Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold announces Federal election run Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 19, 2025 Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold has eyes on a role in Canberra. AFTER “weeks of consideration”, Maitland Mayor Philip Penfold has officially announced his intention to run as an Independent for the seat of Paterson in the upcoming Federal election. Mr Penfold said he intends to offer voters “a clear alternative to the major parties”. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au “The seat of Paterson sits on a knife’s edge with a margin of only 2.6 percent after consistent swings against incumbent Labor MP Meryl Swanson, who has held the seat for nearly a decade,” Mr Penfold posted to social media. “I’m passionate about delivering key infrastructure and healthcare investment for our region. “It’s about time the communities of Port Stephens and Maitland had a viable alternative to the major parties. “The Liberals aren’t listening and Labor has no real plan.” Mr Penfold said his campaign will focus on cost-of-living relief, healthcare investment, infrastructure and industry growth, and “energy policy that works”. He also announced his opposition to potential offshore wind farms off the Hunter coast. “[I am] advocating for a balanced approach to our energy mix by ensuring we don’t diminish the mining sector and its jobs on our pathway to investments in cleaner, cheaper energy alternatives.” The serving Maitland Mayor has indicated that he would continue in both roles if successfully elected as Federal MP. “Rather than cause a by-election, I intend on completing the full term as mayor, while donating tens of thousands of my council allowance to local sporting groups, school groups, charities and not-for-profits. “These representative roles are complementary and most of the electorate that I already represent as Mayor will receive an enhanced level of representation when I represent them federally, if elected. “The Federal MP and Mayor go to many of the same community and government meetings and events together.” First elected as a councillor in 2008 and as mayor since 2021, Mr Penfold was born and raised in Maitland, studying at Maitland Boys High School and Rutherford High School. Mr Penfold is a Justice of the Peace, holds a Diploma in Financial Services and had a career background as a bank manager. The two term mayor is also a member of the Hunter Joint Organisation and Regional Cities NSW board.
