Australians will go to the polls on Saturday 2 July to cast their votes in the 2016 Federal Election.

The Election will take place after an eight-week official campaign period and will determine the 226 members of the 45th Parliament of Australia.

A total of 150 seats will be contested for the House of Representatives.

Following the electoral boundary redistribution, residents in the Myall Coast Region will join 111,908 people enrolled to vote for the Federal Seat of Lyne.

Five candidates have confirmed they will contest this seat representing The Nationals, The Australian Labor Party, Greens, Christian Democratic Party and an Independent.

A ballot draw will be conducted on Friday 10 June to determine positions of the candidates on the ballot paper.

Voters will also determine the 76 members of the Senate and for the first time, Party logos will appear on the Senate ballot papers.

The Federal Election will take place at the beginning of the school holidays and Myall Coast residents can vote at any polling place in NSW.

Postal and early voting is available for those unable to attend a polling booth on the day of the election.

The Australian Electoral Commission advises pre-poll voting will open on 14 June.

Voting is compulsory for all eligible Australian Citizens.

To present the line-up of Candidates for the seat of Lyne unbiasedly, News of the Area asked each to provide a statement relating to their campaigns.

These were written by the Candidates or supplied by their office and have been published as they were received.

 

Dr David Gillespie MP,

Federal Member for Lyne

 

This election is an important one for our nation.

It is an election where you have a very clear choice and the ability to determine Australia’s future.

Australia just cannot afford a change of government at this time.

The Liberals and Nationals plan is focussed on creating jobs and growth.

We are using the levers of government to invest, while also encouraging the private sector to invest, in key areas of our economy to deliver more growth.

In generating more growth, we will help create more jobs and more revenue in which we can invest in key infrastructure and affordable services, while paying back Labor’s debt.

The Coalition is investing record funding for infrastructure, health, education, the environment and national security.

As a responsible government, the Liberals and Nationals Coalition will certainly not walk away from our obligation to get debt and deficit left to us by the former Labor/Greens/Independent Government under control.

The sooner we fix their mess, the sooner we can deliver more of our plans to make our nation an even greater country than it is today.

On Saturday 2nd July, I ask for your support to deliver our plan for jobs and growth and deliver even more prosperity for our nation.

 

Peter Alley,

Country Labor Candidate for Lyne

 

I joined the Labor Party over 20 years ago because the Labor Party is the party that brings the big reforms that are needed in our society.

Medicare, so that everyone has access to affordable health care.

Our Progressive Taxation System that provides that we all contribute to the commonwealth of the nation according to our capacity to contribute.

Compulsory Superannuation so that everyone can enjoy a dignified retirement.

Single parent pension to help this vulnerable section of the community.

The Snowy Mountain Scheme to supply irrigation to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and power from a renewable energy source.

In more recent times, Labor introduced the Gonski school reforms that ensures that every school in Lyne would be funded according to its needs.

A child in Bulahdelah or Tea Gardens deserves the same quality education as a child in North Sydney.

It is only a Labor Government that will deliver the Gonski reforms for the full 6 years and beyond.

The core plank of Medicare is bulk billing and it is under threat.

Only a Labor Government will ensure that bulk billing continues.

It is only a Labor Government that will help our nation grow and flourish.

 

Julie Lyford OAM,

Greens Candidate for Lyne

 

Julie Lyford OAM, Greens candidate for Lyne, is a strong, dedicated and experienced advocate for rural and regional communities.

As a former registered nurse, local councillor and mayor, Julie has extensive board and decision-making experience with Hunter Councils, Regional Development Australia (Hunter), Mid Coast Water, Upper Hunter Arts, Tourism and community committees.

The Greens are committed to a society that cares for everyone

Julie’s priorities are: Action on climate change with transition to renewable energy,

Public education and restoration of TAFE funding.

Public health, Medicare, NDIS and hospital funding.

Fair and equitable taxation reform.

Food and water security – sustainable farming.

Transparent and trustworthy political processes.

Federal recognition of Local Government with no forced amalgamations

Strong support for small/medium businesses

Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Ethical justice for refugees

We want to build and support progressive and resilient societies.

The communities in Lyne need to grab hold of new opportunities and business models.

We have the natural resources. We have the locations. We have the right people.

We are at the forefront of the global transition to a better social, economic and environmental future.

Let’s build clean energy now for our climate, jobs and the economy.

 

Brad Christensen,

Independent Candidate for Lyne

 

Government of this country is the largest and most important business we have.

Turning things around, socially & financially, will generate positivity in all areas of Australia.

It can start with this election.

My name is Brad Christensen, your Independent Candidate for Lyne.

Having lived on the Mid North Coast all my life, I know the area well.

Raised on a dairy farm instilled in me my genuine love for the land, farming and family.

I’ve been a dairy farmer, a small business owner for 17 years, GTCC Councillor and an Agricultural assistant at a local High School.

Issues of importance to me include:

Education: Subject flexibility at High School, Agricultural and Technical Colleges.

Rural and Regional Road & Infrastructure Funding: Current allocation criteria requires urgent attention.

Business: Promotion and support for our Tourism and all Primary Industries.

Government spending: We need to see results. All spending should be accountable, as it should be in any business.

Two of the issues that have been brought to my attention in the Myall Coast are the ongoing dredging of Corrie Channel and Sand Dune migration in Myall Lakes National Park.

I am committed to working closely with the Myall Coast Community on these and any other issues.

Being an Independent enables me to speak freely and vote on your behalf.

My decisions will reflect the wishes of my Electorate.

Any questions you may have please contact me.

Email: bradchristensen.ind@gmail.com

Ph:      0424 535 982

 

Elaine Carter,

Christian Democratic Party Candidate for Lyne

 

Dear fellow members of the electorate of Lyne,

As a Christian mother and grandmother I am concerned for the future of my grandchildren.

Our Christian heritage on which our nation was build is being attacked in parliament by the media and a noisy few. The traditional and biblical definition of marriage and family is under question.

I believe marriage is a sacred relationship for which God ordained for mankind so children can be nurtured, whilst also for help, comfort and companionship of a male and a female to live together in a lasting, loving, lifelong and faithful relationship.

As a Special Religious Education teacher over many years, I am passionate that chaplaincy and SRE continues in our

schools.

As a pastor’s wife I am praying that the freedom to worship and to employ people of like faith in our many and varied avenues of community ministry continues.

I am worried about the selling off of Australian assets and farming land to other countries taking jobs away from Australians and especially from our young people.

I encourage all to buy Australian made products and give our farmers a fair go, supporting them in times of drought etc.

By Daniel SAHYOUN