AT A GLANCE
- Sitting member: Sharon Bird (Labor)
- Area: 519 sq km
- Margin: 11.3 per cent
- 2013 result (2PP): Labor 59.9%, Liberal 40.1%
- Sportsbet odds: Labor 1.001; Coalition 26.00; Green 51.00; Christian Democratic Party 101.00; Non-Custodial Parents Party, Science Party 151.00
WHERE TO VOTE (search suburb or scroll down for list)
CANDIDATES
Cath Blakey
BACKGROUND
I am passionate about the practical things we can do to have a sustainable, fair, healthy and beautiful place to live, work and play. I have a background in environmental science and education. I work in a co-operative business that sells locally grown and organic food. Fresh, locally grown food is good for the environment, good for our health and builds a more resilient local economy.
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THE PITCH
As the daughter of a steelworker, I know that Wollongong needs a better plan for long-term jobs and sustainability. Renewable energy will create jobs, and Wollongong is well-placed to develop the technology we need to make the world less polluted. Building on progressive community campaigns, I will stand for improved health and education funding, action on climate, and compassion for refugees. I will call for marriage equality, fair industrial relations laws, and hope for a treaty with the Indigenous nations on this continent, so that we can look forward to real reconciliation.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Climate change
- Public education
- Refugees
Nathan Waters
BACKGROUND
Futurist, entrepreneur and consultant whose current claim-to-fame is founding Hackagong, Australia's largest hackathon and maker community. Of all the candidates for Cunningham, I'm the only candidate deeply involved on a daily basis in technology, startups, entrepreneurship, innovation and community ecosystem development.
THE PITCH
The Science Party believes that our quality of life is improved primarily through technological developments, sourced through a scientific approach to knowledge in the context of democracy and peace.
Technological development is something that we can all be excited about and should accelerate to create a positive future for all people.
A future where people are healthier, wealthier, longer lived and more free.
By developing a strong sense of community and open collaboration across the entire Illawarra region we can leverage exponential technology, work together and collectively enjoy the fruits of our success in the global marketplace.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Opportunity (technology)
- Jobs (diversification)
- Together (business, academia and community)
Michelle Blicavs
BACKGROUND
With 27 years experience in small business and the not-for-profit sector, Michelle knows first hand the challenges and opportunities in Cunningham.
Raising two teenagers in Wollongong with her husband Martin, Michelle is passionate about creating a strong and safe community. Michelle has been a Councillor with Wollongong City Council for almost 5 years and works locally with the Top Blokes Foundation, supporting young men in our schools and other programs.
THE PITCH
As part of Malcolm Turnbull’s Liberal Team, Michelle wants to use her business experience and local knowledge to support jobs, growth and investment in Cunningham. It’s time for the people of Wollongong to have their voice heard as part of a strong, stable majority government with a clear economic plan for jobs and growth through a vote for Michelle Blicavs, Liberal Candidate for Cunningham.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Economic growth
- Creating jobs
- Support for families
Michelle Ryan
THE PITCH
I’m 23 and I am the Christian Democratic Party candidate for Cunningham. I have a background in zoo-keeping and retail, I have worked in NSW State Parliament as an assistant to Hon Paul Green MLC, and I am currently the Membership and Branches Coordinator for the Christian Democratic Party. If elected, I will work hard for Cunningham.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Definition of marriage
- Unemployment
- Roads and public transport
Sharon Bird
BACKGROUND
Sharon Bird was elected as the Federal Member for Cunningham in October 2004, November 2007, August 2010 and September 2013. Before entering parliament, Sharon worked as a teacher at local high schools and TAFE, as an electorate officer for Colin Hollis and as a project officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice.
THE PITCH
Our region has been through some hard times but is full of potential - it deserves a federal government with a commitment to steel and manufacturing and a plan for jobs backed by quality, affordable education at all levels as well as apprenticeships.
It deserves a federal government that will protect Medicare, not dismantle the system. It deserves a federal government that will invest in our road and rail infrastructure and deliver a real national broadband network suited to our modern needs.
Only Labor is offering the plans that will back our region and, for this reason, I am asking you to back Labor on 2 July.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Industry, business support
- Education at all levels
- Medicare, health services
John Flanagan
THE PITCH
I am the father of two grown-up girls. I am standing in Cunningham to highlight what I believe is the unjust family law system in Australia. The family law and child support system does not allow for a fair go in most of the cases. There are more than one million children living in single parent families. There are just as many other family members that are also adversely affected by the family law system. I want to ensure children maintain a continuing and close relationship with both parents, grandparents and other family members after divorce or separation.
TOP 3 PRIORITIES
- Fairer family law and child support legislation
- Affordable accommodation
- Australian-made steel