MP, MEMBER FOR MANLY JAMES GRIFFIN

As the current Member of Parliament (MP) for Manly and NSW Environment and Heritage Minister, James Griffin is seeking re-election in the upcoming New South Wales State Election. With a deep connection to the community and a proven track record of delivering results, what can we expect if James is reelected on March 25?

You’ve done a lot for Manly in your time. What have been your top three achievements for the area to date?

A lot of the work I’ve done have been behind the scenes, helping people who come through the electoral office wanting support and assistance. It’s hard to boil five years of effort into three key points but they would have to be:

• Opening Australia’s first hospice for young adults – Situated in the old Manly Hospital site, the $19.5m construction is now complete, and we will be welcoming clients in the coming weeks.

• Public school upgrades – $118m was invested into improving our local public schools including Manly Vale, Curl Curl North and Harbord.

• Post Covid tourism and economy task force – We implemented this to help get businesses, community events and tourism back to full strength with the likes of Encore Manly, the Barracks, Experience Manly and Surf competitions.

How important is it to have a local member in Government to deliver for the local constituents?

The decision making is done fundamentally by the Cabinet. I am a Cabinet minister – Minister of Environment and Heritage. As a result, I can take the concerns and voice of Manly directly to the heart of the government. If you elect someone who isn’t a member of the government, then they have the same level of opportunity as anyone else, elected or not, to knock on the door of and ask for funding or support for a community. It is vitally important people back and support a Member of Parliament who is going to be a member of government because that is how you get the real work done. It is about being involved in policy and decision making and getting things done. You can talk, advocate and lobby but what have you actually done? I’m proud to stand here after five years and say, ‘Here is my record of delivery’. That is why you can trust what I’m saying I’ll deliver for the next five years.

What were you up to before politics? I did have a life before politics! I worked at KPMG in a management consulting practice. In parallel, I grew up playing junior rugby for the Seaforth Raiders, I was a member of Manly Life Saving Club, and I helped to chair Little Manly Community Forum to advocate for local issues.

What issues are going to shape this election?

There are many global factors like inflation and interest rate rises that are affecting the budget and ultimately people’s back pockets. The government is working hard to keep the economy strong so we can keep investing in roads, rail and public transport. There is a lot of effort required to continue building a resilient economy so we can have the best local jobs and keep them here.

Do you have a solution to the rental crisis?

We have implemented two policies to help people into the housing market, whether you are a grandparent wanting your grandchildren to live with you or a key worker wanting to stay in the area. We have ditched stamp duty in properties under $1.5m. The government is going to contribute 2% towards the price of a deposit for all key workers.

“I’m excited to get out there and get going. To continue building a local economy that is thriving and diverse.”

What we are saying is that these are the people we need in our community.

What’s your take on the Northern Beaches road link?

We have a unique geography on the peninsula that doesn’t leave much space for new road and rail developments. The government has introduced a $50 cap per week on the Manly Fast Ferry service in a bid to get more people off the roads. We have also increased the B-line bus services and introduced the B2 – an express service that runs from Dee Why to Chatswood.

At the moment, tunneling machines are going into the second Western Harbour Tunnel which will eventually take the pressure off the existing tunnel, bridge and Military Road. We are still committed to upgrading the Warringah freeway.

How do you see our energy transition roll out to renewables?

We are super excited to be the leading state in EV development. The WWF annual report shows we are top in the country in our transition to renewable energy. The NRMA is set to deliver 20,000 charging stations across the state so EV drivers will never be far from a charging port.

If you’re elected, what does the first 12 months of the new Parliament look like?

I’m excited to get out there and get going, to continue building a local economy that is thriving and diverse. I plan to restore Manly Lagoon. I’d love to get people swimming there. There are also plans for upgrades to NBSC Balgowlah Boys Campus and continued improvements to public transport systems. •