WITH state elections looming, candidates are throwing themselves entirely amongst their communities, making final pushes for votes.

Sarah Griffin, a long-time Willoughby resident, will make up one of these keen candidates, endeavouring to be Willoughby's first Labour electorate member in decades. 

Joining the Labour party four years ago off the back of ongoing federal issues unfolding before her, Sarah Griffin was approached by the local branch to run for Willoughby, something she hadn’t quite previously considered. 

“I’ve always been for progression and progressive politics, that’s just my core belief, so once I was asked and considered the position, I truly felt it was the right thing to do.” 

Passionate about giving those who deserve it a fair go, Sarah has worked to push for much-needed funding for both the Cammeray and Northbridge public schools. Stemming over-population and providing general classroom upgrades for local students. 

Sarah also wants to mitigate the teacher crisis facing many schools in Willoughby and throughout NSW. 

“Schools have a huge proportion of casual teachers, which isn’t stable for kids or the teachers. I know how hard teachers work and I know the level they operate at the time, it’s under-appreciated. We want to end the wage cap for teachers and all public servants, we want to convert 10,000 casual teachers into permanent, secure teaching jobs.” Sarah Griffin said.

Sarah also turned her attention again, to public servants in our hospitals, places where wage caps still seem to exist. 

“I have friends working in public hospital systems and I know how tired and worn out they are. Unfortunately, they’re also subject to a wage cap.” 

One of Sarah and Labour’s key future policies is abolishing the wage cap. 

“If it’s a way to make people leave the system they’re going about it the right way. It never fails to astound me that the government defends the wage cap on essential workers.” - Sarah Griffin. 

Taking a firm stand against privatisation, Sarah has also advocated for the scrapping of the ‘Beaches Link Project’ which would result in the demolishing of the popular Flat Rock Gully walking track. Sarah officially made a formal statement outlining her and Labour's intentions not to see the beaches link project go ahead. 

“Under Labour, the beaches link will not go ahead, that is a rock solid promise” Sarah Griffin. 

A policy that would also scrap the possibility of privatised tolls, money funnelling not to the taxpayer or the community, but rather sent to multinational corporations. 

“Again, it’s just unfair, we don’t rule out tolling, but at least when they’re in government hands you’re in control and the money coming in goes back to the public.” - Sarah Griffin. 

“Labour's fundamental belief is economic and social justice and a strong and productive economy that works for everyone, not just a few, privatising busses isn’t fair, and selling off toll roads to multinationals isn't fair.” - Sarah Griffin.

Running under the Slogan ‘A Fresh Start’ Sarah’s campaign officially kicked off on the 11th of February, ensuring her presence in the community has remained strong, whether at bus stops, train stations or even at various street stalls on the weekends. 

“I have to say that I have found the Willoughby people kind, civil, and just so well-educated. I  also love how multicultural Willoughby is, it enriches everyone when we have a truly multicultural society… and of course, it’s a beautiful place to live.” 

Sarah’s campaign will continue until the election date of the 25th, of March.