LIBERALS candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves has defended her controversial transgender comments, in an exclusive interview with the Northern Beaches Review.
The embattled candidate has copped criticism from many sectors of society, over her now-deleted Twitter posts, in which she described transgender children as "surgically mutilated and sterilised", and said surrogacy was a "human rights violation".
Ms Deves alleges she has received death threats since her comments, with the matter now referred to the federal police.
When asked by the NBR if she regretted those comments, she answered: "I have apologised for the inappropriate language and the way that I communicated my arguments for the safety of women and girls".
The NBR has made multiple requests to the NSW Liberals for a phone or in-person interview with Deves, none have been accepted. A party spokesman said she would however answer questions via email.
Ms Deves, a Manly Vale resident and first-time candidate, moved to the northern beaches more than a decade ago.
In her written answers to the NBR, she said she was inspired to stand in Warringah, as it needed proper representation by someone who can affect real change.
"I was a practicing lawyer, so understand the processes and complexities associated with creating good policies and passing legislation," she wrote.
"I am passionate about supporting the recovery of our local businesses, making sure that we have the infrastructure that our community needs, and preserving our unique natural character.
Ms Deves said a Liberal MP could offer residents meaningful and substantive representation in federal government, and this would deliver the benefits of the Liberal Government's strong economic management to the community.
"As we continue to navigate our way out of the pandemic, we need people in our parliament who will drive measures that support a strong economy and a stronger future, which is what I will bring," she said.
Ms Deves also accused "the network of so called independents" for not having detailed policies or being true independents.
I have apologised for the inappropriate language and the way that I communicated my arguments for the safety of women and girls.
- Liberals candidate for Warringah Katherine Deves
"These are not true independents, as they are running only in Liberal seats - with the clear aim of unseating the Liberal government," she said.
"If the Simon Holmes à Court-backed group was genuinely independent, they would be running in other seats, like Sydney. By delivering a Labor-Greens government they will put our economic and national security in danger.
"They won't answer the most fundamental question of who they would support, in case of a hung parliament."
When asked if she had a chance of being elected in Warringah, Ms Deves said that's in the hands of voters.
"I am spending every day out in the community listening to the locals about their needs and aspirations, and talking about the impact of our economic situation on the local community," she said.
"Listening to the people of Warringah and hearing their concerns is my favourite part of the entire campaign. Between street stalls, bus stops, and meeting various groups, I have been incredibly energised by the many conversations with great local people and businesses.
"I'm really looking forward to continuing to get out and about and looking at ways to better support my local community on the issues that matter most to them and making sure their voices are heard."
Who are you anyway?
"I am a hardworking, professional mother of three busy little girls, helping my tradie partner with his business here on the beaches," she wrote.
"Our weekends are usually consumed by the children's sporting activities, otherwise we try to head out of Sydney to visit family and friends around NSW. When I do have spare time, I am a voracious reader."
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