Meet Wollondilly Liberal candidate Nathaniel Smith

Related: Find your nearest voting booth for the NSW election

SHN: Why have you decided to run for the seat of Wollondilly?

I am re-contesting the 2023 election, for the state seat of Wollondilly because I believe only the NSW Liberal Government can deliver the vital services and facilities, that will make Wollondilly an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

SHN: What is your experience?

Before entering politics, I ran a successful plumbing business across greater Sydney, and have first-hand experience of the challenges in running a small business, and the importance of supporting small businesses. I have also completed a master's degree in Organisational Communications.

SHN: What are your priorities for Wollindilly and the Wingecarribee?

My priorities for the whole of Wollondilly are to support individuals and families with cost-of-living pressures, ensuring our community has access to world-class schools and hospitals and importantly fixing our roads - delivering improved roads, walkways, cycleways, and local road repair funding.

Ballot draws:

SHN: What is your stance on health in the region?

Over the last 10 years, the NSW Liberal Government and the South Western Sydney Local Health District increased its workforce by an additional 2864 full time staff - an increase of 33 per cent including 463 more doctors, 1356 more nurses and midwives, and 341 more allied health staff.

I helped secure the funding of the $55 million Bowral and District Hospital Redevelopment - Stage Two.

This major redevelopment has expanded clinical services and capacity, improved access for patients and future demand for services and updated essential back-of-house services.

The main works expected to be completed by 2024 include a new integrated allied health facility, back-of-house services, an administration unit, a new renal dialysis unit and a new central sterilising services department and pharmacy.

Part of this major redevelopment includes a $20 million Bowral Cancer Clinic, which means people can have chemotherapy close to home instead of driving up the Hume Highway. On top of this, the NSW Government will invest $3 million in our unpaid carers - those who provide ongoing care to people with a disability, chronic illness, frail age, or dementia in Wollondilly.

Other Wollondilly candidates:

SHN: What is your stance on education in the region?

The NSW Liberal Government has spent $190 million on schools in Wollondilly such as the redevelopment of Picton High, and the upgrade of Wilton Primary. Wollondilly will receive a further three public primary schools and a high school. This will include a new primary school at Wilton south, a new primary school in Wilton Junction, a new primary school at north Wilton, and a new high school at Wilton town centre.

This will encourage new families in our region and form part of the necessary infrastructure. We have also invested in the following programs:

I am proud that this NSW Liberal Government is investing in the future of our region - our children.

Read also: Gregory John Olsen stands as Greens candidate for Goulburn

SHN: What is your stance of roads in the region?

As part of a re-elected Perrottet Government, I will continue to fight hard for our area to be allowed to return our roads to state management. In the interim, I have fought hard for the NSW Government to provide $9.5 million to Wollondilly Council to repair our roads damaged by the floods last year.

SHN: What will you do for the people of Wollondilly and the Wingecarribee?

During my first term, I have overseen the Bowral and District Hospital Redevelopment and the complete rebuild of Picton High School. I have fought for households affected by mining subsidence and advocated for the development of local tourism including the rejuvenation of the Picton to Colo Vale loop line, agritourism, and the protection of our town's local character. I will continue to represent the men, women, children, and community groups of Wollondilly by working on improving local roads and boosting our local economy via tourism and job creation.

Read also: $20 million promised for stage two of Bowral and District Hospital redevelopment

SHN: How will you help tackle the cost of living affecting residents?

The NSW Liberal Government is doing a huge amount of work with Service NSW to reduce cost of living pressures. Programs such as First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme, Toll Relief, First Lap Learn to Swim, Back to School Vouchers, Active Kids Vouchers, Creative Kids Vouchers, Start Strong Pre-School, and the Family Energy Rebate.

SHN: What makes you stand out?

I am proud to be raising my own family in beautiful Wollondilly, providing them with world-class opportunities as well as open spaces to play. At the same time, I understand the ongoing struggles of all families, business owners, and young apprentices. I passionately advocate for their interests and am proud to be delivering the best services and facilities for all people in Wollondilly.

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