State Election is Here> Who gets your Vote?

The 2023 NSW State Election is here, and it’s poised to be a significant event in Australian politics.

With the current government facing criticism over issues such as housing affordability, climate change policies, and public transportation, the election is expected to be closely contested.

Following the Federal election in 2022, one thing became clear – the teals changed the political playbook. When the new Independent candidates, largely known as ‘Teals’ snatched as many as six seats in huge swings, we saw a shift in Australian politics. The Federal seat of Mackellar, which overlaps with Pittwater for example, was a safe Liberal seat until Ms Sophie Scamps stepped up. And many of the Climate 200-backed teal candidates

According to Beaches COVERED.’s political pundit Mark Smith, “Perhaps we can expect a hung parliament with Independents holding balance of power. It’s tough to win again for the Coalition and may be a similar situation to the Federal election where the government was in power for a long time.”

So as we head to the polls on March 25th, it’s time to decide. Will you give the Coalition a fourth election victory or return Labor to power for the first time since 2011? It’s up to you.

Read on to hear from local Liberal candidates, James Griffin and Toby Williams, and other issues facing our local communities on the Beaches.

Key dates for your diary

Saturday, March 18, 2023 - Early voting opens

Monday, March 20, 2023 - Declared facility voting opens. Postal vote applications close (6pm) Friday March 24, 2023 - Declared facility voting closes. Early voting period closes Saturday, March 25, 2023 - Election Day

How does a State Election work?

A state election must be held in New South Wales on the fourth Saturday in March every four years.

New South Wales is divided into 93 state electoral districts.

During a State election, voters must elect representatives to all 93 seats in the Legislative Assembly (a ‘general’ election) and half the 42 seats in the Legislative Council (a ‘periodic’ election).

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.

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. •

TOBY WILLIAMS } LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR WAKEHURST

Toby Williams is the Liberal candidate for Wakehurst. As a lifelong resident of the area, he has a passion for public service and a strong track record of community involvement. He also spent the past seven years working alongside Brad Hazzard. In Toby’s words, “A future Member for Wakehurst could not ask for a better apprenticeship.”

With Brad Hazzard retiring, the Wakehurst community needs a strong, local voice. Why are you the one for the job?

For almost seven years, I worked alongside Brad Hazzard to provide compassionate and helpful assistance to residents in Wakehurst. During the pandemic, he trusted me to take frontline responsibility in the electorate by attending community events and meeting locals to ensure he, as Health Minister, could focus on the COVID-19 crisis.

What have been your top three achievements for the area to date, under Brad?

• The B-Line bus service – Our big yellow buses revolutionised public transport on the Northern Beaches providing frequent, efficient and comfortable services to and from Sydney CBD.

• Northern Beaches Hospital –This incredible public health facility has dedicated and caring staff, and world class facilities. I was particularly pleased when Brad announced an $11.4million boost for Northern Beaches Hospital’s Youth Mental Health Services. It’s important that appropriate treatment and support is available to young people and their families.

• The new Forest High School – This will be the first new school on the Northern Beaches in decades, and I’ve worked with Brad to ensure it meets community expectations. The end result will be a 21st century school providing excellent learning facilities for local students.

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

It is absolutely crucial. You only need to look at what Brad’s passion and work ethic has delivered for our community to understand why. Brad ensured Wakehurst received its fair share of support for our schools, health, facilities, roads and transport, and our beautiful beach and environment. Our B-Line buses, Northern Beaches Hospital and Warringah Road underpass – none of this life changing infrastructure was delivered under Labor! Now is not the time to stop the momentum the Liberal Government has built over 12 years. A vote for Labor or an Independent candidate on March 25, 2023 will jeopardise the future of our electorate. The people deserve an elected representative whose voice will be heard at the very heart of government. Someone who can get things done!

What were you up to before politics? Before I worked alongside Brad, I worked with the Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC and the former Member for Mackellar, the Hon Bronwyn Bishop AO. I have substantial experience in community organisations including, Deputy Chairman of the Northern Beaches Red Shield Appeal Committee, Secretary & Race Secretary of Warringah Amateur Swimming Association and President of Manly Warringah Football

Referees Association to name just a few. My involvement in the local swimming community has resulted in two Life Memberships.

What issues are going to shape this election?

