It seems that when the seat of Bunbury swings, the government swings with it. With the retirement of John Castrilli, there are eight fresh faces vying for the seat.
- 1. Ian Morison (Liberals)
Bunbury lawyer Ian Morison has been selected by the Liberal Party as the man they want to continue the work done by John Castrilli. Mr Morison is passionate about fixing the scourge of methamphetamines in Bunbury, reducing the regional road toll and completing the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project.
- 2. Sam Brown (PHON)
Mr Brown is a a FIFO rigger and scaffolding worker who has been a long time member of the One Nation party. He said Bunbury must fight its meth problem and ensure more local jobs are available. He also plans to start a foundation that financially supports the children of FIFO workers who have committed suicide.
- 3. Anthony Shannon (Flux)
Mr Shannon is a Perth computer technician who will run for the newly formed Flux Party. Mr Shannon, 21, said the party allows the public to vote for policies by using a secure app that polls members on key issues.
- 4. Michael Baldock (Green)
Mr Baldock is a structural engineer from Dunsborough who is passionate about job security. Mr Baldock said Bunbury and the South West must make a priority of securing the lions share of renewable energy jobs and opportunities in WA.
- 5. Aldo Del Popolo (MBP)
Requests from the Mail to Mr Del Popolo and the Micro Business Party for comment have gone unanswered. The party’s website said their members are predominately small and micro business owners who feel they are disadvantaged by both Labor and Liberal governments.
- 6. James Hayward (Nats)
Mr Hayward is the current Nationals WA president and a City of Bunbury councillor. He is a passionate supporter of the Royalties for Regions program and the Nationals proposed mining tax. Locally, Mr Hayward is committed to upgrading Hands Oval, the urban renewal of Withers and the establishment of the Safer Bunbury Taskforce.
- 7. Don Punch (Labor)
Mr Punch is seen as Labor’s star candidate and spent 18 years as chief executive officer of the South West Development Commission. Highlights of Labor’s Plan for Bunbury include a revitalised Australind train service, building a police station in Capel, developing a specific tourism package for the South West and an upgrade to Bunbury Hospital.
- 8. Bernie Masters (SFFP)
Mr Masters is a former Vasse MP and worked as a geological and environmental consultant. As a member of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, he wants to protect a land owners right to use their space for whatever legal use they see fit.