Liberal cadidates for Dobell and Shortland

The Liberal Party has announced its candidates for the seats of Dobell and Shortland in the coming Federal election.

Brendan Small will take on sitting Member for Dobell Emma McBride (Labor) for the Liberal Party.

He is the managing director of a local manufacturing business, which was recognised as the 2021/22 Central Coast Business of the Year.

Small has helped to create local jobs while providing people with an Australian-owned and Australian made range of cleaning products.

He said he understood that small businesses and families in Dobell were struggling with the high cost of living and high interest rates and he would fight for a stronger economy with lower inflation.

Small has been considerably involved in the community.

This includes being an ambassador for Central Coast Kids in Need, supporting Give Me 5 for Kids, and helping sponsor the Central Coast Mariners and Woongarrah football clubs.

He has raised his three children at Jilliby with his wife Nancy.

In the seat of Shortland, senior mining and manufacturing executive Emma King will be the Liberal candidate, going up against long-time Labor MP Pat Conroy.

She said she intended to deliver a better deal for local families struggling to make ends meet as the cost-of-living crisis raged out of control.

She has been raising a young family at Eleebana with her husband and has been deeply invested in the community’s future.

“We have experienced first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with living, working, and raising a family in this vibrant community,” she said.

“Labor has failed our community, with their promises amounting to nothing.

“Prime Minister Albanese had promised cheaper mortgages, but an interest bill for a typical mortgage has risen $50,000 since the election.

“He promised that by 2025, household energy bills would be reduced by $275 – instead everyone is paying hundreds of dollars more.

“My career has given me insight into the importance of strong economic policies for growing local industry and job creation, and my husband’s small business has provided me with great motivation to fight for other local small businesses in our region.”

She said the Liberal team would focus on delivery of more infrastructure and housing and fighting inflation.