THE Liberal Party faces a tough battle to retain the seat of Rockdale after winning it in 2011 for the first time in 70 years.
With a margin of just 3.6 per cent, it is the government's seventh most vulnerable seat.
The major party candidates are the same as four years ago.
JOHN FLOWERS
Sitting Liberal member John Flowers, 61, is a Brighton-Le-Sands resident and has lived in St George most of his life.
He was a school teacher for 21 years and served for five years on Kogarah Council before moving to Rockdale Council in 2004, where he was mayor for 2½ years.
Mr Flowers said his achievements included being part of "a team effort" that gained St George Hospital a new emergency department and a further $300 million redevelopment scheduled to start this year.
A new pedestrian tunnel being built under the rail line at Arncliffe and the planned upgrade of Arncliffe railway station with four new lifts were other achievements.
Mr Flowers said construction of the tunnel would start in April and was due to take 15 months, while the station upgrade would begin this year.
"Our government has delivered sound economic management, fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget that has made NSW No. 1 again," he said.
Mr Flowers defended the electricity privatisation plan and said he believed there was "a strong desire in the community to achieve new infrastructure" and this was "a sound way" for that to be realised.
As for rail timetable changes, which disadvantaged Rockdale commuters, Mr Flowers said he would continue to listen and lobby, but he believed "the people of Rockdale understand [the changes] are part of a bigger picture to increase the capacity of the network".
He said the Opal card was among major public transport improvements.
Mr Flowers said he hoped to be given another term in Parliament so he could follow through on initiatives he had begun.
STEVE KAMPER
Steve Kamper, 50, grew up at Sans Souci and has worked for 32 years in a Rockdale accountancy practice begun by his father. He is a father of five and grandfather, and lives at Taren Point with his wife Magdalene.
"I have door-knocked the entire electorate for the past 11 months," he said.
"I love communicating with people and it would be my absolute privilege to represent them.
"I have had 30 years in commerce and worked hard for my family, and now I would like to represent my community."
Mr Kamper said the "key local issue" was the redevelopment of St George Hospital.
"We worked hard to get a solid commitment from [former Opposition Leader] John Robertson for a $300 million redevelopment, well before the Liberals made an announcement," he said.
"If they have now made that commitment, I welcome it as a great outcome for the community."
Mr Kamper said concerns raised by voters included electricity privatisation, cuts to public schools, higher TAFE college fees and increased crime and antisocial behaviour.
"TAFE courses have been cut and fees have tripled for some students," he said.
"I got my start through TAFE so it is a 'sacred cow' for me."
Mr Kamper said the behaviour of "hoons" at Brighton-Le-Sands and other suburbs was "back to the bad old days, with people afraid to walk in some places".
He advocated a mobile police station for "hot spots" and more officers for the local area command.
Mr Kamper said Mr Flowers failed to deliver a promised new police station at Rockdale and voters were still waiting for his other commitments to be met.
Who will get your vote on march 28?
