Debrah Novak is a current councillor for the Clarence Valley Council and she has decided to run as an Independent for the seat of Clarence in the upcoming state elections.
What is your big number one issue that you’re looking at going into this election?
I wish it were that easy to just pick one. There are so many critical issues impacting so many of us in this state I simply don’t think I have ever seen it this bad. Deaths in custody, water security, inflation, climate change, homelessness, housing, health, education, emergency management and small business would be in my top ten.
What is your background – what did you study or train for? What skills do you bring to this?
I am a community advocate who has worked in rural media for 25 years as a press photographer, digital producer short film-maker. I currently run three farmers’ markets and am a second-term elected Councillor for Clarence Valley Council.
Skills I bring to the table include negotiating, business management, broad knowledge of our coast and country community, and advocacy.
What is your current job?
Media consultancy, farmers market co-ordinator, emerging beekeeper, elected Councillor.
Why is it important to you that you’re in Parliament?
As a community independent, I am a political disruptor who represents the collective voice of her entire community. The community needs a seat at the table.
Looking at the New South Wales Parliament at the moment what is the thing that frustrates you the most?
The constant lying, political donations, pork barrelling, lack of integrity and ethics and the pandering to global companies at the expense of ordinary Australians.
Do you support building on floodplains?
No
How would you address the issue of legacy floodplain approvals (developments that have been approved but not yet built, that are on floodplains)?
Buyback the zombie DA’s and rezone.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
