I believe the people of Wollongong have the capacity to move past ICAC and allow me to once again make a significant contribution to the future of the city.

What have you learnt from the ICAC investigation?

I have learnt that when you are in public office, you need to strictly follow all policies and procedures to the letter; otherwise your actions can be misinterpreted.

Why put yourself back into the public eye?

I have a passion for the city and a real desire to see it reach its potential. I believe I have the capacity to put in the energy and single-mindedness required to lead Wollongong toward a more positive future. I want to build confidence back into the city and for Wollongong to once again be recognised as a great place to live, work and do business.

The ICAC scandal revealed your relentless pursuit of development, with total disregard for planning laws. Will you bring your pro-development stance to the role of lord mayor?

Development provides homes for people to live in, shops for people to purchase goods from, commercial premises for people to work in and industry for employment.

I have never seen development as an end in itself, rather a means to an end. We shouldn’t be afraid of development. When undertaken within planning frameworks, controls and policies, it provides economic growth and prosperity for the benefit of all citizens.

I see development in a much broader context than simply bricks and mortar.

I see it as encompassing development of a vibrant arts and cultural society, developing social and community services for the city, developing and enhancing the natural and physical environment that exist in Wollongong and developing the necessary infrastructure such as roads, parks, civic facilities etc which are very much part of any community.

This all leads to the development of a sense of pride, a sense of belonging, a sense of community and above all a vibrant and progressive city.

The development of economic, social, cultural, environmental and physical infrastructure of any city are all essential for a city to provide jobs and to create a great City.

Do you think the ICAC questioning has gone on long enough?

ICAC was four years ago. It is time for the city to move forward and stop dwelling on the past and I believe I have something to offer the city in terms of leadership, advocacy and positive promotion.

What do you see are the key issues for the city going forward?