ELECTION 2016
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The Nationals’ candidate for Whitlam admits she isn’t a “polished politician”, rather a “caring person” who has more in common with you than meets the eye.
Bowral-born Jan Mandelson was preselected as the party’s federal election contender for the newly-named seat on Friday night.
“I know that traditionally it’s been a Labor-held seat but things are changing; the boundaries have changed, people are not as traditional voters as they have been,” Mrs Mandelson said.
“I’m hoping that I will pick up quite a few disaffected voters that don’t see, perhaps, our local member in our area as much as they feel that he should be there - this is what they’re telling me.”
The 50-year-old – who lives within the electorate at Shellharbour – described herself as a “completely caring person who has gone through all of the troubles local families are experiencing”.
“I, myself, have been a single mother at times and managed to put my children through school, so I have a sense of empathy and understanding,” she said.
“I think we’re going through some incredibly rough times at the moment and you need somebody there [as MP] who is a real person, a real local and understands the difficulties of my electorate.
“The National Party is a true family … and it looks out for the families.”
Mrs Mandelson’s priorities are small businesses, youth unemployment and youth suicide/mental health.
Her announcement as the Nationals’ Whitlam nominee came just days before Doctor Carolyn Currie quit as the seat’s Liberal candidate.
Dr Currie had been in the position for just 13 days and Mrs Mandelson moved to give electors confidence she was in for the long-haul.
“Obviously what’s happening with the Liberal Party is a matter for the Liberal Party. Our campaign is going forward as normal but I’m stepping up, I’m the Coalition candidate for Whitlam,” she said.
Mrs Mandelson worked on Angry Anderson’s 2013 federal election campaign in the then seat of Throsby, a role she described as “quite enlightening”.
The Liberal Party is expected to announce its new Whitlam candidate shortly.
WHITLAM ELECTORATE MAP