Greens Launch Candidates For State Election
IThe NSW Greens have formally announced their candidates for the upcoming State election on the 25 of March. Upper House Greens MLC Abigail Boyd hosted the official launch at Ourimbah State Forest on 24 February, calling on NSW to continue the “Greenslide” of the 2022 Federal election and put more Greens in the NSW Parliament.
The Greens candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including education, activism and law, but share a passion for genuine democracy, action on climate change and cleaning up State politics.
Hilary van Haren – Candidate for Gosford
Hilary van Haren grew up on the Central Coast and now lives with her young family at Point Clare. Hilary is a lawyer and board director for not-for-profits, having previously worked for the NSW Government in disability inclusion, housing and planning. Hilary wants to see the next Government genuinely address the cost-of-living crisis here on the Coast.
“We’re seeing more people in the Region under pressure, but the major parties don’t seem to have a plan,” said Ms van Haren.
“The Greens will push to remove the public sector wage cap to increase incomes for our essential workers. We’ll reduce household costs by transforming public services and making transport, preschool and TAFE free. And we’ll stick up for renters on the Central Coast by freezing and cutting rents and banning unfair evictions.”
Imogen da Silva – Candidate for Terrigal
Imogen da Silva has called the Central Coast home for six years and is a committed community activist. She ran a successful campaign for the dog owners on the Central Coast, aimed at halting Council’s plans to introduce timed access to beaches. Imogen was formerly a senior research administrator in social health policy, health and citizenship. She has degrees in business and communications and is passionate about local democracy.
“An administrator has managed us for the past two years, and the community is calling for local representation. The administrator is not listening to the community’s voices. We have issues with potholes, dirty water, irresponsible dog owners and no support to address our concerns at the Council level,” said Ms da Silva.
“I have heard the community, and we’re calling for elections well before September 2024.”
Doug Williamson – Candidate for Wyong
Doug Williamson is a former teacher who wants to see NSW take real action on climate change by ending coal and gas by 2030. He is also passionate about closing the coal ash dams, causing residents’ health and environmental concerns.
“We know coal is on the way out, but Liberal and Labor have their heads in the sand. The Greens want an immediate end to new coal and gas and move to 100% renewables by 2030. We can do this while looking after workers and coal communities, but we must start now,” said Mr Williamson.
“I want all residents of Wyong, particularly those transitioning from coal and power industries’ to be safe and healthy and free from toxic by-products of coal and gas. The community has been crying out for change, but the major parties are protecting the interests of their mates in the coal and gas industries.”
Ralph Stephenson – Candidate for The Entrance
Ralph Stephenson is a former school teacher who has worked across the Central Coast and has lived in Bateau Bay for forty years. Mr Stephenson wants to see the next Government take teachers and students seriously.
“The Greens Education policy will push up wages for our exhausted public school teachers and make sure schools can give kids the education they need to thrive,” said Mr Stephenson.
The Greens don’t think education should stop at year 12, “Free TAFE will allow kids also to access the training they need to explore the world and prepare for whatever vocation they choose, without being burdened or stopped by student debt.”
