FRESH from being part of the Greater Taree City Council unceremoniously dumped in a swift State-forced amalgamation, Brad Christensen has set his sights on a new role - Member for the Federal seat of Lyne.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Christensen will run as an independent in the July 2 election, a decision he said was triggered by the desire of Lyne residents for representation from "real everyday people".
It's the first time that Mr Christensen has run for a State or federal position, but he said he didn't think a perceived lack of experience was a negative.
"We need some real everyday people, that's what I've been told by customers over the counter or down the street," Mr Christensen said.
Mr Christensen, who lives in Harrington, served as a Greater Taree councillor from 2012 until the formation of MidCoast Council on May 12.
"It was really shattering to get shafted the way we did," he said of the sudden amalgamation of Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Gloucester councils.
He said a lack of representation at State and federal level through the merger process was another reason why he has decided to contest the federal seat.
"I know the mergers are a State issue, but both our State and federal members haven't been seen in this debate.
"What I've experienced at council firsthand, with the lack of representation here, is a disgrace in my view.
"Not being disrespectful to the individuals who do (represent us), but in my view, if you're elected as an MP, your role is to represent all the people in your area."
Mr Christensen said funding, particularly in relation to roads and the connected ramifications for business and tourism, was the most important issue facing Lyne.
"Funding is the biggest issue here," he said.
"The process of Federal Assistance Grants (FAGs) being decided on population has to change, it's urgent."
Mr Christensen’s background in education, which saw him hold a position as an agricultural assistant at Chatham High, meant he viewed education as one of his key focuses.
“Flexibility in the system is a must in my view and one of my major issues,” he said.
Also nominated for the seat of Lyne at this stage are Labor candidate Peter Alley, Greens candidate Julie Lyford and incumbent member Dr David Gillespie of the Nationals.
Residents will have an opportunity to meet the candidates on Tuesday June 14, at a luncheon organised by the Manning Valley Business Chamber at The Waterfront Room, Taree, from 12.30pm.
On June 16 there will be another chance to meet the candidates at the Senior Citizens Centre on Hume Street, Gloucester, starting at 7pm.