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)
Yes, The Victorian Socialists.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Affordability! Many in our suburbs are in economic stress due to the soaring costs of rents and mortgage repayments, alongside the cost of living. Council has a responsibility to campaign against housing developers pricing people out of their community.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Council should work to support the rights of hospitality and retail employees, establishing greater support networks and union information about conditions and wages. Businesses caught for wage theft should receive penalties from council to ensure a standard is upheld in our community.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
As someone studying to become a Secondary School Art Teacher I believe the council can support these pursuits by developing accessible low cost spaces and creative programs that remove economic barriers. Council should also investigate ways to pressure unused, vacant or abandoned land to be turned into public spaces that can be used by artists and musicians.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Victorian Socialists have called for the re-establishment of a Community Emergency Management Plan, whereby residents establish wardens who are regularly briefed by council and other relevant government agencies, and assisted to relay warnings, instructions and support information for urgent climate events. This would have had a meaningful impact on the recent floods in Maribyrnong. We also need to address the lack of tree canopy in the west, causing a heat sink and also massively extend sustainable infrastructure and transport options.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Council should be an obstacle in state government plans to sell off public and social housing. Instead we need to massively invest resources in these affordable housing options in our area, which also act as a lever against soaring private rental costs. I will fight for the council to reverse the privatisation of previously council-owned aged care and social services. We need to boost council funding for the Food Security Network and increase support for Neighbourhood Houses.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Outsourced contracts!
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes, of course. Councillors should be democratically accountable to those they are meant to represent.
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 want to fight for a community in which everyone is able to thrive, and which has support for those that need it. I believe in prioritising sustainability, rebuilding accessible, council-owned infrastructure like childcare, food relief and aged services, and defending everyone’s right to safe and affordable housing.
Mob: 0499 508 934
catherine.robertson@victoriansocialists.org.au
