BENJAMIN Caswell is running as an Independent in the upcoming State government elections this March. You may have already met Benjamin in the community as he is a keen Berowra Bush Runner, he is a member of the Lions Club, Garden Club and a Toastmaster.

Benjamin has been working the education and childcare industry for almost two decades in the Hornsby electorate. He is a fourth generation Hornsby resident as his family settled here in the 1930’s. 

Running against Liberal incumbent MP Matt Kean, who is well known throughout Hornsby Shire and has been the sitting member since 2011, Benjamin offers a truly Independent choice for voters.

“I believe that your local representative should be for you first and all other interests second. With recent AEC donations released, we can see how politicians can be influenced by third-party’s in their decision making process and can be a conflict of interest. The recent Federal Minister who accepted donations from Sportsbet, a gambling company, is just the most recent example. I’ve been asked how truly independent I am when on the hustings or through emails. I’ll state clearly for the record now, I am not affiliated with any political party running in the NSW 2023 State Election nor any third-party organisation such as Climate 200. While I am more than happy to work with various people to achieve the best results for the Hornsby Electorate, I believe that keeping my independence will ensure that I can represent your interests first.” States Benjamin.

Campaigning on issues built from feedback from the community, Benjamin believes politicians need to serve the community first and not the other way around. “Please stop me if you see me around as I love having a chat and would be interested to hear what matters to you.” Remarks Benjamin. 

Issues that Benjamin identifies as important to Hornsby residents include:

• Environment (better systems, such as getting involved with a soft plastics program, better water management and safety)
• Housing (increase affordable housing set outside in the Hornsby master town plan and also room set aside for crisis housing)
• Health (commit to better ratios in nursing to make it in line with other states)
• Upgrade Local Roads to handle the increased traffic (extended turning lanes on Galston Road and Old Northern Road as examples)

“You forget how long it’s been when children you looked after years ago start working with you or even line up to vote! Today’s children are our future and I believe in investing as much as we can in them. They are also fragile as the take their first steps in this world and we need to be aware of their mental health. This is why I believe in extending free training for Teacher Supports in Classrooms as ratios between children and teachers continues to balloon.” Benjamin comments.

Benjamin also believes in the K-6 curriculum becoming more hands on to allow children to develop confidence and abilities in life. “I have seen the stress children have had to deal with in Year 3 worried about NAPLAN tests. That’s right, Year 3! I believe the NAPLAN test should commence only in High School. I also believe in greater access and funding for Vocational Education. As young adults start to spread their wings, we need to ensure they have the opportunity to try fields they are interested in that the traditional structure of school might not support.” Benjamin believes the Summer Skills Program and Smart and Skill Program should be extended to include school age students and be available in all schools.

“I’m excited to announce upcoming ‘Meet & Greet’ events across the electorate. I’d love for the opportunity to hear from you! Whether you’re in Brooklyn or Cherrybrook or somewhere in between, there will be an event near you. Visit my website for further information on dates and locations.”