NEW MP FOR HEATHCOTE

Our new MP for Heathcote is Paul McLeay, having won the seat with 16,467 primary votes, or 18,684 on a two-candidate preferred basis (as reported in the Illawarra Mercury, 24 March 2003).

Mr McLeay was delighted with his result and had battled hard to dispell misconception that he was a “head office” impost, ousting sitting Member Ian McManus in the preselection. Mr. McLeay lives in Bundeena with his wife and daughter and we look forward to him representing us. It will be interesting to see what difference it makes, not having the sitting member living amongst us, as Mr McLeay will be the first MP living outside our area for more than two decades.

Local Liberal candidate Peter Vermeer gave Mr McLeay a good run for his money, polling 11,855 primary votes and 13,172 on a two-candidate preferred basis - a good result for a newcomer to state politics.

Mr Vermeer said “People responded to our positive campaign in which we led and others followed in local issues like keeping Lawrence Hargrave Drive open, school class sizes and saving teacher numbers at local schools.

I’d like to thank you, the many people who supported and encouraged me. While I won’t be your local member, as I’ve done in the past I will remain active in the area to ensure we get a fair deal for our local area”.