Following former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrisons' formal resignation in February this year to take on “new challenges in the global corporate sector” his seat of Cook will now be represented by Simon Kennedy who invites Greek Australians in the area to entrust him with their vote and make him their representative in Canberra.
Kennedy defeated three other candidates to win the Liberal Party's preselection to contest the seat of Cook held by Morrison with a 12 per cent margin.
"Our country faces real challenges. Households and small businesses are struggling with the cost of living under Labor.
"On average, households are around $130 a week worse off since Labor was elected, including many local families of Greek background who have made a great contribution to this community; and whose support I am hoping to receive this Saturday, April 13."
Kennedy can relate to the Greek Australian work ethic, and migration story following the post War period as he learnt those values from his mother.
"I learned the values of hard work and service from my mother who worked hard to support me and my grandfather, who served in World War II, and helped raise me.
"As your representative, I would stand up for people who work hard to get ahead and support those who give back to the community. Most importantly, I will always listen." adds Kennedy.
The electorate of Cook enjoys a high percentage of residents of Greek heritage, in some suburbs as high as 22%:
Monterey 22%
Beverley Park 22%
Sandringham (NSW) 20%
Kogarah Bay 20%
Kyle Bay 19%
Sans Souci 18%
Blakehurst 17%
Carss Park 16%
Connells Point 15%
Ramsgate 15%
Kangaroo Point (NSW) 14%
Ramsgate Beach 13%
Dolls Point 13%
Sylvania Waters 13%
Taren Point 11%
Sylvania 9%
Kogarah 7%
Miranda (NSW) 3%
Gymea 3%
Kurnell 2%
Following are the 6 candidates who have been officially declared for the 2024 Cook by-election.
- KOLHATKAR, Vinay - Libertarian
- BROWN, Natasha - Animal Justice Party
- WOODWARD, Roger - Independent
- MOORE, Martin - The Greens
- KENNEDY, Simon - Liberal
- GAGATAM, Simone Francis - Sustainable Australia Party
Voting on the day:
(Polling places open at 8am and close at 6pm sharp)
