Local Green groups have endorsed Lismore-raised Casino resident Daniel Reid as their candidate for the seat of Page at the next federal election.
While that could still be 12 months away, it could be held as soon as August this year.
The Greens ran third in the seat in the past two elections but more than doubled their vote last time around.
Mr Reid will stand against sitting MP Kevin Hogan while Labor has yet to announce its candidate.
The fourth generation son of the Northern Rivers has no illusions about his prospects but is pledging to hold other parties to account on climate change, human rights and political donations from corporations.
Cynical political games
Mr Reid said he was ‘brought up to believe in fairness and justice. The cynical political games being played in Canberra are failing Australian communities’.
He attended Wyrallah Road Public and Lismore High School before going to Southern Cross University where he is currently studying politics and governance.
Mr Reid says he is standing for parliament because he believes it’s ‘time to change the way government functions’.
‘It is clear that our government is controlled by vested interests – something that significantly compromises its ability to deliver policies and services in the public interest,’ he said
‘We urgently need an effective federal anti-corruption agency. The Nationals, Liberals and Labor are compromised by their large corporate donors, so cannot be trusted to govern in the interests of ordinary people,’ Mr Reid said.
Responsible development
‘The Greens are, and always have been, committed to responsible development that also protects the environment,’ he said.
‘I am serious about urgently tackling global warming, which he says is ‘accelerating and out-stripping our ability to respond.’
‘The Nationals and Liberals are not setting appropriate goals to slow it down. They are putting Australia’s future – my generation’s future – at serious risk. With the support of vested interests they have promoted reckless policies supporting coal and gas instead of encouraging the renewable energy industry.’
‘We are a large and diverse electorate facing many issues and opportunities. I grew up in Lismore, and love this region.
Fresh, progressive approach
‘I know how important it is to build and grow community and to provide adequate funding for health, education and childcare; to create secure jobs, and support businesses that don’t compromise our environment and wellbeing.
‘And we should not have to wait a minute longer for an NBN which delivers the high-speed, reliable internet coverage we were promised.’
Mr Reid says he will bring ‘a fresh and progressive approach to representing the people of Page in parliament’.
‘The Greens have a full range of policies created to deliver a progressive, stable economy that addresses inequality and global warming. We are a much fairer and safer bet than the old parties.’
The Page electorate stretches from the Queensland border to Woodenbong, including Nimbin, Clunes, Alstonville, Evans Head and Grafton and Alstonville. It bypasses Ballina (Richmond electorate) before following the coastline to Sapphire Beach and includes Nymboida and Bonalbo on its westerly border.
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