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    Sam CJ Muscat

    Date:

    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)

    No.

    What is the most important issue facing your electorate?

    Easier access to public transport, safety (Policing), damaged infrastructure and community services (well-being).

    Should/how can Council support local businesses?

    Surveying local businesses to understand their needs and working with trader associations to establish new business improvement districts.

    Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?

    Greater collaboration with local arts, visual arts, music, and theatre organisations.

    To set up an employment opportunity forum to better understand, Job seekers, local industries, and businesses. To work together to make it happen!

    Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?

    To work closely with stakeholders, Government, Business, Industry, and the community to identify issues that impact our community and to ensure that strict bylaws are enforced.

    Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?

    Engage with welfare groups to ensure that support is given where needed.

    Work closely with the State and Federal Government on affordable housing projects without impacting local communities. 

    What should Council stop spending money on?

    Council abounds with opportunities to bring money in – NOT from Rate Increases! For example, more sophisticated ways to support Tourism and Income. Considering questions 6 & 5 above and this question I believe the Council needs to look internally and focus on the issues that the Council has control over. Efficiencies through enhanced management of operations and the removal of underperforming work practices.

    Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?

    I believe that if I were to be elected then I would be the voice for my community, and as such I will always be available to hear their concerns and raise them in the appropriate way in Council.

    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 former Councillor (Sunshine) and Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Brimbank. My priority is representing the community on local issues such as road upkeep, well-being, safety, damaged infrastructure, and environmental concerns. To play a critical leadership role that is an independent voice away from the political parties in the Council, focusing on changes that directly impact our community, not on State or Federal issues that we cannot. To build on strong partnerships and collaborations with all levels of government and community members to address these issues effectively. Community support is crucial in building/increasing strategic partnerships, enhancing community safety, and promoting business growth to create a city that people want to live in.

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    RMIT Journalism Students
    RMIT Journalism Students

    On your behalf we have asked every candidate who put their hand up to stand in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham the same set of questions that were formulated with the feedback of the Westsider readers.

    Our thanks goes to first year RMIT Journalism students, who helped contact candidates as part of their final assessment in COMM2835, Journalism: Reporting and Writing.

    A big shout out to Dr Josie Vine, a Westsider regular, who coordinated the project and Dr Sharon Smith who so graciously lent us her students and devised the activity as part of their assessment.

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