FOR the first time, Bathurst residents will be asked to vote one for the Sustainable Australia party.
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The party, which is contesting its first election, has selected Bathurst's Michael Begg and Chris O'Rourke to run for the Legislative Council and the Legislative Assembly.
Mr O'Rourke said the party is from the political centre and isn't defined by a single issue.
At its core, it is "striving for an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable Australia".
"Our party takes a broad view. I know they say all politics is local, but I think our view is local and state, national and it is also international," Mr O'Rourke said.
"We're not just a single issue party.
"We take a long-term view of things."
In Bathurst, Sustainable Australia's candidates want secure jobs, better housing, support for small business, help for farmers and to protect the environment.
"I was once a member of the Liberals and the Nationals," Mr Begg said.
"I've always been an environmentalist, in making sure we use our resources responsibly sustainably, but the Liberals and the Nationals have lost focus on that.
"They changed the law on land clearing, which was one of the factors that made me leave the party."
For farmers, Mr Begg wanted to see subsidies on farming infrastructure and agreed that there needed to be assistance for farmers to take up sustainable farming practices.
Sustainable Australia hopes to effect change from the crossbench, where it can put its support behind legislation believed to have merit.
For that reason, the party generally won't be telling voters how to rank their preferences in the election.
But the Bathurst candidates are realistic about their chances of election.
"It's unlikely that Michael will be elected, we know that, but we're here to raise our policy issues," Mr O'Rourke said.
While Mr Begg added, "If all the planets aligned and people for some reason voted for me, it's likely to be a very closely run thing, the election - it could go to Labor, it could go to Liberals - and crossbenchers and independents will play a big role in the future."
Bathurst residents are encouraged to get in contact with Mr Begg and Mr O'Rourke to discuss any issues before casting their votes.
People can call Mr Begg on 0488 574 048, while Mr O'Rourke can be reached by emailing sustainableaustbx@aapt.net.au.
Voters can also visit www.sustainableaustralia.org.au for more information about the policies of Sustainable Australia.
- The NSW election will be held on Saturday, March 23.
