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 am a member of the Victorian Socialists, and I am their candidate for this election.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
The most pressing issue facing our Brimbank is the reckless disregard for environmental safety and public health by big businesses, which have turned our western suburbs into a dumping ground. The frequent factory fires and waste facility blazes releasing toxic chemicals into our air demand urgent action. As a priority, I will champion stricter regulations and hold these irresponsible businesses accountable, ensuring our Council leads the charge in protecting our community’s wellbeing and environment.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
As a Victorian Socialist candidate, I firmly believe that councils should prioritise supporting local businesses to foster community growth. Here are some ways councils can make a positive impact:
Mentorship and Training Programs: Provide free or low-cost training and mentorship services to help local businesses enhance their skills and adapt to changing market conditions. This could include workshops on digital marketing, financial management, and sustainable practices.
Grants and Funding Opportunities: Offer grants and funding opportunities to support local businesses, especially those focused on social and environmental sustainability. This could include initiatives for renewable energy, waste reduction, or community development projects.
Local Procurement Policies: Implement policies prioritizing local procurement to keep money within the community. This could include partnering with local suppliers for council projects and services.
Community Events and Promotions: Organise community events and promotions to showcase local businesses and attract visitors. This could include festivals, markets, and social media campaigns.
Advocacy and Representation: Provide a strong voice for local businesses in council decision-making, advocating for their interests and concerns. This could include regular business forums and advisory committees.
By implementing these initiatives, councils can create a supportive environment for local businesses to thrive, contributing to a more vibrant and resilient community. As a Victorian Socialist candidate, I’m committed to prioritising the needs of local small businesses and working towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
I firmly believe that councils have a vital role in nurturing local creatives and industries, driving cultural vibrancy and economic growth. Here’s how:
Supporting Local Creatives:
1. Affordable Studio Spaces: Provide subsidized studio spaces for artists, musicians, and writers.
2. Grants and Funding: Offer grants for creative projects, prioritizing underrepresented voices.
3. Community Arts Programs: Develop public art initiatives, festivals, and exhibitions showcasing local talent.
4. Mentorship and Workshops: Facilitate collaborations between established and emerging artists.
Cultural Infrastructure:
1. Community Hubs: Develop inclusive spaces for creatives, community groups, and social enterprises.
2. Performance Venues: Support and upgrade local theatres, music venues, and galleries.
3. Public Art Initiatives: Integrate public art into urban planning and development.
Partnerships and Advocacy:
1. Collaborate with Local Organizations: Partner with arts organizations, industry groups, and educational institutions.
2. Advocacy: Champion local creatives and industries in council decision-making and state/federal government advocacy.
By implementing these initiatives, councils can foster a thriving creative ecosystem, driving cultural diversity, innovation, and economic growth. As a Victorian Socialist candidate, I’m committed to prioritizing the needs of local creatives and industries, ensuring everyone benefits from a vibrant and inclusive community.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Victoria is one of the world’s largest per-capita emitters of greenhouse gases, but we also have the resources and skills to develop a renewable energy economy, which would revitalise the state’s dying manufacturing industry, and provide quality, skilled jobs for tens of thousands of people.. Our full climate policy is available here – https://victoriansocialists.org.au/policies/climate
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Victorian Socialists stand for renters, for households struggling to pay off mortgages and for people suffering homelessness and housing insecurity. Secure, quality housing should be a right, not a money-making opportunity for landlords, speculators and developers. Our full housing policy is available at https://victoriansocialists.org.au/policies/housing
What should Council stop spending money on?
State government are increasing pushing State costs on to Brimbank ratepayers. Council should not be paying to repair State roads and other infrastructure owed by the State Government. But, before making wide scale cuts, Councillors should consult with Council staff regarding spending concerns. Our staff are at the coal front, and best placed to run an audit on unnecessary spending, and areas of savings.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
I believe that full and free access to government – including at the local level – is essential for a free and honest democracy. Council can tailor guidelines that allow ratepayers to know how to phrase comments and questions to Council for best results, and to minimise any perceived disruptions to Council business. If this means having longer meetings, then so be it.
Can you please provide a short personal statement detailing what your priorities are if elected, and what your vision for your electorate looks like.
I’m running with Victorian Socialists to fight for affordable housing, quality education and community services. I am an early childhood teacher, and I see firsthand the issues caused by long-term neglect in these areas. My Ward includes industrial areas as well as residential areas – but people living in the northern part of the Ward have no safe walking or cycling areas to bet to work in the southern areas. Many heavy vehicles use the streets and roads in my Ward, so off-road walking and cycling paths are essential for safe and affordable travel around the Ward, and within Brimbank in general. Safer streets result in greater community activity, which benefits us all.
