Former Cessnock resident John Brown has been named as the Greens candidate for Paterson in the upcoming federal election.
The Paterson electorate now includes Neath, Abermain, Weston and Kurri.
Mr Brown has strong connections with the Cessnock area going back three generations – his father Bob Brown and grandfather John Brown OBE are both former mayors.
Mr Brown and wife Sue moved to Maitland some years ago but still have many family connections in the area.
Both Mr and Mrs Brown have worked at The Advertiser and The Maitland Mercury.
Mr Brown said his top priority for the Paterson electorate is jobs.
“The obvious downturn in the coalmining industry is hitting local families and businesses hard,” he said.
“I’ve always believed in a just transition from coalmining to renewable energy, but successive governments have been letting us down.
“We have a skilled workforce that could easily transition into new jobs in the renewable sector.”
