Labor candidate’s plan for Parkes
IT’S not every day a trained opera singer stands for election in one of the nation’s largest rural seats, but that’s the case for the Parkes electorate at the next federal poll. Jack Ayoub was born and raised in Coonabarabran and was orphaned at an early age. He said the community rallied behind him so he could get a city education, and now he’s come back to the bush to pay back that community generosity. Mr Ayoub spoke to Dubbo Photo News about his life and aspirations.
Why are you standing as a candidate in the next federal election?
Over the course of my life I have had great struggles, with my mother passing away with cancer when I was 12 and my father passing away after a massive heart attack when I was just 18.
It has always been the community that has rallied to support me, and I am in their debt.
I can think of no greater way of giving back to the community than representing them in the Australian parliament. That is why I’m standing at this election.
Why the ALP?
Well, I’m an Australian first and a member of the ALP second.
I’m a member of the ALP because I believe through the vehicle of that party I can best see my philosophy translated into action.
I also believe that my party cares more and is more interested in helping the people of this nation with their problems.
What are your personal interests and passions?
I have a deep interest in philosophy and the enlightenment.
I enjoy a good day at the races – my uncle trained race horses for many years.
I’m a great lover of music, as I am a trained opera singer.
What ties you to this vast western electorate?
I was born and raised in Coonabarabran and have a great many friends across the region.
I lived in Sydney while I was studying and I can’t describe in words the joy I felt every time I drove back past Dunedoo, through Coolah and Binnaway to Coonabarabran
What are your major policy concerns?
Ultimately, I want to see that every person living in regional Australia has access to all that they need to enjoy the prosperity of this country.
That means quality education for our kids both through our schools and TAFES.
That means supporting our health professions across the whole electorate, and supporting our farming families to secure our farming future.
Further, I cannot express strongly enough the importance of protecting our vital water recourses.
Decentralisation and regional development are key issues – what do we need to see happen and how would you help drive that?
One of the keys to developing our region is to ensure that young people have the opportunity to not only find employment, but also to fulfil their career ambitions without heading to the city.
There are many ways of achieving this. One is attracting new businesses to our region, this of course relies on connectivity which can only come through a world class National Broadband Network.
Another example is the proposed ban on live sheep export; if this goes ahead it serves as a fantastic opportunity for us to gain more local industries in processing and packaging.
Those city folk may believe they are at the forefront, but I know that people across the regions are innovating and expanding. It would be dead wrong to not support the endless hard work of people in regional Australia.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I make this iron pledge to you: “I will never cease nor fail in my relentless advocacy for rural and regional Australia. I’ll always have your back!”