THE line-up of Candidates for the Federal seat of Lyne has expanded, with the addition of Independent Candidate Rodger Riach from Wingham who has confirmed he will contest the seat at the 2 July election.

The Australian Electoral Commission has now finalised candidates, with six people set to battle it out for the seat of Lyne.

The draw to determine the position on the ballot paper was conducted last Friday at Taree Electoral Office with four candidates in attendance.

Labor candidate Peter Alley drew the number one position followed by Greens candidate Julie Lyford in second spot.

Christian Democratic Party candidate Elaine Carter will be third on the ballot paper followed by Independent Brad Christensen, Nationals Dr David Gillespie and Independent Rodger Riach.

Early voting has commenced at Taree Electoral Office and will open on Monday 20 June at the Electoral Offices in Forster and Raymond Terrace.

Applications for postal voting close on 29 June.

On the streets of the Myall Coast, voters have mixed views about the issues they want politicians to address.

Health, employment, education, aged care, pensions and border protection have been hot topics of conversation.

Julie Hill from Karuah said employment was an important issue.

“I’d like to see more jobs created, particularly in this area where it is a big problem,” she said.

“Providing greater access to training opportunities is also important to help young people gain employment.”

Irene Worth from Bulahdelah said aged care was particularly important in the area.

“Everything relating to aged care comes under one umbrella making it difficult to get anything,” Mrs Worth said.

“There is also a concern about the long waiting times, the elderly should not be forced to wait for any length of time.”

More information relating to voting in the election can be viewed on the Australian Electoral Commission Website at aec.gov.au

 

Some public opinion from around the area – Tea Gardens, Karuah, Bualahdelah

Graham Halley – Tea Gardens: Stop changing Prime Ministers, I am sick of the revolving door. I want the Government to manage the country better and stop behaving like children in Parliament.

 

Geoff Mason – Tea Gardens: There’s been a bit of disparity with getting the economy up to scratch and the government has been using the lower end of the financial scale to make up for it. The government has previously hit the pensioners, so I believe that they should be treated equally and fairly. Both parties need to be a little more emphatic when it comes to those seeking asylum.

 

William Moncrief – Karuah: Politian’s are all tarred with the same brush. I’ve voted Liberal all my life, but a leader is a leader, they’re all the same.

 

Julie Hill – Karuah: I think employment is a big issue. I’d like to see more jobs created, particularly in this area where it is a big problem. Providing greater access to training opportunities is also important to help young people gain employment.

 

Irene Worth – Bulahdelah: In regards to aged care, everything comes under one umbrella. This makes it difficult to get anything. There is a concern about the long waiting times.  The elderly should not be forced to wait for any length of time. They are vulnerable people and should not be subjected to this.”