I’ve chatted to countless residents and the top issue that comes up is the cost of living. There is a substantial need to ensure our state’s strong economy is maintained so we are able to ease pressure on local businesses and family budgets. I am interested in expanding mental health facilities for young people, and protecting our local environment by opposing over-development, such as the development proposed for Lizard Rock.

What’s your take on the Northern Beaches road link? Locals want to see Beaches Link completed. If elected, I will be able to advocate for a continued focus on Beaches Link, as well as the broader infrastructure project that will deliver the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway. I am keen to ensure the $75 million investment by the Perrottet Government goes to upgrade the Wakehurst Parkway and delivers improvements that help people spend less time in traffic and more time doing what they love.

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

Under Liberal, the shift to renewables has begun and a re-elected Liberal Government will ensure the energy sectors’ transition will continue. The Liberal Government introduced the Electric Vehicle Rebate and Electric Vehicle Stamp Duty Refund. As the number of electric vehicles increases, so should the availability of charging stations. I am not opposed to installing charging stations in public car parks.

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

I am ready to hit the ground running. When Parliament is not sitting, you’ll see me working hard in the electorate office and being out and about in the community. I know the essential job of a MP is to listen. •

Dear Residents

The upcoming state election offers a clear choice. Keep our community moving forward or risk stalling.

As your State Member of Parliament, I am focused on supporting our frontline services for the long-term by hiring more doctors, nurses and teachers to recover from the strain of the pandemic as well as building a diverse local economy so we create and keep great jobs in our local area.

I am proud of my record. Even just the past couple months, there have been significant announcements for our local environment, improving local transport, and tackling the issue of problem gambling.

A $3.95 million investment is great news for Manly Lagoon. I recently announced $3.95 million in funding to build a new pedestrian and cyclist bridge across Manly Lagoon at the corner of Pittwater Road and Aitken Avenue. This will take pedestrian and bike traffic off the existing shared bridge, where cyclists must dismount to cross, improving pedestrian and cyclist safety and resolving a significant choke point for cyclists and pedestrians.

Manly Lagoon is an important biodiversity corridor at the heart of Manly’s natural environment; that’s why I am proud to announce my four-step plan to protect Manly Lagoon for future generations and help return it to swimmable conditions.

• Monitor water quality and take action to prevent weed infestation.

• Support natural regeneration and start a program to improve water quality.

• Start work to improve riverbank quality and stop erosion, this will commence with the bridge construction.

• Work alongside residents and community groups to restore the lagoon, this includes my ongoing work with the fantastic Manly Lagoon Friends.

Don’t be misled, The NSW Government has dealt with PEP 11. Time for the Federal Government to Step Up. The deeply troubling decision by the Federal Labor Government to end the court case against Asset Energy has brought PEP-11 back from the dead. I have always opposed PEP-11. In 2019 I tabled a notice of motion in Parliament stating my opposition. Since January 2022, it has been NSW Government policy to oppose offshore mining, and now a re-elected State Liberal-National government will go even further by legislating a ban on offshore drilling. We are doing this because of the uncertainty created by the inaction of the Federal Government.

Continuing to Improve Local Public Transport and fixing the buses. The past few months have been a struggle for local public transport due to combination of increased demand as people return to the city for work, and driver shortages caused by global and national labour issues. However, after months of work behind the scenes with Keolis Downer and Transport for NSW, I am happy to announce a three-pronged strategy to improve transport in Manly. This includes:

Commencing a new on-demand bus service for the Manly area. This service will connect commuters with designated transport hubs such as the B-Line stops and Manly Wharf, as well as other popular destinations like shopping centres and hospitals within your service area. A similar service has been operating in Pittwater since 2017 and has carried out over 600,000 trips with 97% customer satisfaction. This is due to its affordable prices and the ability to schedule pickups.

We will also launch a B-Line service that commences in Brookvale during the morning peak hour ending long waits.

Further we will conduct an immediate review of high-frequency bus routes and services to identify where to redeploy buses to increase peak hour frequency.

We’re tackling problem gambling. Why aren’t some Independents or Labor willing to do the same?

Spurred on by the NSW Crime Commission’s report into money laundering and desire to tackle problem gambling, the NSW Liberals State Government has announced generational reform to poker machines. These measures include:

1. Supporting all eight recommendations of the NSW Crime Commission

2. Delivering mandatory cashless gaming through legislation

3. Player identity verification linked to a single bank account

4. Requiring players to set loss limits for a 7-day period

5. Ban credit and automatic top-ups, with gaming funds only allowed to flow from a bank account

6. Mandated breaks in play

7. Implement a state-wide self-exclusion register

8. Enable third part exclusion by a family member

9. Prohibit the use of VIP Lounge signage and ban political donations from pubs and clubs

10. Remove 2,000 machines from clubs and pubs by 2028

11. Work to transition NSW night life away from gambling

I’m proud to be tackling problem gambling and support Premier Perrottet in getting this important reform done.

