Opinion

Listening to Kiama Community Radio’s interviews with the four lead candidates contesting Gilmore, it quickly became clear.

Some focused on immediate relief, such as cost-of-living measures, funding boosts and short-term incentives.

Others spoke about longer-term structural reforms.

Debbie Killian (Greens)

"If we keep choosing short-term fixes, we will never solve the real problems facing our community."

Maybe this difference says more about us than it does about the candidates. Feeding, clothing and housing our families is vital.

But it is worth asking whether we have become so used to short-term solutions that we shy away from deeper changes. Are we choosing the comfort of quick fixes over the harder path of long-term resilience?

Fiona Phillips (Labor)

"I come from a point of loving this community and wanting to genuinely see better outcomes."

It is not an easy choice. Both approaches have a place.

Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent)

"Real change happens when communities stop waiting for permission and start leading the way themselves."

The question is whether, as a community, we are willing to think beyond the next few years and what that could mean for the future of Gilmore.

Andrew Constance (Liberal)

"You do not have to always agree with the community, but you must always fight for them."

These differences in approach are worth considering carefully as we head to the polls.

If you're still deciding, or simply want to hear how each candidate explains their own values, Kiama Community Radio is giving voters a clear voice this election

In a crowded election field, it is easy to be overwhelmed by promises, flyers and slogans.

That is why Kiama Community Radio deserves real credit for their recent in-depth interviews with Gilmore’s leading candidates.

Fiona Phillips (Labor), Andrew Constance (Liberal), Kate Dezarnaulds (Independent) and Debbie Killian (Greens) were each given the same set of questions, covering topics like housing, healthcare, First Nations voice and climate action.

Each candidate was given time to fully explain their views without interruption.

If you have not yet made your decision, or if you simply want a deeper understanding of the values and priorities of your chosen candidate, listening to the podcast because you will not find a better way to compare their policies, their style and their vision for our region.

Good politics begins with informed voters.

Thanks to Kiama Community Radio, Gilmore residents have been given the tools to make thoughtful choices this election.

🎧 Listen to the interviews here

You can see the full list of candidates standing for the House of Representatives and the Senate in Gilmore by visiting the Australian Electoral Commission website