2022-12-01
The Greens NSW have today announced their candidate for the seat of Balmain at the upcoming state election in New South Wales.
Kobi Shetty will stand for the seat at the 2023 State election.
Retiring MP Jamie Parker has held the seat for the Greens for the better part of twelve years, after winning the seat from NSW Labor in 2011.
“We know that every vote is powerful, and we are taking nothing for granted in Balmain,” Jamie Parker, MP for Balmain said.
“A lot of people across the electorate have asked me how I feel about handing the reins over to someone else – well knowing what an outstanding candidate we have in Kobi – I am confident that the seat of Balmain, with Kobi as its new local Greens MP, is in really safe hands.
“No matter which party wins government in 2023, Kobi will hold them to account and push them further and faster on climate action, housing affordability, integrity in government and equality for all.
“We have just seen the Greens in Victoria consolidating and growing their vote in the inner city, as we saw at the last Federal election – this is a trend that we’re looking to replicate in NSW,” he said.
“I’m a long-term local resident, a mum to three kids and a passionate community advocate,” Ms Shetty said.
Kobi brings a wealth of experience to the role, currently serving as a councillor on the Inner West Council and with experience in both corporate and community settings. Kobi has spent her career working in the finance sector, specialising in fraud prevention and operations.
“My father was a firefighter for over thirty years, and his lifetime of public service inspired me to want to serve my community as well.
“Having children has made me even more determined to go to work for this local area and protect what is special about our community, not just now, but for future generations,” Ms Shetty said.
“Unlike Labor and the Liberals, I never have and never will take a political donation from a corporation. This means I will represent the community - not coal and gas companies, not gambling interests and not property developers,” she said.
“Jamie has shown that you don’t need to be part of the government of the day to really deliver for the local area.
“I am thrilled to take on this opportunity, to continue what Jamie has started, and work hard for the people in the seat of Balmain,” she said.
Media Contact: Andrew Bradley
e: andrew.bradley@nsw.greens.org.au
p: 0412 500 009