As we edge closer to the 2019 Federal election, each Lyne candidate was offered the opportunity to answer a few questions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
At the time of publication, four of the nine candidates had responded.
Here is what they had to say.
Phil Costa - Labor
Question one - Who are you?
Christine and I live on a property at Minimbah a few kilometres south of Nabiac, we moved to a few years ago. I bring to this election over 30 years in community service. I am a retired primary school teacher with 37 years of experience with the NSW Department of Education of which I was a principal for 24 years.
I was an elected member of local government for 25 years and held many leading positions and was also an elected member of the NSW State Parliament. I am experienced in local representation and I look forward to the opportunity to share that experience with my new community and the people of Lyne.
Question two - If there is one thing in Lyne you could fix, what is it, and how would you do it?
Educational opportunities. I know how important early childhood education is and the need to support teachers. TAFE is part of that journey. To do this I will drive my party to deliver our promises to Lyne as there are over 3000 children who will benefit from our preschool package and ensure we get our fair share of the TAFE funding announced both for infrastructure and support to students through subsidies.
Question three - Why should people vote for me?
My commitment to the people of Lyne is that I will strongly advocate on your behalf to realise our fair share of the resources and services we need to prosper and achieve our own goals for our families and the wider community.
David Gillespie - Nationals
Question one - Who are you?
I have lived on the Mid North Coast for 26 years with my wife Charlotte and our children. Prior to entering Parliament, I practised as a medical doctor for 33 years. Charlotte and I built and established Hastings Day Surgery where I practised as a gastroenterologist, and we have run a beef farm for the last 25 years.
Question two - If there is one thing in Lyne you could fix, what is it, and how would you do it?
I want to continue the expansion of employment and workforce participation already achieved in both existing businesses and sectors and encourage new ones to establish themselves with policies that help local primary industries, tourism, value adding, and smart manufacturing and ensure our community can have access to affordable and reliable electricity.
I'd like to continue record expansion of home care and aged care, and continue to increase vocational skills training and support transformational projects. We need to continue to improve the connectivity of the regions with better roads, bridges and phones and internet and rail and continue improving access to medical services.
Question 3 - Why should people vote for me?
I have a proven track record of delivery. Our region has secured more Federal funding than ever before and as we continue to repair the budget and grow our economy, we will be able to do even more.
I listen and I do care about the issues raised with me in our community, and I'll continue fighting for our fair share.
Ed Caruana - Australian Workers Party
Question one - Who are you?
I'm father, volunteer firefighter, farmer and business owner. Holding a masters in business, an electricians and communications cablers licence, owner / operator of a mowing and gardening business and also co-host a home hints and tips segment on 2WayFm.
Presently graduating at the University of life, I am no stranger to hard work and struggle, having resided in the Hastings region for some 20 years.
Question two - If there is one thing in Lyne you could fix, what is it, and how would you do it?
Cost of Living, cash flow, the daily struggle. Struggling to pay bills and looking at what's left for living is a major concern. Empty pockets and rising debt affects us all; pensioners, workers, farmers, the disabled and small business.
I will change this by lobbying for the following:
* Increasing the tax-free threshold to $75,000.
* Removing the fuel excise of around .41 cents per litre (currently Double taxed, GST and Excise)
* Introduce a transaction tax of .001%.
How will we fund this?
* Ensure tax is paid by the 670 Corporations recording profits and paying NO tax.
* Taxing profit on churches and other tax initiatives tba.
* Staggered reduction in excise over four years, to ensure it has a gradual effect.
Question three - Why should people vote for you?
Our trajectory needs to change. I have lost faith in parliament and government and want to be that voice of defiance, integrity, trust, transparency and accountability. A vote for me is a call to action, returning empathy, accountability and good economic understanding.
Jeremy Miller - Independent
Question one - Who are you?
I moved to Taree in 1995, met my wife Frith, quickly fell in love with her and with this region. We are now raising three kids here and I am very focussed on the future that they will inherit.
I have worked at 2RE and MAX-FM, managed the Manning Entertainment Centre and run my own business here. I was on the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Board, the Regional Arts Board and helped many local charities and community events. For the past year, I've been commuting to Sydney and working from home in Taree as executive director of Monkey Baa Theatre Company. There is more information about me on my website. I have the skills, contacts and experience to make a difference for Lyne.
Question two - If there is one thing in Lyne you could fix, what is it, and how would you do it?
I would represent the people of Lyne as my first, second and third priority instead of representing a party. If I could only fix one thing, it would be to bring greater Government funding and attention to our area.
Question three - Why should people vote for you?
I have committed to tackling climate change, restoring trust in our government through a Federal Integrity Commission and fixing the way federal governments fund our roads so we can finally get them up to scratch. I love this community, there is so much that is positive here. We can't afford to be ignored and left behind any longer. I will bring new energy and new commitment so we can truly reach our potential.
Election day
The 2019 Federal election will be held on Saturday, May 18 to elect members of the 46th Parliament of Australia.