STEVE McMahon makes no apology for basing his campaign on two matters that are essentially the responsibility of the state, rather than federal, government.
The Labor candidate for Barton is promoting the need to redevelop St George Hospital and fighting proposed cuts to rail services to Kogarah, Rockdale, Kingsgrove and Beverly Hills stations.
"If there is an issue, whether it is federal, state or local government, that impacts upon our community I will stand up and do something about it," he said.
Mr McMahon, 36, was born in St George Hospital and is a life-long resident of the area.
He and his wife and their two young children live at Peakhurst.
After gaining a bachelor of economics degree, he worked in business banking and for former Oatley MP and minister Kevin Greene before taking on his present role as chief executive of the NSW Trainers Association, which represents horse trainers.
Mr McMahon served on Hurstville Council for 13 years and was mayor in 2011-12.
He retired from the council at the last election, saying he couldn't do justice to his roles of mayor, full-time worker and family man.
Mr McMahon said his decision to nominate for Barton followed a period of reflection after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, from which he has been cleared following surgery.
"I thought, 'I have had one scare, you only live once and you may as well make the most of life,' " he said.
"I said [to preselectors] if elected, I would not be sitting back, warming a seat and toeing the party line.
"I am not interested in being a minister or shadow minister, but being a good member for Barton and getting the things the electorate deserves.
"Win or lose, Barton will be a marginal seat for a long time.
"Now is an opportunity to make sure St George Hospital gets its fair share of funding.
"We have started with $22 million, and obviously we need to keep going; the Liberals have offered nothing."
From his campaigning, he had also found concern about the Coalition's approach to the Gonski school reforms and its promised paid parental scheme.
