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)
Joseph Road Precinct Action Group, Footscray Community Action Group, YIMBY Melbourne, Labor.
What is the most important issue facing your electorate?
Having doorknocked and had hundreds of conversations with residents and businesses, Saltwater Ward needs a fresh councillor who will listen to residents and invest the services that residents and businesses rely on. This means more green spaces, community arts and sports, dog parks, early childhood education centres and roads.
Should/how can Council support local businesses?
Having spoken with local businesspeople and the Yarraville Traders Association, the crippling cost of rent and the cost-of-living crisis is hurting local businesses. Council needs to genuinely partner with the business community, reduce fees and charges, cut red tape, ensure cleanliness, safe footpaths and greenery to encourage residents to shop locally.
Should/how can Council support local creatives and industries?
Through my engagement with the Footscray Community Arts Centre, I understand the pressures being faced by the arts sector in the post-pandemic environment. With rising costs and changing consumer habits, council needs to work with creatives and organisations for a changing industry. With our rich industrial and multicultural history, the west in particular needs a thriving local arts sector to give voice to our past, present and future.
Should/how can Council help alleviate the impact of climate extremes on local communities and ecosystems?
Council has an important role to play in increasing greenery in the inner west and helping residents reduce their environmental impact. This include providing more opportunities for cycling and walking. We also need to encourage more electric vehicle through more charging infrastructure to reduce and access to electric vehicle chargers to reduce air pollution and oil dependence.
Should/how can Council help alleviate cost of living and homelessness?
Housing is a significant and growing cost for many people. Council should invest in social and affordable housing for key workers such as nurses and teachers and for people experiencing homelessness, including frontline services.
The shortage of early childhood education facilities and the associated rising cost means young parents face crippling costs. Council needs to step up and invest in early childhood education to improve the lives of parents and young children.
What should Council stop spending money on?
Council needs to focus on services and infrastructure that improves the lives of its residents, rather itself. The $39 million being spent on the redevelopment of Council chambers in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis is the prime example of a Council with the wrong priorities.
Should the public be allowed to ask live, unscripted questions of councillors during council meetings?
Yes.
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 your councillor, I will invest in local sports clubs, community art programs, increase greenery and take practical action on climate change. Speaking with many young parents, I know there are long waitlists for early childhood facilities in the inner west – and as your councillor I will deliver more council-run centres for young families. We must also address land-banking with more significant penalties and invest in our roads and council services.
Born in India, I moved to Australia as a child, and I know what it means to grow up in a strong and fair community. And now I want to help build a better-connected community for the next generation of families. Locally, I’m on the board of the Footscray Community Arts Centre as an independent observer and the committee of the Seddon Cricket Club. Professionally, I lead a climate change NGO working to deliver more affordable electric cars.
Vote for me to elect a councillor who will listen to your voice and take effective, proactive steps to get things done for you!
