With the Wagga byelection scheduled for September 8, The Daily Advertiser sat down with each of the candidates vying for the state seat.
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In the seven-part series, we asked the political hopefuls to share a bit about themselves and their vision for the electorate.
We’ve pulled together an overview of what they stand for, their background, and last words before election day.
In ballot order.
Seb McDonagh, Shooters, Farmers and Fishers Party
“The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers are what I believe The Nationals should be. Why doesn’t the government actually put some services in the bush?”
Bio in brief: An IT public servant who has lived in Oura for 10 years, sees this election as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Wagga to get its share
Priorities: Drug and alcohol services in Wagga, roads and infrastructure, basic services in satellite towns
Campaign in five words: Holding the major parties accountable
Julia Ham, Liberal Party
“I just know what I’m good at is being a voice for people...”
Bio in brief: Raised in Kooringal and Brucedale, married, three children, lives on a farm at Tumbarumba. Preschool teacher, early childhood services consultant, merino farmer, current Snowy Valleys councillor.
Priorities: Health, sealing Brindabella Road, Snowy 2.0
Campaign in five words: Listen, act. Ear of ministers
Joe McGirr, Independent
“If I were to be elected, the seat suddenly becomes one they are going to want.”
Bio in brief: Trained medical practitioner, former Wagga Base Hospital general manager, ran for member for Wagga in 2011 with the hospital redevelopment as his platform
Priorities: Ongoing health funding, Tumut hospital, Wagga bypass, community safety, exemptions to payroll tax for regional businesses with a turnover of $4 million
Campaign in five words: Let’s make this seat count
Ray Goodlass, The Greens
“I think more and more people are realising the system is broken...we’re past the point of tinkering.”
Bio in brief: Riverina resident since 1979, retired senior lecturer at Charles Sturt University, long-term Greens candidate for Wagga and Riverina, chair of Multicultural Council of Wagga board, regular visitor to Palestine volunteering in refugee camps, former Wagga City councillor and deputy mayor, first openly gay person and Greens candidate elected to Wagga council
Priorities: Universal housing, environment, resourcing public institutions, cost of living, changes to pork barreling
Campaign in five words: A future for us all
Tom Arentz, Christian Democratic Party
“I’ve always been interested in politics...”
Bio in brief: Born and raised in Tumut, certified in building/carpentry specialising in drawing and estimating, long supporter of CDP
Priorities: Employment, after-hours policing in Tumut, improved care facilities for young people, assisting farming community
Campaign in five words: People, life, family, community, honesty
Paul Funnell, Independent
“I like to think I’m just an outspoken individual who is championing the cause for many people.”
Bio in brief: Currawarna farmer, married 24 years, father of four, current Wagga City councillor, fitter and machiner, self-declared conservative as they come but centrist in thinking, former national president Democratic Labor Party
Priorities: Health infrastructure, economic infrastructure, water, Local Government Act overhaul, second police station for Wagga
Campaign in five words: Fun, tough, hopeful, inspiring people
Daniel Hayes, Country Labour
“What I want to see is people thinking long term about Wagga. Not just ‘they’ve made enough noise, we better give them something’.”
Bio in brief: Psychologist, born and raised in Wagga, father of one, current Wagga city councillor, previously ran in 2015 state election
Priorities: Future-proofing Wagga, interconnectedness between regional centres, employment, cost of living
Campaign in five words: Schools, hospitals before Sydney stadiums
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