The newly endorsed Liberal Party state candidate, pregnant Jaimie Abbott, has fired the first shots in what is expected to be a hotly contested tussle for the state seat of Port Stephens.
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Ms Abbott, who is president of the local Liberal Party branch and sits on Port Stephens Council as an Independent, said she felt privileged to be given the opportunity to represent the people of Port Stephens at a state level.
She said that her 10 months as a councillor had provided her with first-hand experience of communicating with people on the issues that affect them.
Needing a 4.8 per cent swing to wrestle back the seat lost to the ALP by councillor Ken Jordon at the 2015 election, Ms Abbott said the election campaign would be a battle over who could best represent the Port community.
Her opponent, sitting Labor MP Kate Washington, was diplomatic in congratulating Ms Abbott on her candidacy. “She’s heading into a marginal seat campaign with her first baby due in October. From experience, I know they’re both tough gigs, so I have a lot of admiration for her and I wish her well,” Ms Washington said.
“But it’s business as usual for me. I’ll keep supporting our amazing community and fighting for our fair share from this government.”
Ms Abbott said that, if elected, she would work with all three levels of government and could provide stronger representation across the Port.
“I will continue to put the community first and I won’t hesitate to call the Liberal government to account in the interests of the people,” Ms Abbott said.
“I have been very critical of the Berejiklian government over the Mambo wetlands sell-off, but the reality is the developer is just not interested in selling. As it stand the developer has had his development application knocked back by Port Stephens Council and we can only wait to see if he decides to appeal.
“On the duplication of Nelson Bay Road, I am pleased that at the last budget the government honoured a commitment to spend $70 million, with the section from Stockton to Williamtown airport being a priority.”
Ms Abbott, who with partner Matthew Bailey is expecting the couple’s first child in October, said that she was prepared to juggle family, work and politics.
“I see myself as no different to any other working mum in Port Stephens,” the 36-year-old RAAF public affairs officer said. “I am lucky to have a really supportive partner and we both have parents residing in the Hunter.”
Ms Abbott said that representing the people of Port Stephens at both state and local government level would allow her the best of both worlds and the freedom to vote in the interests of the community.
“That is one of the benefits of being a member of the Liberal Party. I can speak on issues from the heart and listen to residents’ points of view.”