The candidates, in the order their names will appear on the ballot paper:
- Gaye Cameron, Pauline Hanson's One Nation
- Nathan Hunt, The Greens
- Eleni Petinos, Liberal
- George Capsis, Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
- Jen Armstrong, Labor
- Nicholas Hughes, Sustainable Australia
The following profiles were supplied by the candidates:
Gaye Cameron, Pauline Hanson's One Nation
Gaye Cameron, wife – mother – professional.
Background both career and community is impeccable in terms of being a Professional in risk, security, emergency and business management, has worked in all levels of Government [Federal-State-Local], Private Sector including Tier One Corporations, the Non-for-Profit (Disability) sector, education and training.
Gaye has also during this time given 13 years service to the NSW State Emergency Service as a Volunteer, leading the City of Randwick SES Unit.
During her volunteering, Gaye supported communities including Sutherland Shire, during times of need such as flood, storms, fire and natural disasters such as the Thredbo land slide.
For this has been a recipient of many State & Community awards for recognition for her service.
Also highly educated and states “we are a lucky Country to have great education organisations to learn and many opportunities to grow”.
Gaye has completed a Masters Business Administration – specialising in Leadership and Sustainability; Graduate Certificate in Environmental Business Management; Graduate Certificate in Safety Science to name a few.
Gaye has also in her recent times, undertaken and qualified as a Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapy, and supports clients battling obesity, depression and anxiety.
Gaye resides in Sylvania and simply loves the Shire.
“As your Candidate for One Nation, in addition to our Policies, I will stand up and be a voice for you on state local issues which include but not limited to:
- Over Development and congestion in our suburbs
- Build up our trades –more Apprenticeships & Traineeships
- Improve Local Transport – buses & extend hours
- Hold down road-user charges
- Swim to live – all primary school children to learn to swim
- Aged Care – Carer to Client ratios now!
- Clean up our Water Ways & Re-Tree our streets/parks
- Education – Back to basics & remove socialist nanny state ideologies in the curriculum
Nathan Hunt, The Greens
I was born and raised in the Sutherland Shire, and I have lived and worked in the Shire for the last 20 years in Caringbah, Miranda and Yowie Bay and attending Burraneer Bay Public and Port Hacking High Schools.
Over this time I have had the privilege of benefiting from the Shire's economic environment, having been employed in several industries and companies in the Shire over my working life.
I have also had the privilege of enjoying the natural environment and it’s many wonders, from surfing Cronulla's Iconic beaches and reefs to boating and paddling on the Port Hacking and Georges River and exploring the Royal National Park.
I am running in this election to fight against Climate Change and to fight for clean renewable energy.
The best way to combat Climate Change is through a prompt and sensible transition to renewable energy such a shift will benefit NSW and Australia's economy, employment and future.
I am running in this election to bring planning laws the affect local communities back to local communities
I believe only the Greens have the policies to address these issues in a fair and effective manner.
Eleni Petinos, Liberal
Eleni was elected to the NSW Parliament as the Member for Miranda on 28 March 2015.
Prior to entering Parliament, Eleni worked in taxation. She holds a Bachelor of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Laws from UNSW, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
During the last term, Eleni has served as Chair of the Legislative Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, along with being a member of several other committees.
As a lifelong Sutherland Shire resident, Eleni is passionate about continuing to deliver improved local infrastructure and services to make Miranda an even better place to live, work and raise a family. Eleni’s priorities include:
- Infrastructure. Local residents want to spend less time commuting and more time doing the things that matter which is why the NSW Liberals will deliver Stage 1 of the F6 extension, upgrade peak service capacity on the T4 line by up to 30 percent and build a new commuter car park at Jannali Station.
- Cost of living. The NSW Liberals will deliver further cost of living support, like doubling our Active Kids Rebate to $200 per school aged child and providing energy rebates for self-funded retirees, so that there is more money in your pocket at the end of the week.
- Health. The NSW Liberals will build the $81.5 million Sutherland Hospital expansion and provide over 500 more nurses and midwives for our local health district so that there is help at hand when you need it most.
George Capsis, Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
I decided to stand to highlight issues of public concern and give the community an opportunity to use their vote to give voice to these concerns through other than the two major parties.
Also I hope to assist the Hon Paul Green to retain his seat in the upper house thus giving the CDP a continuation of two members.
My major motivation however is the rampant over development and inappropriate development of high rise units throughout the Shire and throughout Sydney.
The Woolooware Bay Sharks development is a case in point. These developments have choked our roads and generally eroded our way of life and our amenities.
It seems that the major political parties have sold out to the powerful building industry lobbies.
There is cynicism in the community about the role of these so called called independent Planning Panels who seem to be rubber stamping government rather than addressing the concerns of the local residents.
At my instigation Fred Nile tried to get an inquiry into the planning process but did not get enough support.
I believe there should be a temporary stop to current planning applications in the system so that such an inquiry can determine what reforms need to be implemented, such as handing planning back to local councils for determination.
Other State issues include the high cost of living in NSW such as expensive electricity and inflated government charges.
Mental health services need a boost of resources. I know this because I deal the homeless most of whom have mental health issues.
Education is another area of concern with questions about the standard of teacher training and the content of the curriculum.
As a Christian minister I am concerned about the erosion of Christian values which have served to make Australia a great, prosperous and free society which is the envy of the world.
My commitment of service to this community was acknowledged when I received my OAM in 2006. So it seems normal for me to serve the community as I have as a councilor and deputy mayor to now put my hand up again.
Jen Armstrong, Labor
My name is Jen Armstrong, and I am running as Labor's candidate for Miranda.
I am a mum of three, a foster carer and the 2016 NSW Woman of the Year. Born and bred in our beautiful Shire, I am passionate about local issues and will work to make the Shire an even better place to live, work and raise a family.
A survivor of domestic violence, I founded The Beauty Bank, inspired by the kindness of the Sutherland Shire Community. The Beauty Bank is a local charity that provides women, men and young people in need with the little luxuries in life that we can take for granted.
In 2016 I was recognised for my advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and was named the NSW Woman of the Year.
Like you, I am frustrated that we aren’t getting our fair share. Under the Liberals, development has exploded across the Shire yet we have missed out on critical infrastructure and essential services.
Our roads and trains are over capacity yet buildings keep going up. Something has to change.
I will fight to stop overdevelopment, upgrade local roads and improve public transport to ensure families can spend more time at home and less time on the road.
Labor will review the Greater Sydney Commission’s excessive housing targets, tighten controls on medium and high-density development as well as closing the loopholes that allow developers to spot rezone our suburbs.
The Shire community is one that I love and that has given so much to me. Now I want to give back to our community and be your Member of Parliament.
I am not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the work needed to help our community. That’s why on Saturday 23 March I am asking for your support.
