Digby.wilson - Your Election Candidates - UK, Australia, Canada, USA and More - LykElect.com
Digby Wilson has positioned himself as a Labor Candidate for Lyne in the next Australian Federal Election in 2025. He believes his history, experience and community engagement will help everyone ... in the electorate should the electorate choose him as their representative. But who is he and what are those things that will help him be a better representative? Well, we found out.
Digby's Journey from Blue-Collar to Community Leader
Digby's career began as a hands-on blue-collar apprentice technician where he learned the value of hard work and capability. His journey has been marked by growth through roles emphasising leadership, community service, and collaboration. His volunteer work with the Rural Fire Service, St Vincent de Paul, and local sports clubs demonstrates his commitment to community.
In the telecommunications sector, Digby has not only excelled but also assumed significant leadership roles. His most recent position involved managing large teams of technicians across New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, totalling about 1,800 technicians. He also served as the Chair of the Emergency Council for these regions, coordinating Telstra's response during crises to ensure swift restoration of critical communications for affected communities.
"When people are cut off, they feel isolated and vulnerable. My role was to lead a company-wide effort to restore critical communications swiftly for those in need," Digby explains.
Despite his professional achievements, Digby remains deeply engaged in community service, volunteering at Vinnies and now serving as an elected Councillor at MidCoast Council, providing him with a broader perspective on local governance and community needs.
He grew up in Moruya, on the far south coast of NSW, spent 30 odd years in the city before returning to country life in Taree.
A Strategic Retirement
Digby chose to retire early at 53, based on long term planning resulting in financial independence. He says he plans well ahead and thinks about possibilities, risks and strategies to get him there.
"It took effort; we sacrificed a lot, penny-pinched, and chased cheaper rent to save and grow our savings. We still return our 10c bottles today because you need to respect money, it can do great things but only when you have it. I hated having live week to week so I was determined to do something about it." he reflects.
Digby and his partner bought in Taree in 2016, where they embraced the role of owner-builders, using his practical and pragmatic approach to life.
Personal Philosophy and Growth
Digby shares insights from personal adversities, particularly a transformative period in 2002, which taught him about emotional and social competence alongside his technical skills:
"I’ve had a fair bit of pain in my life, like others. In times of adversity, you learn the most about yourself," he reflects. This experience fuelled his curiosity about society, personal behaviour, and how to empower others through independence and resourcefulness.
Political Philosophy and Community Advocacy
Digby identifies as a 'Centrist', believing that practical, rational and community-focused solutions often lie between political extremes:
"They say Liberal Nationals are Right and Labor is Left, but I don’t think it's that straightforward. Some policies need a left tilt, some a right one, but I favour practical solutions over ideological ones," he states.
He supports Labor for its commitment to progress, nation-building and support for families and communities, especially in areas where market competition isn't viable.
"Our country doesn't have the population to support competition and capitalism in every postcode. Communities and families need support in health, aged care, education and managing living costs," Digby argues.
Why Politics?
Motivated by the lack of inspiration and selfishness in the political environment particularly from 2013 and the recent loss of his father, Digby entered politics not for fame or fortune but to serve:
"I’m seeking better policy for all of us. I don’t want to be on my deathbed questioning if I could have made a positive difference."
His vision for the Lyne electorate is clear - advocating for better health and aged services, more opportunities and addressing the rising cost of living:
"This electorate deserves a stronger advocate who truly understands and values our community," he asserts, aiming to bridge the urban-rural divide using policy.
2025 Election in Lyne
He stands as the candidate to fight for your community and your future prosperity. Elected to MidCoast council in 2024, Digby Wilson has a strong focus and background in community support, community engagement and business leadership.
He’ll build on Labor’s achievements that benefits you or your community, including:
HEALTH, HOSPITALS AND AGED CARE:
· Delivering $7 million worth of cheaper medicines across our communities, cutting the price of your prescription from $42.50 to $30
· Rebuilding Medicare with over 55,000 extra bulked billed GP visits locally
· Aged care reforms to deliver on 58 of the royal commission’s recommendations
EASING COST OF LIVING PRESSURES:
· Tax cuts to 57,000 residents, boosting the average take-home pay by $1,325
· Cheaper power, with energy bill relief for every household, while building a cheaper renewable electricity supply sooner.
SUPPORTING EDUCATION AND FAMILIES:
· Securing over 5,000 new fee-free TAFE enrolments across the Mid-North-Coast to train more nurses, healthcare workers, tradies and construction workers.
· Slashing HECS Debt by an additional 20%,
· Delivering more subsidised childcare, with three days per week to more families
By funding free TAFE places annually, slashing HECS, and delivering subsidised childcare per week, these aim to take pressure off students and working families.
Digby remains a grassroots candidate, his integrity and dedication to community service evident through his past roles and charitable involvements. His approach to politics is about bringing people together for a stronger, more equitable community.