“People really aren’t satisfied and I think they’re angry with the state of politics in Australia at the moment,” he said.

“If you’re angry, there is an alternative and we’re not caught up in last century policies and billion dollar promises.”

Mr Brown said he was across the seat’s issues with family and friends in Port Stephens. And he’s cast a wide net talking to people.

“I’ve asked them what it is they want and it comes back to education and health,” he said.

“Education and health are major items governments spend money on and conversely, they’re the first two things that governments are quick to cut funds to.”

Mr Brown said he would advocate for increased public school funding as a supporter of Gonski. 

“We really need a better public school funding program than what we have now for the future of our nation,” he said.

“Medicare should also be maintained.”

On the topic of health Mr Brown said it was a particularly important issue in Port Stephens with its ageing population.

“We need to look after their health,” he said.

“We’re not at a crisis point yet but we need a plan.

“If elected I will be talking to the health officials in Port Stephens about their issues and what funding they need.”

The former journalist said he had spoken to people at the Raymond Terrace market days, knocked on doors at Medowie and mingled with people at Nelson Bay and Anna Bay.

“Health and education came up again and again but jobs is something I want to engage them in,” he said.

“Tourism is a huge employer, and future employer in Port Stephens.

“We understand tourism and the benefits to the community; it’s a great, environmentally friendly industry.”

Mr Brown recently attended a community forum on the Mambo Wetlands. He said the land sale was a threat to the environment and the area’s tourism.

“It is a state issue but it comes back to the environment,” he said.

“The state government is selling off things because they don’t have the money.

“On a federal level we can increase funding by closing the loopholes because big corporations should be paying taxes,” Mr Brown said.

Mr Brown said his party was yet to determine if it would direct preferences to Labor or run an open ticket.