Gencher to contest Pittwater for Liberals

Michael Gencher has been named as the Liberal candidate for Pittwater, setting up a contest with independent MP Jacqui Scruby at the 2027 New South Wales election.

The NSW Liberals announced Gencher’s candidature today, saying the former Northern Beaches councillor, small businessman and not-for-profit executive had joined NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane’s team.

Scruby won Pittwater from the Liberals at the October 2024 by-election, making the seat a key target for the party as it seeks to rebuild across northern Sydney.

Gencher’s background crosses local government, small business, surf lifesaving and Jewish communal advocacy. He previously served as a Pittwater Ward councillor on Northern Beaches Council, worked in senior roles at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, and was appointed executive director of StandWithUs Australia in 2024.

Gencher said Pittwater had been overlooked by the Minns Labor Government and needed stronger representation on roads, transport, planning, cost of living and emergency preparedness.

“We have seen local roads deteriorate, bus services become less reliable, planning pressures increase, families and small businesses pushed harder by the cost-of-living crisis,” he said.

“Pittwater needs more than just a complaints desk. We need outcomes delivered and a government that prioritises this community.”

Gencher has also served as a Mona Vale Surf Lifesaver and has been involved with Neighbourhood Watch, Rotary, the RFS, Pittwater Tigers AFL, the Mentors Network and local sporting clubs.

He said safety had become a central issue for many Jewish families after two years of rising concern about antisemitism.

“I do not think the Jewish community is looking for perfect speeches from government. We have had enough speeches,” Gencher said.

“What people want now is simple. They want to feel safe. They want their children to feel safe at school. They want synagogues, Jewish schools and community events protected. They want police to have the resources they need. They want antisemitism called out early, clearly and without political hesitation.”

Gencher said Premier Chris Minns had “said many of the right things”, but argued the response should be judged on delivery.

“The question is whether the response has been strong enough, fast enough and practical enough,” he said.

“For many Jewish families, the past two years have changed how they think about politics. Issues that once felt abstract are now very real. Security matters. Education matters. Law and order matters. Social cohesion matters.”

Gencher said the Jewish community had never voted as one bloc, but many people were now asking whether a Liberal government would be better placed to respond.

“This is not about special treatment. It is about equal treatment. Jewish Australians should not need to beg to feel safe in their own city,” he said.

“Governments should be judged by what they deliver, not by how well they describe the problem. On that test, many people in the Jewish community are asking fair questions.”