It has been the year for elections and the federal election is now three weeks away. Candidates have been announced and their position on the ballot have now been confirmed.
In the seat of Page seven candidates have put their hands in the air for your vote. In order of the ballot draw: Fiona Leviny, Independent; Alison Waters, Animal Justice Party; Peter Walker Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group); John Mudge United Australia Party; Daniel Reid, The Greens; Kevin Hogan, The Nationals; Patrick Deegan, Labor.
The following candidate profiles are in their own words, and the info was sourced online with links to their websites.
Fiona Leviny, Independent
Fiona Leviny says she believes in fair voter representation and that all levels of government should should work together to achieve the best outcomes for everyone. Ms Leviny acknowledges that climate change is real and needs to be addressed by governments to ensure a safe future for future generations.
A former Nationals member Ms Leviny is running as an independent.
Ms Leviny says the Nationals have moved too far to the right and like other major parties they put themselves and their party before the community they are elected to represent. She also believes that the Nationals are not planning effectively for the future sighting the current disaster that is unfolding in relation to water management.
Alison Waters, Animal Justice Party (AJP)
Alison Waters has an academic background in social work and is currently the acting manager of a regional women’s domestic and family violence service. She has lived and worked in the Page electorate since 2001.
Alsion says she is committed to social justice and supports the AJP’s core values of kindness, equality, rationality and non-violence resonate with her as a mother, animal advocate, vegan and social worker.
Peter Walker, Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group)
Information has been requested.
John Damian Mudge, United Australia Party
According to the United Australia Party website John Mudge is currently Partner and Head of Tax, Compliance and Legals with iBusness Group.
A registered tax and ASIC agent, he has previously worked as a public practice principal with Centennial Money Group and as an executive with the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Daniel Reid, The Greens
Daniel Reid grew up in Lismore and is studying politics and governance at Lismore’s Southern Cross University campus.
Mr Reid says he is standing in this election to make sure that Labor and the Nationals are held to account on environmental and social issues.
‘With over 10 per cent of the electorate choosing to vote Green at the last federal election, having a strong voice at the table to represent those people is vital,’ he says.
Kevin Hogan, The Nationals (sitting member)
Kevin Hogan is the sitting Nationals member for Page and has held the seat since September 2013. Prior to moving to the region, his wife Karen is from Lismore, he worked for Colonial First State before becoming a teacher at St Mary’s High School in Casino.
Kevin says on his website that he has always been committed to contributing to his local community. He has served on a local council Wastewater Advisory Committee, been Vice President of his local state primary school P&C, president of the local sports club, and coached junior sporting teams.
Kevin says he joined The Nationals because it is the only party solely dedicated to representing regional areas.
Patrick Deegan, Labor
Patrick Deegan is the Labor candidate for Page and lives in Casino. Patrick believes regional people deserve the same opportunities and services as those living in the cities.
Mr Deegan says, ‘The current government, with the Nationals’ backing, has failed regional Australia. Cuts to childcare, aged care, schools, TAFEs and universities, high unemployment, insecure work and wage theft must stop.’
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