Tamworth 2021 council elections: Labor candidate Laura Hughes wants there to be more transparency and simpler development processes

Standing on the Labor Party ticket, Ms Hughes is a big believer in "a fair go for all" and thinks that should start with Tamworth ratepayers.

"We want to at a local level get our money's worth for the ratepayer, to know what's happening with the money we pay to the council and if it's being managed wisely," she said.

"I really think we need open transparency, there are things we don't know as much about as we could - so I think it's really important that the nine councillors are really open and transparent with the community about the decisions they are making.

"I know that sometimes when questions are asked they aren't always answered."

Ms Hughes is focused on removing red tape and making development easier for mum and dad investors.

"I've had a number of people come to me who are concerned about how long it takes a property development to go through," she said.

"It is taking quite a long time, it seems like big developments get through in a reasonable amount of time, but individuals are finding it difficult to get their shed, outdoor covered area or extension through council.

"It's taking longer than it should."

Passionate about volunteering, Ms Hughes has involved herself in preschool committees, school boards, her church parish and counsels new mothers on breastfeeding.

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It's why she brought her volunteer badge along with her as her item of significance.

"I've been a breastfeeding counsellor for 28 years, and I'm an honorary member of the Australian Breastfeeding Association," she said.

"People often ask me why I'm still doing it when my children have grown up, but families in Tamworth still need help and that's why I still do it."

Ms Hughes said as a result, she knows how to work as part of a team, accommodate other people's ideas and opinions and work collaboratively even if you disagree. She believes this will make her a good councillor.

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