There are 25 candidates vying for your vote in the five Illawarra electorates this state election.
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Before you head to the polling booth and grab your sausage sandwich on Saturday, get to know the Heathcote candidates.
Mitchell Shakespeare, Greens
Mr Shakespeare, 27, lives in Kareela and is student at the University of Sydney, studying a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in political economy and history.
I am a lifelong resident of the Sutherland Shire. I attended Kareela Public School and Caringbah High School, then gained a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Wollongong. I have worked in central Sydney in insurance.
When not studying, I can be found attending rallies that demand an end to fossil fuels, and a just transition for communities and workers to sustainable industries. I also volunteer at a men's shelter in central Sydney.
Energy bills have risen 117 per cent over the past decade, for the same reason we're getting a new toll road the community doesn't want, and for the same reason each property development starts at two hundred units, and by the time it's finished it's at 800.
Money. It's always money. The Greens reject corporate donations. We cannot be bought. We must end corporate money's influence over our politics, if we hope to see positive change.
Top three priorities:
- Ban corporate donations to our political parties.
- Meaningful action on climate change.
- Firmly close the revolving door between parliament and big business
Maryanne Stuart, Labor
Ms Stuart, 52, lives in Woronora Heights and is community organiser.
I grew up in Engadine and I am raising two children with my husband Russell. I am an active member of my church, and have been involved in local sports clubs, playing and coaching local netball teams. I attended St. John Bosco Primary, St. Patrick's Sutherland and studied at Gymea TAFE.
For eight long years, Lee Evans and the Liberals' have neglected our community. They have failed to invest in our local infrastructure and services, and now they want to splurge $2.2 billion on Sydney stadiums. The Liberals have taken us for granted by slashing funding to TAFE, the rolling closures of fire stations, the cutting of rail services and blow outs in hospital waiting times.
If you want the government to invest in schools and hospitals, stop the rampant overdevelopment and fix the train timetable. I will fight for the services we deserve and put our community first instead of splurging $2.2 billion on stadiums.
Top three priorities:
- Stop the Liberals rampant overdevlopment
- Ease the cost of living by reducing electricity prices
- Fix the unfair train timetable introduced by the Liberals back in 2015
Lee Evans, Liberal MP; James Aspey, Animal Justice Party and Joel McManus, Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party did not respond.