Two people are in the running for Labor preselection in the division of Cowper.
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They are Port Macquarie’s Alastair Fournel and Andrew Woodward of Bellingen.
The Administrative Committee of the NSW Branch of Labor called for nominations. Eligible party members will vote on April 7 to decide the Labor candidate to contest the seat of Cowper in the next federal election.
Mr Fournel said he had ideas and vision, particularly in the area of business growth, that could benefit Cowper.
The retiree said he could totally focus on being an advocate for Cowper.
“Part of my strategy, if I become the candidate, will be to put myself out there,” he said.
Mr Fournel said while there were national issues, each area had its specific problems or problems important to those who lived there.
“It’s vitally important you listen to those people and you let them know what concerns them is important,” he said.
Mr Fournel has 30 years’ experience in the financial planning industry.
He cites among the issues as youth unemployment, job creation, affordable housing, domestic violence, climate change, renewable energy and homelessness.
Meanwhile, Andrew Woodward was a Labor candidate for the Sydney seat of Warringah standing against Tony Abbott in 2016.
His priorities are climate change, public services, advancing Australia and equality in regions.
Mr Woodward has 30 years of professional experience and two masters degrees.
He works in the climate change and sustainability field.
“I believe I have a lot to offer when it comes to understanding the big issue of climate change,” he said.
Mr Woodward said he had a lot of energy to campaign for the party in Cowper.
“It’s only when you go out there and talk to people and listen to people that you get a better idea on what’s on their mind,” he said.
The electorate stretches from Port Macquarie to Coffs Harbour.