Candidates running for the seat of Hunter in 2016 include Labor’s longstanding member Joel Fitzgibbon, the Greens Peter Morris and Richard Stretton of the Christian Democratic Party.

All three candidates have been actively campaigning for the position, however prior elections have seen Mr Fitzgibbon come out on top.

Mr Fitzgibbon has served 20 years as the Member for Hunter as well as a range of other shadow ministerial positions however under changes that occurred in January 2016, the Australian Electoral Commission effectively abolished Mr Fitzgibbon’s seat.

It was then recreated and merged with the neighbouring seat of Charlton.

The local government areas of Singleton and Muswellbrook have been included in the updated Hunter electorate along with parts of Cessnock and Lake Macquarie.

The Upper Hunter Shire was also effectively abolished, and now forms a part of the seat of New England.

Also gone is Maitland to the seat of Paterson and parts of the Mid-Western Regional Council, including Rylstone and Kandos, will be in the seat of Calare.

Mr Fitzgibbon says he is confident about Hunter, however takes nothing for granted. 

“People are telling me their priorities are quality health and education systems and for young people to have a working future. These are my primary concerns too,” Mr Fitzgibbon says.

“I'm growing more confident about Labor's prospects for winning government.

“Malcolm Turnbull has been a great disappointment to most. They have changed Leader but all the Abbott policies remain.”

With the federal election fast approaching, it is in the electors’ best interest to be aware of the new boundaries and all running candidates before casting their vote.​