Steve O'Brien

We are experiencing climate emergency through beach erosion, flood risk in low lying suburbs and an ever-present bushfire threat. We also have a social crisis where many residents have no job security and struggle to keep a roof over their heads. We need a U-turn on many policy fronts.

I support making the big developers contribute to providing affordable housing, taxation of vacant residential properties and rent control. We need to hasten the transition from coal by planning to phase out the coal loaders and, to protect public health now, covering the coal wagons.  I am an active trade unionist, a good negotiator and a long term activist in resident and community groups and live in Newcastle East.

As a socialist I believe in putting people's needs before profits.