Are you a member of a political party, political group, or community advocacy group? (eg; Labor, Liberal, Greens, Socialist, My Place, Angry Victorians, Better West, environment groups, etc)
I don’t have any personal affiliations with political parties, groups, or advocacy organisations. I intend to offer impartial support, regardless of political stance or associations.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
The most pressing issue facing my electorate—and indeed all Australians—is the rising cost of living. Rates are a significant burden, and we must find a way to break the cycle of constant increases. It starts with us, working together to create a more affordable future.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Without a doubt, the Council should back local businesses. Small businesses are the heart of our community, driving employment and fuelling the local economy. The Council can assist by cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, providing incentives, and fostering a more business-friendly environment. Supporting local businesses strengthens our community and creates greater opportunities for all.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Supporting local creatives and industries is important, but we must be careful with our resource allocation. Prioritising essential services and meeting immediate needs should take precedence. My primary focus will be on easing the financial burden on families and businesses by reducing rates.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
The Council plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. This includes efforts such as cleaning creeks and maintaining parks. By focusing on these activities, we help preserve our natural areas and support the overall health of our local ecosystems, which benefits the community and the environment alike.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
To address the cost of living, my primary focus will be on limiting the ever-increasing rates for families and businesses. It starts with us.
What should Council stop spending money on?
One of the significant expenses for the Council is staff salaries, and managing a large number of projects can sometimes lead to an inflated organisation. To make the most of our budget, we should focus on essential services like rubbish collection, park maintenance, and road repairs. By spending wisely and prioritising these key areas, we can save resources and work towards reducing rates for the community.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
I don’t have a clear answer on whether the public should be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions during council meetings. While it could foster transparency and engagement, it may also lead to heated and prolonged debates. We would need to carefully consider how to balance openness with maintaining productive and orderly meetings.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
As a dad, a local resident of Sunshine, and a migrant, I understand the challenges and diversity of our multicultural community. My top priorities if elected will be to support families and businesses with a common-sense, non-ideological approach. With my background as a software engineer and a degree in psychology, I bring a unique perspective to the role. My vision for Sunshine focuses on practical solutions that directly benefit our community, with a key emphasis on reducing rates by refocusing on essential services. This approach aims to ease financial pressures on families and businesses. It starts with us.
