Gordon Bradbery may be near a decision

By Nicole Hasham
Updated November 6 2012 - 1:11am, first published October 26 2010 - 10:12am
Rev Bradbery says he would work for 'all people, all faiths, all groups'.
Rev Bradbery says he would work for 'all people, all faiths, all groups'.

Will he or won't he? Reverend Gordon Bradbery has given the best indication yet that he will trade pulpit for politics next March, calling on the Wollongong citizenry to wave the flag for an independent candidate at the state election.After eight months of drawn-out speculation over whether he will run for the seat of Wollongong, the popular Uniting Church minister said yesterday electors must provide both manpower and financial backing if an independent has any chance against sitting Labor incumbent Noreen Hay."If Wollongong really wants to elect an independent, it really needs to work hard," Rev Bradbery said. "To run a political campaign and stand against an incumbent requires a lot of effort and time and support, both materially and organisationally."More specifically for myself, it will require a big swing against the sitting member."While yet to declare his intentions formally, Rev Bradbery is understood to be amassing a "kitchen cabinet" of supporters and advisers in readiness for a political tilt.But money remains a major hurdle, with Mr Bradbery confirming he is seeking up to $100,000 to run a campaign rivalling the "well-oiled" political machines of the major parties.And in a clear challenge to Ms Hay, Rev Bradbery indicated he would zero in on Labor's traditional southern suburbs should he choose to run."It's about time the forgotten suburbs have better representation and care," he said. "Suburbs like Berkeley, Lake Heights, Cringila, Warrawong, and down to Windang … are being taken for granted."The outspoken social justice campaigner has copped criticism in recent months for failing to declare his electoral intentions while still weighing in on political debate.But Rev Bradbery dismissed suggestions he had blurred the line between church and state."If I became a candidate I would represent all people, all faiths, all groups in the Wollongong electorate. You've got to keep the two tasks separate," he said.As Rev Bradbery considers his political future, he has also been fighting a controversial decision by the church's presbytery to terminate his 15-year tenure at Wollongong's Church on the Mall.

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