Slamming launch
Slamming launch
February 28, 2007
Section: News
ALEX Darling officially launched his campaign for the seat of Shellharbour last week by slamming the Labor government for it's past management of the area and heralding himself as the "only viable alternative".
By running as an Independent Mr Darling said he will "keep the bastards honest".
He said his main focus would be on youth unemployment and this area's alarmingly high percentage of young people who are without work.
"30% youth unemployment is not acceptable, something is radically wrong," he said.
He plans to encourage more industry to the area, using government subsidiaries to do so.
"I want full-time permanent jobs for our youth, not pulling beers at the local of a Saturday night, I want them to gain skills and experience."
He also looks to further build our tourism industry and says the region could become the conference capital of the state.
"Our roads are an issue, most people who live in Shellharbour drive to work so we need a good roads system."
He said a birthing centre for the Shellharbour electorate is a big concern, as are "inadequate child-minding services" in the region.
"There is not enough child-minding places."
He plans to stay on as Lord Mayor of Wollongong saying if Clover Moore can be a member of Parliament and Mayor of Sydney, Australia's most populous city, he is certainly up to the challenge here in the Illawarra.
Mr Darling said he believes the election will come down to himself and the Labor candidate Lylea McMahon.
"I'm about getting a better local deal. I have the knowledge and I have the experience, that's what really counts. Without it you just can't get the results."
"I can tell you I will be taking the fight right up to the government, no matter who they are. I will be working for the best deal for the people of Shellharbour and as an Independent member of parliament the government will be forced to deal with me. I think we all know that when Shellharbour becomes an Independent seat the government will pour money and resources into it like there is no tomorrow to win it back."