#NSWElections2019: RAVNEEL CHAND of the Keep Sydney Open Party, Candidate for Liverpool

What convinced you to join the party of your choice?
There was no convincing necessary. I’ve been with Keep Sydney Open since our inception as a community organisation. Following every diplomatic channel, we learnt that not only were we being ignored, but so was the wider community. Uncovering these issues with the government who should be listening and working for us, forming a party and running for office is almost an obligation, one which I am happy to fulfil.

What strategy did you use to campaign for votes in the election?
We’re a fresh party, we’re a grassroots party, and we’re not typical politicians. These points also form the basis of our campaigning, and I think the public appreciates having a party who can honestly represent them.
What are the three main changes you wish to make if you are to be elected?
I encourage everyone to read the Keep Sydney Open policy outline. The changes we will make reflect the race we are running. We will remove opportunity and incentive for corrupt dealings and special treatment for special businesses. We will tear up the nanny state and restore civil liberties. We will make government fairer and more open to the public it serves, that’s the reader.
Tell us a bit about your background?
I was born in Fiji but grew up in Australia, and have lived in Liverpool for the last 21 years. I have a background in ICT engineering and have worked in the aviation industry. I am extremely passionate about volunteering in my community, with a particularly strong focus on drug and alcohol education. I’m also an avid skiier!
What do you think are the pressing needs of the Indian Australian community?
Indian-Australians are known to be lovers of live music. It’s how Indian culture is so strongly expressed. If festivals and their service providers are driven out of business, as is currently happening under the government’s festival policy, then it will become infinitely more expensive and difficult for Indian-Australians to put on live music events.
There is a lot of disillusionment with politics and politicians in current times – what needs to be done to change that public perception?
I absolutely agree with your complaint. Transparent processes and good governance is the only way to fix it. Put an end to backroom deals, projects without public business case and costing. It must be done to restore and maintain confidence.
Who are you inspired by?
I am inspired by Jon von Tetzchner. He is someone who has achieved enormous success in the technology sector (which I work in), with Opera Browser.  Under his leadership, Jon took Opera into a global company with more than 750 employees in 13 countries.
Opera was taken over and changed direction. He has now started a new browser, Vivaldi, as an independent business, in the same spirit as the classic Opera, that is, a product focused on and built for the user, and for every user.