Grayndler seat candidates confirmed

Lawyer and university lecturer Dr Cedric Spencer has been confirmed as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Grayndler at this year’s Federal election.

He joins the Greens’ Hall Greenland as a competitor for the seat traditionally regarded as a Labor stronghold, which is currently held by Anthony Albanese.

If elected, Dr Spencer hopes to “bring back wealth and prosperity to our local community”.

“By abolishing Labor’s carbon tax and reducing red tape we can support local employers to create jobs and drive local commerce,” he said.

“The previous Liberal Government left our economy in good shape, with consumer and business confidence high. Today our country is in debt and I am concerned about the legacy we will leave our children.”

Born in Singapore, Dr Spencer works as a pro-bono legal advocate at Marrickville Legal Centre along with his profession as a lecturer at the Australian Catholic University.

Dr Spencer also wants to foster closer ties with Asian countries and promote multiculturalism. “There are opportunities for us as a region to explore, including reinvigorating the export education industry,” he said.

As the Minister for Infrastructure, Mr Albanese has been billed as the frontrunner for the Grayndler seat. If re-elected, it will mark his 17th year in Federal Parliament.

Mr Albanese went on the front foot immediately, challenging Dr Spencer to appear at a candidates forum.

“I welcome anyone who decides to put their hand up to take part in the very important democratic process which will take place this year,” Mr Albanese said. “I trust that, unlike previous Liberal Party candidates, Dr Spencer will attend and participate in the candidates forums which will be held closer to election day.”

After completing a term at Leichhardt Council, Mr Greenland now hopes to break into Federal politics. The Walkley award-winning journalist and historian believes the local community shares the Greens’ values.

“I believe that the Greens’ goals and policies are what the world needs right now, and that they reflect the hopes and beliefs of the majority of voters in Grayndler,” Mr Greenland said.

“I think this is true whether we’re thinking of big picture issues like climate change and social justice, or particular issues like a proper mining tax or a fair deal for single mums or moving the airport.”

Mr Greenland has a long-term involvement in the community as the President of Friends of Callan Park, and has been involved in campaigning on urban environment issues for 40 years.

“If I was elected, the voters of Grayndler could be guaranteed that they had a member of parliament that represented them rather than a party machine or faction,” Mr Greenland said.