As an experienced marksman on the world stage, it would be an understatement to suggest Dan Repacholi is used to a bit of pressure.

And, the 39-year-old realises he’s in the hot seat now after being endorsed by the Australian Labor Party (ALP) as the Hunter candidate at the next federal election following the retirement of enduring sitting member Joel Fitzgibbon.

But, like he’s done on many, many occasions as a national sporting hero, the Cessnock resident is ready to show everyone else what he’s made of.

“I must admit, I’m excited and a little bit nervous about the challenge,” said Mr Repacholi, who was personally sanctioned for the role by Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Mr Fitzgibbon himself.

“However, I’m really looking forward to getting on the campaign trail and showing the area what we can do and what we want to do.

“It wasn’t a hard decision to step into Joel’s shoes.

“I’d spoken to him many times [at functions] in the past about how the place is going and things like that, as well as the party.

“From there, it just progressed very quickly.

“I now have the opportunity to move forward.”

Mr Repacholi was quick to pinpoint “jobs” as the key to Labor retaining the Hunter seat.

“It’s pretty simple,” he said.

“Secure jobs, secure employment and secure workers for employers as well.

“At the moment, bosses can’t find good-quality tradespeople; and workers can’t find good-quality work.

“We need to look into that – and improve it.

“We’ve lost 143,000 trainee and apprentice positions under the current government.

“So, we must get them back.

“There’s a massive shortage all around Australia, not just in the Hunter.

“Every person you talk to, who runs a business, will tell you how hard it is to find employees.”

Mr Repacholi’s links to the mining industry will also hold him in good stead.

A fitter by trade and a former employee at Mt Thorley Warkworth near Singleton, he understands issues like “same job-same pay” and the casualisation of the workforce.

“It’s a similar concern for those people as everyday Australians,” the father of two daughters said.

“They want secure jobs for the miners and secure jobs for their families which, in turn, secures their towns.

“We boast a large area here in the Hunter – and we’ve got lots of people spread around a vast expanse, too.

“We have a beautiful place like Lake Macquarie; then you go all the way up to Muswellbrook with the mines, as well as all the subsequent businesses tied to that vital industry.

“We need to continue to look after all of them in the electorate – and build on it.

“Hopefully, we’ll work into manufacturing, too.

“That’s one thing the [COVID-19] pandemic can tell us.

“We need to get Australian-made back here and looking after our own interests.”

For the uninitiated, Mr Repacholi is better known as a shooter of the highest order, winning three Gold and three Bronze medals in the air pistol discipline at the Commonwealth Games.

And, he’s adamant he hasn’t retired yet.

“It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, I’ll always shoot,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“It just depends on what level.

“So, I’m leaving that door open.

“It’s a sport I love; it’s a sport that’s given me a lot.

“I’ve been to five Olympic Games and four Commonwealth Games.

“It’s presented me with some amazing opportunities.

“So, I’ll always give back to it.

“But, I love sport overall – and people; I enjoy life, especially with my wife Alex and our girls Zoe and Asha.”

For now, he’ll focus on the immediate future.

“It will be a challenge, I completely understand that,” Mr Repacholi said.

“However, I’ll put in the hard work and do everything I need to do come out with a victory in this electorate and also a win for Labor in the federal election.”

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