New Labor Candidate Announced

MELANIE Dagg has been announced as the new Labor candidate for the state election on March 23, following Martin Rush stepping down. (See related story: Race Over for Rush).

Ms Dagg is a 34 year old mother of two who studying law and is a first term Councillor in Cessnock.

Ms Dagg lives in Cessnock, outside the electorate but Michael Daley, NSW Labor Leader said she will be a strong advocate for the Upper Hunter and understands the issues.

“Melanie is deeply involved in her community and understands why splurging $2.2 billion on Sydney stadiums is the wrong priority for people in the Hunter,” said Mr Daley.

Ms Dagg said she was proud to be Country Labor’s candidate for the Upper Hunter.

“I’ve been talking to so many people across our community and everyone is in disbelief about the Liberal and Nationals have put developers and the privitisation of public assets ahead of the education and health needs of our communities,” she said.

“We need to return to power for communities affected by forced council amalgamations, ease the cost of living, re-regulate electricity prices and protect local jobs by stopping the casualisation of our workforce and reinstating penalty rates,” Ms Dagg said.