Breaking: Bill Shorten agrees deal with Tony Abbott securing Prime Ministership

In a move sure to send shock waves through Labor's true believers, Bill Shorten has struck a deal with Tony Abbott securing his support and becoming Australia’s newest prime minister. In return, Abbott will be named Deputy Prime Minister.

“People will be upset by this but in time they will see I acted in the best interest of my party and career,” said Shorten.

When asked if their polarising points of views would create obstacles in forming policies Abbott commented, “No, I don’t think so. Look there is almost nothing, probably nothing at all, Bill and I see eye to eye on, but this doesn’t mean we can’t do things, important things, things of benefit to both of us.”

10 August 2017

Local Activist to stand as an Independent for Inner West Council 

Photo: George Fetting

Fed up with the State Government’s assault on our local council, John Lozano has announced he will be standing as an Independent for the Leichhardt Ward in the September Council Elections.

John is passionate about democracy and first became a community activist when the NSW Government introduced the two for one business vote for the City of Sydney elections. “The next day, I volunteered to assist Clover get re-elected,” he said. The Community spoke. The Clover Moore Independent team enjoyed a landslide victory.

When the Ashfield, Leichhardt and Marrickville councils were merged in May 2016, and an administrator appointed, John was outraged. “If they can’t rig the votes, why not abolish it [Council] altogether? The administrator is an ex-director from the NSW Department of Planning and a consultant on council amalgamations. I was furious!” recalls Lozano.

“I noticed that the WestConnex route just happened to fit perfectly within our new council boundaries. I had enough. I couldn’t remain silent anymore.” 

Ever since the amalgamation John has been voicing concerns at council meetings. Speaking out over council’s inaction and calling out for transparency in negotiations with the State Government. “I’ve tried inducing in the unelected administrator the same passion for our issues we should all expect from our elected representatives,” he said.

John Lozano and Benita Collings at the WestCONnex Lantern Procession, 22 July 2017. Photo: Duncan Baxter

John has been an active speaker and supporter on behalf of numerous anti-WestConnex groups including speaking at the recent NSW Senate Enquiry into Tolls. 

“I’m passionate about democracy, public transport, sustainable development and listening to the community. I am not aligned to any party - a true independent.” 

The Inner West Community is set to undergo substantial changes under the State Government’s urban growth strategy. “Now more than ever, we need strong negotiators who will be passionate advocates for the interest of our community and not representatives of their party’s policies. I am looking to bring greater transparency to our council, reduce political influence and give our community true representation. 

For more information about John and his campaign, see johnlozano.com.au

John Lozano, Independent Candidate

Inner West Council, Leichhardt Ward

0468 384 527

In 2016 on the eve of amalgamation two motions were tabled. One expressing support for Woollahra Council’s legal challenge to their forced merger. The other seeking to join them.

The motions were lost.

“The case for mergers never stacked up. That’s why communities across the inner west did not want to merge, and why I voted in favour of joining other inner-city councils by challenging our proposed merger in the courts,” said one independent councillor. That was John Stamolis, who is now running as an Independent in the Balmain ward.

When council mergers rolled out across NSW two stood out more than others.