All elections are important. This State Election is especially so. It’s easy to forget that under the previous Labor Government, this State was back of the pack and our area was overlooked. Let’s keep moving forward!

Yours sincerely,

James Griffin, Member for Manly - NSW Minister for Environment and HeritageFB & INSTA @JamesGriffinMPwww.jamesgriffinmp.com

Politics with Mark Smith

POLITICS COMMENTATOR AND LOCAL BUSINESSMAN

The next state election in NSW is to be held on the 25th of March 2023. All 93 seats in the Legislative assembly and 21 (out of the 42) in the Legislative Council are up for election.

These numbers show that in both houses, the Government is leading in a minority. So to achieve a majority, the coalition must win 2 seats while the Labor party must win 10.

This may seem like a tough bridge to cross for the Labor party, but I see several ways in which it is quite possible, especially when the Liberal party keeps shooting themselves in the foot.

The obvious issue that first comes to mind is time. The Liberal/Nationals coalition have been in power for 12 years now in NSW and are asking the people to give them another four.

As seen with previous long-serving Governments, voter fatigue with either a particular PM or party comes into

calculation when voters are making their decision. Federally, we saw this with the Hawke/ Keating Labor Government and with the Howard coalition. Of course, there were other more important issues, but the voters definitely took this into consideration.

This is why oppositions running to win Government often frame their campaigns around the ‘it’s time’ factor.

Personalities very much come to mind when voters are making choices. While Bob Hawke was both liked and respected, Paul Keating and John Howard were probably more in the ‘respected’ category.

It seems at least one of these characteristics is necessary to win the voters over. How does this relate to Dominic Perrottet? After he took over from a very popular Premier in Gladys Berejiklian.

Mr Perrottet has been Premier since October 2021, by the time the election is held, he will have been in office for about 18 months. This is plenty of time for him to show voters who he is and what his agenda is.

I believe voters, in general, see the Premier as a devoted family man with integrity. The much hyped ‘Nazi uniform scandal’ didn’t appear to have much negative effect, probably because it happened over 20 years ago. Many of us have done things that might not look good in the public eye much later on. I think most accepted his apology and moved on.

Policy wise, Perrottet seems to have stuck close to the agenda of Berejiklian. I therefore don’t believe his personal standing with the electorate will have much effect on voting.

On the female representation front, the Liberal party may struggle as did the Federal Liberal party, the perception is that they don’t understand women’s

issues, whether perceived or not. This was a clear issue in the Federal election.

In two of the Northern Beaches’ seats in Wakehurst, the seat of retiring Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, and the popular Pittwater MP Rob Stokes, Toby Williams and Rory Amon have been selected as the candidates.

This pre-selection process is voted on locally by the Liberal party members of those seats from the 100 or so members of the local Liberal party branch. Toby’s credentials are, sound having been a staffer of Brad’s for many years. He’s young and passionate. Rory Amon is also an upstanding Northern Beaches Councillor who’s record of community service is impeccable, however I would have thought with the opportunity of choosing a popular female candidate in these seats, that would have been the smarter move from a party perspective. Female candidates ran in the pre-selection process but when the decision was made, they were overlooked.

It begs the question. Was this a deliberate move, even possibly at the expense of the Liberal party and its voters in this seat?

I won’t be surprised if these party people have simply handed the seat of Wakehurst to Mayor Michael Regan as people on polling day simply know who he is as an example.

In Pittwater, it seems another battle ensues; the Liberals vs a very enthusiastic Teal in Jacqui Scruby.

This promises to be an intriguing contest between two major parties that seem lacking in any sort of imagination in a changing political space. This, to me, seems to be leading to more independents (including ‘Teals’), Greens and other Crossbenchers being voted in, and being able to dictate terms to whoever wins the most seats, especially if they don’t win a majority.

The Question being, is this going to be beneficial to the people of the Beaches?

If Labor wins a majority, Chris Minns becomes Premier. Will the Beaches be hung out to dry, funding wise?

I’ll leave that up to you. •