LIBERAL candidate for Paterson Karen Howard said working with small business would be high on her to do list if she's elected, to deliver more jobs.
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"We first have to recognise for all the hard work and good intent youth unemployment isn't moving in the right direction," she said.
"We have to move in a different direction, one that gives youths the opportunity to contribute and gives business the opportunity to grow."
Ms Howard leases serviced offices in Newcastle and has served on the board of the Newcastle Business Chamber as well as the Westpac rescue chopper. She floated a hands-on approach to the employment challenge.
"Part of the role of a good local member isn't just about relying on government policies it's getting out into the community letting young people know what opportunities are available," she said.
From her chamber experience Ms Howard said small business was often too busy to across all the government programs available. This included the PaTHways program announced in the budget focused on training and paid internships.
"I want to make sure young people in this electorate gain the maximum benefit possible from projects like this," Ms Howard said.
The Liberals turned to Ms Howard when the party's sitting member Bob Baldwin had a change of heart on seeking reelection.
While her Labor counterpart has enjoyed a head start Ms Howard said she's enjoyed the challenge so far.
"If you like talking to people and listening, it's great," she said.
"The hardest part is not being able to fix people's problems there and then - politics is the place to make change."
Vacy-raised and Maitland-educated, Ms Howard has led a varied work-life. From an admin assistant in a plumbing shop, to small business proprietor leasing office space, she's learned "you're not given anything, you have to earn it".
While a campaign office is on the cards she’s led a "mobile campaign" where she's listened to voters.
"Around here the safe borders is a really big issue on people's minds. When you start having a conversation with people their position on this becomes clear really quickly.
"I'm very proud of our policy, it's proven and tested. Having said all of that Australia is a big country and if we safeguard our borders we can spend more money on proper immigration and policy to support it.
"I haven't come across anyone that has disagreed with me on that."
