Geoff Ward

Born at Condoblin 58 years ago, I have been married to Anne for 32 years and have three children.

I hold a Bachelor of Agriculture Science degree from Sydney University.

I spent the first half of my working life dryland farming wheat/sheep and six years as a partner in a rural supplies store.

We became part of the exodus and moved to the Central Coast 15 years ago, successfully establishing wholesale grain processing/distribution business from which I have recently retired.

The main reason I am a Democrat member and why I am supporting this Party by standing in Peats is that, since their establishment in 1977, they have always demonstrated that they are a party of social justice.

They have also proven themselves to be credible over a wide range of policies, from the environment to responsible economic management.

My basic political motivation is my belief that the underprivileged in our community, our nation and our world unquestionably deserves our support.

I see underprivileged children not given a chance in life because of inadequate funding of supporting organisations.

These kids did not choose their environment and should not have to suffer because of it.

I see people with mental, physical and learning disabilities.

Many of these people also had no say in their circumstance and should not have to suffer because of it.

I see many semi-volunteer organisations striving to help these persons but operating on a shoestring, hoping for the funding nod at election time.

As a volunteer for Aunties and Uncles, I see them as such an organisation.

They match disadvantaged children with community volunteers willing to act as their Aunties and Uncles to provide an extended family atmosphere.

Funding is very limited with 100 children on the waiting list on the Central Coast.

The coordinator for the southern region receives funding for just seven hours wages per week.

I see tight-fisted Governments supporting these underprivileged at the lowest level that is politically possible, with no regard to the rights of these individuals.

This lack of support for the underprivileged is not limited to the examples above.

On the Central Coast, poor bus services impact to the greatest extent on the underprivileged We can also include the growing lack of bulk billing doctors, the 12-year wait for public housing, poor access to emergency and ambulance services in some areas and the list goes on.

Greater support for the underprivileged costs money.

We can raise revenue by seriously cracking down on the tax evaders; we can shift the funding from the less needy, eg wealthy private schools.

Having sufficient Democrats in the Upper House is the key to ensuring greater support for the underprivileged.

Our lead Upper House Candidate is James Lantry, a 32-year-old family man, who is a staunch defender of community services.

When he is elected, he plans to make his home in the Hunter region.

He will then better understand the problems of our region, a change from the centralised governing we currently endure.

If you wish to contact me, please ring 0411 132 847

Geoff Ward, February 19