See their responses in ballot order below, or browse the region’s other seats as details are published.

Age: 52

Party: Labor

Biography: Sharon Claydon is a fifth generation Novocastrian and was elected as the Member for Newcastle in 2013. Before entering Parliament, Sharon worked in remote Aboriginal communities and the community-based disability services sector. Sharon is a strong advocate for social justice, equality and sustainability. In Parliament, Sharon is Deputy Chair of the Social Policy & Legal Affairs Committee, whose recent work included a major inquiry into surrogacy arrangements in Australia. Sharon is also a member of the Indigenous Affairs & Public Works Committees, Chair of Federal Labor’s Status of Women Committee and Secretary of the Sustainable Australia Committee.

Why voters should choose you: I’ve had thousands of conversations with Novocastrians about the things that matter most to them and their message has been loud and clear. They want a government that puts people first. Elections are always about choices and priorities, and at this election Labor is offering Novocastrians a real choice. A choice on a properly-funded Medicare, on Australian jobs and infrastructure, on fair taxation, renewable energy, a real NBN and importantly, on quality education. When last in Government, Labor delivered more than $2 billion of investment into Newcastle. A Shorten Labor Government will build on this record by investing in the next stage of the Glendale Interchange, which will create 10,000 new jobs and deliver $780 million into our regional economy; putting high-speed rail back on the agenda, a project that will turbo-charge our economy; and, we will fix Malcolm Turnbull’s mess of the NBN. Labor’s delivery of the Gonski school funding reform on time and in full, will invest an extra $33 million into our local schools and we will always fight to protect Medicare. On July 2 I’m asking that you vote for a Labor Government that will always put people first. 

Your stance on Republicanism: I am a proud Member of the Australian Republican Movement and along with the majority of Novocastrians, voted for a republic in 1999. It is time for Australia to be independent, to set its own path in the world and become a republic. We should have our own head of state and stand equal with other nations.For the first time we have leaders of both major parties supportive of a republic. Bill Shorten has made clear he would be happy to work with Malcolm Turnbull to make this a reality but, so far, Mr Turnbull has failed to act.

Your stance on same sex marriage: I have spent much of my life fighting discrimination in all its forms and this is the prism through which I view marriage equality. All people should be treated equally, regardless of who we are or who we love. It’s time for marriage equality in Australia - we don’t need a $160 million plebiscite to make that happen. I’ve spoken in favour of marriage equality in Parliament and in Newcastle a number of times, and I am very pleased that a Labor Government will legislate for marriage equality within 100 days of winning government.

Your stance on the environment: Labor will take real action on climate change. We have set out how Australia will achieve net zero pollution with renewable energy as its centrepiece. Our plans include sourcing 50 per cent energy from renewables by 2030 and creating 10 community power hubs to boost access to renewables for shared spaces, and social and public housing. Newcastle is well placed to benefit from a renewable economy but in making this transition Labor will ensure that impacted workers and regions like ours are never left behind. Labor is the only Party that can form government and deliver effective climate policy.

Name: David Compton

Age: 54

Party: Liberal Party

Biography: I’m a father, a business owner and a local and I’m standing as your Liberal Candidate for Newcastle. As a business owner, I know that investment in business means more growth and more jobs for local businesses and families. A stronger economy, means stronger local communities. And raising my family here in Newcastle, I want to see a safer, vibrant local community for my children. That’s why I’ve supported local community groups and used used my business experience and local knowledge serving on our local council. I want to give local families the best opportunities right here in Newcastle.

Why voters should choose you: Only the Turnbull Liberal Team has a Plan for A Strong New Economy and a Plan for Newcastle. I’m proud to be a part of that Team. Our Economic Plan will help Newcastle Businesses and families get ahead. Our innovation & science programme will help young Australians access the jobs of the future by boosting participation in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).  If Novacostrians vote for me, local businesses will benefit from new markets for their products through export trade agreements, allowing them to take on new staff.  Tax cuts will provide relief from bracket creep to hard working families, and small business. Our tax cuts will reduce the rate of tax for small businesses to 27.5% on 1 July. Small businesses are the engine room of our economy, and as a small business owner, I know what small businesses need.  I’m asking you to vote for me, to stick to the Turnbull Liberal Team’s plan for a strong new economy in Newcastle.

