Dr Tonia Gray (centre, wearing glasses), with supporters at the launch of The Greens campaign for the Kiama byelection. Photo: Dr Tonia Gray 4 Kiama.
Former Shoalhaven City Councillor Tonia Gray says her first priority as the Greens candidate for Kiama is improving the supply of affordable housing.
The education professor, who was this week endorsed to stand in the 13 September byelection, believes it’s time for a new, fresh start in Kiama.
“For too long, Kiama has been represented by members from the two major parties who have really let down the people of this wonderful area. We can do better,” Dr Gray said.
“My first priority will be talking and listening to those people who are finding housing either challenging or non-existent.
“It’s vital that we keep pressure on the current Minns Government to provide more public housing.
“Kiama Council is currently demolishing an old council-owned nursing home at Havilah Place. This could be developed for affordable housing as well as hub-style accommodation for those Kiama residents who are sleeping rough.
“Kiama is a lovely area of NSW and we can have a strong voice in the NSW Parliament to tackle issues like housing affordability, the continuous threats to our environment, affordable and quality early childhood places, and the need to step up for all those doing it tough across our region.”
Dr Gray said NSW’s health system was beyond breaking point and Kiama residents were facing understaffing and long waitlists.
“We need the resources to provide the best health care we can, both here in Kiama and across NSW, but the major parties are refusing to invest in the staff and infrastructure needed,” she said.
She has also called for more government and community-run early childhood centres in the area to provide better accessibility and more affordable and quality options.
“We should demand funding for world-class education, public housing, hospitals and make public transport free,” Dr Gray said.
“We need to tackle the coming climate crisis by rapidly transitioning to renewable energy and public ownership of key energy assets and we should protect our precious natural environments and productive agricultural lands.
“Electing a Greens member for Kiama means that we can be a force for good for our region and we can pressure the Minns Labor Government to go further and faster on delivering on the big issues like tackling the cost of living, climate change and protecting the places we love.”
