Voting booths are now open, as New South Wales residents are taking to the polls today to shape their State Government for the next 4 years.
Democracy sausages are expected near the polls, which close at 6pm this evening – voting is compulsory for residents.
The main competition is between the current NSW Premier, and leader of the NSW Liberal Party, Dominic Perrottet and the leader of the NSW Labor Party, Chris Minns.
The Premier is hoping to retain his spot as the leader of the NSW Government, while the Opposition leader is hoping for the Labor Party to have a go in charge of the state.
Closer to home, the ACT’s neighbouring electorates of Monaro and Goulburn are also taking part in the votes, with representatives from a number of political parties throwing their hats in the ring.
Monaro
Image Source: NSW Electoral Commission
The Monaro district is the electorate that includes Queanbeyan, Cooma, and Bungendore, and it spans all the way down to the Victorian Border.
Former member for Monaro, Steve Whan, has put his hand up to run for the seat again, after last holding the reigns to the region back in 2011. He has been selected as the Labor Party’s candidate for the district.
While current member for Monaro, Nichole Overall, is vying to save her seat in the electorate. She’s been selected as the candidate for The Nationals. She originally won the seat during the 2022 Monaro State by-election, which followed the resignation of former member for Monaro and Deputy Premier, John Barilaro.
There are a number of other parties with members on the playing field for the Monaro district. Jenny Goldie is the Greens’ candidate for the seat, while Chris Pryor is representing the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party in the region. The Sustainable Australia party has a representative in the form of James Holgate, and the Legalise Cannabis Party’s Josie Tanson will have a place on the ballot too.
Independents are throwing their hats in the ring as well, with Andrew Thaler taking on the Parties for the seat.
Goulburn
Image Source: NSW Electoral Commission
Yass, Wee Jasper, and Godfrey’s Creek are just some of the regions encompassed by the Goulburn District. This also includes the town of, well, Goulburn. There is no shortage of candidates vying for the seat of the region.
Representing the Liberal party for the Goulburn electorate is its current seat-holder, Wendy Tuckerman. The former Boorowa Mayor won the seat in the 2019 State elections after Pru Goward, the former member for Goulburn, made the decision to not compete for the seat.
While Michael Pilbrow is the Labor Party’s choice for candidate in the region. The Yass local has stepped into the world of politics, after having run a business in the region for more than a decade.
Representing other parties in the region include Gregory John Olsen, who’s representing the Green’s party in the Goulburn District, while Margaret Logan will be flying the flag for the Sustainable Australia Party. Representing the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers party with the hopes of winning the seat, is Andrew Wood.
For more information on the 2023 NSW State Election, check out the official website here.
Get more of the latest news right here and stay up to date by subscribing to the Canberracast