Your stance on Republicanism: The question of an Australian Republic generates strong opinions on both sides of politics. There has been much debate in the past, and an unsuccessful referendum. A successful referendum on the Republic needs to be community-driven. We need to ensure that we bring all Australians together, that there is an appetite for change. The Turnbull Liberal team’s view is that the best time for a referendum on the Republic would be at the end of the Queen’s reign.

Your stance on same sex marriage: The Turnbull Liberal Team will hold a plebiscite on same sex marriage after the election, if we are elected. This will mean that each and every constituent will be able to directly express their view on this issue. If a majority of Australians vote yes, the Parliament should respect that decision and legalise same-sex marriage.

Your stance on the environment: For the first time ever, threatened species have an Australian Government policy framework with hard and measurable targets. I am proud to be part of a team that appointed the first Threatened Species Commissioner in June 2014. A re-elected Turnbull Government will commit $20,000 to protect the Eastern Curlew in Newcastle, through the Threatened Species Recovery Fund. The funding will help the Hunter Bird Observers Club to restore critical saltmarsh habitat for the Eastern Curlew and other migratory shorebirds.

Name: John Mackenzie

Age: 38

Party: The Greens

Biography: Dr John Mackenzie is a resident of Tighes Hill. He’s father, a social scientist, a community campaigner, and a lifelong advocate of progressive politics, social justice and environmental sustainability. He has over fifteen years’ experience in academic, government and consulting roles, using his expertise in engagement and negotiation to bring communities together to find solutions to complex, divisive and intractable natural resource management problems. John has built a solid reputation as a local community organiser, leading campaigns for improved health regulations to reduce air and water pollution in our port and rail corridor suburbs, and opposing the fourth coal terminal.

Why voters should choose you: I am deeply committed to the sustainability, vitality and prosperity of this region, and I have a vision for our jobs-rich economic future. Newcastle is uniquely placed to play a globally significant leadership role in a clean energy transition and low carbon future. A clean energy future would renew investment in our region’s world-class manufacturing and energy industries, revitalise local business, cut pollution, and make our power supply more secure and cheaper. By directing funding towards research, innovation and infrastructure for the new economy, we can create a sustainable and productive region with secure jobs after the mining boom. To get there, we need to enhance our capacity for world-class innovation through increased funding for our research institutions, including the CSIRO, Newcastle University and Hunter TAFE. We need a jobs plan that focuses on the real work needed to retrofit our existing infrastructure for a just and equitable climate future, and delivers the joint benefits of environmental restoration and secure, meaningful employment. The transition to a 21st century economy means more resources to invest in the welfare of our communities and environment, and guarantees a liveable, safe and generous future for our city and its future generations.

Your stance on Republicanism: I support an Australia republic. The process of re-defining our national identity and sovereignty is an important opportunity and represents a coming of age for our country. But there is preparatory work to do to work toward nation-wide consensus. I support a staged process on implementation, which begins with on-line and in-person citizen forums in every state and territory to discuss the range of views and to explore a range of possible models. This process can inform a plebiscite, and ultimately a referendum to formally put a proposal for a constitutional change to the Australian people.

Your stance on same sex marriage: I support marriage equality. At its heart, this is a question of basic fairness for all people in this country, regardless of their sexual preferences. Marriage equality is an important step towards reducing discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex Australians in same sex relationships, and their families. A costly and divisive plebiscite is unnecessary and will compound the existing experience of discrimination of our LGBTI community. I support legislation that would remove discrimination from the Marriage Act and give same-sex couples the right to marry and to allow for overseas same-sex marriages to be recognised in Australia.

Your stance on the environment: The Greens were founded on a vision of a thriving, healthy natural environment, and this remains core to our political platform to this day. But the reality is that the negative impacts of global warming are already being felt. All of the major indicators of the health of our environment, including biodiversity, invasive pests and weeds, soil health and protection of freshwater are in decline and worse than they were when the Greens were established. To reverse the trend towards degradation and to pass on a sustainable environment to the next generation, Greens policies are needed now more than ever

Age: 27. 

