The Australian Labor Party has announced Patrick Deegan will be Labor’s candidate for Page at the upcoming federal election.

Mr Deegan is a social welfare professional who has dedicated his life to helping others, he has held management positions in the State Government and the community Sector. He has extensive experience in administrative and financial management, and was Labor’s candidate for Page in the 2019 Federal election.

“I’m excited to running for Page, and determined to give our region the voice in Canberra that it desperately needs,” Mr Deegan said.

“When people see my name on the ballot paper, they’ll know what they‘re getting: a candidate who understands them, who will fight for them, and who they can trust.”

Mr Deegan said “people across Northern NSW had faced incredible challenges over the past three years, including devastating bush fires, floods, and now the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“As we continue to recover from these natural disasters and prepare to move out of the pandemic, we also need to look ahead and rebuild for the future,” Mr Deegan said.

“That’s why we can’t afford to continue muddling through with a ‘business as usual’ approach.  The world is changing, and now – more than ever- we need leadership and courage from our politicians.”

“For example, the pandemic has increased the exodus of people looking to move from the cities to the regions – leading to soaring rental and house prices.”

“Many people who have never experienced homelessness and housing insecurity are now facing a crisis.”

“One of my priorities will be to ensure all levels of Government, service providers and stake holders to come together to find workable local solutions.”

Mr Deegan said “the Page electorate had been neglected by the Liberal-National Party Government for the past eight years.”

“We’ve seen funding cuts to schools, TAFE and Southern Cross University. Medicare is under attack, and working families and businesses are struggling.”

“Australia needs a new Federal Government, and I will be giving it everything to ensure that the people of Page have a strong and effective voice in the next national Parliament.”