Vaucluse candidates’ top priorities – community, planning, justice

The Liberal, Labor and Greens candidates discuss their policy goals, political backgrounds and involvement in the electorate in a Q&A with ANNE SUSSKIND.

As the NSW state election looms, the Vaucluse political juggling game is hotting up. What was once a done deal for the Liberal Party feels a bit more fragile, with the surprising ascension of a Teal federally in Wentworth last year, and climate change anxiety remaining top of mind for everyone. As well, the conservatives’ fears of a radical Labor government under Anthony Albanese have not materialised.

Corflutes are everywhere in this most affluent of electorates as it searches its conscience, enjoying its privileges but also, in its more altruistic moments, comprehending the responsibility such privilege brings and trying to make its children one step better, more generous, kinder.

They are also more environmentally aware in a seat where Greens candidate Dominic WY Kanak points out his party has been runner-up in the past four elections.

The Jewish Independent Media published a lengthy profile on independent candidate Karen Freyer and asked for an interview with Liberal candidate Kellie Sloane, whose party has held the seat for generations. Sloane's office declined, saying it would like to respond in writing to written questions. In turn, the Q&A format will be extended to the other main candidates.

While this seat may be something of a weathervane about the national mood, the practicalities of a state election may also play a role. Preferences are not compulsory and could be the deciding factor if, as expected, the other three main candidates preference each other. The numbers are complex. But a close study might bring a “shiver down the spine” of the Liberals, says one political insider, who claims it would only take a 15% drop in the Liberal primary vote to see a “change of colour” in the electorate.