Alex Rubin has resigned from the military after a long career to contest the NSW seat of Lismore for the Nationals.
What is your big number one issue that you’re looking at going into this election?
”Water security, building a future-ready Northern Rivers that is drought-proof and flood safe. This is the key to all our futures. We live in both the most drought-prone and flood-prone areas of New South Wales.
‘We need to address the lack of action but it’s not too late. What people are saying to us is that we need to look beyond the next election cycle and take action for the next generation.’
People who aren’t members of Parliament would certainly get the impression
from watching the television that it’s a bunfight – Are you prepared for that sort of life in Parliament?
‘I am ready to stand up and represent our community with the values of honesty, accountability and transparency. I have experienced complex and agenda-driven negotiations while deployed with the UN in Syria, helping to keep two countries from re-escalating a centuries-old conflict.
‘There is always a pathway to peace and rational discussion toward an outcome where everybody benefits. I believe in our democracy but would like to see our processes and discourse retract from extreme ideologies and self-
serving agendas.
‘This is where I aim to make real change.’
What is your background – what did you study at uni? What did you train for?
What skills do you bring to this?
‘I was only 19 when I left to join the Army as a soldier. I always dreamt of being a pilot but did not have the school grades or money. So I did it the hard way, I went to night school to get the education requirements which enabled me to gain selection to train as an aviation officer.
‘From this, I learned that education is a lifelong journey. I now have a Masters Degree in Science and Technology and have trained to speak multiple languages.
‘After 26 years of military service and deployment to 19 countries, I have served as a peacekeeper, humanitarian, diplomat, and emergency responder. I want to bring my lifetime of experience protecting and helping people into the political arena. I am not a politician – I haven’t grown up as a political staffer or local councilor, but this is a good thing. My focus has always been delivering practical solutions – it’s how I was taught. I have lived by the values that “leaders eat last” and accountability is core to being a leader.’
What is your current job?
‘I was until recently, the Army Operations Officer for Northern New South Wales. However, under the Defense Parliamentary Act, I have had to resign from the military in order to run in this election. So I have taken a huge leap of faith, at great personal risk, it is like jumping out a plane without a parachute.’
Why is it important to you that you’re in Parliament?
‘It is important to cut away the interparty bickering, the ideology wars and have elected leaders focus on the actual role of politicians – serve their community. If we do not have change then we will just get the “same old same old” kicking the can down the road, with endless committees and discussions with no real outcomes.
‘I care, I listen and I want change for our future. I promise to check my ego at the door and fight for what our whole community will benefit from.’
Looking New South Wales Parliament at the moment what is the thing that frustrates you the most?
‘Everyone is telling us that they are sick of the retail politics and the mudslinging that we see every day coming out of State Parliament. People are losing faith and feel that the social contract with elected representatives is broken.
‘We all want to an end to the backroom deals, schoolyard bullying tactics, concessions and the tradeoffs. I would go as far as to say all of Australia has been suffering a leadership
drought for a long time. I am committed to open and transparent engagement based on rational evidence-based decision-making that is for the betterment of all people in Northern New South Wales.’
The Echo has asked all Lismore Seat candidates – Matthew Bertalli, Adam Guise, James McKenzie, Vannessa Rosayro, Alex Rubin and Janelle Saffin MP – to answer the same set of questions.
View candidate interviews here.
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