The Canberra Liberals have welcomed Mick Calatzis, a 40-year AFP officer, as their new Kurrajong candidate following Dr. Jerry Nockles’ withdrawal for a Senate preselection race.
Mr Calatzis, who is deeply connected to Kurrajong through policing and community engagement, aims to prioritise safety and business efficiency.
The Riotact reported that Opposition Leader Elizabeth Lee praised Calatzis’s local knowledge and commitment to the community, claiming he brought plenty of experience to the role.
“He is Canberran through and through, a father, grandfather, and somebody who knows the Kurrajong electorate incredibly well and has spent his entire life serving the community,” she said.
“It’s incredibly wonderful to see so many people from all walks of life put their hand up and be part of the Canberra Liberals team. We know that Mick will work incredibly hard as part of the Kurrajong and broader Canberra Liberal team to ensure that we see a change of government in October 2024.”
Mr Calatzis said he would campaign to keep Canberrans safe, further reflecting on the struggle of quality of life in Canberra due to the cost of living crisis.
“Business is about life, businesses is about commerce, and business is about getting people jobs, and businesses about having confidence,” Mr Calantzis said.
“Canberrans are doing it tough.
“I’ve never seen so many homeless people as well. And fundamentally, everybody in Canberra has a right to shelter, has a right to live a good life and to live a safe life as well.”
Due to his experience with police, he said he could make a difference in the development of policies.
“Well, it’s pretty simple. I don’t know Canberra, nine to five. I know Canberra 24/7, 365,” he said.
Ms Lee added that Mr Calatzis’s expertise would be valuable in policy debates, “ensuring that we are representing every corner of the community in terms of what their local needs are”.
Source: The Riotact.
