- We’ll be live blogging the election results on Saturday. Stay with us, and join the conversation #illawarravotes
- Shorten’s Illawarra pitch: ‘We’ve got the passion’
- Malcolm Turnbull’s Illawarra pitch for votes
AT A GLANCE
- Sitting member: Ann Sudmalis (Liberal)
- Area: 6342 sq km
- Margin: 3.8 per cent
- 2013 result (2PP): Liberal 52.65%, Labor 47.35%
- Sportsbet odds: Coalition 1.27; Labor 3.50; Green 51.00; Christian Democratic Party 101.00
WHERE TO VOTE (search suburb or scroll down for list)
CANDIDATES
Steve Ryan
BACKGROUND
I have been married for 31 years, raised five daughters and now have a grandson. My life experiences have given me a balanced outlook and an understanding of people from all walks of life.
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THE PITCH
Families and local communities are the bedrock of society and must be given a voice and be protected.
The success of small business will determine the prosperity and therefore the longevity of society.
The CDP will fight to remove all red tape and, in particular, payroll tax for small business. No changes to superannuation or negative gearing. No cuts to penalty rates. No increase to GST. Increase funding for health right across the board and education. No increase to the Medicare levy. CDP supports Bravehearts. One law for all – no Sharia food tax.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Traditional marriage
- Small business
- Ageing population
Ann Sudmalis
BACKGROUND
I worked for the former Federal Member for Gilmore, Jo Gash, from 2007 to 2012 and enjoyed the advocacy aspect of the work. When Jo indicated she planned to retire, after speaking to my adult children, I decided to contest the next election.
THE PITCH
The critical issues facing our future are all centred on economic stability. I joined the Liberals because they have created periods of sustained fiscal balance.
We need a positive vision for our future, which is based on having great revenue so we can invest in our schools and our health care, and keep our pensions at a level that supports our ageing population. Incentivising businesses and creating inspiring and appropriate pathways for the unemployed is critical to help our population into meaningful work.
Our people, our youth, our pensioners, our families deserve to know their elected government has their best interests at heart.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Health and education
- Gilmore residents’ needs
- Electorate-specific policy matters and infrastructure
Carmel McCallum
BACKGROUND
White Irish Catholic middle-class political activist and critical thinker.
THE PITCH
I am standing for The Greens because we are the only party with courage to stand up for democracy, transparency and anti-corruption, and vision to create a fair and just society, maintaining all the great services, universal health care and education opportunities for all.
The Greens is the only party which has policies to reverse the devastating effects of the climate change challenge, providing employment through its Renew Australia Plan.
Australia must become a more generous and open society, welcoming those who seek asylum and sharing our wealth and resources with those in need. Chaos will result if we don’t change.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Climate change
- Unemployment
- Education
Fiona Phillips
BACKGROUND
I have been a Gilmore local all my life. I was born and raised on a dairy farm at Terara. I am married to Glenn, a self-employed carpenter, and we are raising our four children locally. I continue to be involved in community issues across the South Coast
THE PITCH
Having lived on the South Coast for more than 40 years, I have seen our area being taken for granted by the Liberals. I want a brighter future for everyone.
I will fight for our community; protect Medicare and increase hospital funding; stand up to the Liberals’ cuts to our schools and ensure every child receives a quality education by implementing the full Gonski reforms that will add $18 million for Gilmore schools; create more opportunities for apprentices and pathways to training and employment; build the NBN Australia needs for the jobs of the future; and protect penalty rates.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Medicare, hospital funding
- Full Gonski funding
- Increased job opportunities