Going from working in IT to working in politics may seem like an abrupt career change, but it’s exactly what Mathew Graham plans on doing.
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The Queanbeyan resident has put up his hand to run as a candidate for the Liberal Party in this month's council election.
Mr Graham will be running fifth on the party’s ticket, the first time the party has run on an official ticket in an election in Queanbeyan.
Despite many council amalgamations in NSW being abandoned by the state government, Mr Graham said the merger of Queanbeyan and Palerang councils last year was an overwhelming success.
He said he aims to keep the merger between the two areas strong if he is elected to the 11-member council.
“The amalgamation of the two councils has been a huge success for the community,” he said.
“Our Liberal council team will ensure that this moves forward and continues to provide benefits for residents in the form of services and infrastructure.”
Mr Graham currently lives in Queanbyean and works as an IT security professional, having also received a Masters Degree in his chosen field.
While IT and politics may seem like two very different professions, Mr Graham said he is up for the challenge if he is elected.
“I feel really honoured to be part of the ticket that is going to bring good, responsible local government to the area,” he said.
Having grown up in the Queanbeyan area, Mr Graham said he’s been involved in several community groups over the years, also serving as a policy director the the Liberals over the border in the ACT.
He said his first priority, if elected, is to make both former council areas even stronger.
“One of our first tasks is the harmonising of the complex rating models across the two former councils into one fair system that can be easily understood by all,” he said.
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