Party: Democratic Labour Party.

Biography: Stuart was born and raised in the small country town of Scone. After completing his secondary education, he moved to Newcastle for University where he attained a Bachelor of Arts and completed his honours in Australian-Indonesian foreign relations.

Stuart currently manages a small tutoring business that operates in Newcastle and Maitland and is completing studying to be a secondary Mathematics and History.

Stuart is a Christian who is actively involved in the Newcastle Anglican Diocese. He is a firm believer in social justice and the rights of workers.

Why voters should choose you: Newcastle and Australia clearly need a serious political alternative to represent ordinary Australians.

The ALP has sold out to the radical Greens, while the Liberal and National Parties are too close to big business and have never represented Australian workers.

I am standing for Newcastle because I believe that the Democratic Labour Party is a serious alternative to the poor options currently offered to Australians. If elected, I will:

- Promote housing affordability, initially through seeking to restrict foreign investment in Australian residential property.

- Promote Australian manufacturing by seeking to ensure that Australian industry can bid on defence contracts and through protecting Australia from cheap and unethical imports.

- Promote Australian ownership of strategic assets, such as Ports like Newcastle and Australian farmland.

- Protect your children from "Safe Schools," which is not about bullying and is designed to indoctrinate children into the radical sexual and gender ideology of the Greens. I strongly encourage you to check out the material available online yourself.

Due to our preferential system, you can't waste your vote by voting for a minor party, so vote for the Democratic Labour Party and kick them both out!

Your stance on Republicanism: Call me old fashioned, but I am a monarchist and believe that we should maintain our links with the United Kingdom.

A politicised head of state is also terrible idea and every republican model that I have so far seen may lead to this. A politicised head of state has the potential to lead to a situation like that in America, where the president has far more executive power than is healthy for a Nation. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Your stance on same sex marriage: The DLP is for a binding referendum on same sex marriage, but will support a plebiscite.

I am against same sex marriage because I believe that all children should have a mother and a father wherever possible. Gay & Lesbian parents may be good parents, but two Mums can never take the place of a Dad, and two Dads can never take the place of a Mum. Children deserve the best we can give them and we should not deliberately put them in a position where they do not have a mother and a father, and there are other options.

Your stance on the environment: Protecting the environment and ensuring we are sustainable is important, but must be done in a responsible manner.

The decision by the ALP and Greens local council to divest from all fossil fuels last year was irresponsible and a slap in the face to the workers of Newcastle. To declare a complete lack of support for an industry that has provided so many jobs to Newcastle is extraordinary.

If we are to move away from fossil fuels, this must be done in a gradual and responsible manner.

The DLP is for an immediate moratorium on Coal Seam Gas.

Age: 45

Party: Drug Law Reform

Biography: My name is Karen Burge, I am a 45 year old grandmother who runs The Church Of UBUNTU Wellness Clinic in Hunter st Newcastle. I have been doing extensive research on Medicinal Cannabis for the past two years and healed my own body from the debilitating effects of autoimmune disease and a heart condition. I have decided to run as a candidate in the upcoming election because I want all Australians to have the opportunity to use this safe effective medicine that I and millions worldwide are having success with.

Why voters should choose you: Our party is a single issue party with the intention to have affordable access to cannabis for all Australians now. The current laws and regulations in place regarding Medicinal Cannabis mean that Australians still have to wait years to access this medicine. This is not good enough for the elderly, the sick and children with epilepsy and other debilitating illnesses. The majority of Australians can not wait another day let alone weeks, months or years. People are dying now while the world's safest natural medicine could be grown for FREE in all Australian backyards. Cannabis was the main source of food and medicine for thousands of years until the mid 1930’s because it was, and still is a huge threat to big pharma and multinational corporations. Cannabis and Hemp food is the most complete source of nutrition on the planet. It is a dietary essential not a commodity. Prohibition of this food source is a crime against humanity.

