Physiotherapist Sam Boughton will be the Labor candidate in next March’s 2023 NSW State Election.
Sitting Liberal Member Adam Crouch will be running for his third term, but Boughton says it is time for “a new wave”.
Boughton, who works in aged care on the Central Coast, went to primary school at Terrigal and Holgate Public Schools and finished schooling at Central Coast Adventist School.
He completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle and has gone on to work in public hospitals, private practices, and residential aged care facilities in the region.
Boughton has also volunteered at the Matcham-Holgate Rural Fire Service for many years and is an avid surfer.
He said he decided to run because “our education and healthcare systems are in crisis, our environment is not being prioritised, and the cost of living continues to go up under the current NSW State Liberal Government”.
Boughton said he wants to bring a fresh approach to the seat of Terrigal.
“I was raised here and have lived here my whole life; I know this area like the back of my hand,” he said.
“I decided to run for politics because I want to be a fresh change for this community.
“I have spent years working as a physiotherapist where I have met a range of people from across the community.
“I have heard what is important to my community; good schools, adequately funded and staffed healthcare, and the protection of our unique environment.
“If I am given the privilege and honour of representing our community and the people of the Terrigal electorate, I will be a fresh change that will never take this area for granted.
Terrigal is the only seat on the Central Coast, state or federal, which is held by the Liberals.
Labor MPs from across the Central Coast gathered at Terrigal Beach on November 26 to show a united team and endorse Sam’s candidacy.
“Sam is the kind of candidate that can bring a fresh approach to Terrigal,
Member for Wyong and Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris, said.
“This is a tired 12-year-old government that has run out of ideas and has overseen cost of living increases, shortages in our nurses and teachers and a massive housing crisis.
“It’s time for change.”
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said Boughton would bring the voice of the younger generation to NSW Parliament.
“For too long the people of Terrigal have suffered under stale representation and Sam represents fresh change,” she said.
Member for The Entrance David Mehan said it would be a tough election for Labor in Terrigal.
“We have never held it in its entire history; we are the underdogs,” he said.
“Yet, we will not let this dissuade our team and we will lead a strong campaign to gain the confidence of the people of Terrigal.”
Federal Labor MPs also lent their support.
Member for Dobell Emma McBride said she was confident Boughton would be a strong representative for the Central Coast and Member for Robertson Gordon Reid said the new candidate knows the issues that are important in his community.
“As an emergency doctor, I welcome another Labor candidate with a background in healthcare, which is an important issue on the Central Coast,” he said.
Sources: Interviews and Media release, November 26, 2022, Labor Central Coast MPs