ve worked with local organisations and business groups from Lake Macquarie to Newcastle, helping make a difference in our area.

Now, I want to use my experience and passion as your local voice in Canberra.

IVAN MACFADYEN – THE GREENS

After sailing from Japan to America in 2013 and witnessing first hand the impact that humans are having on the environment Ivan is more committed than ever to fight for a sustainable transition away from fossil fuels.

Operating and owning a small business in Newcastle most of his adult life Ivan also understands many of the local issues facing Shortland residents.

MORGAN COX – CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY (FRED NILE GROUP)

My Name is Morgan Cox and I am your candidate for the electorate of Shortland. I live in San Remo on the NSW Central Coast, I am a family man, and I adore my wife and 2 young children. I am self employed in the technology industry, serving the Sydney to Newcastle Region, so I spend a lot of time travelling. I particularly love the natural beauty of this part of the world; it never ceases to inspire me with hope for the future.

Having my own young family, I feel passionately about the welfare of people, families and children. I believe strongly that the family unit is the bedrock of our society. I know firsthand the effects a broken family and domestic violence have, and I am totally committed to helping and protecting the vulnerable people, families and especially children in our society.

On the economy I see that the major parties claim that they are ‘managing our economy responsibly’ yet I see the rich get richer, and the poor left destitute, while the middle class are buried under a mountain of debt. I see very little positive effect of any of their ‘fiscal policies’, and far more effect on our economy from outside influences, like china, and global events. Even more, I see the politicians telling us that we need to ‘tighten our belts’, while secretly giving themselves one pay rise after another.

On the environment; At both local and global levels, I feel we must all do our part to preserve the environment, in all its natural wonder, for our children and their children, to enjoy and be amazed at, into the distant future.

I feel strongly about the principals of the CDP, and being the only party that has a set of unchanging ethical values to which it adheres, I strongly believe it is the best and only ethical choice for protecting our democracy, our people, and our environment.