WHAT DOES PHILIP STAND FOR?
"I have spent over 16 years serving our community, and as Mayor, I’ve worked hard to bring real improvements to local infrastructure that benefit residents and businesses across our region. My focus has always been on lowering household costs, providing the infrastructure we need, and making our communities safer. I’m deeply committed to making housing more affordable, supporting our healthcare system, and standing against offshore wind turbines in Port Stephens to ensure a balanced energy future. As an independent, I’ve always worked across government to get results, and I’ll continue to be a strong, independent voice for the people of Paterson."
LIST OF ISSUES
Energy
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He’ll oppose Port Stephens off shore wind turbines and back a REAL energy plan for Australia’s future. One that’s properly costed and detailed, with a balance of options including existing mining and renewable technologies
Pensioners/Retirees
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Will back action to allow for pensioners to earn income without a cut to their pension
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Will back action to increase pensioner land rate subsidies, which Labor/Liberal haven’t increased in more than 30 years
Crime & Safer Communities
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Fund increased action to tackle community crime
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Funding to support safer communities
Education
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Invest in education
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Take action needed to build up our trades education levels for the future
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Invest in more local schools
Values
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He will support Australian values and oppose cultural division in Australia
Health, NDIS & Aged Care
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A strong Medicare with Urgent Care Clinics established in Port Stephens and Maitland
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Supporting our nurses, doctors and our most vulnerable
Infrastructure & Roads
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Labor has done little to improve our roads. Philip will fight for funding for vital infrastructure to act on our road congestion, old Maitland Hospital, and pursue funding for Labor Government properties like Walka Water Works and Maitland Gaol
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He knows how vital our tourism sector is in Paterson and will fight to support it and oppose actions that harm it
Reasons to support Philip Penfold
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There is a strong likelihood of a hung parliament / minority government as ALP only just hold a majority this term and the Coalition needs to win back 23 or more seats. That puts Independents in a strong position to influence outcomes and leverage their votes for our community’s best interests
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Philip is a proven, experienced and tested leader who has already achieved big things within this electorate. He’s been re-elected as an independent four times and has defeated the ALP and Liberals repeatedly in recent years
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For the first time, there is a strong, viable, third party independent candidate experienced and ready to take action
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With a proven track record of working with both sides of politics he is the person to put us first.
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As someone that was self-employed for decades, Philip values our small business community and knows their strengths and struggles
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We need to teach the major parties that elections aren’t just a binary choice. Make it marginal
and make them fight for it. Teach the political parties that Paterson will no longer be taken for granted
Testimonial
RYAN PALMER
Former Port Stephens Mayor
2017 - 2024
"Having worked alongside Philip Penfold through the Hunter Joint Organisation and in the neighbouring Council.
I've seen firsthand the leadership, integrity, and passion he brings to every decision he makes.
Philip is a tireless advocate for his community, unafraid to ask tough questions and push for real outcomes that benefit locals.
His ability to work collaboratively across councils while staying focused on the bigger picture makes him an ideal candidate for Federal Parliament.
Philip cuts through the noise and brings accountability back to representation - something we desperately need more of in politics. have no doubt he'll be a strong, effective voice for our region."