The Daily Advertiser is profiling each of the people vying to win the seat of Riverina at the May 21 election.
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To help you get to know them, we've asked some key questions - including why they're standing, what they believe are the biggest issues in need of attention, and what their key policies are.
Liberal Democrat candidate Dean McCrae, 41, is a former chef, pest control expert and courier driver who was born and raised in Temora.
Some of his strongest ambitions include ending the "hysteria" around COVID-19 and climate change, as well as reducing the amount of control the government has over people's lives.
How long have you lived in the Riverina?
I was born in Temora and when I was about 16 I moved away for various periods for work and education. I'd say I have lived there for most of my adult life but I officially moved back in 2019.
Why have you chosen to run for election?
Because I am severely opposed to all of the government overreach that has been exacerbated over the last two years. It has always concerned me but it has reached another level recently.
I also think we need as many alternative voices as possible.
What sparked your interest in politics?
When I was cooking in London I worked at a restaurant that was frequented by quite a few of the British MPs. Tony Blair, John Major and Margaret Thatcher were all regulars.
That definitely created a moderate interest and it certainly increased my understanding of politics.
Who are your political heroes?
I'm not going to say heroes but throughout history we've had some really great politicians who have stood up in the face of opposition and those are usually the ones I have the most affinity with.
What are the biggest issues/policies you're running on?
Freeing businesses from green and red tape and also I want to cut back the spending and scope of the government so they have less involvement.
I'd like a big focus on cheap and reliable energy, and opening the door to talk about nuclear.
What does the Riverina need transitioning out of COVID?
The most important thing is reducing the cost of living and putting more money in people's pockets, getting them back to work.
What gives you hope running in such a safe seat?
We've all got to be realistic and say 'look it's one of the safest seats in the region, but it's still very important for us to maintain a democratic society and have different views and talking points'.
If people with alternative views are not brave enough to stand up and share them then we will stagnate as a society and in my view there's nothing worse.
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