Your stance on Republicanism: I favour Australia becoming a republic. Initially governments were set up to represent the people, this no longer seems the case as our wants are needs are not being heard or addressed. Instead it seems big pharma and multi national corporations are the ones calling the shots. EVERYDAY, we put our health in the hands of the current system, and it is failing us, the evidence is plain to see because millions of Australians are SICK and getting sicker because of the manmade toxins "synthetics" in our diet and environment.

Your stance on same sex marriage: I believe in freedom of choice and same sex marriage. I do not believe it is fair to deny a committed monogamous couple the sanctity of marriage based on a hetrosexual relationship. Who has the right to judge who another can fall in love. I do not believe this is a call that the government need to take. This important decision should be left to each individual person.

Your stance on the environment: This is a serious issue! I believe Australia needs to become “NO FRACKING COUNTRY” and a hemp colony for us to have any chance of longevity for ourselves and future generations. Hemp has over 50,000+ uses and is a mop up crop that cleans up toxic waste. It is totally biodegradable and will allow our people to lead the way as a country that is self sustainable not to mention the multi billion dollar industries that this will create. Google hemp prohibition to learn the truth about the world’s most nutritionally rich plant for food, medicine, fuel and fibre.

Age: No response. 

Party: No response.

Biography: No response. 

Why voters should choose you: No response. 

Your stance on Republicanism: No response. 

Your stance on same sex marriage: No response. 

Your stance on the environment: No response. 

Age: 64

Party: Christian Democratic Party

Biography: I was born in Perth WA but I have made Newcastle my home, since 1980, where I met and married my wife, Mary; we have 4 adult children. While being trained in the automotive trade, these days I choose to drive a wheelchair accessible taxi. I am a member of ANEW church at Lambton a part of the Anglican tradition. My Christian Faith fine tunes my compassion which is why I enjoy helping the most disadvantaged in the community in my wheelchair accessible taxi, and in other ways. My care and compassion are the heart of my Christianity.

Why voters should choose you: My care and compassion for the most vulnerable is a strong reason why the wise will vote for me. My desire to fix the Williamtown Pollution, to make the NDIS deliver to all disabled persons without regard to age or disability, to have one law applicable all - including government, to deliver restorative justice, to balance relationships and defend marriage, to stop the selloff of Australia and Australian businesses, to stop the drain of blue collar jobs off shore, to bring a balance to mining – it must be safe and environmentally friendly, to tax all businesses and to deliver true financial accountability. To re-establishment of a strong moral code in our communities, where respect for each other becomes very important once again, so we will be able to get the domestic and community violence under control. To protect the retirement income of our pensioners, so their superannuation is not eroded and their family home not under threat. To protect the most vulnerable babies from abortions and the elderly from premature death via euthanasia and deliver palliative care funding increases. Stop the privatization and the excessive manipulation of the market place by big businesses. Only I will deliver!

Your stance on Republicanism: I do not support a republican model as the system we have is extremely good and if we would sit down and examine it in a balanced way we would find it is among the best models of government out there. Many who want to change have reasons that are less democratic and easier to manipulate. Note the concern many have concerning independents or minor parties. Our system need not acknowledge political parties but the major parties are threatened by that. Some are angry about the dismissal but correctly understood this proved that our system works and works well.

Your stance on same sex marriage: To much attention has been given over to the same sex marriage issue, while other things needing urgent attention are being set aside; this is never good. As to marriage itself: marriage is between is between one man and one woman and though others may want to change the situation this is totally unwise as it demonstrates a failure to understand marriage as it is. Other relationships need careful and defined discussion to determine the terms and conditions for these relationships so that before the law there is no distinction. The confusion of the sexual identity has only disaster ahead.

Your stance on the environment: The environment is a are of huge concern to me, as I grew up on a farm and I understand the bush and how it works. Our planet has huge capacity to correct the abuses that we force upon it, but as good citizens we should always do our bit to help. We should consume only what is necessary, reuse all we can, recycle all we can, pollute as little as possible, repair all the damage we can and to use renewable energy as much as possible. Williamtown demonstrates a total failure and must be fixed now!