Your age and number of years experience in politics?
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67, with more than 30 years' experience in public life including at the state and local government levels. I was first elected as the Member for South Coast in 2003, making this year my 16th as the Member for South Coast.
What's your profession outside of politics?
I was an English and History teacher at Ulladulla High School for 27 years.
Why are you involved in politics?
Upgrading the Princes Highway was one of the reasons I first entered state politics. So far we have made real progress and delivered upgrades at Gerringong, the Berry bypass, South Nowra, Burrill Lake, Termeil Creek and have upgrades currently underway between Berry and Bomaderry, Nowra Bridge and at Albion Park Rail. With the recent commitment from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government of $960 million for upgrades between Jervis Bay and Sussex Inlet roads we are one step closer, but there is still more to do and I want to see the it gets done for the sake of the community and to save lives.
What is the primary objective you would like to achieve in this electorate?
The complete upgrade of the Princes Highway from the Jervis Bay Road intersection through to the Victorian border.
Meet the other candidates
What's the biggest (state government) issue affecting people in your electorate?
The South Coast is one of the fastest growing regions outside of Sydney, this has its effect on our roads, hospitals, emergency services and schools. As our population grows we need to ensure that services and infrastructure continue to meet demand now and into the future.
How do you propose to help with this?
Continue our strong financial management of the state's budget to provide the record investment needed for the upgrade of roads, including the Princes Highway, the redevelopment of Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital, upgrading and building schools such as at Worrigee and the old Shoalhaven Anglican school site, new police and ambulance stations as well as funding for vital, volunteer community organisations such as Surf Life Saving, the RFS, RSLs, Marine Rescue, Men's Sheds and many more.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Queen Elizabeth
What is your favourite drink?
Black coffee/Sauvignon Blanc
What is your favourite hobby?
Reading
What is your favourite book?
Cloudstreet by Tim Winton
What is your favourite TV series at the moment?
'The Cry' on the ABC
