CANDIDATES HAVE

PITCH FROM ALL 11 HOPEFULS ON THE LEICHHARDT BALLOT PAPER

Straggler voters who have waited until election day to have their say in Leichhardt are about to walk straight into an ideological kaleidoscope.

A full complement of 11 candidates will be pressing the flesh, metaphorically, due to Covid, at polling booths across the electorate. The regular players, Labor, the LNP and the Greens, are all part of the mix, but so are plenty of minor-party contenders. However the count goes, Leichhardt voters have no shortage of choice this year – and every candidate is here to make one last-ditch pitch. Here they are, in order of how they will appear on the ballot paper. Happy voting!

PAT O’SHANE Socialist Alliance

My first and most crucial issue on my election platform is climate action. Humankind must stop destroying our only home. The more immediate issues are social justice issues: decent, affordable homes giving adequate living spaces, without overcrowding, enabling security, healthy lives and comfort, as well as happy families. Easy access to health and medical facilities, supported by Medicare. Economic security, founded on jobs, paying liveable wages. Free, secular education, ready transport services to enable access to homes, workplaces, education, and recreation. Lower taxation, and superannuation not to be plundered to pay mortgages.

SILVIA MOGOROVICH Informed Medical Options

Vote for me if you want results, and a return to representative government. I will put Leichhardt first and create positive change for the people in the region. As a minor party member, I will hold the majors to account and ensure that the people are fully informed about any legislation introduced. My priorities are to end all medical mandates, support small business growth, lease or purchase apartment blocks for use as emergency social housing, and fund a largescale food processing plant to support local farmers and create jobs. I will bring truth, transparency and accountability back to government.

WARREN ENTSCH LNP

We’ve just gone through a very difficult, unprecedented three years. We were the first into the pandemic and we will certainly be one of the last ones out. I have worked in a range of roles from the ministerial positions through to chief opposition whip in the last hung parliament. I’ve got the experience, I’ve certainly got the runs on the board and the achievements to match. What we need is somebody with experienced, safe hands to navigate us over the next three years. We don’t need somebody to come in and take a couple years to learn how to do the job. I believe it’s something I can deliver and, after all the years of support I’ve had, I feel I owe it to the community to be there.

ROD JENSEN Katter’s Australian Party

I believe this election we are looking for someone who is more than a politician. We are looking for someone who is community, who has walked that walk, someone with compassion and empathy.

I believe we are looking for a champion.

A champion comes from the people and is willing to stand up, no matter the cost. A champion is required for the seat of Leichhardt, and that’s why I’m standing.

I will give priority to vital issues, and consult widely in the electorate and represent its views on those issues in Canberra.

ADAM CROPP Fusion Party

I am appalled by the increasing censorship in the media, government and public discussion. Australians have a right to know what the government is doing in their name, journalists have a right to do their jobs without fear of prosecution, and whistleblowers have a right to protection under the law. Our individual and collective rights are under attack by those who seek to exploit Australians for profit.

We must work together to place strong checks and balances on those in power and enshrine our rights as Australians in a constitutional bill of rights so future governments cannot take away our fundamental human rights ever again.

SUSANNE BAYLY Animal Justice Party

I judge someone’s true character and integrity by the way they treat someone they have absolutely nothing to gain from, values currently lacking but desperately needed in government today. Values where animals, people and the planet thrive.

The Animal Justice Party and I do everything with our core values in mind – kindness, equality, rationality, and nonviolence.

We address problems at the source not just on the surface level and our policies are based on inclusive, holistic solutions, that consider what's needed now and into the future.

A safe future for all, animals, people and the planet.