Senator Lee Rhiannon has launched the federal election campaign of the Greens candidate for Hughes, Phil Smith.
The event took place on Saturday in Cooper Street Reserve, Engadine.
Senator Rhiannon is also contesting the August 2 double dissolution election, and is the party’s lead candidate in NSW.
Mr Smith, a Heathcote resident, had been an active participant in the life of his community for almost three decades, Senator Rhiannon said.
“Phil is vigorous in protecting natural environments and community amenity,” she said.
“He is an advocate for better governance and will be a vigorous representative for Hughes.
“Phil's experience, advocacy and communication skills will enable him to be on the front foot in pushing for good policies for Hughes and Australia.”
Mr Smith said he was “keen to give the Hughes electorate a choice of a party with policies that are coherent, connected, compassionate and visionary”.
“The other parties' policies are ragged at the edges from all the flapping in the wind of vote-seeking populism,” he said.
A biography provided by the Greens said Mr Smith had worked in sustainability education for 35 years, in schools, TAFE, community colleges, university and community.
He worked as a contractor in education, facilitation, program management, community consultation, evaluation and strategic planning. He has run mentoring training for adults and he is a writer.
Mr Smith also held education leadership roles in government agencies and NGOs (non government organisations), and had taken on leadership responsibilities in campaigns around water catchments, airports and the desalination plant.
“He is active in campaigns on climate change, free trade, nuclear waste and social justice and is currently working in a small team to have Royal National Park granted World Heritage status,” the statement said.
