Despite Labor’s landslide win in the recent State Election, Felicity Wilson and Tim James claimed North Shore and Willoughby for the Liberals.
Despite predictions that independent candidates would take out key seats on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, the teal wave of the Federal Election was not replicated on a state level.
Felicity Wilson and Tim James tell North Shore Living what they want to achieve in parliament over the next four years.
NORTH SHORE | FELICITY WILSON
Liberal MP Felicity Wilson has been in the seat since 2017. There was a 2.4 per cent swing away from her at the election.
I feel extremely privileged and honoured that the people of North Shore have entrusted me to continue to represent them in the NSW Parliament.
Over the past six years, I have worked and listened to the community, and I appreciated the community responding to that with their support. I have hit the ground running, and I am continuing to advocate sowe get the best outcomes locally.
People are concerned about the challenging economic conditions, whether that is through mortgages, the rental market or wider cost-of-living pressures.
Another concern is how we manage growth in our community. While we need more housing, we need to manage development and ensure density is done well. I was particularly concerned during the election campaign to hear the views of Chris Minns, now NSW Premier, on dumping density in our suburbs. I will work to prevent over-development in our area and be a voice to preserve the character of our villages.
There are a range of major infrastructure projects underway, including the Warringah Freeway Upgrade and Sydney Metro.
I have been working alongside the community to help minimise the impacts of these projects and will continue to be a strong voice for the community’s concerns.
Like many in our community, I am a working mum raising my two young children locally.
What I love most about this job is helping people and delivering meaningful outcomes for the community, while making sure that the people of North Shore have their voices heard when decisions are being made.
I am most proud of achieving record levels of funding for our local schools, with over $100 million invested to upgrade local schools.
I’ve also had the great privilege of stewarding major social reforms through parliament, which will have long-term benefits across our society. I co-sponsored the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021 and the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019, which saw the decriminalisation of abortion.
Felicity Wilson pictured here with her children, is urging more women to get into politics.
WILLOUGHBY | TIM JAMES
Tim James has cemented his position as Willoughby MP following a close battle in the seat’s by-election last year against Independent Larissa Penn, his closest challenger again in 2023. There was an 18 per cent swing away from the Liberals.
Willoughby residents want to preserve what’s precious about our local area.
This includes our natural environment, community spirit, local heritage and cultural diversity, while meeting the needs of growth to build for our future.
Tim James, pictured with his son, is dedicated to investing in affordable and accessible childcare.
Many people choose to live in Willoughby for its high-quality educational facilities in child-care, schools and beyond. Ensuring our local education institutions are constantly improving and fit for the future is a key priority.
Everyone in our community expects and deserves a high standard of healthcare.
I am championing local healthcare, including the need for the Royal North Shore hospital site to only be used for our future healthcare needs. I’ll continue to ensure we invest in our hospital, supported by over 10,000 new healthcare workers state-wide, as well as deliver a new ambulance station in Cremorne.
Willoughby residents are concerned about cost of living pressures and I will continue to call for government policies and programs that ensure a strong economy and help household budgets.
What I love most about representing my constituents is meeting and chatting with locals, whether it’s going out door-knocking, meeting commuters at bus stops, popping into local shops or attending community events. I am always keen to hear what people on the ground are thinking and talking about, and how I can best represent their interests and aspirations.
I am focused on transformative investments in local transport that make our lives easier.
This includes the opening of the Sydney Metro line to the CBD next year with local stations in Chatswood and Crows Nest.
To enhance liveability and promote a greener environment for Willoughby, I am committed to growing our green and open public places, including innovative new parks such as Holtermann Street Park in Crows Nest and an improved Artarmon streetscape.