Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the National Press Club yesterday. Picture: ALEX ELLINGHAUSEN
Illawarra Labor MPs have welcomed Prime Minister Julia Gillard's election announcement.
With more than 200 days till the September 14 federal election, there is plenty of time for them to wage their campaigns and outline their policies.
Cunningham MP Sharon Bird said by ending the speculation about the election date, politicians could focus on broader policy issues.
"I think it's a really good initiative, in particular I'm very keen to see us have serious national debate around policy areas that are very important," she said.
"People are keen to hear what the policy platforms are for all parties and so I think they will really welcome this announcement."
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Ms Bird said three policy areas had particular relevance to the region - the Gonski review and school funding reform; the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the roll-out of the NBN.
"Important debate needs to be had around these, and other, issues and now we can focus on that conversation rather than any speculation on the election date."
Throsby MP Stephen Jones said the announcement of the election in September came as no surprise.
With Throsby one of just a handful of seats held by Labor in NSW where candidates are yet to be officially endorsed, Mr Jones first has to win a preselection battle against John Rumble. But he is confident he'll retain his seat.
"I have very strong support and am confident of winning so I'm basically just getting on with the job," he said.
"We've still got another eight months of governing left to do and people expect us to get on with the job of governing them and representing them.
"Now all the speculation has been taken out of the election date, let's just get on with the job of discussing policies."
Mr Jones said economic stability was the main area of concern for Throsby residents.
"The core economic issues for this region are about growth and employment opportunities," he said.
"A key part of that is the provision of infrastructure - in particular, one thing we need to ensure is the NBN.
"Sharon [Bird] and I have worked hard to ensure the Illawarra got the most dense NBN footprint of any region in this country and we want to make sure that happens."
Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis, said the election announcement would give people time to weigh up their options.
"There are now 227 days until the people of Gilmore go to the polls to vote on the performance of the Gillard Labor government," she said.
"They have two options before them - to continue the instability, waste and broken promises, or choose a candidate who's following on from the hard work of Joanna Gash in doing the absolute best for the people of Gilmore at all times."
Mrs Sudmalis said she looked forward to earning the trust of her electorate in the coming months, although she denied she headed into the campaign for Gilmore as a favourite.
"If you look at the seat of Gilmore, it has been held by a popular member," she said.
"If you look at the margin, I am not the favourite and I have my work cut out for me."
She said as part of a Coalition government she would work hard to provide economic relief for her electorate.
"Issues for Gilmore are all about employment initiatives, cost of living pressures and job security," she said.