By Rich Bowden:

As part of a continuing series on the issues facing voters in selected marginal seats, theangle’s Rich Bowden talks to Amy Bell, Independent candidate for the NSW seat of Macquarie, a seat held notionally by Labor by 0.1 percent margin after a redistribution. Ms Bell talks about maternity reform, local hospital staffing and her belief that Macquarie voters are looking for politicians to address local issues.

Rich Bowden: What have you found to be the main issues affecting Macquarie voters?

Amy Bell: As a mother and Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) volunteer, I have a lot of contact with mothers. The main issues affecting them are Birth Choices, breastfeeding support and public education funding and the unflued gas heaters [in local schools]. Also of concern is the nuclear transport through the Blue Mountains.

The Katoomba birth unit is still plagued by temporary closures (average 24hr a week), meaning transfer either by car or ambulance to Nepean or Lithgow through road works, tourist traffic and other delays. In addition, we have the second highest population of homebirth in Australia, and recently announced Collaborative Arrangements between Midwives and doctors (in the public and private sectors) are discriminatory at best, limiting a woman’s autonomy and giving doctors the power to veto, if a doctor enters into the arrangement- as there are no incentives in place.

RB: How will you respond to this issues?

AB: I am committed to ensuring the new government removes the Collaborative Arrangements, and will work toward a maternity reform that is woman-centred and supportive of home birth with an independent midwife. I am also aware that a solution to hospital staffing needs to be addressed, one which encourages staff retention. I have advocated for a primary midwife model to be used from Katoomba, and will continue to do so.

RB: Much media coverage early in the election campaign covered the concern of voters over the asylum seeker issue in western Sydney, has your research found this to be the case in the seat of Macquarie?

AB: In the Blue Mountains, of the people I have spoken with, the asylum seeker issue is not a concern for them, rather a solution that does not use detention and allows asylum seekers to be in society is the preferred attitude. Certainly, it is my view that the major parties are playing on border security as an issue, when it is not as big a ‘problem’ as is being made out.

RB: How important will Independent and Greens preferences be in deciding Macquarie should you not win the seat?

AB: As the Independent I am hoping to apply pressure to the major parties to listen and act upon the issues I am raising.

RB: Have you noted any feedback from voters over the recent ALP leadership change?

AB: The Gillard take-over has had some negative responses, and even conspiracy theories, [however] most women I speak with are disappointed that the first female PM came into power in this manner, and feel ripped off by it.

RB: Do you believe Macquarie voters will vote primarily on local or national issues?

AB: I think the Blue Mountains has a keen sense of community, which Bob Debus did not address. I think the voters are looking for someone who will represent them as a community, on the local issues.

RB:  Will the lack of a policy on an emissions trading scheme from both parties affect the vote in Macquarie?

AB: I think so, I believe we have a very environmentally aware community, with strong sense of the future.

Tags: amy bell, breast feeding, election 2010, home birthing, katoomba, macquarie marginal, maternity reform