NSW VOTES 2023

By Yvonne Gardiner

IN THIS final week of the NSW election campaign, The Weekly asks Tweed and Lismore candidates a question of great importance.

What is their “vision for the future and why are you the best candidate?”

The MPs elected as our representatives in the NSW Legislative Assembly this Saturday, March 25, will be responsible for representing the region’s interests, direction and wellbeing for up to four years.

During that time, there will be many challenges, among them the cost of living, protection of the environment, the housing crisis, flood recovery, skills shortages, infrastructure and education.

In the past eight weeks, The Weekly has invited comments from candidates on these very topics, so that voters are better informed when they go to the polls.

To make an informed decision please read these articles in past issues of The Weekly via: www.tweedvalleyweekly.net.au

Tweed

Geoff Provest (Nationals)

It has been a great honour and privilege to represent Tweed in the NSW Parliament for the past 16 years, both in government and in opposition. During this time, I have been able to deliver on many fronts for Tweed residents.

The big items are easily identified — the Tweed Valley Hospital, new ambulance stations, new fire stations, upgraded schools and the TAFE, Sexton Hill Bypass, Kirkwood Road Interchange, and many other major capital works including the Rail Trail and the ongoing study into bringing the light rail from Queensland into South Tweed.

But it’s not just about capital works; in government we have implemented many programs that benefit individuals, not just the community as a whole. The Regional Seniors Travel Card, vouchers for travel and accommodation, back-to-school vouchers, childcare and active kids’ vouchers and rebates on the cost of energy, just to list a few.

I have been successful in gaining support for our local environment and seeing almost 400 hectares of land purchased to protect Tweed Coast koalas. Although I am a member of the Nationals, I have threatened to cross the floor on issues which would adversely impact the Tweed environment such as coal seam gas and private forestry agreements, which resulted in the government of the day withdrawing the proposed Bill.

During COVID and the devastating closure of the Queensland border, and then again during the recent floods, I was able to work with the mayor and my colleagues of all political persuasions to make a real difference for those I represent.

When things seemed unfair, I worked hard to have them changed, particularly after the flood when those who lived in caravans were not included in the flood relief package.

This was changed as a direct result of my efforts, and those of my colleagues in this region. I remain 100 per cent committed to the Tweed and, with your support, I will continue to represent the Tweed electorate and

VISION FOR THE FUTURE – WHY ARE YOU THE BEST CANDIDATE?

deliver the services and infrastructure we need into the future.

Susie Hearder (Animal Justice Party)

I would love to see kindness, compassion and empathy, where our natural world is revered and protected so that all beings can thrive equally and our planet can prosper for future generations.

This election is critical for koalas; their habitat needs protection throughout NSW, not just in Tweed. We can’t have a future without koalas.

I want to see our beautiful Tweed and its natural assets protected, development in line with nature and our community consulted and respected.

A community without homelessness or poverty, where everyone has an affordable, safe, secure and resilient home, access to free education, medical/dental care, full staff-patient ratios, and fair pay and conditions for the work they do.

People, animals and the environment above profits.

Where animals are not considered property and confined and deprived in intensive animal agriculture or abused for profit/entertainment, left without shade/shelter, drown on floodplains, or die a terrifying death just for our pleasure or because they are excess to industry needs.

Where our public native forests devastated by the Black Summer Fires, yet currently being logged at taxpayer expense, are protected for all. Where brave whistleblowers are listened to. Our legislation in NSW needs major reform, especially the protection of animals, the environment and the vulnerable. I have dedicated three decades in the Tweed volunteering towards a more humane/compassionate society and would continue this as your elected MP.

I will protect our wildlife and pets, act on the climate emergency, end factory farming, end the use of animals for ‘entertainment’ and profit like greyhound racing, and help the vulnerable in our community.

Please vote for kindness and koalas this election. Vote #1 Animal Justice Party to send a powerful message that you care about animals, people and the environment. If we don’t win, your vote goes to whoever you put #2.

Ciara Denham (Greens)

The Greens are for real action on the climate and cost-of-living crisis. We will make sure that Tweed has a sustainable and vibrant future that is not overrun by developers and private vested interests.

I will never accept donations from corporations or developers. I will stand up for our public sector workers, I will fight to protect our animals of this region and our incredible natural biodiversity. I will advocate for free public transport.

Your vote is powerful, and with it, it can support the Greens’ vision for the future of Tweed where everyone has a safe place to call home. Your vote can be for real action against short-term holiday letting, and the implementation of more public and social housing in our region.

With your vote, you can vote for a future where everyone has access to quality public services, which are supported the way they deserve. With voting for the Greens, you’re voting for the public sector wage cap being removed, a pay rise for teachers, all of the NSW Nurses and Midwifery Association patient-staff ratios being implemented, and more funding for more paid firefighters.

All of this can be paid for with measures such as a levy being placed on the current government-subsidised coal, oil and gas industry, and stopping the government-subsidised native logging industry.

I want to see Tweed retain its name as a biodiversity hotspot, with local councils being empowered to protect koala habitat, including in the hinterlands of our Tweed.

My background in conservation and community development, with government and not-for-profit organisations, has given me an in-depth understanding and ability to act on immediate and long-term agendas so that we can all prosper.

I love this community and will always put it first.

Craig Elliot (Labor)

This New South Wales election is expected to be very close, and the people of Tweed have the power to elect the next state government.

After 12 long years of Geoff Provest and his Liberal-Nationals government, Tweed residents are facing a cost-of-living crisis, a housing emergency, and a shortage of skilled public sector workers that sees our nurses, teachers, and paramedics leaving local Tweed jobs for better pay and conditions in Queensland.

This is happening because Geoff Provest and his boss Dominic Perrottet have forced an unfair wages cap onto these vital public sector workers for the last 12 years, meaning their take-home pay continues to go backwards. Continued on page 14...