Newcastle: the good, the bad, and the ICAC

We live in an increasingly competitive world. If elected, how will the Member assist in making the Newcastle region more globally competitive? What ideas do they have in encouraging greater investment in research and development, ensuring that the health, education, manufacturing and mining industries are innovative and maintain their relevancy in the international economy?

In relation to the most contentious issue in the city, what is their position on the heavy rail line? Is it to maintain the line to Newcastle or cut it at Wickham? Do they believe the rail line should be cut before a viable alternative integrated transport solution is implemented? Is the urban renewal strategy predicated on cutting the line, which seems nonsensical and politically motivated?

In light of the findings at ICAC, does the prospective Member support a moratorium on the Newcastle Urban Renewal Strategy and truncation of the rail line until such time as an investigation into the Government's decision-making processes to ensure the outcome was not unduly influenced by developers?

If their position is to maintain the rail line and which results in business investment being withdrawn for CBD development, what is the contingency?

And with cost of living pressures on household budgets ever increasing, how does the candidate propose to minimise price rises, particularly in electricity, gas, and water, for the residents of Newcastle?

On the cultural front, are they committed to securing funding for the Newcastle Regional Art Gallery and strive to make the region a vibrant cultural hub? And with Newcastle recognised in the Lonely Planet's 2011 Travel guide, and the 2012 beneficiary of the International Festivals and Events Association's Festival City award, how do they plan to leverage this success and further promote tourism in the region?

On the environment, how will the candidate commit to protecting and sustaining our environment? How will they ensure the region adapts to the economic, social and ecological consequences of climate change, and balance immediate needs with nurturing our environment and natural resources for future generations?

On community and inclusiveness, how will they ensure the more vulnerable members of our community, be it the elderly and frail, those with a disability, or the unemployed are active participants in our community, are not disadvantaged, and not left further behind?

What are their position on same sex marriage, and the right to die for the terminally ill? And what of their position regarding the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program? Do they support the program or support removing the requirement for a religious affiliation, and restructure the program in a secular format with the need of relevant tertiary qualifications?

Will the impending Member support or reject pieces of legislation based on personal beliefs or on what the majority of their constituents support or believe?

Resilience seems to be synonymous with Novocastrians. Despite earthquakes, floods, the shut down of major industries, and political corruption as revealed by ICAC, the people of Newcastle have demonstrated their strength and tenacity in the face of these challenges. Novocastrians have an undying spirit and won't give up on issues and its people without a fight.

What is needed from Newcastle's next elected State parliamentarian is the same fighting spirit, to lead from the front, to fully engage and fight for the people of Newcastle, and leave no stone unturned for the betterment of the community.

That fighting spirit appears a trait currently lacking in the Liberal Party, who have abandoned their constituents and the people of Newcastle by not running a candidate at the upcoming by-election. It shows a total disrespect and disregard to the people of Newcastle. It seems the Liberal Party prefers to save face rather than have the stomach to face the voters of Newcastle.

The bar of expectations is set at a new high. The scrutiny on the next Member of Newcastle will be unparalleled. Every statement, every decision, every dithering will be magnified more so by an educated and knowledgeable public.

I leave aspiring candidates with a quote from Luke 12:48:"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."